Head-to-head reliability
Jaguar S TYPE vs Toyota Camry
How the Jaguar S TYPE 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
Jaguar S TYPE vs Toyota Camry: The Jaguar averaged 57.9 complaints per year with 4 deaths, while the Camry averaged 205.6 complaints per year with 1 death. The Jaguar has fewer complaints but more severe safety issues like ball joint failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Jaguar S TYPE or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Jaguar S TYPE
The Jaguar S TYPE is a luxury sedan that can be costly to maintain as it ages. Over 9 years, it averaged 57.9 complaints per year, with 24 recalls and 4 deaths reported. Owners frequently report transmission, suspension, brake, and electrical problems, often leading to expensive repairs. This suggests that living with an S TYPE requires a budget for ongoing maintenance and a tolerance for potential breakdowns.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream sedan known for reliability, but it still has its share of issues. Over 10 years, it averaged 205.6 complaints per year, with 31 recalls and 1 death reported. Common complaints include power train, engine, brake, and electrical problems, though many are less severe than those in the Jaguar. Overall, the Camry tends to have more complaints per year but may be less costly to repair.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Jaguar S TYPE | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 521 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 24 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 52 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 57.9 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 34 Better | 158 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 4 | 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.
Jaguar S TYPE
- 01POWER TRAIN106
- 02SUSPENSION65
- 03SERVICE BRAKES61
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM60
- 05VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL52
Owners report transmission issues such as fault codes for gear box and speed sensors, and problems shifting out of park. These can lead to expensive repairs and unsafe driving conditions.
Complaints include ball joint failure, which can cause loss of control, and other suspension components breaking. This is a serious safety concern and costly to fix.
The electronic parking brake may fail to release, leaving the car stuck for 15-20 minutes. Owners also report brake problems from early on, indicating persistent issues.
Reports include rapid acceleration due to electronic throttle malfunction and gear box/braking system malfunctions. These electrical glitches can be dangerous and hard to diagnose.
“On 5/8/23 called JLR NA on transmission issues fault codes C0003A(abs) P0500 and PO721 gear box and speed sensors. They recommended not to drive and have towed and connected to JLR road side, but $225 to closest JLR dealer, so called back and JLR recommended…”
“JAGUAR S-TYPE SEDAN 2003 WAS SUBJECT TO RECALL R-513 BUT NOT LIMITED TO THIS. THIS VEHICLE EXPERIENCED MAJOR MALFUNCTIONS IN PERFORMANCE WITH GEAR BOX AND BRAKING SYSTEMS IN WHICH IT COULD NOT BE PROPERLY SHIFTED OUT OF PARK, LOST RPM, PARKING BRAKE FAILURE,…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck in Park, requiring battery disconnection, and hesitation/shuddering with check engine light. These issues can strand drivers and indicate transmission or sensor problems.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, causing several seconds of hesitation. This can be a safety risk when merging or crossing traffic.
The electronic parking brake may not disengage, requiring a tow, and some owners hear clicking/vibrating noises from the ABS system. These problems can lead to unexpected repair costs.
Multiple systems like stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring can malfunction simultaneously. This suggests complex electrical issues that may be difficult to fix.
“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.
Jaguar S TYPE — 24 recalls
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WERE INADVERTENTLY RELEASED AFTER BEING ASSEMBLED WITH PROTOTYPE FUEL TANKS THAT WERE PRODUCED FOR TEST PURPOSES ONLY.
The risk: THE TANKS WERE MANUFACTURED WITH PROCESSES THAT VARY SIGNIFICANTLY FROM REGULAR PRODUCTION. THE DURABILITY OF THESE PROTOTYPE FUEL TANKS HAS NOT BEEN VALIDATED AND IS UNKNOWN.
The fix: THESE VEHICLES HAVE NOT BEEN RELEASED TO CUSTOMERS AND ARE LOCATED AT DEALER LOTS . THE FUEL TANK WILL BE REPLACED.
The defect: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE…
The risk: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The fix: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
The defect: CERTAIN SEDANS MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL GUIDE PLATE.
The risk: CONSEQUENTLY 'PARK' MAY NOT ENGAGE WHEN THE LEVER IN THE VEHICLE IS MOVED TO 'PARK" AND ALL INDICATORS SHOW 'PARK' POSITION IS ACHIEVED.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PARKING PAWL GUIDE PLATE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN NOVEMBER 22, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT JAGUAR AT 1-800-452-4827.
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, "PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEM." THE BRAKE FLUID MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR IS RECESSED AND ORIENTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BENEATH A LEAF SCREEN, SUCH THAT THE BRAKE FLUID WARNING STATE…
The risk: THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE STANDARD.
The fix: OWNERS WILL BE SENT LETTERS WHICH WILL INCLUDE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS AND LABELS CONTAINING THE REQUIRED WARNING STATEMENT. IF THEY PREFER, OWNERS MAY CONTACT DEALERS TO HAVE THEM INSTALL THE LABELS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 25, 2005…
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
Jaguar S TYPE or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Jaguar S TYPE has fewer complaints per year (57.9) than the Toyota Camry (205.6), but the Jaguar's issues often involve severe safety defects like ball joint failures and unintended acceleration. In practice, the Camry may have more frequent complaints, but they are often less catastrophic, while the Jaguar's problems can be more dangerous and expensive.
Key differences
- The Jaguar S TYPE has a lower complaint rate (57.9/year) compared to the Toyota Camry (205.6/year), but Jaguar complaints include serious safety defects like ball joint failure and unintended acceleration.
- The Camry has more crash-related complaints (171 vs. 52) and injuries (158 vs. 34), but fewer deaths (1 vs. 4) over the reported periods.
- Jaguar owners frequently report transmission and suspension failures, while Camry owners report ignition key stuck and engine hesitation.
- Both have electrical issues, but Jaguar's include throttle malfunctions leading to rapid acceleration, whereas Camry's involve multiple system malfunctions.
- Inspect suspension components, especially ball joints, for wear or damage, as failures have been reported to cause loss of control.
- Test the electronic parking brake and transmission operation, ensuring the car shifts properly and the brake releases, as owners report getting stuck.
- Check the ignition key operation to ensure it can be removed easily when in Park, as some owners report it getting stuck.
- Test the electronic parking brake and listen for unusual noises from the brakes, as failures to disengage and ABS noises have been reported.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to check for recalls and accident damage.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on transmission, suspension, brakes, and electrical systems.
- Test drive extensively, including parking and braking, to replicate reported issues.
- Verify that all recalls have been addressed by checking with a dealer using the VIN.
- Budget for potential repairs, especially for the Jaguar, which may have higher parts and labor costs.
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 Jaguar S TYPE or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Jaguar S TYPE vs Toyota Camry
- Jaguar S TYPE total complaints
- 521
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Jaguar S TYPE total recalls
- 24
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Jaguar S TYPE avg complaints/year
- 57.9
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Jaguar S TYPE
- Jaguar S TYPE top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN