Head-to-head reliability
Lexus UX vs Toyota Camry
How the Lexus UX 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 UX vs Toyota Camry: The UX has 20 complaints over 8 years (2.5/year) and 0 recalls, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints over 10 years (205.6/year) and 31 recalls. Both report brake and power train issues, but the Camry has more crash-related complaints (171 vs. 9). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lexus UX or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lexus UX
The Lexus UX is a small luxury SUV that, based on NHTSA data, has a relatively low complaint volume: 20 complaints over 8 years, averaging 2.5 per year. There are no recalls on record, but 9 complaints are crash-related and 1 involves an injury. Owners report serious issues like brake failure and unintended acceleration, though these are rare. Overall, the UX appears to have fewer reported problems per year than the Camry, but the nature of some complaints is concerning.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a much higher complaint volume: 2,056 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 206 per year. It has 31 recalls and 171 crash-related complaints, with 158 injuries and 1 death. Common problem areas include the power train, engine, and brakes. While many complaints may reflect the Camry's high sales volume, the data shows a wide range of reported failures.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lexus UX | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 20 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 9 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 2.5 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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 UX
- 01SERVICE BRAKES6
- 02VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL4
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
- 04POWER TRAIN3
- 05STRUCTURE3
Owners report brake malfunction leading to crashes, such as a 2020 UX200 failing to stop and hitting a restaurant, and a 2019 UX250 Hybrid losing braking ability after a car wash. These are rare but potentially severe, so a buyer should have the brake system thoroughly inspected.
Complaints include unintended acceleration or speed control issues, like a driver experiencing sudden acceleration while parallel parking. Another owner reported a check engine light and a 'malfunction' message on the freeway. These suggest possible electronic throttle or sensor problems.
One owner reported a brake malfunction that caused a crash, and another described doors locking unexpectedly while driving with children in the back. Electrical glitches can affect safety systems, so check for warning lights and door lock behavior.
A 2022 UX200 owner reported the engine stalling at 30 mph and during acceleration from a stop, with transmission issues. Another complaint mentioned a check engine light and 'malfunction' alert. Stalling can be dangerous, so test drive and scan for stored codes.
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? My Lexus 2020 UX200's brake malfunctioned and caused a crash accident into a restaurant on February 29th. It was inspected by Lexus Liability and an independent…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 LEXUS UX250 HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON EXITING A CAR WASH, THE BRAKES FAILED TO OPERATE UPON DEPRESSION WITHOUT WARNING. DUE TO FAILURE, THE CONTACT COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPL…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report intermittent key stuck in ignition even when in Park, requiring battery disconnect, and hesitation/shuddering with check engine light. These can leave you stranded or cause delayed acceleration, so check for transmission and ignition issues.
Complaints include delayed throttle response where the car takes several seconds to move after pressing the gas, and hesitation/shuddering at various speeds. This can affect merging and daily driving, so test acceleration from a stop.
Owners report the electronic parking brake failing to disengage, requiring a tow, and clicking/vibrating noises from the ABS system. Brake issues can be costly and affect safety, so have the brake system checked by a mechanic.
One owner reported multiple system malfunctions: smart stop, stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping all failed at once. Electrical gremlins can be hard to diagnose, so check all electronic features during a test drive.
“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 UX
No recalls on record.
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 UX or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Lexus UX has far fewer complaints per year (2.5 vs. 205.6) and no recalls, while the Camry has 31 recalls and many more reported issues. In practice, the UX may require less frequent repair visits, but the Camry's larger complaint pool is partly due to higher sales. Both have serious brake and power train complaints, so neither is immune to problems.
Key differences
- The Lexus UX has 20 complaints over 8 years with 0 recalls, while the Toyota Camry has 2,056 complaints over 10 years with 31 recalls.
- UX owners report brake failure causing crashes and unintended acceleration, while Camry owners report key stuck in ignition, delayed throttle, and electronic parking brake failure.
- The Camry has 158 injuries and 1 death in complaints, versus 1 injury and 0 deaths for the UX.
- Both have power train complaints, but the Camry's are more frequent and include stalling and hesitation, while the UX's include stalling and transmission issues.
- Brake pedal feel: any sponginess, unusual noise, or warning lights could indicate the brake failure reported by owners.
- Unintended acceleration: during test drive, check for sudden surges or delayed response when accelerating from a stop or parking.
- Ignition key: ensure it can be removed easily when in Park; if it sticks, it may be the reported defect.
- Electronic parking brake: test that it engages and disengages smoothly; failure may require a tow.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls, especially on the Camry.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the brake system, including ABS and parking brake, on both vehicles.
- During test drive, check for transmission hesitation, stalling, or delayed acceleration.
- Scan for stored diagnostic trouble codes, especially for power train and electrical systems.
- Verify all electronic features work: door locks, warning lights, infotainment, and driver-assist systems.
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 UX | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 2 | 163 |
| 2024 | 1 | 50 |
| 2023 | 1 | 64 |
| 2022 | 2 | 61 |
| 2021 | 4 | 157 |
| 2020 | 4 | 274 |
| 2019 | 6 | 395 |
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 UX or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lexus UX vs Toyota Camry
- Lexus UX total complaints
- 20
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Lexus UX total recalls
- 0
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Lexus UX avg complaints/year
- 2.5
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Lexus UX
- Lexus UX top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN