Head-to-head reliability
Mazda CX 90 vs Toyota Camry
How the Mazda CX 90 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
Mazda CX 90 vs Toyota Camry: The CX 90 averages 278 complaints per year over 3 years, while the Camry averages 206 per year over 10 years. The CX 90 has 13 recalls and 24 crash-related reports; the Camry has 31 recalls and 171 crash-related reports. Both show safety-related owner complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mazda CX 90 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mazda CX 90
The Mazda CX 90 is a newer three-row SUV with only three years of complaint data, averaging about 278 complaints per year. The most common owner-reported problem is steering that becomes stiff or locks, often accompanied by warning lights and an inability to shift out of Park. Other frequent issues include engine and electrical glitches, such as safety cameras failing and screens glitching, plus water leaks and chemical fumes. With 13 recalls and 24 crash-related reports, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection, especially for steering and electrical faults.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a long-running midsize sedan with ten years of complaint history, averaging about 206 complaints per year. Owners report a wide range of issues, from power train problems like a stuck ignition key or shuddering during acceleration, to brake noises and electrical malfunctions. Although the total complaint count is higher due to the longer period, the annual rate is lower than the CX 90's. With 31 recalls and 171 crash-related reports, it's a mainstream car with known, recurring trouble spots that buyers should check.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mazda CX 90 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 835 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 13 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 24 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 278.3 | 205.6 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 26 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.
Mazda CX 90
- 01STEERING375
- 02ENGINE138
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM123
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER98
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE92
Owners report the steering wheel becoming stiff or locking while driving or at start-up, often with multiple dashboard warning lights and an inability to shift from Park to Drive. This is a serious safety concern because it can leave you unable to steer or move the vehicle.
Complaints include the safety camera system failing and the touch screen glitching shortly after driving, as reported by a rental customer. These electrical gremlins can affect driver assistance features and overall usability.
The same rental complaint notes the safety camera system and touch screen malfunctioning, pointing to broader electrical issues. Such failures can disable safety alerts and infotainment, reducing situational awareness.
Owners describe water pouring into the cabin from the overhead console after heavy rain, and strong chemical fumes entering the passenger cabin. These issues can lead to mold, odors, and potential health concerns.
“On multiple occasions, the steering wheel became stiff or locked while driving or during start-up, multiple dashboard warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle could not be shifted from Park to Drive. This occurred repeatedly since the vehicle was purchased…”
“On multiple occasions, the steering wheel became stiff or locked while driving or during start-up, multiple dashboard warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle could not be shifted from Park to Drive. This occurred repeatedly since the vehicle was purchased…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report an intermittent defect where the ignition key becomes stuck and cannot be removed even though the car is in Park, requiring battery disconnection. Others describe hesitation and shuddering during acceleration with the check engine light on.
Complaints include multiple systems malfunctioning at once, such as stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping assistance. Another owner cited issues with the subframe, driveline, and traction control sensors.
A delayed throttle response is reported, where pressing the accelerator results in a several-second delay before the car moves. This can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic.
Owners describe the electronic parking brake failing to disengage, requiring a tow, and a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area that the manufacturer calls normal for the ABS system. These issues can affect braking confidence and convenience.
“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.
Mazda CX 90 — 13 recalls
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024-2025 CX-90 and 2025 CX-70 vehicles equipped with a Dash Electrical Supply Unit (ESU). During vehicle startup, the defroster, seat belt warning, 360° view monitor functions, and the PHEV high-voltage battery cooling system may not fun…
The risk: An ESU that does not function properly, increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the Dash ESU with improved software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2024. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 7…
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024-2025 CX-90 and 2025 CX-70 mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEV). The fuel gauge in the instrument cluster may display an inaccurate fuel reading.
The risk: An inaccurate fuel gauge may result in the vehicle unexpectedly running out of fuel and stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the body control module (BCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 24, 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. The manufacturer's number for this r…
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 CX-90 vehicles. Some steering and suspension bolts may be missing or improperly tightened, which can cause the steering intermediate shaft, the front anti-lock brake system wheel speed sensor harnesses, or the front upper control arm…
The risk: A loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten or replace the steering and suspension bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 14, 2023. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda'…
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 CX-90 vehicles. Software in the Approaching Vehicle Audible System (AVAS) Information Sound Box (ISB) amplifier may be missing, which can cause inaccurate, external pedestrian warning sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply wi…
The risk: Inaccurate external warning sounds may confuse pedestrians about the direction of an approaching vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the AVAS ISB amplifier software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 18, 2023. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 6123H.
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
Mazda CX 90 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has a lower average annual complaint rate (about 206 per year) compared to the Mazda CX 90 (about 278 per year), but the Camry's longer history reveals more total complaints and recalls. In practice, the CX 90's higher annual rate suggests more frequent owner-reported problems per vehicle per year, while the Camry's issues are spread over a decade. Both have safety-related complaints, so neither should be considered trouble-free.
Key differences
- The Mazda CX 90 has a higher average annual complaint rate (278 vs 206), but the Toyota Camry has more total complaints due to a longer period.
- Steering problems dominate CX 90 complaints, with reports of locking or stiff steering, while Camry complaints are spread across power train, engine, and brakes.
- The CX 90 has 13 recalls in 3 years, while the Camry has 31 recalls over 10 years, indicating different recall frequencies.
- Camry owners report stuck ignition keys and brake noise, whereas CX 90 owners report water leaks and chemical fumes.
- Test the steering at low speeds and during start-up for any stiffness or locking, and check for warning lights on the dashboard.
- Inspect for water stains or dampness around the overhead console and sunroof switches, and smell for chemical odors in the cabin.
- Try removing the ignition key after parking to ensure it doesn't stick, and listen for any hesitation or shuddering during a test drive.
- Check the electronic parking brake operation and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area when braking.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed.
- Take a lengthy test drive covering various speeds and include parking maneuvers to check steering and brakes.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the steering system, electrical components, and undercarriage for leaks or damage.
- For the CX 90, specifically test the infotainment and camera systems, and check for water intrusion.
- For the Camry, verify the ignition key removal, throttle response, and electronic parking brake function.
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 | Mazda CX 90 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 20 | 0 |
| 2025 | 30 | 163 |
| 2024 | 785 | 50 |
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 Mazda CX 90 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
No VIN yet? Ask the seller.
A genuine seller should be happy to share it. Send this, then paste the VIN into the box above when it comes back.
Going to see one?
Get the Mazda CX 90 inspection checklist by email, so you know what to look for when you're standing next to it.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mazda CX 90 vs Toyota Camry
- Mazda CX 90 total complaints
- 835
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Mazda CX 90 total recalls
- 13
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Mazda CX 90 avg complaints/year
- 278.3
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- Mazda CX 90 top complaint area
- STEERING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN