Head-to-head reliability
Honda Ctx700 vs Toyota Camry
How the Honda Ctx700 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 Ctx700 vs Toyota Camry: The CTX700 has 11 complaints over 5 years (2.2/year) and 3 recalls, while the Camry has 2,143 complaints over 10 years (214.3/year) and 31 recalls. The CTX700 reports engine stalling and DCT surging; the Camry reports transmission grinding and brake failure. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Honda Ctx700 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Honda Ctx700
The Honda CTX700 is a midsize motorcycle with an automatic dual-clutch transmission (DCT), and its complaint pattern centers on engine and power-train hiccups that can leave you without power or cause unexpected surging. Over five years, owners filed 11 complaints—about 2.2 per year—with 3 recalls and 1 crash-related report. The most common themes are sudden engine shutdowns, idle problems, and rear-wheel misalignment that affects steering and suspension. Living with it means being alert to stalling and handling quirks, though the overall complaint volume is low.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream sedan with a much larger owner base, and its 2,143 complaints over 10 years—about 214 per year—cover a wide range of systems. Power train, engine, brakes, and electrical issues appear frequently, with 31 recalls and 181 crash-related reports. Owners describe transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, brake failure, and AC problems. While many complaints may not affect every car, the sheer number and variety mean a used Camry needs a thorough inspection.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Honda Ctx700 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 11 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 2.2 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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 Ctx700
- 01ENGINE3
- 02POWER TRAIN3
- 03STEERING3
- 04SUSPENSION3
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
Owners report losing all engine power while riding, sometimes after a dealer repair, and also experiencing failure to return to normal idle after freeway speeds. This matters because a sudden loss of power in traffic can be dangerous.
The dual-clutch transmission can stay in high idle and surge forward when coming to a stop, and some owners report total power loss linked to the transmission. These symptoms make low-speed maneuvering unpredictable.
Complaints describe rear axle misalignment that causes the rear tire to not track with the front and the handlebars to be tilted. This affects straight-line stability and can lead to uneven tire wear.
The same rear axle alignment issue is also reported under suspension, with the rear sprocket misaligned with the chain. This can cause chain wear and handling problems that a buyer should check.
“While riding my Honda CTX 700 DCT, I lost all engine power, on two occasions. The second was after the Honda Certified Dealer said they repaired it. The first incident was while city riding at 25MPH, and the second was during dense highway traffic at 60MPH. I…”
“VEHICLE DID NOT RETURN TO NORMAL IDLE SPEED WHEN THROTTLE WAS RELEASED. AFTER BEING DRIVEN AT FREEWAY SPEEDS FOR 20 MINUTES, THE OPERATOR NOTED ENGINE BRAKING DID NOT OCCUR AS EXPECTED WHEN RELEASING THE THROTTLE. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLES DUAL-CLUTCH TRANSM…”
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 that may require replacement. Some also describe sudden acceleration incidents, including one that led to a crash.
Complaints include uncontrollable sudden acceleration and coolant valve bypass issues that trigger a maintenance code, even when the VIN is not covered by a recall. These can lead to safety risks and costly repairs.
Drivers report a complete lack of brake response when pressing the pedal, such as while going down a steep hill. This is a critical safety concern that should be investigated immediately.
Common issues include AC condenser damage from road debris and a persistent mildew or vinegar smell from the vents. These are comfort and reliability annoyances that may require repeated dealer visits.
“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 Ctx700 — 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 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 is recalling certain model year 2014 CTX700 motorcycles manufactured March 6, 2013, through April 11, 2013. Due to a manufacturing error, the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) may malfunction and lose anti-lock functionality.
The risk: The anti-lock function may not perform properly allowing for wheel lock up and skidding, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Honda will notify owners and dealers will replace the ABS modulator, free of charge. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009. Honda's recall number is JB0.
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 Ctx700 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Honda CTX700 has far fewer complaints per year (2.2 vs. 214.3), but both vehicles have serious reported issues. In practice, the Camry’s higher volume means more chances of encountering a problem, while the CTX700’s lower count still includes dangerous power loss and handling faults.
Key differences
- The Honda CTX700 has 11 complaints over 5 years, while the Toyota Camry has 2,143 over 10 years—about 2.2 vs. 214.3 per year.
- Honda CTX700 complaints focus on engine stalling, DCT surging, and rear alignment; Camry complaints include transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, and brake failure.
- The Camry has 181 crash-related reports and 163 injuries, compared to 1 crash-related and 1 injury for the CTX700.
- Both have recalls: 3 for the CTX700 (starter relay, ABS) and 31 for the Camry (air bags, seats, wheels, labels).
- Test ride at low speed and on the highway to check for sudden power loss, high idle, or surging when stopping—common DCT complaints.
- Inspect rear axle alignment, chain and sprocket alignment, and handlebar straightness; misalignment is a reported steering and suspension issue.
- Listen for grinding noises from the front during acceleration and test low-speed braking and acceleration for sudden surges or lack of response.
- Check for AC odors or condenser damage, and ask if the coolant bypass valve recall applies to the VIN.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed for the specific vehicle.
- For the CTX700, test ride at city and highway speeds, focusing on idle, power delivery, and rear-wheel tracking.
- For the Camry, test drive in stop-and-go traffic and on a hill, checking transmission behavior and brake response.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially any transmission or engine repairs on the Camry and DCT service on the CTX700.
- Have a mechanic inspect the CTX700’s rear axle alignment and the Camry’s transmission and brake system before purchase.
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 Ctx700 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Ctx700 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Honda Ctx700 vs Toyota Camry
- Honda Ctx700 total complaints
- 11
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Honda Ctx700 total recalls
- 3
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Honda Ctx700 avg complaints/year
- 2.2
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Honda Ctx700
- Honda Ctx700 top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN