Head-to-head reliability
Honda Crf250l vs Toyota Camry
How the Honda Crf250l 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 Crf250l vs Toyota Camry: The Honda CRF250L has 5 complaints and 3 recalls over 10 years, while the Toyota Camry has 2,056 complaints and 31 recalls. The Honda's main risk is sudden engine stalling; the Camry's is power train hesitation and brake issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Honda Crf250l or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Honda Crf250l
The Honda CRF250L is a dual-sport motorcycle, and over ten years it has drawn only 5 owner complaints to NHTSA—about 0.5 per year. The pattern is narrow but serious: engines shutting off without warning while riding, plus a starter relay recall. With 3 recalls and 1 crash-related report, a buyer should treat this as a machine that needs a pre-ride check, not a high-volume problem bike.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a high-volume family sedan, and its 2,056 complaints over ten years (about 206 per year) reflect that scale. Owners report power train hesitation, stuck ignition keys, brake noises, and multiple electrical system malfunctions. With 31 recalls, 171 crash-related reports, and 158 injuries, the Camry's issues are broader and more frequent than the Honda's, though many are tied to specific model years.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Honda Crf250l | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 5 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.5 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 2 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 Crf250l
- 01ENGINE3
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1
Owners report the engine shutting off without warning at speed—one at 55 mph on a freeway and another at 20 mph—causing the bike to stall and become a hazard. This is the most common complaint area and a serious safety concern for any rider.
A reported starter magnetic switch failure left the engine unable to start and caused stalling while riding. This matches the recall subjects for the starter assembly relay, so buyers should confirm that recall work was done.
One owner reported that in above-90-degree heat, the fuel system failed severely, causing both of their bikes to stall and die repeatedly within minutes. This suggests heat-related fuel delivery issues that could strand a rider.
“2014 HONDA CRF250L WITH 3512 MILES. FOUR MILE FROM HOME ON FREEWAY 405 SOUTH AS I WAS RIDING ABOUT 55 MPH AND SUDDENLY WITHOUT ANY WARNING THE ENGINE SHUT OFF CAUSING THE BIKE TO STALLED ON A BUSY FREEWAY AND ALMOST GOT RAN OVER BY FAST COMING TRAFFIC. UNABLE…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HONDA CRF250L. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE MOTORCYCLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE FA…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report intermittent problems like the ignition key becoming stuck in Park and the vehicle hesitating or shuddering with the check engine light on. These can leave you unable to shut off or move the car normally.
Complaints include a several-second delay in throttle response when pressing the accelerator, plus hesitation and shuddering at various speeds. This delayed reaction could be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic.
Owners report the electronic parking brake failing to disengage, requiring a tow, and a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area that Toyota calls normal for the ABS system. These issues affect daily usability and brake confidence.
One owner reported multiple systems failing at once—smart stop, stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping. Such widespread electrical glitches can make the car unpredictable and hard to diagnose.
“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 Crf250l — 3 recalls
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…
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 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 Crf250l or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Honda CRF250L has far fewer issues per year (0.5 vs. 205.6), but its problems tend to be sudden engine stalls that can be life-threatening on a motorcycle. The Camry's higher volume means more frequent but often less immediately dangerous complaints, though its 171 crash-related reports and 158 injuries show real risk. In practice, the Honda demands vigilance for stalling, while the Camry demands attention to power train and brake behavior.
Key differences
- The Honda CRF250L has 5 complaints over 10 years, while the Toyota Camry has 2,056—about 411 times more, though the Camry sells in far greater numbers.
- Honda owners report sudden engine shutdowns while riding, a potentially catastrophic failure on two wheels; Camry owners report hesitation, stuck keys, and brake noises that are more likely to strand or annoy than instantly crash.
- The Honda has 3 recalls, including starter relay and lighting issues; the Camry has 31 recalls covering wheels, seats, and air bag sensors, meaning more recall paperwork to track.
- The Camry's 171 crash-related reports and 158 injuries dwarf the Honda's 1 crash-related report and 2 injuries, but the Honda's single crash involved a stall on a busy freeway.
- Ask for proof that the starter relay recall was performed, and test the starter and kill switch; owners report stalling and no-start from a failed starter magnetic switch.
- Ride the bike long enough to reach operating temperature, especially in hot weather, and watch for any stumble or stall that could indicate the fuel system issue reported above 90 degrees.
- Test the ignition key in Park—try removing it repeatedly; owners report it sticking and requiring a battery disconnect to release.
- During a test drive, feel for hesitation or shuddering under acceleration and listen for clicking or vibrating from the brake pedal area, which owners link to power train and ABS complaints.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm all open recalls are closed, especially the Honda's starter relay and the Camry's air bag and seat recalls.
- For the Honda, take a cold-start and hot-weather test ride, and verify the engine does not cut out at idle or while moving.
- For the Camry, test the electronic parking brake, ignition key removal in Park, and throttle response from a stop.
- Ask for maintenance records and a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model year's reported issues.
- Check the complaint dates and model years on NHTSA to see if the issues you find match the year you are considering.
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 Crf250l | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 0 | 50 |
| 2023 | 0 | 64 |
| 2022 | 0 | 61 |
| 2021 | 0 | 157 |
| 2020 | 0 | 274 |
| 2019 | 0 | 395 |
| 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 Crf250l or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Honda Crf250l vs Toyota Camry
- Honda Crf250l total complaints
- 5
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Honda Crf250l total recalls
- 3
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Honda Crf250l avg complaints/year
- 0.5
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Honda Crf250l
- Honda Crf250l top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN