Head-to-head reliability
Lexus NX vs Toyota Camry
How the Lexus NX 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 NX vs Toyota Camry: The NX averages 28 complaints per year and 15 recalls, while the Camry averages 214 complaints per year and 31 recalls. The NX has 34 crash-related complaints and 0 deaths; the Camry has 181 crash-related complaints and 1 death. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lexus NX or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lexus NX
The Lexus NX is a compact luxury SUV that averages about 28 complaints per year over the past decade, with 15 recalls. The most common owner-reported issues involve electrical system glitches, such as all warning lights illuminating and loss of air conditioning or power brakes, as well as side mirror visibility problems for shorter drivers. While the overall complaint rate is relatively low, the electrical and structural complaints suggest that some owners experience sudden, unsettling failures that can affect confidence in the vehicle.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a much higher complaint volume—about 214 per year—and 31 recalls over the same period. Owners frequently report power train problems, including transmission grinding and sudden acceleration, as well as engine issues like coolant valve failures and brake problems such as a non-responsive pedal. These patterns indicate that while the Camry is popular, it has a broader range of recurring mechanical and safety-related complaints that buyers should investigate.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lexus NX | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 284 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 15 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 34 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 28.4 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 26 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 NX
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM85
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER63
- 03STRUCTURE29
- 04SERVICE BRAKES21
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE21
Owners report that while driving, all warning lights can come on at once, sometimes accompanied by loss of air conditioning and power brakes. This can be alarming and may indicate a serious electrical fault that needs immediate attention.
Some complaints describe structural issues linked to the same event where multiple warning lights appear, suggesting possible body or frame concerns. Buyers should check for any signs of prior electrical-related damage that could affect structural integrity.
A few owners express disappointment with brake service, though specific failure details are limited. It's wise to have a mechanic inspect the brake system for wear or unusual behavior.
This system is among the top components, but no sample complaints are provided. Buyers should test the forward collision warning and automatic braking features to ensure they function correctly.
“While driving our Lexus on 8/13/2023 on the interstate under normal driving conditions ALL of our warning lights came on one after another. We also lost air conditioning and power brakes it seemed. We immediately exited and pulled over. Opened the hood and th…”
“While driving our Lexus on 8/13/2023 on the interstate under normal driving conditions ALL of our warning lights came on one after another. We also lost air conditioning and power brakes it seemed. We immediately exited and pulled over. Opened the hood and th…”
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 replacement is needed. Another complaint describes sudden acceleration while braking in a parking lot, which can lead to crashes.
Complaints include uncontrollable sudden acceleration and engine maintenance codes related to a coolant valve bypass recall. These issues can cause safety hazards and costly repairs if not addressed.
One owner reported no brake response while driving down a steep hill, requiring emergency action. Another described needing extra brake force in a parking lot, indicating potential brake performance inconsistencies.
While not detailed in the samples, electrical system complaints are common. Buyers should check for any warning lights or electrical malfunctions during a test drive.
“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 NX — 15 recalls
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 2022-2025 Lexus NX350, NX250, 2023-2026 RX350, and 2024-2026 TX350 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federa…
The risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software or replace the rearview camera, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 15, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's nu…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Camry, 2019 Lexus NX300, and 2019 RX350L vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
The risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 12, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TA01 and 25LA01.
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024 Lexus RX 350, RX 350h, 2024-2025 NX 250, NX 350, and NX 350h vehicles. The head restraints on the driver and front passenger seats may be inadvertently removed without pressing the lock release button. As such, these vehicl…
The risk: A head restraint that is inadvertently removed and not reinstalled can increase the risk of injury during a rear-end crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the driver and front passenger seat head rest assemblies, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed February 14, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are…
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 NX or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Lexus NX has far fewer complaints per year (about 28) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 214), and fewer recalls (15 vs. 31). In practice, this means the NX may have a lower likelihood of frequent repair visits, but the Camry's higher volume also reflects its larger sales base. Both have serious reported issues, so a thorough inspection is essential regardless of choice.
Key differences
- The Lexus NX averages about 28 complaints per year, while the Toyota Camry averages about 214 per year, indicating a much higher complaint volume for the Camry.
- Lexus NX owners frequently report electrical system failures causing multiple warning lights and loss of power brakes, whereas Camry owners report power train issues like transmission grinding and sudden acceleration.
- The Camry has 181 crash-related complaints and 1 death, compared to the NX's 34 crash-related complaints and 0 deaths, suggesting different safety risk profiles.
- Both vehicles have recalls, but the NX's recalls include back over prevention and fuel pump issues, while the Camry's include air bag sensors and wheel lug nuts.
- Check for any history of electrical system repairs, especially if multiple warning lights illuminate simultaneously or if there are signs of power brake loss.
- Inspect the side mirrors for adequate adjustment range, particularly if you are a shorter driver, as some owners report visibility issues.
- Listen for grinding noises from the front end during acceleration, which could indicate transmission problems requiring replacement.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including on inclines, to ensure responsive braking, as some owners report no brake response or needing extra force.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on both the Lexus NX and Toyota Camry.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the electrical system and brakes on the Lexus NX, and the transmission and brakes on the Toyota Camry.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, or delayed acceleration/braking.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes (Camry) and electrical repairs (NX).
- Verify that all safety features, such as forward collision avoidance (NX) and air bags (Camry), are functioning properly.
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 NX | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 119 |
| 2025 | 34 | 153 |
| 2024 | 167 | 48 |
| 2023 | 29 | 62 |
| 2022 | 16 | 59 |
| 2021 | 34 | 155 |
| 2020 | 0 | 270 |
| 2019 | 0 | 393 |
| 2018 | 0 | 736 |
| 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 NX or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lexus NX vs Toyota Camry
- Lexus NX total complaints
- 284
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Lexus NX total recalls
- 15
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Lexus NX avg complaints/year
- 28.4
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Lexus NX
- Lexus NX top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN