Head-to-head reliability
Honda HR V vs Toyota Camry
How the Honda HR V 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 HR V vs Toyota Camry: The HR V averages 160.5 complaints per year with 30 recalls, while the Camry averages 205.6 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The Camry has more crash-related complaints (171 vs 84) and injuries (158 vs 46). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Honda HR V or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Honda HR V
The Honda HR V is a subcompact SUV that averages about 160 complaints per year over the past decade, with 30 recalls. Owners frequently report windshield cracks, wiper issues, and electrical problems like failure to start. Steering vibrations and unexpected braking also appear in complaints. While it has fewer complaints per year than the Camry, the HR V still has notable issues that buyers should inspect.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with about 206 complaints per year and 31 recalls over 10 years. Power train complaints are most common, including key stuck in ignition and hesitation. Engine issues like delayed throttle response and brake problems such as EPB failure are also reported. The Camry has more crash-related complaints and injuries than the HR V, but it remains a popular choice.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Honda HR V | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,605 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 30 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 84 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 160.5 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 46 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 HR V
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER368
- 02VISIBILITY/WIPER349
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM256
- 04STEERING173
- 05POWER TRAIN105
Owners report mysterious cracks appearing on the front windshield from the inside, suggesting a factory defect. Also, the driver-side wiper may not spray fluid properly, limiting visibility in frost or freezing conditions.
Complaints include vehicles failing to start, with dealers sometimes unable to service. Some owners report the Collision Mitigation Braking System warning light illuminating and the vehicle decelerating independently.
Drivers notice a shudder or vibration from the steering wheel, especially at low speeds or when parking. This can indicate steering component wear and may affect control.
Some owners experience the vehicle freezing entirely and not moving, even when running. Others report the collision mitigation braking system slamming on brakes with no obstacle, which could cause an accident.
“I WAS GOING UP A STEEP NARROW ROAD, A BIG TRUCK WAS COMING DOWN SO I STOPPED AND HONKED SO HE WOULD BACK UP. WHEN HE DID, I WAS UNABLE TO MOVE MY SUV. IT FROOZE ENTIRELY, WOULDNT GO UP, WOULDNT GO IN REVERSE, JUST STAYED ON BUT WOULD NOT MOVE. AFTER SEVERAL A…”
“Components of concern: collision mitigation braking system - while driving with no car in front of vehicle, car slammed on brakes - could have caused an accident. Yes, available for inspection. Also, lights went off and said to see dealer (have picture that I…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck and not removable even when in Park, requiring battery disconnection. Others experience hesitation and shuddering while driving, with the check engine light on.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, with the car taking several seconds to move. This can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow. Also, a clicking or vibrating sound from the brake pedal area is reported, attributed to the ABS system.
Multiple systems like stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping can malfunction simultaneously. This suggests potential electrical or software issues affecting 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 HR V — 30 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Accord and HR-V vehicles. The front seat belt pretensioners may be missing the rivet that secures the quick connector and wire plate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard…
The risk: A seat belt pretensioner missing a rivet will not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt pretensioner assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for t…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Acura Integra, Civic Type R, CR-V Hybrid, CR-V, HR-V, 2022-2025 Civic, Civic Hatchback, 2024-2025 Acura Integra Type S, 2025 CR-V Fuel Cell EV, Civic Hybrid, and Civic Hatchback Hybrid vehicles. The steering gearbox assembly may have b…
The risk: Difficulty steering can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the worm gear spring and redistribute or add grease as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2024. Owners may contact Honda Customer Service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers f…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Honda Accord, Accord Hybrid, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Pilot, and 2024 HR-V, Acura Integra and Acura Integra Type S vehicles. The driver's seat cushion frame may not have been tightened properly, which can result in an unsecured se…
The risk: An unsecured driver's seat may not adequately restrain the driver during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the driver's seat cushion frame, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 6, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023 Honda Accord, Accord Hybrid, and 2024 HR-V, Pilot, and Acura Integra vehicles. The driver's seat cushion frame may not have been tightened properly, which can result in a loose seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requireme…
The risk: A loose driver's seat may not adequately restrain the driver during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the driver's seat cushion frame, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 10, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are ONC, KND, BNE 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 HR V or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Honda HR V has fewer complaints per year (about 160 vs 206 for the Camry), but both have similar recall counts. The Camry has more crash-related complaints and injuries, while the HR V has more visibility and electrical issues. In practice, the HR V may have slightly fewer overall problems, but both require careful inspection.
Key differences
- The Honda HR V has more visibility/wiper complaints (349) than the Camry, with reports of windshield cracks and poor wiper spray.
- The Toyota Camry has more power train complaints (385) including key stuck and hesitation, which can be dangerous.
- The Camry has 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries, compared to 84 crashes and 46 injuries for the HR V.
- The HR V has steering vibration complaints, while the Camry has electronic parking brake failures and ABS noise.
- Inspect the windshield for any cracks, especially on the inside, as owners report factory defects.
- Test the wiper spray function and steering for vibrations at low speeds or when parking.
- Check that the ignition key can be removed easily when in Park, and test for hesitation during acceleration.
- Test the electronic parking brake to ensure it disengages properly, and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a mechanic inspect the HR V's windshield, wipers, steering, and electrical starting system.
- For the Camry, check power train operation, including key removal, acceleration response, and brake pedal feel.
- Test all safety systems like collision mitigation braking and lane keeping on both vehicles.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and confirm any repairs related to complaints.
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 HR V | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 15 | 0 |
| 2025 | 45 | 163 |
| 2024 | 109 | 50 |
| 2023 | 686 | 64 |
| 2022 | 88 | 61 |
| 2021 | 63 | 157 |
| 2020 | 84 | 274 |
| 2019 | 235 | 395 |
| 2018 | 157 | 744 |
| 2017 | 123 | 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 HR V or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Honda HR V vs Toyota Camry
- Honda HR V total complaints
- 1,605
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Honda HR V total recalls
- 30
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Honda HR V avg complaints/year
- 160.5
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Honda HR V
- Honda HR V top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN