Head-to-head reliability
Honda Cb500x vs Toyota Camry
How the Honda Cb500x 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 CB500x vs Toyota Camry: The CB500X has 1 complaint over 10 years (0.1/yr) and 4 recalls, while the Camry has 2,143 complaints (214.3/yr), 31 recalls, 181 crash-related reports, and 163 injuries. The CB500X complaint was oil residue under the water pump; Camry owners report transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, and brake failure. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Honda Cb500x or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Honda Cb500x
The Honda CB500X is a midsize adventure-style motorcycle with a very low complaint volume: just 1 complaint over 10 years, averaging 0.1 per year. That single owner report describes oil residue under the water pump on a 2019 model, with no warning lights. There are 4 recalls, covering hydraulic service brakes and exterior lighting, but no crash-related complaints, injuries, or deaths in the data. In ownership terms, it looks like a machine with few reported problems, but the recalls still require attention.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a high-volume midsize sedan with 2,143 complaints over 10 years, averaging 214.3 per year. The data includes 181 crash-related complaints, 163 injuries, and 1 death, with the most complaints in power train, unknown or other, engine, service brakes, and electrical system. Owners report serious symptoms such as transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, brake pedal failure, and AC odor or condenser damage. There are also 31 recalls, including air bag occupant sensors, seats, wheel studs, and labels.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Honda Cb500x | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.1 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.
Honda Cb500x
- 01ENGINE1
One owner of a 2019 CB500X found oil residue underneath the water pump, with no warning lights. This is a minor leak symptom, but a buyer should check for coolant or oil weeping around the water pump area.
Recalls list hydraulic service brakes twice, meaning brake-related safety fixes were issued. A buyer should confirm those recalls were completed, since brake problems on a motorcycle can be serious.
Recalls also list exterior lighting twice, which could affect visibility. A buyer should verify the lights work and that any lighting recall was performed.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 HONDA CB500X. THE CONTACT STATED HE DISCOVERED OIL RESIDUE UNDERNEATH THE WATER PUMP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED IN RELATION TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD YET TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO BE DIAGNOSED OR…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front during acceleration, with dealers confirming transmission problems and recommending replacement. Another owner described braking in a parking lot where the car did not respond as expected. These are expensive, drivability-related concerns.
One owner reported uncontrollable sudden acceleration that led to a crash, and another had a coolant valve bypass code with a recall that did not cover their VIN. These reports point to engine and acceleration symptoms that a buyer should take seriously.
An owner driving down a steep hill pressed the brake pedal and got no response at all. Another had trouble braking in a parking lot. Brake complaints are among the most safety-critical in the data.
Owners report AC condenser damage from a rock and a recurring mildew or vinegar smell from the vents. These are comfort and repair-cost issues rather than crash risks, but they are common enough to check.
“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 Cb500x — 4 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 CB500X and CBR500R ABS motorcycles. Excessive grease in the ABS modulator may collect debris, which can get stuck in the check valve and cause a brake fluid leak.
The risk: A brake fluid leak can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the lot number on the ABS modulator, and replace the modulator as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 12, 2021. Owners may contact Honda Powersports customer service at 1-866-784-…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 CB500X and CBR500R ABS motorcycles. Excessive grease in the ABS modulator may collect debris, which can get stuck in the check valve and cause a brake fluid leak.
The risk: A brake fluid leak can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the lot number on the ABS modulator, and replace the modulator as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 12, 2021. Owners may contact Honda Powersports customer service at 1-866-784-…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Super Cub C125, CB500X, CB650R, CBR300R, CBR500R, CBR650R, Rebel 300, Rebel 500, Monkey, 2020 CRF250L, GROM, 2021 CRF300L, and CB500F motorcycles. The rear reflector lens may not reflect brightly enough. As such, these vehicles fail to…
The risk: A dim rear reflector may reduce the visibility of the motorcycle to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rear reflector, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KM3.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Super Cub C125, CB500X, CB650R, CBR300R, CBR500R, CBR650R, Rebel 300, Rebel 500, Monkey, 2020 CRF250L, GROM, 2021 CRF300L, and CB500F motorcycles. The rear reflector lens may not reflect brightly enough. As such, these vehicles fail to…
The risk: A dim rear reflector may reduce the visibility of the motorcycle to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rear reflector, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KM3.
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 Cb500x or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Honda CB500X has far fewer issues per year at 0.1 complaints annually, compared with 214.3 per year for the Toyota Camry. In practice, the Camry data shows many more reports of transmission, brake, engine, and acceleration problems, while the CB500X data shows only one minor oil-residue complaint. That difference means a used Camry buyer should expect to research recalls and inspect drivetrain and brake behavior closely.
Key differences
- The CB500X has 1 complaint over 10 years, while the Camry has 2,143, including 181 crash-related reports and 163 injuries.
- Camry owners report transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, and brake pedal failure; the CB500X owner reported only oil residue under the water pump.
- The Camry has 31 recalls covering air bags, seats, wheels, and labels; the CB500X has 4 recalls covering hydraulic brakes and exterior lighting.
- The CB500X has 0 crash-related complaints, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths in the data, while the Camry has 181 crash-related, 163 injuries, and 1 death.
- Check for oil or coolant residue underneath the water pump, especially on a 2019 model, since that is the one reported complaint.
- Confirm the hydraulic service brake and exterior lighting recalls were completed, and test that the brakes and lights work properly.
- Listen for grinding noises from the front during acceleration and ask whether the transmission has been replaced or repaired, as owners report this symptom.
- Test the brakes on a slope or during low-speed parking maneuvers and watch for any delayed or unresponsive pedal feel, since owners reported brake failure.
Before you buy
- Run both vehicles' VINs through NHTSA to confirm all open recalls are addressed, especially the Camry's 31 recalls and the CB500X's 4 recalls.
- For the Camry, take a test drive that includes acceleration from a stop, braking on a downhill slope, and parking-lot maneuvering to check for transmission grinding or brake delay.
- For the CB500X, inspect the water pump area for oil residue and verify the brakes and exterior lights function correctly.
- Ask the Camry seller for transmission and brake repair records, since owner complaints describe transmission replacement and brake failure.
- For the Camry, check the air conditioning for mildew or vinegar odor and inspect the AC condenser area for rock damage.
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 Cb500x | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 0 | 48 |
| 2023 | 0 | 62 |
| 2022 | 0 | 59 |
| 2021 | 0 | 155 |
| 2020 | 0 | 270 |
| 2019 | 1 | 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 Honda Cb500x or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Honda Cb500x vs Toyota Camry
- Honda Cb500x total complaints
- 1
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Honda Cb500x total recalls
- 4
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Honda Cb500x avg complaints/year
- 0.1
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Honda Cb500x
- Honda Cb500x top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN