Head-to-head reliability
Honda Pilot vs Toyota Camry
How the Honda Pilot 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 Pilot vs Toyota Camry: The Pilot averages 376 complaints per year with 66 recalls, while the Camry averages 214 complaints and 31 recalls. However, the Camry has more crash-related complaints (181 vs 76) and one death. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Honda Pilot or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot, a midsize SUV, shows a high complaint volume, averaging 376 per year over the past decade. Owners frequently report engine issues, including fires and idle stop problems, as well as electrical system failures that trigger multiple warning lights. The high number of recalls (66) suggests ongoing efforts to address these issues, but the persistence of complaints indicates that some problems may not be fully resolved.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a midsize sedan, has fewer complaints per year (214) but a higher rate of crash-related incidents and injuries. Owners report transmission grinding and failure, sudden acceleration, and brake failures, which are serious safety concerns. While the Camry has fewer recalls (31), the nature of the reported issues—especially those involving loss of control—makes it a vehicle that requires careful inspection before purchase.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Honda Pilot | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3,760 | 2,143 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 66 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 76 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 376.0 | 214.3 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 73 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 Pilot
- 01ENGINE1,128
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,055
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER648
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE456
- 05POWER TRAIN408
Owners report engine fires, often linked to open recalls, and auto idle stop system malfunctions that cause warning lights to flash. These issues can lead to sudden power loss or fire risk, making them critical to address.
Multiple warning lights illuminate simultaneously, including steering, brake, and stability assist, indicating a broader electrical fault. This can cause a sudden loss of steering assist, making the vehicle difficult to control.
Phantom braking events occur when the system misinterprets shadows or other stimuli, causing the vehicle to stop unexpectedly. This can lead to rear-end collisions or loss of driver confidence.
“recall has been open since December of that year I have documentation that I took it last year to get this recall fix and your web site is stating that it is incomplete. today 11/12 at 7:30am my engine caught on fire there was a lot of witness at the elementa…”
“My vehicle has already had recalls on the fuel system and brake pin. Now I have an auto idle stop system problem. The indicator light is constantly flashing. Two days ago I was stopped at a red light on a two lane road in the city. When I pushed in the brake…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission grinding and failure are reported, with dealers recommending full replacement. This is a costly repair and can leave the vehicle undriveable, especially if parts are on backorder.
Sudden unintended acceleration has been reported, leading to crashes. Additionally, a coolant valve bypass issue triggers maintenance lights, but some VINs are not covered by recall, leaving owners with unresolved safety concerns.
Brake failure, including a complete lack of response when pressing the pedal, has been reported. This is a critical safety issue that can result in loss of control, especially on hills or curves.
“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 Pilot — 66 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Pilot vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the gear box assembly may contain a loose ball bearing, which can result in a loss of steering control or steering lock-up.
The risk: A loss of steering control or steering lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the electric power steering rack, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is FFX.
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 2023-2024 Passport and 2023-2025 Pilot vehicles. The fuel filler neck tube and fuel filler pipe may separate, allowing fuel to leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the fuel filler neck tube and pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this r…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Acura MDX Type-S, 2023-2025 Honda Pilot, and 2021-2025 Acura TLX Type-S vehicles. A software error in the fuel injection electronic control unit (FI-ECU) may cause an engine stall or a loss of power.
The risk: An engine stall or loss of power can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the FI-ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are EL1 and AL0.
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 Pilot or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Honda Pilot has nearly double the complaints per year (376 vs 214) and more recalls, indicating a higher rate of reported issues. However, the Camry's complaints include more severe safety events like sudden acceleration and brake failure. In practice, the Pilot may require more frequent repairs, but the Camry's issues could pose greater immediate safety risks.
Key differences
- The Pilot has more engine fires and idle stop problems, while the Camry has more transmission failures and sudden acceleration reports.
- The Pilot's electrical system issues cause multiple warning lights, whereas the Camry's brake failures are more directly dangerous.
- The Camry has a higher number of crash-related complaints (181 vs 76) despite fewer total complaints, suggesting more severe outcomes.
- The Pilot has more recalls (66 vs 31), indicating a higher frequency of manufacturer-identified defects.
- Check for any open recalls, especially those related to the fuel system or engine, and verify they have been completed.
- Inspect the electrical system for any warning lights or intermittent failures, as these could indicate a larger issue.
- Test the transmission for any grinding or hesitation during acceleration, and check for any service bulletins or recalls.
- Have the brakes inspected thoroughly, including the master cylinder and ABS, to ensure there are no signs of failure.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and verify all recalls have been performed.
- Take the vehicle for a test drive that includes highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic to check for transmission and brake issues.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, electrical system, and brakes.
- Check for any pending service lights or warning messages on the dashboard.
- Research the specific model year for known issues and compare with the NHTSA complaint data.
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 Pilot | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 18 | 119 |
| 2025 | 194 | 153 |
| 2024 | 109 | 48 |
| 2023 | 137 | 62 |
| 2022 | 149 | 59 |
| 2021 | 424 | 155 |
| 2020 | 483 | 270 |
| 2019 | 894 | 393 |
| 2018 | 437 | 736 |
| 2017 | 915 | 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 Pilot or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Honda Pilot vs Toyota Camry
- Honda Pilot total complaints
- 3,760
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Honda Pilot total recalls
- 66
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Honda Pilot avg complaints/year
- 376.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- Honda Pilot top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN