Head-to-head reliability
Mercedes BENZ A Class vs Toyota Camry
How the Mercedes BENZ A Class 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
Mercedes BENZ A Class vs Toyota Camry: The A-Class has 80 complaints over 4 years (20/year) and 0 recalls, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints over 10 years (205.6/year) and 31 recalls. A-Class complaints include sudden shutdowns; Camry issues range from power train to brakes. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercedes BENZ A Class or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercedes BENZ A Class
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a compact luxury car that, based on NHTSA data, has a relatively low complaint volume of 80 over four years, averaging 20 per year. However, the complaints describe serious issues like sudden engine shutdowns while driving, transmission malfunctions causing stalls, and limp mode activation. With zero recalls on record, owners may face these problems without a manufacturer-provided fix, making it a potentially risky used purchase.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a much higher complaint count of 2,056 over ten years, averaging about 206 per year, but it also has 31 recalls, indicating more manufacturer attention. Complaints cover a wide range of systems, including power train hesitation, brake problems, and electrical glitches. While the volume is high, the per-year rate is higher than the A-Class, and the presence of recalls means some issues may have been addressed.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercedes BENZ A Class | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 80 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 20.0 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 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.
Mercedes BENZ A Class
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM25
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER22
- 03ENGINE21
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM9
- 05BACK OVER PREVENTION9
Owners report the vehicle completely shutting down while in motion with no warning, which can happen at intersections or while driving. This is dangerous because it can leave you stranded in traffic and may cause loss of power steering and braking.
Complaints include the car entering 'limp mode' with a check engine light, limiting speed to under 10 mph, and engine shutdowns while driving. These issues can lead to sudden loss of power and expensive repairs.
Owners describe the car unexpectedly shutting off and shifting into Neutral while stopped, with all warning lights illuminating. This can cause the vehicle to become immobile and require a restart, posing a risk in traffic.
Recurring transmission malfunctions cause the car to suddenly stall and shift erratically on highways and main streets, often starting around 15,000 miles. This can lead to dangerous situations and costly repairs.
“While driving my lease vehicle on two separate days, it completely shut down while in motion with no prior warning. The first incident occurred while crossing a MAX train intersection in downtown Portland. The engine stopped mid intersection, emitted a strong…”
“August 2024 the dealership had my vehicle for over a month for major engine repairs after the motor mount snapped on the freeway and since then I only drove 3661 miles and I’m now convinced that they miss diagnosed and missed something It never drove the same…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report issues like the ignition key getting stuck in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove, and hesitation/shuddering with check engine lights. These problems can leave you unable to start or drive the car reliably.
Complaints include delayed throttle response, where pressing the accelerator results in several seconds of no movement, and hesitation/shuddering at various speeds. This can make merging or accelerating unpredictable and potentially unsafe.
Owners describe the electronic parking brake failing to disengage, requiring towing, and clicking/vibrating noises from the brake pedal area. These issues can prevent the car from moving or indicate brake system problems.
Multiple system malfunctions are reported, including smart stop, stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping assistance failing simultaneously. This can severely compromise safety features and drivability.
“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.
Mercedes BENZ A Class
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
Mercedes BENZ A Class or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class has far fewer complaints per year (20) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 206), but the A-Class complaints often describe sudden shutdowns and stalls, which are severe. The Camry's higher volume includes many issues but also 31 recalls, meaning some problems may have been fixed. In practice, the A-Class may have fewer reported problems but they can be more dangerous, while the Camry has more widespread issues but more manufacturer remedies.
Key differences
- The A-Class has 0 recalls, while the Camry has 31 recalls, meaning the Camry has more documented manufacturer fixes for safety issues.
- A-Class complaints frequently mention sudden engine shutdowns and transmission stalls, which are immediate safety risks; Camry complaints include a wider variety of issues like brake and power train problems.
- The Camry has a much higher complaint rate per year (205.6 vs 20.0), but the A-Class's low volume may be due to fewer vehicles on the road or underreporting.
- The A-Class has 3 crash-related complaints and 3 injuries, while the Camry has 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries, though the Camry's higher sales volume likely contributes to these numbers.
- Check for any history of engine stalling or shutdowns, especially during test drives; ask if the car has ever entered limp mode or had transmission issues.
- Inspect the electrical system for signs of previous problems, such as battery drain or warning lights, and ensure all software updates have been applied.
- Test the electronic parking brake thoroughly and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, as these are common complaints.
- Check for delayed throttle response and any hesitation or shuddering during acceleration, and verify that all recall repairs have been completed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls, especially for the Camry.
- Take the car to a trusted mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any hesitation, stalling, or unusual noises, and test all safety features like brakes and stability control.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and confirm that any recall work has been done, particularly for the Camry.
- For the A-Class, specifically ask about any history of sudden shutdowns or transmission problems, and consider a extended warranty due to lack of recalls.
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 | Mercedes BENZ A Class | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3 | 61 |
| 2021 | 10 | 157 |
| 2020 | 21 | 274 |
| 2019 | 46 | 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 Mercedes BENZ A Class or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercedes BENZ A Class vs Toyota Camry
- Mercedes BENZ A Class total complaints
- 80
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Mercedes BENZ A Class total recalls
- 0
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Mercedes BENZ A Class avg complaints/year
- 20.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ A Class
- Mercedes BENZ A Class top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN