Head-to-head reliability
Honda Crf1100 Africa TWIN vs Toyota Camry
How the Honda Crf1100 Africa TWIN 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 Crf1100 Africa TWIN vs Toyota Camry: The Africa Twin has 5 complaints over 10 years (0.5/year) and 2 recalls, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints (205.6/year) and 31 recalls. The Honda's main issue is sudden engine stalling; the Camry's include transmission shudder and key-stuck problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Honda Crf1100 Africa TWIN or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Honda Crf1100 Africa TWIN
The Honda CRF1100 Africa Twin is an adventure motorcycle with a very low complaint rate—only 5 over 10 years, or about 0.5 per year. The main pattern is sudden loss of engine power, often while accelerating or at highway speed, which owners describe as terrifying. There are also two recalls for engine control software, and some owners report the recall fix didn't fully solve the stalling. Overall, it's a niche machine with few reports, but the ones that exist involve serious safety moments.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mass-market sedan with a much higher complaint volume—2,056 over 10 years, about 206 per year—but that's expected given how many are on the road. Owners report a wide range of issues, from transmission shuddering and delayed acceleration to electrical glitches and brake noises. There are 31 recalls and some crash-related reports, so while many complaints are minor, some point to real safety concerns. It's a popular car with a mixed reliability picture depending on the year and specific problem.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Honda Crf1100 Africa TWIN | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 5 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 2 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.5 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 Crf1100 Africa TWIN
- 01FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM3
- 02ENGINE2
- 03POWER TRAIN1
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
Owners report the engine suddenly dying or losing all power while riding, sometimes in fast-moving traffic. One complaint describes a total loss of propulsion while overtaking a truck, which is extremely dangerous on a motorcycle.
Complaints include stalling and loss of power, with one owner noting that a recall for the engine control software was performed but the issue persisted. This suggests the fix may not be fully effective for all bikes.
A reported issue involves the fuel gauge reading empty after only 3 gallons in a 5-gallon tank, and the display resetting incorrectly. This can leave a rider stranded or misjudge fuel range.
One complaint mentions the same fuel gauge and display problem under the brake component, which may indicate electrical or instrument cluster glitches affecting multiple systems. It's unclear why it's filed under brakes, but it points to potential electronic gremlins.
“My bike died when I was in the fast lane on a major freeway, during Memorial Day rush hour. Totally stalled with 3 lanes of traffic moving at 70 mph. Only luck saved me from being collected by 18 wheelers. American Honda Motor Co. issued a recall on the Afric…”
“While overpassing a slow moving truck doing about 45 MPH on a 2-lane highway, I accelerated to overtake the vehicle. Just before pulling in front of the truck I experienced a total loss of propulsion. I thought I had a broken chain. I quickly looked and disco…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck and not releasing even when the car is in Park, requiring a battery disconnect to remove it. Others describe hesitation and shuddering while driving, often with the check engine light on.
Complaints include delayed throttle response—pressing the gas and waiting several seconds before the car moves—and shuddering with the check engine light. These can be unsettling in traffic and may indicate transmission or engine control issues.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow, and some owners hear a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area that the manufacturer calls normal. These issues can affect daily usability and peace of mind.
One owner reported multiple systems—smart stop, stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—all malfunctioning at once. This suggests possible software or sensor integration problems that could compromise safety features.
“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 Crf1100 Africa TWIN — 2 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CRF1100 Africa Twin motorcycles equipped with a dual-clutch transmission (DCT). A software error in the engine control unit (ECU), may disconnect the controller area network (CAN) communication and release the clutch, which can result…
The risk: An engine stall or a loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KNB.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CRF1100 Africa Twin motorcycles equipped with a dual-clutch transmission (DCT). A software error in the engine control unit (ECU), may disconnect the controller area network (CAN) communication and release the clutch, which can result…
The risk: An engine stall or a loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KNB.
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 Crf1100 Africa TWIN or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Honda CRF1100 Africa Twin has far fewer complaints per year (0.5 vs. 205.6), but its reported issues often involve sudden loss of power, which is especially risky on a motorcycle. The Camry's higher volume includes many minor complaints but also some serious ones like key stuck and brake problems. In practice, the Honda may have fewer problems overall, but the ones it has can be more immediately dangerous.
Key differences
- The Africa Twin's most alarming reports are sudden engine stalls at speed, while the Camry's top complaints involve transmission shuddering and key-stuck issues.
- Honda has only 2 recalls (both engine software), while Toyota has 31 recalls covering airbags, seats, wheels, and more.
- The Camry has 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries reported, whereas the Africa Twin has zero crash-related, injury, or death reports in the data.
- Africa Twin complaints often mention a single incident affecting multiple systems (e.g., fuel gauge and display), while Camry complaints span many separate components.
- Ask if the engine control software recall (22V-622) was performed and whether the bike has stalled since; test ride at highway speeds and during hard acceleration.
- Check the fuel gauge accuracy by filling the tank and comparing the reading to actual fuel used; also watch for the display resetting or showing incorrect range.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park multiple times; if it sticks, walk away or budget for repair.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating from the brake pedal area and test the electronic parking brake engagement/disengagement; also check for transmission shudder during low-speed acceleration.
Before you buy
- For the Africa Twin: obtain the VIN and confirm with a Honda dealer that all recalls (especially 22V-622) have been completed.
- For the Camry: take a lengthy test drive including stop-and-go traffic to feel for transmission shudder or delayed throttle response.
- On both vehicles: check for any stored diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) with a scan tool, even if no warning lights are on.
- Review the NHTSA complaint history for the specific model year you're considering, as patterns can vary by year.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the model, focusing on the systems mentioned in complaints (fuel/engine for Honda, transmission/brakes for Toyota).
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 Crf1100 Africa TWIN | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 0 | 163 |
| 2024 | 0 | 50 |
| 2023 | 0 | 64 |
| 2022 | 0 | 61 |
| 2021 | 4 | 157 |
| 2020 | 1 | 274 |
| 2019 | 0 | 395 |
| 2018 | 0 | 744 |
| 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 Crf1100 Africa TWIN or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Honda Crf1100 Africa TWIN vs Toyota Camry
- Honda Crf1100 Africa TWIN total complaints
- 5
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Honda Crf1100 Africa TWIN total recalls
- 2
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Honda Crf1100 Africa TWIN avg complaints/year
- 0.5
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Honda Crf1100 Africa TWIN
- Honda Crf1100 Africa TWIN top complaint area
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN