Vehicle 1

Lexus RX

580 complaints · 16 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Toyota Camry

1,900 complaints · 26 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

Lexus RX vs Toyota Camry: The RX has 58 complaints per year (580 total) and 16 recalls, while the Camry has 190 per year (1900 total) and 26 recalls. The RX's top issue is air bags; the Camry's is power train. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

4
Lexus RX
wins all 4 categories
0
Toyota Camry
no category wins
CategoryLexus RXToyota Camry
Total Complaints
All years combined
580
✓ lower
1,900
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
16
✓ lower
26
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
70
✓ lower
165
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
58.0
✓ lower
190.0

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Lexus RX

1. AIR BAGS260
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER95
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM67
4. ENGINE39
5. STRUCTURE34

Toyota Camry

1. POWER TRAIN340
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER301
3. ENGINE295
4. SERVICE BRAKES278
5. AIR BAGS218
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Lexus RX has far fewer complaints per year (58 vs 190) and fewer recalls (16 vs 26), suggesting it may be a more reliable choice. However, both vehicles have notable issues that buyers should investigate.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize lower complaint rates and fewer recalls, choose the Lexus RX. If you need a lower purchase price and are willing to accept higher complaint volume, the Toyota Camry may suit you. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check for open recalls.

Key Differences
  • Lexus RX averages 58 complaints/year vs Camry's 190/year.
  • Camry has 26 recalls; RX has 16.
  • Camry's top issue is POWER TRAIN (340 complaints); RX's top is AIR BAGS (260).
  • Camry has 165 crash complaints; RX has 70.
⚠ Watch on Lexus RX
  • Air bag issues are the most common complaint (260), so verify air bag system history.
  • Electrical system problems (67 complaints) may cause intermittent failures.
⚠ Watch on Toyota Camry
  • Power train complaints (340) are the top issue; check transmission and engine performance.
  • Service brake issues (278) could indicate premature wear or failure.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles using the VIN.
  • Inspect air bag system on Lexus RX; ask about any previous repairs.
  • Test drive the Camry and listen for transmission or brake noises.
  • Review maintenance records for both vehicles.
  • Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Lexus RXToyota Camry
2026
0
0
2025
20
118
2024
54
43
2023
55
54
2022
35
54
2021
277
150
2020
139
259
2019
0
369
2018
0
708
2017
0
145
Lexus RX vs Toyota Camry — comparison facts
Comparison
Lexus RX vs Toyota Camry
Lexus RX total complaints
580
Toyota Camry total complaints
1,900
Lexus RX total recalls
16
Toyota Camry total recalls
26
Lexus RX avg complaints/year
58.0
Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
190.0
More reliable overall
Lexus RX
Lexus RX top complaint area
AIR BAGS
Toyota Camry top complaint area
POWER TRAIN
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Lexus RXReliability & Problems

580 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Toyota CamryReliability & Problems

1,900 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Lexus RX or Toyota Camry?

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