Head-to-head reliability
Honda Cbr300r vs Toyota Camry
How the Honda Cbr300r 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 Cbr300r vs Toyota Camry: The CBR300R has 11 complaints over 10 years (1.1/year) and 6 recalls, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints (205.6/year) and 31 recalls. The CBR300R's main issues are engine stalling and electrical glitches; the Camry's include transmission hesitation and brake problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Honda Cbr300r or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Honda Cbr300r
The Honda CBR300R is a lightweight sport motorcycle with a relatively low complaint volume—about 1.1 per year over a decade. Most owner complaints center on the engine, often describing sudden power loss or stalling while riding, which can be alarming on two wheels. There are also reports of electrical glitches and transmission issues, but the overall number of problems is small. For a buyer, this suggests a machine that is generally simple but has a few known failure points worth checking.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream family sedan with a very high complaint count—over 200 per year—but that reflects its huge sales volume. Owners report a wide range of issues, from transmission hesitation and shuddering to brake noises and electrical malfunctions. Some complaints involve serious safety systems like stability control and braking. For a buyer, the Camry is a common car with many documented problems, so a thorough inspection and service history are essential.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Honda Cbr300r | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 11 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 6 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.1 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 Better | 158 |
| 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 Cbr300r
- 01ENGINE8
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
- 03POWER TRAIN2
- 04ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING1
- 05ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)1
Owners report sudden engine shutdown at speed, sometimes causing the rear tire to lock briefly. Another complaint describes a stall at low speed that couldn't be restarted, traced to a crank issue. These failures can leave a rider stranded or worse.
The bank angle sensor has been reported to illuminate, and some owners had trouble getting recall work done. This sensor can affect how the bike runs after a tip-over. Electrical gremlins can be intermittent and hard to diagnose.
After a recall repair for the engine, one owner reported the rear of the vehicle shaking when shifting or in neutral. Another had difficulty downshifting and a loose front sprocket, plus the bike shutting off mid-shift. These issues affect control and safety.
A 2016 model stalled at about 25 mph and wouldn't restart; the dealer diagnosed a crank shaft problem. This is a serious failure that can happen without warning. Buyers should check for any related recall or repair history.
“AS I WAS DRIVING GOING AROUND 60MPH, SUDDENLY MY ENGINE LOST POWER, THE MOTORCYCLE SHUT OFF AND AS A RESULT MY REAR TIRE LOCKED UP FOR A SPLIT SECOND. I WAS ABLE TO TO GET TO GET OFF THE ROAD, THANKFULLY NO ONE WAS HURT. AS I TRIED TURNING THE MOTORCYCLE BACK…”
“I RECEIVED A WARANTEE RECALL NOTICE FOR MY HONDA CB300R MOTORCYCLE EARLY AUGUST. IT IS NOW MIDDLE,LATE SEPT. ALMOST 60 DAYS. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE ENGINE REPAIRED AS DESCRIBED ON HONDA SAFTEY RECALL NOTICE NHTSA RECALL 16V-528 AT THE HONDA LOCATIO…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners of 2023 Camrys report the ignition key getting stuck even when the car is in Park, requiring a battery disconnect to remove. Others describe hesitation and shuddering with the check engine light on. These can be frustrating daily annoyances and may indicate transmission or sensor issues.
Multiple safety systems—stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—have malfunctioned simultaneously. Another complaint lists subframe, driveline, and stability control components. Such widespread electronic failures can compromise safety and are costly to fix.
Some owners experience a several-second delay in throttle response when pressing the gas pedal, making the car feel unresponsive. This hesitation can be dangerous when merging or pulling out. It may be related to electronic throttle programming or sensor faults.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow and manual release. Others hear a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area, which dealers attribute to the ABS system. Brake problems are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately.
“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 Cbr300r — 6 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 CB300R, 2018 CBR300R, 2018 CRF250L, 2018 CRF250L Rally, and 2018-2019 CMX300 motorcycles. The circlip, on the transmission's main shaft, may detach allowing for gear misalignment.
The risk: A misaligned gear can shift the transmission from neutral into gear during engine start, potentially resulting in unexpected motorcycle movement or seize the transmission and rear wheel while the motorcycle is in motion. Both conditions in…
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission main shaft, free of charge. The recall began July 8, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KK3.
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 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…
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…
Buyer analysis
Honda Cbr300r or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Honda CBR300R has far fewer complaints per year (1.1 vs. 205.6), but it's a motorcycle with a smaller owner base. The Camry's higher count reflects its popularity, yet the variety of issues—from transmissions to brakes—means a used Camry needs careful vetting. In practice, the CBR300R may have fewer problems overall, but any engine stall on a bike is a serious risk.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: CBR300R averages 1.1 per year; Camry averages 205.6 per year, but the Camry sells in far greater numbers.
- Engine issues: CBR300R owners report sudden stalling and power loss; Camry owners report hesitation and delayed throttle response.
- Brake and safety systems: Camry complaints include electronic parking brake failure and ABS noises; CBR300R has no brake complaints in the sample.
- Electrical problems: CBR300R has bank angle sensor and recall-related electrical issues; Camry has multiple simultaneous safety system malfunctions.
- Check for any history of engine stalling or sudden shutdown, especially at speed—ask if the crank or engine recall was performed.
- Inspect the bank angle sensor and electrical connections; ensure all recalls (like 16V-528) are completed and documented.
- Test the electronic parking brake thoroughly—make sure it disengages smoothly and without noise; listen for clicking or vibrating from the brake pedal area.
- Check for transmission shuddering or hesitation during a test drive, and ensure the ignition key can be removed easily when in Park.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all open recalls are repaired, especially engine and electrical recalls for the CBR300R and any safety system recalls for the Camry.
- For the CBR300R, test ride at various speeds and listen for any engine cut-out; check that the bike restarts easily after warming up.
- For the Camry, test all electronic safety features (stability control, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping) and the electronic parking brake.
- Have a mechanic inspect the CBR300R's engine, transmission, and electrical system, focusing on the bank angle sensor and sprocket tightness.
- For the Camry, have a mechanic scan for stored trouble codes and check transmission fluid condition, brake system operation, and throttle response.
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 Cbr300r | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 0 | 50 |
| 2023 | 0 | 64 |
| 2022 | 0 | 61 |
| 2021 | 0 | 157 |
| 2020 | 0 | 274 |
| 2019 | 0 | 395 |
| 2018 | 1 | 744 |
| 2017 | 1 | 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 Cbr300r or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Honda Cbr300r vs Toyota Camry
- Honda Cbr300r total complaints
- 11
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Honda Cbr300r total recalls
- 6
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Honda Cbr300r avg complaints/year
- 1.1
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Honda Cbr300r
- Honda Cbr300r top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN