Head-to-head reliability
Lexus LX vs Toyota Camry
How the Lexus LX 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 LX vs Toyota Camry: The LX has 25 complaints over 10 years (2.5/year) and 0 crash-related reports, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints (205.6/year) and 171 crash-related reports. The LX's main issues are engine stalling and brake noise; the Camry's include key stuck and hesitation. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lexus LX or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lexus LX
The Lexus LX is a low-volume luxury SUV with only 25 complaints over 10 years, averaging 2.5 per year. Most complaints center on engine and cooling issues, often tied to a recall for which parts were unavailable, plus brake noise and backup camera problems. There are no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in this data, but the engine stalling complaint is serious. Overall, it appears to have few complaints, but the ones that exist can be significant.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a high-volume sedan with 2,056 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 206 per year. Complaints span power train, engine, brakes, electrical, and unknown areas, with 171 crash-related reports, 158 injuries, and 1 death. Owners describe issues like key stuck in ignition, hesitation and shuddering, brake noise, and multiple system malfunctions. This suggests a wide range of problems that buyers should be aware of.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lexus LX | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 25 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 17 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 2.5 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 LX
- 01ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING8
- 02ENGINE8
- 03SERVICE BRAKES3
- 04BACK OVER PREVENTION2
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
Owners report receiving recall notices for engine issues but parts not being available, and one owner experienced a sudden loss of power at 65 mph with a 'Pull Over' warning. This means a potential stall risk that could leave you stranded or worse.
Complaints include recall handling problems and a case where the vehicle lost power and shut down while driving. This indicates a serious safety concern that needs immediate attention if it occurs.
Owners describe abnormal humming noises when braking and warning lights illuminating, with anxiety about brakes not working. This suggests brake system noises and warnings that should be checked.
Reports include the vehicle turning off while still in drive or reverse when pressing the engine button, and a distorted rearview camera image. This could make parking and backing up less safe.
“The contact owns a 2024 Lexus LX 600. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V767000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer because the contact w…”
“The contact owns a 2023 Lexus LX 600. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V767000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact called the dealer and the manufacturer and was informed that the remedy was not yet available. The contact sta…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck and not coming out even when in Park, requiring battery disconnection, and hesitation/shuddering with check engine light. These issues can leave you unable to secure or drive the car reliably.
Complaints include multiple systems failing at once, such as stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping, plus subframe and driveline issues. This suggests electrical and structural problems that can be hard to diagnose.
Owners describe delayed throttle response where pressing the gas has a several-second delay before the car moves, and hesitation/shuddering with check engine light. This can make merging or accelerating unpredictable.
Reports include the electronic parking brake not disengaging, requiring a tow, and clicking/vibrating noises from the brake pedal area that the manufacturer calls normal. These brake issues can be inconvenient and concerning.
“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 LX — 17 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Tundra, Tundra Hybrid, Lexus LX600, and 2023-2024 Sequoia Hybrid vehicles. Unexpected vehicle movement may occur when the vehicle is in neutral and the brakes are not applied.
The risk: Unexpected vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the transmission control ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 8, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TA02 and…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Tundra and Lexus LX600 vehicles equipped with a V35A engine. Debris from the manufacturing process may contaminate the engine and cause the main bearings to fail, which can result in an engine stall and loss of drive p…
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the engine assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed between December 17, 2024 and February 19, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB07/…
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 2022-2024 Toyota Tundra, Lexus LX, and 2024 Lexus GX vehicles equipped with a V35A engine. Debris from the manufacturing process may contaminate the engine and cause the main bearings to fail, which can result in an engine stall…
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will perform an inspection on the #1 main bearing using vehicle inspection software and drive data, and if necessary, replace the engine. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner letters were mailed August 28, 2026. Owners m…
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 LX or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Lexus LX has far fewer complaints per year (2.5 vs 205.6) and no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths, while the Camry has 171 crash-related reports, 158 injuries, and 1 death. In practice, the LX appears to have fewer reported problems overall, but the Camry's higher volume means more data; the LX's issues, though rare, include serious engine stalling. The difference means you're less likely to encounter complaints with the LX, but any issue may be more severe.
Key differences
- The Lexus LX has 25 complaints over 10 years, while the Toyota Camry has 2,056, a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- The LX has 0 crash-related complaints, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths; the Camry has 171 crash-related, 158 injuries, and 1 death.
- LX complaints often involve engine stalling and recall part unavailability, while Camry complaints include key stuck in ignition, hesitation, and multiple system failures.
- Both have brake complaints, but the LX reports humming noises and warning lights, while the Camry reports parking brake failure and pedal noise.
- Check for open recall 25V767 on the engine and cooling system; ensure the remedy has been applied, as owners report parts unavailable and potential power loss.
- Test the brakes for abnormal humming noises and watch for brake warning lights, as owners report these symptoms.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park; if it sticks, it could be a power train defect requiring battery disconnection.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal and check if the electronic parking brake disengages properly, as owners report these issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and confirm all recalls are closed, especially the Lexus LX engine recall 25V767.
- During a test drive, accelerate firmly to check for hesitation or shuddering, and brake to listen for abnormal noises.
- Verify that the backup camera displays a clear image and that the vehicle does not shut off unexpectedly when parking.
- For the Camry, test the key removal in Park and check that the electronic parking brake engages and disengages smoothly.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical systems for any stored codes or pending issues.
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 LX | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 | 2 | 163 |
| 2024 | 3 | 50 |
| 2023 | 13 | 64 |
| 2022 | 5 | 61 |
| 2021 | 0 | 157 |
| 2020 | 1 | 274 |
| 2019 | 0 | 395 |
| 2018 | 0 | 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 LX or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lexus LX vs Toyota Camry
- Lexus LX total complaints
- 25
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Lexus LX total recalls
- 17
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Lexus LX avg complaints/year
- 2.5
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Lexus LX
- Lexus LX top complaint area
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN