Head-to-head reliability
Bentley Flying SPUR vs Toyota Camry
How the Bentley Flying SPUR and Toyota Camry compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Bentley Flying SPUR vs Toyota Camry: The Bentley had 2 complaints and 0 crash-related reports over 10 years, while the Camry had 2,143 complaints, 181 crash-related, and 1 death. The Bentley's issues are mostly electrical; the Camry's include brake and acceleration defects. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Bentley Flying SPUR or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Bentley Flying SPUR
The Bentley Flying SPUR is a low-volume luxury sedan that sees very few complaints—just 2 over 10 years—but it has 10 recalls, which is high relative to its tiny owner base. The complaints that do appear cluster around electrical gremlins, especially radar and camera failures that can disable driver aids and even blank the dashboard. For a buyer, this means the car may be mechanically robust but could suffer from complex electronic faults that are expensive and annoying to fix.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a high-volume family sedan with 2,143 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 214 per year, plus 31 recalls and a notable number of crash, injury, and fatality reports. Owners frequently report powertrain, engine, and brake problems, including transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, and brake failure. For a buyer, this suggests that while the Camry is common and easy to service, some model years have serious safety-related defects that require careful checking.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Bentley Flying SPUR | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 10 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.2 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Bentley Flying SPUR
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE1
- 03BACK OVER PREVENTION1
- 04STRUCTURE1
Owners report sudden 'PDC fault' warnings that knock out all radar systems, cause the dashboard to turn off while driving, and disable the rearview camera when parking. Another complaint says front-door wiring is too short, breaking keyless entry and door lock/unlock functions. These faults can make parking and basic access unreliable.
The same PDC fault that kills the radar also disables forward collision avoidance, meaning the car may not warn or brake for obstacles ahead. This is a critical safety feature that becomes useless when the fault appears.
When the PDC fault occurs, the rearview camera does not display when reversing, removing a key aid for backing up. Owners describe this as 'very dangerous while manipulating the car.'
A reported design flaw in the front-door wiring harness causes keyless entry and door handle locking to malfunction because the wire is too short. This is described as a 'very common issue' on the 2020 Flying Spur, affecting everyday usability.
“There’s sudden PDC fault arises, the vehicle’s all radar system is broken. Sometimes, the dashboard will be turned off during driving. WHEN PDC fault appears, the rear view camera when parking does not appear. Very dangerous while manipulating the car. This i…”
“The front door wiring has design issues in 2020 Bentley Flying Spur. The length of the wire related to keyless entry is not enough. Thus cause the front doors keyless entry/unlock and lock the car through door handles malfunction. This is a very common issue…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front during acceleration, which dealers have traced to transmission failure requiring replacement. Another complaint describes unintended acceleration when easing off the gas and braking, leading to a crash. These are serious drivability and safety concerns.
Complaints include uncontrollable sudden acceleration that caused a crash and totaled the car, as well as a coolant bypass valve issue (code P268115) that owners say is covered by a recall for some 2022 Camrys but not their VIN. This means some cars may miss a needed fix.
One owner reported no brake response at all while driving down a steep hill, requiring emergency action. Another described needing extra brake force in a parking lot. Brake failure is a top safety risk.
Owners report AC condenser damage from road debris and a recurring mildew or vinegar smell from the vents when the AC is used. These are comfort and potential mold issues that can be costly to resolve.
“I turned into a restaurant’s parking lot, found a spot and slowly drove into the lot, I eased off the gas pedal and gently applying the brake as the lot has a slight downward slope. When I reach the chunk (the parking block), I added more force to the brake,…”
“Grinding noise coming from front end upon acceleration. Brought to dealership who confirmed noises coming from transmission. Transmission needs to be replaced per dealer recommendation. Recalls on 2021 Toyota Camry for same issue. Transmissions on backorder a…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Bentley Flying SPUR — 10 recalls
The defect: Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bentayga, Continental GT, Flying Spur, and Continental GT Convertible vehicles. The owner's manual incorrectly states that the air bag system will not deploy when the "Passenger Airbag On" symbol is illuminated. As such, these vehicles f…
The risk: The incorrect information may change how occupants position themselves in relation to the air bags, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Bentley will mail new labels to owners. Owners may apply the label themselves or have a dealer apply the label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2022. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-…
The defect: Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Continental GT Convertible, Continental GT, and 2021-2022 Flying Spur vehicles. The front seat belt assemblies may have been incorrectly installed, resulting in the front passenger seat missing the automatic locking retractor (ALR). As s…
The risk: A missing ALR on a passenger seat belt may not properly secure a child restraint, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the affected seat belt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for this recall…
The defect: Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Flying Spur vehicles. The rear entertainment screen retention bracket, located in the rear of the front seats, may have been incorrectly installed.
The risk: An incorrectly installed retention bracket can result in the entertainment screen becoming a projectile during a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the retention brackets in both front seats, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2023. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number…
The defect: Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bentayga, Continental GT, Flying Spur, and Continental GT Convertible vehicles. The owner's manual incorrectly states that the air bag system will not deploy when the "Passenger Airbag On" symbol is illuminated. As such, these vehicles f…
The risk: The incorrect information may change how occupants position themselves in relation to the air bags, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Bentley will mail new labels to owners. Owners may apply the label themselves or have a dealer apply the label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2022. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-…
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
Bentley Flying SPUR or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Bentley Flying SPUR has far fewer complaints per year (0.2 vs. 214.3) and no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in the data, while the Toyota Camry has 181 crash-related complaints, 163 injuries, and 1 death. In practice, the Bentley's issues are mostly electronic annoyances, whereas the Camry's include serious safety defects like brake failure and sudden acceleration.
Key differences
- The Bentley Flying SPUR has only 2 complaints over 10 years and 0 crash-related reports, while the Toyota Camry has 2,143 complaints and 181 crash-related reports.
- Bentley complaints center on electrical faults that disable radar, cameras, and dashboard, while Camry complaints include transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, and brake failure.
- The Camry has 31 recalls versus 10 for the Bentley, but the Bentley's recalls include seat belt retractors and critical fasteners, which are safety-related.
- Camry owners report injuries (163) and one death, whereas the Bentley data shows no injuries or deaths, though low volume may understate issues.
- Check for any 'PDC fault' warnings and test all radar-based systems, including forward collision warning and rearview camera, as these can fail suddenly.
- Inspect front-door wiring and keyless entry functions, especially on 2020 models, for signs of malfunction due to short wiring.
- Listen for grinding noises from the front during acceleration and test the transmission, as some owners needed a full replacement.
- Test the brakes on a downhill slope and at low speeds for any delay or failure, and check for sudden acceleration by gently easing off the gas.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full NHTSA recall history for the specific VIN and confirm all recalls are completed.
- For the Bentley, test every electronic driver aid (radar, camera, dashboard) and check door wiring for keyless entry issues.
- For the Camry, have a mechanic inspect the transmission, brakes, and engine for signs of the reported defects.
- Request a pre-purchase inspection from a brand-specific specialist to look for the exact complaints listed here.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and any repair invoices related to electrical, powertrain, or brake work.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Bentley Flying SPUR | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 119 |
| 2025 | 0 | 153 |
| 2024 | 0 | 48 |
| 2023 | 0 | 62 |
| 2022 | 0 | 59 |
| 2021 | 0 | 155 |
| 2020 | 2 | 270 |
| 2019 | 0 | 393 |
| 2018 | 0 | 736 |
| 2017 | 0 | 148 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Bentley Flying SPUR or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Bentley Flying SPUR vs Toyota Camry
- Bentley Flying SPUR total complaints
- 2
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Bentley Flying SPUR total recalls
- 10
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Bentley Flying SPUR avg complaints/year
- 0.2
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Bentley Flying SPUR
- Bentley Flying SPUR top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN