Head-to-head reliability
Honda Vtx1300 vs Toyota Camry
How the Honda Vtx1300 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 Vtx1300 vs Toyota Camry: The Vtx1300 averages 33 complaints per year with 2 recalls, while the Camry averages 206 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The Vtx1300's issues focus on steering wobble and speedometer error; the Camry's span power train, engine, and brakes. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Honda Vtx1300 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Honda Vtx1300
The Honda Vtx1300 is a cruiser-style motorcycle with a steady stream of owner complaints, averaging 33 per year over seven years. The most common issues involve steering and suspension, particularly front-end wobble at certain speeds. Electrical problems like dim speedometer lights and odometer failure also appear. With only two recalls, both for fuel delivery, the complaint pattern suggests persistent handling and visibility annoyances rather than widespread safety defects.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular sedan with a much higher complaint volume, averaging about 206 per year over ten years. Power train, engine, and brake issues dominate, including shuddering, delayed acceleration, and electronic parking brake failures. With 31 recalls covering air bags, seats, and wheels, the Camry has more frequent recall activity. The data shows a broad range of reported problems across major systems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Honda Vtx1300 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 231 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 2 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 6 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 33.0 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 8 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 Vtx1300
- 01STEERING125
- 02SUSPENSION58
- 03VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL16
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM14
- 05WHEELS13
Owners report front-end wobble, especially on deceleration from 45-40 mph, requiring a firm grip on the bars. Some also note uneven front tire wear, which can affect handling and safety.
Complaints describe front wheel wobble at 38-50 mph, sometimes noticed as early as 450 miles. This can make the bike feel unstable and may require suspension or tire adjustments.
Several owners report the speedometer reads about 10% high, leading to slower-than-indicated travel and potential traffic conflicts. This inaccuracy can be a constant distraction.
Dim speedometer lights at night and odometers that black out over time are reported, making it hard to read speed or mileage. These issues can affect night riding and maintenance tracking.
“I HAVE OVER 17,000 MILES MY 2003 HONDA VTX 1300S. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE FRONT AND REAR TIRES SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO WHAT SEEMED TO BE NORMAL WEAR PATTERNS. HE FRONT TIRE WEAR IS UNACCEPTABLE. THERE IS OBVIOUSLY MORE WEAR ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE TIRE. THIS H…”
“THE VTX 1300 HAS A SEVERE WOBBLE ON DECELERATION FROM 45 - 40 MPH THAT REQUIRES THE RIDER TO MAINTAIN A FIRM GRIP ON THE BARS. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH 4 DIFFERENT HONDA DEALERS AND THEY ALL SAY THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM. I BELONG TO A VTX RIDERS GROUP…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report intermittent ignition key stuck in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove, and shuddering/hesitation with check engine lights. These can leave drivers stranded or cause delayed acceleration.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, sometimes taking several seconds to move. This hesitation can be dangerous in traffic and is a recurring theme.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow, and some report clicking or vibrating from the brake pedal area due to ABS operation. These issues can prevent normal driving.
Multiple systems like stability control, power steering, and lane keeping can malfunction simultaneously, as reported in one complaint. Such failures can overwhelm the driver and compromise 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 Vtx1300 — 2 recalls
The defect: HONDA IS RECALLING 38,934 MY 2006-2007 VT600 AND MY 2007-2008 VT750 AND VTX1300 MOTORCYCLES. THE MOTORCYCLES MAY HAVE AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED FUEL CONTROL VALVE DIAPHRAGM AND THE FUEL VALVE MAY DRIP FUEL.
The risk: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, DRIPPING FUEL POSES THE RISK OF FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL CONTROL VALVE DIAPHRAGM ASSEMBLY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 22, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-866-784-1870.
The defect: HONDA IS RECALLING 38,934 MY 2006-2007 VT600 AND MY 2007-2008 VT750 AND VTX1300 MOTORCYCLES. THE MOTORCYCLES MAY HAVE AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED FUEL CONTROL VALVE DIAPHRAGM AND THE FUEL VALVE MAY DRIP FUEL.
The risk: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, DRIPPING FUEL POSES THE RISK OF FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL CONTROL VALVE DIAPHRAGM ASSEMBLY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 22, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-866-784-1870.
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 Vtx1300 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Honda Vtx1300 has far fewer complaints per year (33 vs. 206), but it is a motorcycle with a narrower set of issues. The Camry's higher volume reflects its longer production and greater complexity, with problems spread across power train, engine, and brakes. In practice, the Vtx1300 may have fewer overall problems, but the Camry's issues are more varied and include more recalls.
Key differences
- The Vtx1300's complaints center on steering wobble and speedometer inaccuracy, while the Camry's span power train, engine, and brakes.
- The Camry has 31 recalls versus 2 for the Vtx1300, indicating more frequent manufacturer safety actions.
- The Vtx1300 averages 33 complaints per year; the Camry averages 206, but the Camry is a car with more systems and higher production.
- Crash-related complaints are 6 for the Vtx1300 and 171 for the Camry, reflecting the different usage and exposure of a motorcycle versus a car.
- Test ride at 40-45 mph and check for front-end wobble or handlebar shake, especially on deceleration.
- Inspect the speedometer accuracy with a GPS and check odometer display for dimness or blackout.
- Check for delayed acceleration or shuddering during a test drive, and ensure the ignition key removes easily in Park.
- Test the electronic parking brake engagement and release, and listen for abnormal brake pedal noises.
Before you buy
- For the Vtx1300, ride at various speeds to detect wobble and verify speedometer accuracy with a GPS.
- For the Camry, test the ignition key removal in Park and check for hesitation during acceleration.
- Check for open recalls on both vehicles using the NHTSA VIN lookup tool.
- Inspect tire wear patterns on the Vtx1300 for uneven wear that could indicate steering issues.
- On the Camry, test all electronic safety systems and the parking brake operation.
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 Vtx1300 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Honda Vtx1300 vs Toyota Camry
- Honda Vtx1300 total complaints
- 231
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Honda Vtx1300 total recalls
- 2
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Honda Vtx1300 avg complaints/year
- 33.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Honda Vtx1300
- Honda Vtx1300 top complaint area
- STEERING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN