Head-to-head reliability
Honda Insight vs Toyota Camry
How the Honda Insight 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 Insight vs Toyota Camry: Over 10 years, the Insight averaged 45.5 complaints per year and had 57 recalls, while the Camry averaged 205.6 complaints per year and had 31 recalls. The Insight had 2 deaths and 28 injuries; the Camry had 1 death and 158 injuries. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Honda Insight or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Honda Insight
The Honda Insight is a compact hybrid that can be affordable to run, but owner complaints suggest a pattern of aging-related failures. Over 10 years, it averaged 45.5 complaints per year, with air bags, engine, and forward collision avoidance systems drawing the most attention. Many complaints involve recalls for Takata air bag inflators and occupant sensors, plus reports of rough running, sudden power loss, and unexpected automatic braking. For a first-time buyer, this means budgeting for potential repairs and verifying that all safety recalls have been completed.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mid-size sedan with a strong reputation for dependability, yet NHTSA data shows a high volume of complaints—averaging 205.6 per year over the past decade. The most common issues involve the power train, engine, and brakes, with owners reporting problems like hesitation, shuddering, stuck ignition keys, and electronic parking brake failures. While many complaints may be resolved under warranty, the sheer number suggests that even this popular model can have frustrating issues. Buyers should check for open recalls and test-drive thoroughly.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Honda Insight | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 455 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 57 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 43 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 45.5 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 28 Better | 158 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 | 1 Better |
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 Insight
- 01AIR BAGS120
- 02ENGINE90
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE51
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM46
- 05SERVICE BRAKES45
Owners report Takata air bag inflator recalls and seat weight sensor circuit board failures that could cause airbags to deploy incorrectly. This is a critical safety issue; buyers must confirm the recall work was done.
Complaints include rough running, sudden loss of power to 15 mph, and expensive repairs after oil changes. These symptoms can leave you stranded or in a dangerous situation on the highway.
Owners describe the collision warning system slamming on brakes when no vehicle is ahead, and adaptive cruise control issues. This false activation is frightening and could cause a rear-end collision.
Reports of sudden power loss while driving and rough running linked to electrical faults. Electrical gremlins can be hard to diagnose and costly to fix.
“TAKATA RECALL.... I RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE BY US MAIL AND THE DATE ON THE LETTER WAS MARCH 2016. IT IS NOW FEB ALMOST MARCH 2017, 1 YEAR LATER AND EVERY TIME I GO TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THIS CORRECTED. THEY STATE TO ME THAT I HAVE TO WAIT TILL I GET A LETT…”
“I received the "important safety recall" letter in March 2024 from the Honda Automobile Division regarding the seat weight sensor circuit board. The letter said that in a crash, the airbags could deploy in a dangerous fashion. I have called my Honda dealer th…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report intermittent ignition key stuck in Park, hesitation and shuddering with check engine light. These issues can prevent starting or cause unsafe driving conditions.
Complaints include delayed throttle response and hesitation when accelerating. This lag can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic.
Electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow, and some owners hear clicking or vibrating from the ABS system. Brake problems are safety-critical and should be inspected.
Multiple system malfunctions reported, including stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring. These failures can impair vehicle control and driver awareness.
“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 Insight — 57 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020 CR-V Hybrid, Accord Hybrid, and 2020-2021 Insight vehicles. The DC-DC converter may shut down and prevent the 12-volt battery from recharging, possibly resulting in a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the power converter unit (PCU) software, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners can contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is K…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura R…
The risk: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls ar…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022…
The risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH,…
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…
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 Insight or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Honda Insight has far fewer complaints per year (45.5) than the Toyota Camry (205.6), but the Insight's issues often involve serious safety recalls and sudden power loss. The Camry's higher complaint volume may reflect its larger sales volume, but it still has notable power train and brake problems. In practice, the Insight may need more careful recall verification, while the Camry may have more frequent but sometimes less severe annoyances.
Key differences
- The Insight has 455 complaints over 10 years vs. the Camry's 2056, but the Insight's complaints include 2 deaths and 28 injuries, while the Camry has 1 death and 158 injuries.
- Insight owners frequently report air bag recalls and forward collision avoidance false braking; Camry owners report power train hesitation and electronic parking brake failures.
- The Insight has 57 recalls vs. the Camry's 31, meaning the Insight may require more trips to the dealer for recall fixes.
- Camry complaints are spread across power train, engine, and brakes, while Insight complaints are concentrated in air bags, engine, and collision avoidance.
- Check if the Takata air bag inflator and seat weight sensor recalls have been completed; incomplete recalls mean airbags may not deploy correctly.
- Test drive at highway speeds and listen for rough running or sudden power loss; also test the forward collision warning to ensure it doesn't brake unexpectedly.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park and look for hesitation or shuddering during acceleration; these are common power train complaints.
- Check the electronic parking brake operation and listen for clicking or vibrating from the brake pedal area, which may indicate ABS issues.
Before you buy
- Ask the seller for a copy of the vehicle's recall history and verify all safety recalls are closed with a dealer.
- Take a test drive that includes highway speeds, braking, and parking to check for hesitation, brake noise, and key removal issues.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the air bag system, engine, and electrical components for any signs of trouble.
- For the Camry, specifically test the electronic parking brake and throttle response from a stop.
- For the Insight, confirm the forward collision avoidance system works without false braking and check for any power loss symptoms.
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 Insight | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 32 | 61 |
| 2021 | 25 | 157 |
| 2020 | 31 | 274 |
| 2019 | 98 | 395 |
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 Insight or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Honda Insight vs Toyota Camry
- Honda Insight total complaints
- 455
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Honda Insight total recalls
- 57
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Honda Insight avg complaints/year
- 45.5
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Honda Insight
- Honda Insight top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN