Head-to-head reliability
Honda Crosstour vs Toyota Camry
How the Honda Crosstour 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 Crosstour vs Toyota Camry: The Crosstour averaged 34.5 complaints per year with 13 recalls, while the Camry averaged 205.6 complaints per year with 31 recalls. Crosstour owners report steering and engine failures; Camry owners report key sticking and brake noise. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Honda Crosstour or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Honda Crosstour
The Honda Crosstour is a niche crossover that averaged about 34.5 complaints per year over four years, with 13 recalls. Owners most often report electrical, steering, and power train issues, including aftermarket ignition interlock malfunctions, electronic power steering failure, and vibrations. While the complaint volume is lower than the Camry's, the steering and engine problems can be serious and costly.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream sedan with a much higher complaint rate—about 205.6 per year over ten years—and 31 recalls. Common trouble spots are the power train, engine, and service brakes, with reports of key sticking, hesitation, shuddering, and brake noise. The sheer number of complaints and crash-related reports suggests that while many Camrys are reliable, some owners face persistent and sometimes safety-related problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Honda Crosstour | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 138 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 13 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 5 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 34.5 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 9 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 Crosstour
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM32
- 02STEERING28
- 03POWER TRAIN23
- 04ENGINE16
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER14
Owners report aftermarket ignition interlock devices malfunctioning, which can disable the ignition and prevent starting. This is a serious inconvenience and potential safety risk if the vehicle won't start in an emergency.
Electronic power steering (EPS) failures have been reported while driving, often accompanied by ABS, traction control, and brake warning lights. This can make steering suddenly heavy and difficult, especially at highway speeds.
Complaints include harsh vibrations from the passenger side front, often felt above 30 mph under acceleration. Owners describe shimmy in the front end, which may indicate worn mounts or other driveline issues.
Reports include engine seizure while driving and timing belt failure shortly after replacement, leading to catastrophic engine damage. These are expensive repairs that can leave a buyer stranded.
“An aftermarket ignition interlock device (Intoxalock eLERT model) installed in my vehicle repeatedly malfunctioned and disabled the vehicle’s ignition system, preventing the vehicle from starting and operating normally. The device was installed on October 6,…”
“An aftermarket ignition interlock device installed in my vehicle requires “rolling retests” while the vehicle is in motion. During these rolling retests, the device alerts the driver and requires a breath sample within a short time window. To complete the tes…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key becoming stuck and unable to be removed even when the car is in Park, sometimes requiring battery disconnection. Others describe hesitation and shuddering with the check engine light on, pointing to transmission or engine management issues.
Complaints include delayed throttle response—pressing the gas pedal and waiting several seconds for the car to move—and repeated hesitation and shuddering. These can make merging or accelerating feel unpredictable.
The electronic parking brake (EPB) may fail to disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer. Owners also report a clicking or vibrating sound from the brake pedal area, which the manufacturer attributes to the ABS system but owners find abnormal.
Multiple systems—smart stop, vehicle stability control, electric power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—have malfunctioned simultaneously. This suggests complex electronic integration issues that can be hard to diagnose and fix.
“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 Crosstour — 13 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014 Honda Insight and Acura TSX and TSX Wagon, 2014-2015 Honda Crosstour and Pilot vehicles nationwide, as well as certain 2014 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississip…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic GX NGV, 2012-2015 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2014 Fit EV, 2010-20…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are F…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2013 TSX Sport Wagon, and 2010-2012 ZDX and 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, 2012-2014 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2013 Insight, and 200…
The risk: An incorrectly installed air bag inflator may not properly deploy the passenger frontal air bag in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator installation and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 5, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service…
The defect: HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 ACCORD AND CROSSTOUR VEHICLES. THE DRIVER-SIDE OR PASSENGER-SIDE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG INFLATOR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED ACCORDING TO CORRECT SPECIFICATIONS.
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG MAY FAIL TO DEPLOY, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
The fix: HONDA WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER'S SIDE OR PASSENGER'S SIDE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG AS NEEDED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 24, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-999-1009.
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 Crosstour or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Honda Crosstour has far fewer complaints per year (34.5 vs. 205.6) and fewer recalls (13 vs. 31), but its reported issues often involve critical systems like steering and engine. The Toyota Camry's higher volume means more owners experience problems, but many are annoyances like brake noise or key sticking. In practice, the Crosstour may have fewer overall problems, but when they occur they can be severe.
Key differences
- The Crosstour averages 34.5 complaints per year; the Camry averages 205.6 per year, a six-fold difference.
- Crosstour owners report electronic power steering failure while driving, a potentially dangerous issue not highlighted in Camry complaints.
- Camry owners frequently report ignition key sticking and delayed throttle response, which can be frustrating but less immediately hazardous.
- The Camry has 171 crash-related complaints and 1 death, while the Crosstour has 5 crash-related and 0 deaths, though these numbers must be interpreted with caution due to different sales volumes.
- During a test drive, check for any steering warning lights and feel for sudden heaviness or resistance in the steering, especially at highway speeds—this could indicate EPS failure.
- Listen for harsh vibrations from the passenger side front area above 30 mph under acceleration, which may signal power train or mount issues.
- Try removing the key from the ignition after parking; if it sticks or requires battery disconnection, that's a known power train complaint.
- Test the electronic parking brake by engaging and disengaging it several times; if it fails to release or makes unusual noises, it may need repair.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially airbag recalls on the Crosstour and seat/airbag sensor recalls on the Camry.
- Have a mechanic inspect the steering system on the Crosstour, including the EPS module and warning lights.
- For the Camry, test the ignition key removal, throttle response, and electronic parking brake operation during a test drive.
- Ask for maintenance records, particularly for timing belt service on the Crosstour and any transmission or brake work on the Camry.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a dealer or independent shop familiar with the specific model's common complaints.
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 Crosstour or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Honda Crosstour vs Toyota Camry
- Honda Crosstour total complaints
- 138
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Honda Crosstour total recalls
- 13
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Honda Crosstour avg complaints/year
- 34.5
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Honda Crosstour
- Honda Crosstour top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN