Head-to-head reliability
Mercedes BENZ R Class vs Toyota Camry
How the Mercedes BENZ R 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 R Class vs Toyota Camry: The R-Class averaged 36.1 complaints per year with 0 recalls, while the Camry averaged 205.6 complaints per year with 31 recalls. R-Class issues center on suspension and Takata airbags; Camry on power train and brakes. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercedes BENZ R Class or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercedes BENZ R Class
The Mercedes-Benz R-Class is a luxury wagon that, based on owner complaints, demands attention to its suspension and airbag systems. Over 8 years, it averaged 36.1 complaints per year, with suspension issues being the most frequent. The Takata airbag recall is a recurring theme, with owners reporting difficulty getting parts and service. Electrical and engine problems also appear, including stalling and failed lumbar supports.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream sedan with a much higher annual complaint rate of 205.6 per year over 10 years, but it also has 31 recalls, indicating active addressing of issues. Power train complaints lead the list, with reports of stuck ignition keys and shuddering. Brake and electrical problems are also common, including electronic parking brake failures and multiple system malfunctions.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercedes BENZ R Class | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 289 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 6 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 36.1 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 13 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 R Class
- 01SUSPENSION64
- 02AIR BAGS44
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM38
- 04ENGINE37
- 05POWER TRAIN29
Owners report the vehicle leaning to one side, often noticed after parking, which can indicate a broken suspension component. This affects handling and tire wear, so a pre-purchase inspection should check for uneven ride height.
Many complaints reference the Takata airbag recall, with owners struggling to get replacement parts for months or years. This is a critical safety issue; buyers should verify recall completion before purchase.
Reports include the vehicle stalling while driving and restarting intermittently, as well as failed lumbar support motors and unusual noises. These electrical gremlins can be hard to diagnose and costly to fix.
Some owners report engine stalling without warning, sometimes linked to sludge buildup. This can lead to expensive repairs or engine replacement, so maintenance records are essential.
“I HAD JUST ARRIVED AT CHURCH AND NOTICED THE CAR LEANING TO THE RIGHT SIDE. I IGNORED IT AT FIRST THINKING MAYBE THE DRIVEWAY WAS UNEVEN. WHEN I GOT READY TO LEAVE MY BOYFRIEND POINTED IT OUT TO ME THAT THE TRUCK WAS LEANING TO THE RIGHT. I TOOK IT TO A SHOP…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners describe intermittent ignition key sticking (key won't come out even in Park) and hesitation/shuddering during acceleration. These issues can leave you stranded or cause unsafe driving conditions.
Complaints include multiple systems failing at once—smart stop, stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping. Such widespread electrical glitches suggest potential software or sensor problems.
Reports of delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, sometimes taking several seconds to move. This lag can be dangerous in traffic and may indicate electronic throttle issues.
The electronic parking brake (EPB) may fail to disengage, requiring a tow, and some owners hear clicking or vibrating from the brake pedal area. Brake problems are safety-critical and should be inspected.
“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 R 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 R Class or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz R-Class has far fewer complaints per year (36.1 vs. 205.6), but the Camry has many more recalls, which can mean issues are being addressed. In practice, the R-Class may have fewer overall problems, but the Takata airbag recall and suspension issues are serious; the Camry's higher complaint volume suggests more frequent visits to the dealer.
Key differences
- The R-Class has 0 recalls but 289 complaints, with suspension and airbag issues dominating; the Camry has 31 recalls and 2056 complaints, led by power train and brake problems.
- Takata airbag recall is a major pain point for R-Class owners, with parts shortages reported; Camry recalls include seats and airbag sensors, but owners report electrical and brake failures.
- R-Class owners report stalling and suspension leaning; Camry owners report key sticking, shuddering, and electronic parking brake failures.
- The Camry's complaint rate is about 5.7 times higher per year, but its recalls suggest more manufacturer engagement.
- Check for uneven ride height or leaning, which could indicate a broken suspension spring or shock.
- Verify that the Takata airbag recall has been performed; ask for documentation and confirm with a dealer.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park; ensure it doesn't stick, which could leave you unable to turn off the car.
- Test the electronic parking brake engagement and disengagement; listen for unusual noises from the brake pedal area.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and all recall documentation, especially for the R-Class Takata airbag and Camry seat/airbag recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the suspension (R-Class) and brakes/electronic parking brake (Camry) before purchase.
- Test drive both vehicles at various speeds, checking for hesitation, shuddering, or stalling.
- For the Camry, verify that all electrical systems (stability control, blind spot monitoring, etc.) function correctly.
- Ask about maintenance records, particularly for engine sludge (R-Class) and transmission service (Camry).
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 R Class or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercedes BENZ R Class vs Toyota Camry
- Mercedes BENZ R Class total complaints
- 289
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Mercedes BENZ R Class total recalls
- 0
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Mercedes BENZ R Class avg complaints/year
- 36.1
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ R Class
- Mercedes BENZ R Class top complaint area
- SUSPENSION
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN