Head-to-head reliability
Lexus HS vs Toyota Camry
How the Lexus HS 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
Lexus HS vs Toyota Camry: The HS has 0 complaints over 3 years and 3 recalls, while the Camry has 2,143 complaints over 10 years, 31 recalls, and 181 crash-related reports. The Camry also shows 163 injuries and 1 death. The HS has far fewer reported issues per year. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lexus HS or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lexus HS
The Lexus HS is a small luxury hybrid sedan that, based on NHTSA data, has no owner complaints filed over three years. That clean complaint record suggests owners have not reported recurring failures, but it does not prove the car is trouble-free. Three recalls exist for brakes and fuel storage, so you should verify those repairs were completed. Overall, the HS appears to be a low-drama used car if you find one with a documented service history.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream midsize sedan with a huge number of NHTSA complaints—2,143 over ten years, or about 214 per year. Owners report serious issues including sudden acceleration, transmission grinding, brake failure, and air conditioning problems. There are also 181 crash-related complaints, 163 injuries, and one death, plus 31 recalls. This means a used Camry needs a very careful inspection and a check for open recalls.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lexus HS | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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.
Lexus HS
No component data available.
The Lexus HS has a recall for service brakes and another for the antilock brake control unit. No owner complaints describe symptoms, but a brake-related recall means you should confirm the fix was done. If ignored, brake problems could affect stopping performance.
A recall covers the gasoline storage system. There are no owner complaints explaining the exact failure, but fuel storage defects can lead to leaks or stalling. A buyer should ask for proof the recall repair was completed.
NHTSA shows zero owner complaints for the Lexus HS over three years. That is a good sign, but it may also mean fewer owners filed reports. You still need a mechanic to check the brakes and fuel system because of the recalls.
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front during acceleration, with dealers confirming transmission damage that requires replacement. Another complaint describes sudden acceleration while driving, leading to a crash. These are serious, expensive failures that can affect safety and cost thousands to fix.
Complaints include uncontrollable sudden acceleration and a coolant bypass valve code (P268115) that owners say is covered by a recall for some Camrys but not their VIN. Sudden acceleration is a major safety concern, and the coolant issue can cause engine overheating if not repaired.
Owners describe pressing the brake pedal with no response, including on a steep hill, and having to take emergency action. Another complaint notes that adding more brake force did not stop the car as expected. Brake failure is a critical safety risk.
Reports include AC condenser damage from a rock that punctured the line, and a recurring mildew or vinegar smell from the vents when the air conditioning runs. These are comfort and repair-cost issues rather than safety defects, but they can be annoying and costly.
“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.
Lexus HS — 3 recalls
The defect: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 Prius vehicles manufactured March 31, 2009, through October 9, 2009; and model year 2010 Lexus HS250h vehicles manufactured June 19, 2009, through October 9, 2009. Nitrogen gas from a component of the brake booster pump assembly could leak into the brake…
The risk: As nitrogen is released into the brake fluid, the brake pedal may have reduced hydraulic pressure. Under certain circumstances, this condition could affect stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected brake booster pump assemblies. The recall began on August 7, 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
The defect: TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 HS250h LEXUS VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ROTATED FOLLOWING A CRASH TEST AS REQUIRED, THE AMOUNT OF FUEL LEAKAGE EXCEEDED THE ALLOWABLE…
The risk: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE AFFECTED VEHICLES BY INSTALLING A NEWLY DESIGNED PROTECTOR COMPONENT FOR THE FUEL FILLER INLET PIPE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 9, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LEXUS A…
The defect: TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 TOYOTA PRIUS AND LEXUS HS250H PASSENGER VEHICLES. CUSTOMERS HAVE EXPERIENCED INCONSISTENT BRAKE FEEL AFTER ABS ACTUATION DURING SLOW AND STEADY APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES ON ROUGH OR SLICK ROAD SURFACES. STOPPING DISTANCES MAY BE INCREASED COMPARED WITH A…
The risk: VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCES MAY INCREASE RELATIVE TO A CUSTOMER'S EXPECTATION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REWRITE THE PROGRAMMING OF THE ABS CONTROL UNIT FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 3, 2010, AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN LATE MARCH 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 AND LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3…
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
Lexus HS or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Lexus HS has far fewer issues per year—0 complaints per year versus about 214 per year for the Toyota Camry. In practice, that means a used HS is much less likely to have a long list of owner-reported failures. However, the HS still has three recalls, so you must check those were fixed.
Key differences
- The Lexus HS has 0 owner complaints over 3 years, while the Toyota Camry has 2,143 complaints over 10 years, including 181 crash-related reports and 163 injuries.
- Camry owners report sudden acceleration, transmission grinding that needs replacement, and brake pedal failure; the HS has no owner complaint text describing such symptoms.
- The HS has 3 recalls for brakes and fuel storage; the Camry has 31 recalls covering air bags, seats, wheels, and labels.
- The Camry's most common complaint areas are power train (395), unknown/other (342), engine (315), and service brakes (290), showing a wide range of reported problems.
- Ask for proof that the service brake and antilock brake control unit recalls were repaired; if not, get them done before driving.
- Check for any fuel smell or leaks around the gasoline storage system, since a recall exists for that area even without owner complaints.
- Test drive at low speed and listen for grinding or whining from the transmission; owners report transmission replacement for front-end grinding on acceleration.
- Check for sudden acceleration by testing gentle acceleration and braking in a safe area; also inspect brake pedal response on a downhill slope, as owners report no brake response.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to see all open recalls for the specific Lexus HS or Toyota Camry you are considering.
- For the Camry, ask for transmission service records and have a mechanic scan for pending codes, especially any related to the coolant bypass valve.
- For the HS, confirm the brake and fuel storage recalls were completed by a Lexus dealer and get written proof.
- Test drive both cars on hills and in parking lots, checking for brake response, sudden acceleration, and transmission noises.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection done by a mechanic who knows hybrids for the HS and Toyota transmissions for the Camry.
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 Lexus HS or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lexus HS vs Toyota Camry
- Lexus HS total complaints
- 0
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Lexus HS total recalls
- 3
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Lexus HS avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Lexus HS
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN