Head-to-head reliability

Honda Accord Crosstour vs Toyota Camry

How the Honda Accord Crosstour and Toyota Camry compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.

Honda Accord Crosstour943 complaints · 14 recalls
Toyota Camry2,056 complaints · 31 recalls Fewer issues per year

Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records

Which should you buy?

Honda Accord Crosstour vs Toyota Camry: The Crosstour averaged 471.5 complaints per year over 2 years, with 256 air bag complaints, while the Camry averaged 205.6 per year over 10 years. The Camry had 31 recalls versus 14 for the Crosstour. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

The picture

Is the Honda Accord Crosstour or Toyota Camry more reliable?

A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.

Honda Accord Crosstour

The Honda Accord Crosstour is a niche crossover that generated 943 complaints over just 2 years, averaging 471.5 per year. Air bags dominate with 256 complaints, often about non-deployment in crashes, and there are 14 recalls, mostly for passenger-side air bag inflators. Engine and brake issues also appear frequently, suggesting a vehicle that demands careful inspection before purchase.

Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry is a mainstream sedan with 2,056 complaints over 10 years, averaging 205.6 per year. Power train and engine complaints are most common, with reports of hesitation, shuddering, and key-stuck issues. Brake and electrical problems also surface, but the lower annual complaint rate suggests more consistent reliability over time.

The numbers

Side-by-side NHTSA record

Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.

CategoryHonda Accord CrosstourToyota Camry
Total complaintsAll model years combined943 Better2,056
Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns14 Better31
Crash reportsCrash-related complaints74 Better171
Complaints per yearAveraged across model years471.5205.6 Better
Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints80 Better158
Reported deathsTied to owner complaints21 Better

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.

Honda Accord Crosstour

  1. 01AIR BAGS256
  2. 02ENGINE172
  3. 03SERVICE BRAKES153
  4. 04POWER TRAIN82
  5. 05SEATS80
What these mean
Air Bags

Owners report air bags failing to deploy in crashes, including a 2011 Accord where the front end was smashed but bags did not inflate. This is critical because it directly affects occupant protection in a collision.

Engine

Complaints include hesitation on acceleration and flashing check engine lights with vibration and power loss at highway speeds. These symptoms can leave you stranded or cause dangerous slowdowns in traffic.

Service Brakes

Drivers describe sudden loss of steering and brakes, and calipers that seize, causing brakes to lock and rotors to warp. Such failures can lead to loss of control and expensive repeated repairs.

Power Train

Reports include a loud grinding noise on cold starts from a faulty VTC actuator and cracked rubber dampers on CV axles. These issues can worsen over time and may require costly drivetrain repairs.

In owners' words — AIR BAGS

“The contact owned a 2011 Honda Accord. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously involved in a crash and the air bags did not deploy. There was no further information provided. The contact received a recall notice of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V502000…”

“On [XXX], my daughter rear-ended a stopped vehicle while trying to merge. She was driving approximately 60-70mph at the time of impact. The front end of her car was completely smashed and the insurance company deemed it a total loss. Despite the force and spe…”

Toyota Camry

  1. 01POWER TRAIN385
  2. 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
  3. 03ENGINE315
  4. 04SERVICE BRAKES285
  5. 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
What these mean
Power Train

Owners report the ignition key getting stuck in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove, and hesitation or shuddering while driving. These problems can strand you or cause unpredictable acceleration.

Engine

Complaints include delayed throttle response where the car takes several seconds to move after pressing the gas, and check engine lights with shuddering. This lag can be risky when merging or crossing traffic.

Service Brakes

Drivers describe the electronic parking brake failing to disengage, requiring a tow, and clicking or vibrating noises from the ABS system. These issues can prevent the car from moving or indicate brake system faults.

Electrical System

Multiple systems—stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—can malfunction simultaneously. Such failures reduce driver assistance and may increase crash risk if not addressed.

In owners' words — POWER TRAIN

“My 2023 Toyota Camry has developed an intermittent defect where the ignition key becomes stuck and cannot be removed even though the dashboard shows the vehicle is in Park. The only way to remove the key is to disconnect the vehicle's battery, which is not a…”

“The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitating and shuddering, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle…”

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.

Honda Accord Crosstour — 14 recalls

Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module
#19V502000

The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic GX NGV, 2012-2015 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2014 Fit EV, 2010-20…

The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are F…

Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module
#19V378000

The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2013 TSX Sport Wagon, and 2010-2012 ZDX and 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, 2012-2014 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2013 Insight, and 200…

The risk: An incorrectly installed air bag inflator may not properly deploy the passenger frontal air bag in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator installation and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 5, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service…

Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module
#16V346000

The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Acura TSX, 2011 TSX Wagon, 2010-2011 Acura ZDX, 2008-2011 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid, and Civic GX, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2010-2011 FCX Clarity and Insight, and 2009-2011 Fit, and Pilot…

The risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall is KA4, KA5, KA6, and KA7.

Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module
#18V042000Sep 2018

The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX, ZDX, Honda Accord Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot vehicles, 2011-13 Acura TSX Sportswagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord,, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles and 2013 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV veh…

The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 16, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are…

Toyota Camry — 31 recalls

Wheels — Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs
#23V432000

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…

Seats
#24V128000

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…

Air Bags — Sensor — Occupant Classification
#23V865000

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…

Seats
#24V128000

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

Honda Accord Crosstour or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?

The Toyota Camry has far fewer complaints per year (205.6) than the Honda Accord Crosstour (471.5), despite being sold over a longer period. In practice, this means the Camry is likely to require less frequent attention for major systems, though both have notable safety-related complaints.

Recommendation. If you prioritize a lower annual complaint rate and more consistent reliability, choose the Toyota Camry. If you need a crossover body style and are willing to thoroughly inspect air bag, brake, and engine systems, the Honda Accord Crosstour could work—but only with a pre-purchase inspection and recall verification.

Key differences

  • The Crosstour has 471.5 complaints per year vs. the Camry's 205.6, indicating more frequent owner-reported issues.
  • Air bag non-deployment is a major Crosstour concern (256 complaints), while Camry air bag complaints are not among its top five.
  • Crosstour brake complaints include sudden loss of brakes and steering, whereas Camry brake issues often involve the electronic parking brake or ABS noise.
  • Camry power train complaints often involve key-stuck and hesitation, while Crosstour power train issues include VTC actuator grinding and CV axle damper cracking.
Watch on Honda Accord Crosstour
  • Check for open recalls on the passenger-side air bag inflator and confirm it has been replaced; non-deployment is a reported risk.
  • Listen for a loud grinding noise on cold start, which may indicate a faulty VTC actuator, and test brakes for seizing or warped rotors.
Watch on Toyota Camry
  • Test the ignition key removal in Park; if it sticks, it may require battery disconnection, a reported power train defect.
  • Check the electronic parking brake operation and listen for clicking or vibrating from the brake pedal area, which may signal ABS issues.

Before you buy

  • Verify all open recalls are completed, especially air bag inflator recalls on the Crosstour and any seat or air bag sensor recalls on the Camry.
  • During a test drive, accelerate firmly to check for hesitation or shuddering, and brake to feel for pulsation or unusual noises.
  • For the Crosstour, start the engine cold and listen for grinding; for the Camry, test the key removal and electronic parking brake.
  • Ask for maintenance records showing regular brake fluid changes and any repairs to the VTC actuator (Crosstour) or throttle body (Camry).
  • Have a mechanic inspect the CV axles and subframe on both vehicles, as owners report cracking and rust in these areas.

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 Honda Accord Crosstour or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.

Go deeper

Full reliability reports

Honda Accord Crosstour vs Toyota Camry — comparison facts
Comparison
Honda Accord Crosstour vs Toyota Camry
Honda Accord Crosstour total complaints
943
Toyota Camry total complaints
2,056
Honda Accord Crosstour total recalls
14
Toyota Camry total recalls
31
Honda Accord Crosstour avg complaints/year
471.5
Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
205.6
More reliable overall
Toyota Camry
Honda Accord Crosstour top complaint area
AIR BAGS
Toyota Camry top complaint area
POWER TRAIN