Head-to-head reliability
Lexus LS vs Toyota Camry
How the Lexus LS 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 LS vs Toyota Camry: The LS averages 1.8 complaints per year with 0 crash-related reports, while the Camry averages 205.6 complaints per year with 171 crash-related reports and 1 death. The LS has fewer reported problems per year, but the Camry is far more common. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lexus LS or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lexus LS
The Lexus LS is a low-volume luxury sedan with an average of 1.8 complaints per year over the past decade, suggesting a relatively low rate of owner-reported problems. The complaints that do appear cluster around advanced electronics, wheels, and seat comfort, with some owners reporting issues after recall repairs. There are no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in this dataset, but the sample size is small. Overall, it appears to be a car where major safety failures are rare, but electronic gremlins and seat defects can still frustrate owners.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a high-volume family sedan with an average of 205.6 complaints per year, reflecting its huge sales numbers. Owner complaints frequently involve the power train, engine, and brakes, with reports of hesitation, shuddering, and brake noise. There are 171 crash-related complaints, 158 injuries, and 1 death in the data, indicating that some issues may have serious consequences. While many complaints may be minor, the volume and severity of reports suggest buyers should carefully inspect any used Camry.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lexus LS | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 18 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 11 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.8 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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.
Lexus LS
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER4
- 02WHEELS4
- 03SEATS3
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
- 05ENGINE2
Owners report that the collision avoidance system can blow fuses and stop working while the dashboard light still shows it as active, so drivers may not know it is offline. Others experienced premature battery failure at low mileage, leaving the car unable to start without warning.
Some complaints mention wheel-related issues after a recall repair, though the exact symptom is not detailed in the sample. This could involve loose or damaged components that affect handling or safety.
Owners describe seat defects such as a non-functional massage feature and a seat belt that fails to tighten or retract, plus large lumps in the driver's seat that cause leg numbness and pain. These issues can make the seat uncomfortable or unsafe.
Several complaints involve dissatisfaction with recall repairs, including one where a collision avoidance system failed after a recall fix. This suggests that some fixes may not fully resolve the problem.
“APEAL AGAINST THE RECALL DONE BY LEXUS TOYOTA ON MAY 16TH, 2019, I TOOK MY CAR LEXUS 2018 LS 500 TO THE DEALER, LEXUS OF WOODLAND HILLS, WHERE I BOUGHT IT, FOR BEING RECALLED BY THE COMPANY. (NHTSA RECALL NO. 19V-134) AFTER RECALL DEFECTS WERE FIXED, I DROVE…”
“THE COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM BLOWS FUSES AND STOPS WORKING, BUT THE LIGHT ON THE DASH CONTINUES TO INDICATE THAT EVERYTHING IS WORKING. IN OTHER WORDS, THERE IS NO WAY TO LEARN THAT THE COLLISION SYSTEM IS OFFLINE UNLESS YOU'RE WILLING TO SIMULATE A NEAR CE…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report intermittent ignition key sticking where the key cannot be removed even though the car is in Park, requiring battery disconnection. Others describe hesitation and shuddering while driving, often with the check engine light on.
Complaints include delayed throttle response where pressing the accelerator results in a several-second delay before the car moves. This can be dangerous when merging or pulling out into traffic.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer. Owners also report a clicking or vibrating sound from the brake pedal area, which the manufacturer says is normal but owners find concerning.
Multiple systems can malfunction at once, including stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping assistance. This suggests potential electrical or software issues that could affect safety.
“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.
Lexus LS — 11 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Lexus LS500 and 2018-2020 Lexus LS500 Hybrid vehicles equipped with the "Executive Package." The front passenger seat may have been assembled with interference between internal parts that can cause the Occupant Classif…
The risk: Incorrect detection of an occupant may result in improper air bag deployment during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the front passenger seat, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 7, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 2…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner…
The risk: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the instrument panel software over-the-air (OTA) for non-PHEV vehicles, free of charge. For PHEV vehicles, dealers will inspect the instrument panel assembly, and either replace it, or update the software, free of charg…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or d…
The risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's nu…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Lexus LS vehicles equipped with run-flat tires with a sidewall reinforcement layer inside the tire. The tire-on-wheel assembly process may have caused the reinforcement layer to crack, possibly resulting in the tire tread l…
The risk: If the tire tread layer separates from the vehicle, vehicle handling and stability may be affected, increasing the risk of crash.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and Lexus dealers will replace the affected tires, free of charge. The recall began April 26, 2019. Owners may contact Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. The Toyota number for this recall is KLC.
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
Lexus LS or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Lexus LS has far fewer complaints per year (1.8) compared to the Toyota Camry (205.6), but the Camry is sold in much higher numbers. In practice, the LS appears to have a lower rate of owner-reported problems, while the Camry's higher volume means more individual issues are documented. However, the Camry's complaints include serious crash, injury, and death reports, whereas the LS has none in this dataset.
Key differences
- The Lexus LS averages 1.8 complaints per year, while the Toyota Camry averages 205.6, but the Camry sells in much larger numbers.
- Lexus LS complaints often involve electronic glitches like collision avoidance fuses blowing and seat defects, while Camry complaints frequently involve power train hesitation and brake problems.
- The Camry has 171 crash-related complaints, 158 injuries, and 1 death in the data; the Lexus LS has none of these, though its sample size is smaller.
- Both vehicles have recalls for air bag occupant classification sensors, but the Camry also has recalls for wheels/lugs and seats.
- Check that the collision avoidance system is functioning and that no fuses are blown; test it if possible, as owners report it can fail silently.
- Inspect the front seats for lumps, massage function operation, and seat belt retraction, especially on low-mileage examples.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park; if it sticks, it may require battery disconnection to remove.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal and check that the electronic parking brake engages and disengages properly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for air bag sensors and electrical systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the collision avoidance system, battery health, and seat functions on the Lexus LS.
- For the Toyota Camry, test drive at various speeds to check for hesitation or shuddering, and verify the ignition key can be removed easily.
- Check the electronic parking brake operation and listen for abnormal brake noises on the Camry.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and be wary of any vehicle with unresolved recall notices.
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 | Lexus LS | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 1 | 163 |
| 2024 | 0 | 50 |
| 2023 | 1 | 64 |
| 2022 | 0 | 61 |
| 2021 | 5 | 157 |
| 2020 | 0 | 274 |
| 2019 | 1 | 395 |
| 2018 | 10 | 744 |
| 2017 | 0 | 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 Lexus LS or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lexus LS vs Toyota Camry
- Lexus LS total complaints
- 18
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Lexus LS total recalls
- 11
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Lexus LS avg complaints/year
- 1.8
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Lexus LS
- Lexus LS top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN