Head-to-head reliability
Jaguar XK vs Toyota Camry
How the Jaguar XK 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 XK vs Toyota Camry: The XK averages 8.4 complaints per year with 20 recalls, while the Camry averages 205.6 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The XK's complaints include unintended acceleration and brake failure; the Camry's include stuck keys and hesitation. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Jaguar XK or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Jaguar XK
The Jaguar XK is a low-volume sports car that averages about 8.4 complaints per year over a decade, with 20 recalls and 8 crash-related reports. Owners frequently describe unintended acceleration where braking does not stop the car, brake issues, and transmission or differential problems. Airbag warning lights and electrical glitches also appear in the complaint sample. Living with one means dealing with serious safety-related faults that can be intermittent and hard to fix.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a high-volume family sedan with about 205.6 complaints per year, 31 recalls, and 171 crash-related reports over the same period. Owners report power train problems like a stuck ignition key or shuddering, engine hesitation, and brake noises or electronic parking brake failures. Many complaints also involve multiple electronic safety systems malfunctioning at once. The sheer number of complaints reflects how many are on the road, but the pattern shows a broad mix of issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Jaguar XK | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 84 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 20 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 8 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 8.4 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 5 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.
Jaguar XK
- 01VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL20
- 02SERVICE BRAKES13
- 03POWER TRAIN11
- 04AIR BAGS9
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM9
Owners report unintended acceleration where the car speeds up on its own and the brakes do not stop it, sometimes requiring shifting into park. This is a serious safety concern because it can lead to a crash if it happens in traffic.
Complaints describe the vehicle failing to respond when braking, and some note that high-performance tires lose traction in rain or snow, defeating anti-lock brakes and stability control. This matters because braking is your primary safety system.
Owners report transmission replacements at low mileage and rear differential fluid leaks that require seal repairs. These can be expensive and may recur, so a pre-purchase inspection should focus on transmission behavior and differential leaks.
Airbag warning lights come on repeatedly, and owners report multiple dealer visits where connections were 'corrected' or fuses replaced without a permanent fix. A persistent airbag light means the system may not deploy in a crash.
“On at least 3 occasions, my vehicle had unintended acceleration and applying brakes did not stop the car. I put it in park to stop. I took it to the Foreign performance (mechanic shop) on 11-29-23 after the first time and they said they fixed it. It occurred…”
“TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 JAGUAR X-TYPE PURCHASED ON NOVEMBER 10, 2006 WITH 15 MILES. THE CONTACT EXPLAINED THAT EARLY IN DECEMBER 2006 WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE BETWEEN 40 TO 45 MPH AND BEFORE COMING TO A STOP SIGN THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND WHEN THE…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report an ignition key that gets stuck and cannot be removed even when the car is in Park, sometimes requiring a battery disconnect. Others describe hesitation and shuddering with the check engine light on. These issues can leave you stranded or lead to costly repairs.
Complaints include a delayed throttle response where pressing the gas pedal does not move the car for several seconds. This hesitation can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic, and it may be intermittent.
Owners report the electronic parking brake failing to disengage, requiring a tow, and a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area that dealers call normal for the 2023 Camry. A parking brake that will not release can prevent you from driving.
Multiple safety systems—stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—can malfunction at the same time. This is concerning because these systems work together to help you avoid crashes.
“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 XK — 20 recalls
The defect: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Jaguar) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Jaguar XK vehicles manufactured March 4, 2011, to March 20, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the front side lamps (parking lamps) may turn off after approximately 5 minutes. As such, these vehicles fail to comply…
The risk: If the parking lamps turn off, the vehicle will have reduced conspicuity, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Jaguar will notify owners, and dealers will update software that controls the front side lamps, free of charge. The recall began March 5, 2015. Owners may contact Jaguar customer service at 1-800-452-4827. Jaguar's number for this recall i…
The defect: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Jaguar) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 XK (XKR and XKR-S) vehicles manufactured August 24, 2012, to June 10, 2014, and equipped with a 5.0L engine. The tire placard has incorrect information for the spare tire stating "none" for the inflation pressur…
The risk: If the recommended pressure for the spare tire is not provided, the tire may not be properly inflated which may result in its failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Jaguar will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and, as necessary, attach a corrected tire placard label stating the tire size and pressure, free of charge. The recall began on August 29, 2014. Owners may contact Jaguar cu…
The defect: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Jaguar) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 XJ, XF and XK vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the toe links, components used to control the alignment of the rear wheels, can separate from the rear sub-frame.
The risk: If a toe link separates from the rear sub-frame, a loss of vehicle stability and directional control may result, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Jaguar notified owners on May 8, 2014, and dealers will replace the nut and washer assembly on the rear toe links, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin around May 27, 2014. Owners may contact Jaguar at 1-855-524-8278. Jaguar's n…
The defect: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Jaguar) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 XK convertible vehicles manufactured October 1, 2010, through August 1, 2013. The switch in the overhead roof console also activates the power operated windows when the convertible roof is opening or closing. Th…
The risk: The power windows may inadvertently be activated and pinch or injure an arm or finger.
The fix: Jaguar will notify owners, and dealers will replace the overhead roof console, free of charge. The recall began on October 1, 2013. Owners may contact Jaguar at 1-800-452-4827. Jaguar's recall number is J030.
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 XK or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Jaguar XK has far fewer complaints per year (8.4 vs. 205.6), but its issues are often severe, such as unintended acceleration and brake failure. The Toyota Camry has many more complaints, but they are spread across a much larger fleet and include a wider range of problems. In practice, the XK may have fewer total problems but each one can be more dangerous, while the Camry may have more frequent but sometimes less critical issues.
Key differences
- The Jaguar XK has 8.4 complaints per year and 20 recalls, while the Toyota Camry has 205.6 complaints per year and 31 recalls, but the Camry sells in far higher numbers.
- Jaguar XK owners report unintended acceleration where brakes do not stop the car, a severe safety issue; Camry owners report a stuck ignition key and engine hesitation.
- The XK's top complaint area is vehicle speed control (20 complaints), while the Camry's is power train (385 complaints), showing different failure patterns.
- The XK has 8 crash-related reports and 5 injuries; the Camry has 171 crash-related reports and 158 injuries, but these counts are not adjusted for the number of vehicles on the road.
- During a test drive, check for any unintended acceleration or a brake pedal that feels unresponsive; if the car surges or does not slow when braking, walk away.
- Look for a persistent airbag warning light and ask for service records showing the airbag connections were permanently fixed, not just reset.
- Try removing the ignition key after parking; if it sticks or requires a battery disconnect, that is a known power train defect.
- Test the electronic parking brake by engaging and disengaging it several times; if it fails to release or makes a loud clicking noise, it may need an expensive repair.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and all recall repair records for both models, focusing on the specific recall subjects listed.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Jaguar XK for transmission and rear differential leaks, and test the brakes and speed control system.
- For the Toyota Camry, test the ignition key removal, throttle response, and electronic parking brake operation during a test drive.
- Search NHTSA complaints for the exact model year you are considering to see if the reported issues apply.
- Ask the seller if any unintended acceleration, brake failure, or electronic system malfunctions have occurred and get it in writing.
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 XK or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Jaguar XK vs Toyota Camry
- Jaguar XK total complaints
- 84
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Jaguar XK total recalls
- 20
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Jaguar XK avg complaints/year
- 8.4
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Jaguar XK
- Jaguar XK top complaint area
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN