Head-to-head reliability
Lexus TX vs Toyota Camry
How the Lexus TX 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 TX vs Toyota Camry: The TX averages 57 complaints per year over 3 years, while the Camry averages 214 per year over 10 years. The TX has no reported deaths, but the Camry has 1. Both have airbag and powertrain issues, but the Camry also has brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lexus TX or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lexus TX
The Lexus TX is a newer, full-size luxury SUV that has been on sale for only three model years, so its complaint history is short but concentrated. Owners report a mix of electrical gremlins, airbag clock-spring noise, and drivetrain hesitation, often within the first few thousand miles. The pattern suggests a vehicle that may still be having early-life quality issues, especially in the electronics and steering column components.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a long-running midsize sedan with a decade of data, showing a high volume of complaints but spread over many more years and units. The main trouble spots are the powertrain (including transmission grinding and acceleration concerns), brakes, and engine, with some reports of sudden acceleration and brake failure. While the Camry has a reputation for reliability, these complaints indicate that certain model years have had significant issues 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 TX | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 171 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 12 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 9 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 57.0 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 8 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 TX
- 01AIR BAGS52
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER46
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM20
- 04ENGINE16
- 05POWER TRAIN14
Owners report a crackling noise from the clock spring behind the steering wheel, which can affect the airbag circuit and steering wheel controls. This is a safety-critical component that may need replacement.
Several complaints describe a loss of acceleration response when pressing the pedal, with the vehicle not moving despite being in Drive. This could be related to the electronic throttle or transmission control, posing a potential safety hazard in traffic.
The same acceleration issue appears under electrical system, along with the clock spring noise. Electrical failures can be intermittent and hard to diagnose, leading to frustration and potential safety risks.
Some owners report the engine not engaging from EV mode when accelerating, causing a lack of power. Others mention AC failure due to a damaged condenser from road debris, which is more of a design vulnerability than a mechanical defect.
“The SRS spiral cable assembly (clock spring), located directly behind the driver's instrument display in the steering column, is producing an intermittent crackling noise. The component is available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: The clock spring i…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Complaints include grinding noises from the transmission, with some requiring full replacement. There are also reports of sudden acceleration and difficulty braking, which could be related to the powertrain control.
Many owners report AC condenser damage from rocks, leading to refrigerant leaks and failure. Others describe a recurring mildew smell from the HVAC system, which is unpleasant and may require cleaning or part replacement.
Sudden unintended acceleration is a serious complaint, with one incident leading to a crash. There are also reports of engine warning lights related to a coolant valve bypass, which may not be covered by recall for all VINs.
Brake failure is reported, including a case where the pedal had no response on a downhill curve. Other complaints involve the brake pedal feeling hard or not engaging properly, which is critical for safety.
“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 TX — 12 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 2024-2025 Toyota Tundra, Tacoma Hybrid, Tacoma, RAV4 Hybrid, Land Cruiser Hybrid, Lexus GX550, 2024-2026 Tundra Hybrid, 2025 Sequoia Hybrid, Crown Signia, Grand Highlander, Lexus TX500 Hybrid, Lexus NX350 Hybrid, 2025-2026 Grand…
The risk: A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the load carrying capacity modification label, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 26, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26LB04, 26LA04…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2026 Lexus TX Plug-In Hybrid, TX Hybrid, TX, Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, and Grand Highlander vehicles. The rear axle carriers may have been manufactured with insufficient material strength and could break.
The risk: A broken rear axle carrier can cause a sudden loss of vehicle stability and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the rear axle carrier sub-assembly code, and replace the sub-assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 23, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service a…
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 TX or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Lexus TX has far fewer complaints per year (57 vs 214) and no reported deaths, while the Camry has a higher volume and includes a fatality. However, the TX is newer and has fewer years of data, so its long-term reliability is less proven. In practice, the TX may have fewer immediate issues, but the Camry's problems are more widespread and potentially more severe.
Key differences
- The Lexus TX has a much lower complaint rate per year (57) compared to the Camry (214), but the TX has only 3 years of data.
- The Camry has a higher number of crash-related complaints (181) and injuries (163), including one death, while the TX has 9 crashes and 8 injuries with no deaths.
- The TX's top issues are airbag clock spring noise and electrical/acceleration problems, while the Camry's top issues are transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, and brake failure.
- Both vehicles have AC condenser damage from road debris, but the Camry also has a recurring HVAC odor issue.
- Listen for a crackling noise from the steering column, which may indicate a faulty clock spring that could affect airbag deployment.
- Test acceleration from a stop, especially when the engine is in EV mode, to ensure the vehicle responds promptly without hesitation.
- Check the transmission for any grinding noises during acceleration, and verify that all transmission-related recalls have been performed.
- Test the brakes on a hill to ensure they respond firmly, and ask about any history of sudden acceleration or brake failure.
Before you buy
- Check for open recalls on both vehicles using the VIN and ensure they are completed.
- Inspect the clock spring on the TX by turning the steering wheel and listening for unusual sounds.
- On the Camry, test drive at low speeds and listen for transmission noises; also check the brake pedal feel.
- Ask about any previous repairs for the specific issues mentioned (e.g., AC condenser, acceleration problems).
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic who is familiar with these models.
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 TX | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 12 | 119 |
| 2025 | 32 | 153 |
| 2024 | 127 | 48 |
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 TX or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lexus TX vs Toyota Camry
- Lexus TX total complaints
- 171
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Lexus TX total recalls
- 12
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Lexus TX avg complaints/year
- 57.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Lexus TX
- Lexus TX top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN