Head-to-head reliability
Honda Cb300f vs Toyota Camry
How the Honda Cb300f 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
Honda Cb300f vs Toyota Camry: The Cb300f averages 1.8 complaints per year, with engine stalling and rear wheel lock-up as key issues. The Camry averages 214.3 complaints per year, including transmission grinding and brake failures. While the Camry has more recalls (31 vs 3), the Cb300f's engine problems can be more dangerous. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Honda Cb300f or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Honda Cb300f
The Honda Cb300f is a lightweight motorcycle that, in ownership terms, shows a very low complaint rate but a concentrated pattern of engine-related failures. Owners report sudden engine shutdowns and seizures that can lock the rear wheel, which is a serious safety concern for any rider. Electrical and fuel system complaints often tie back to the same engine cut-off issue, suggesting a systemic problem rather than isolated incidents. With only 9 complaints over 5 years, it's a rare but potentially severe issue to watch for.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a high-volume sedan with a much larger complaint pool, reflecting its popularity and longer model history. The complaints span many systems, but the most frequent are in the powertrain, with owners describing transmission grinding and replacement needs, as well as engine issues like sudden acceleration and coolant valve problems. Brake complaints include instances of no response, which are alarming. While the sheer number of complaints is high, it's important to consider the context of millions of Camrys sold, but the variety and severity of issues still warrant attention.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Honda Cb300f | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 9 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.8 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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.
Honda Cb300f
- 01ENGINE8
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
Owners report the engine suddenly cutting off while riding, sometimes seizing and locking the rear wheel, which can cause a loss of control. This is the most common complaint and often leads to the bike being unsafe to ride.
Electrical issues appear linked to the engine cut-off problem, with owners mentioning the bike stalling and then having trouble restarting. This suggests a possible ignition or fuel delivery electrical fault.
Fuel system complaints are tied to the same engine shutdown incidents, indicating that the problem may involve fuel delivery or a faulty sensor, rather than a separate issue.
A specific complaint about the rear left turn signal burning out repeatedly, even with OEM replacements, points to a wiring or socket defect that could reduce visibility and increase accident risk.
“"2016 HONDA CBR 300 RECALL" I BOUGHT A 2016 HONDA CBR 300 ABS MOTORCYCLE BRAND NEW WITH 2 MILES ON THE MOTORCYCLE ON AUGUST 8, 2017. ON AUGUST 12, 2017 I DECIDED TO RIDE MY MOTORCYCLE TO ANTIOCH AND UPON RETURNING HOME FROM ANTIOCH, THE MOTORCYCLE CUT OFF, WH…”
“I WAS DRIVING MY MOTORCYCLE ON THE CAR POOL LANE WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE BIKE SEIZED UP AND THE REAR WHEEL LOCKED UP SO I HELD THE CLUTCH LEVER AND PULLED TO THE LEFT OF THE LEFT MEDIAN SO I TOOK IT TO A SHOP BUT THEY JUST SCREWED ME AND DISMANTLED THE WHOLE…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front end during acceleration, with dealerships confirming transmission issues that often require replacement. This is a costly repair and can leave you stranded.
Some owners describe sudden, uncontrollable acceleration that led to crashes, while others mention engine maintenance lights related to a coolant valve bypass recall that may not cover all VINs. These are serious safety concerns.
Brake complaints include a complete lack of response when pressing the pedal, especially on hills, which can lead to collisions. Another common issue is a soft or spongy brake feel that reduces stopping power.
Electrical problems range from air conditioning condenser damage from rocks to recurring mildew smells from the HVAC system, which affect comfort but also indicate potential wiring or component vulnerabilities.
“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.
Honda Cb300f — 3 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 CBR300RA, CBR300R and CB300F motorcycles. The affected motorcycles may have an improperly machined crankshaft which may result in the failure of the connecting rod bearing retainer.
The risk: If the connecting rod bearing retainer fails, the engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft assembly, free of charge. The recall began on August 26, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KB9.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 CBR300RA, CBR300R and CB300F motorcycles. The affected motorcycles may have an improperly machined crankshaft which may result in the failure of the connecting rod bearing retainer.
The risk: If the connecting rod bearing retainer fails, the engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft assembly, free of charge. The recall began on August 26, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KB9.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 ST1300PA, 2014-2015 CB500, CBR500, CRF250L, CBR650, CTX700, NSS300, VT750, VT1300, 2015 CB300F, CBR300, CBR600, and 2014-2016 NC700 motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, sealant may have been incorrectly applied to the s…
The risk: A loss of electrical power may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace any affected starter relay switch, free of charge. The recall began on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is JS9 a…
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
Honda Cb300f or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Honda Cb300f has far fewer complaints per year (1.8) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the nature of its engine failures is potentially more dangerous for a rider. The Camry's issues are more varied and include transmission and brake failures that are also serious. In practice, the Cb300f's low volume means you might get a trouble-free bike, but if you hit the engine problem, it's a major safety issue. The Camry's higher complaint rate reflects its popularity, but the frequency of transmission and brake problems is concerning.
Key differences
- The Cb300f has a concentrated engine failure pattern (stalling/seizing) that can cause rear wheel lock-up, while the Camry has a broader range of issues including transmission grinding and sudden acceleration.
- The Camry has a much higher complaint volume, but that's partly due to its larger sales base; the Cb300f's complaints are rare but severe.
- Brake failures on the Camry include complete loss of braking, whereas the Cb300f's lighting issue is a minor but persistent annoyance.
- The Camry has more recalls (31 vs 3), but the Cb300f's recalls are engine-related, which aligns with its main complaint.
- Check for any signs of engine stalling or hesitation during a test ride, and ask about the recall status for the engine and starter relay.
- Inspect the rear turn signal wiring and socket for corrosion or damage, and test it over a few miles to see if it burns out.
- Listen for grinding noises during acceleration and have the transmission fluid checked; a history of transmission replacement is a major red flag.
- Test the brakes at various speeds, especially on a hill, to ensure they respond firmly and don't feel spongy or unresponsive.
Before you buy
- Obtain the vehicle's VIN and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website for both models.
- Have a mechanic perform a compression test and inspect the engine for any signs of overheating or seizure on the Cb300f.
- For the Camry, request service records and look for any transmission or brake-related repairs.
- Take both vehicles for an extended test drive that includes highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic to feel for any abnormalities.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a dealer or independent shop specializing in the brand.
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 | Honda Cb300f | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 0 | 153 |
| 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 Honda Cb300f or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Honda Cb300f vs Toyota Camry
- Honda Cb300f total complaints
- 9
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Honda Cb300f total recalls
- 3
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Honda Cb300f avg complaints/year
- 1.8
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Honda Cb300f
- Honda Cb300f top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN