Head-to-head reliability
Suzuki DR Z400s vs Toyota Camry
How the Suzuki DR Z400s 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
Suzuki DR Z400s vs Toyota Camry: The DR Z400s has 0 complaints and 2 recalls over 10 years, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints and 31 recalls. The Camry also shows 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries, versus none for the DR Z400s. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Suzuki DR Z400s or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Suzuki DR Z400s
The Suzuki DR Z400s is a dual-sport motorcycle with no owner complaints filed over the past decade, suggesting a very low rate of reported problems. It has two recalls, one for hydraulic brake fasteners and one for brake light switches, but no crashes, injuries, or deaths tied to those recalls. For a buyer, this means you're unlikely to find a long list of recurring owner-reported failures, but you should still verify that recall work was completed.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular family sedan with a high volume of owner complaints—over 2,000 in ten years—and 31 recalls. Reported issues span the power train, engine, brakes, electrical system, and more, with some complaints describing stalling, hesitation, and brake problems. While many Camrys serve reliably, the data shows that a buyer should expect to encounter a range of potential trouble spots and should check for open recalls.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Suzuki DR Z400s | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 2 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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.
Suzuki DR Z400s
No component data available.
A recall was issued for hydraulic brake fasteners, which could affect braking performance if not addressed. Buyers should confirm this recall was performed to avoid a potential safety risk.
A recall for the brake light switch means the brake lights may not illuminate as intended, reducing visibility to other drivers. This is a simple fix but important for safety.
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report intermittent issues such as the ignition key getting stuck in Park and the car hesitating or shuddering while driving, often with the check engine light on. These can leave you stranded or cause delayed acceleration.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, sometimes taking several seconds to move. This lag can be dangerous when merging or pulling out into traffic.
Drivers describe the electronic parking brake failing to disengage, requiring a tow, and a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area that dealers say is common. These issues can be frustrating and costly.
Multiple safety systems—including stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—have malfunctioned simultaneously. Such failures can reduce driver assistance when you need it most.
“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.
Suzuki DR Z400s — 2 recalls
The defect: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2018 Suzuki DR-Z400S and DR-Z400SM motorcycles. During assembly the resin that fills the rear brake stop lamp switch may have adhered to the internal contacts, which can prevent the brake lamp from illuminating.
The risk: If the brake lights do not illuminate, it can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will install a new stop lamp switch assembly, free of charge. The recall began on July 16, 2018. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's number for this recall is 2A84.
The defect: Suzuki Motor USA, LLC (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2025-2026 DR-Z400S and 2025 DR-Z400SM motorcycles. The reservoir tank cap fixing screws may have been incorrectly tightened, allowing brake fluid to leak. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety…
The risk: A brake fluid leak can reduce braking ability, increasing the distance required to stop and the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the screws, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 9, 2026. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-934-0934. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became sea…
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
Suzuki DR Z400s or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Suzuki DR Z400s has far fewer reported issues per year (0 complaints) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 206 complaints per year). In practice, this means a DR Z400s buyer is less likely to face a long list of recurring owner-reported problems, while a Camry buyer should be prepared to investigate a wider range of potential faults.
Key differences
- The Suzuki DR Z400s has zero owner complaints and two recalls, while the Toyota Camry has over 2,000 complaints and 31 recalls.
- Camry owners report power train issues like stuck ignition keys and shuddering, plus engine hesitation; the DR Z400s has no such complaint pattern.
- Camry complaints include brake problems such as the electronic parking brake not disengaging and a clicking noise; the DR Z400s has a brake-related recall but no owner complaints.
- The Camry has 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries reported, while the DR Z400s has none.
- Check that both recalls—hydraulic brake fasteners and brake light switch—have been completed by a dealer.
- Inspect the brake system for any signs of loose fasteners or non-functioning brake lights, as these were the recall subjects.
- Test the ignition key to ensure it does not get stuck in Park, and listen for 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.
Before you buy
- For the Suzuki DR Z400s, ask for proof that both recalls were performed and inspect the brakes and brake lights.
- For the Toyota Camry, run the VIN to see all open recalls and have them fixed before purchase.
- During a Camry test drive, accelerate firmly to check for delayed throttle response or shuddering.
- Test the Camry's electronic parking brake and listen for unusual noises from the brake pedal.
- On the Camry, verify that safety systems like lane keeping and blind spot monitoring activate properly.
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 | Suzuki DR Z400s | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 0 | 163 |
| 2024 | 0 | 50 |
| 2023 | 0 | 64 |
| 2022 | 0 | 61 |
| 2021 | 0 | 157 |
| 2020 | 0 | 274 |
| 2019 | 0 | 395 |
| 2018 | 0 | 744 |
| 2017 | 0 | 148 |
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 Suzuki DR Z400s or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Suzuki DR Z400s vs Toyota Camry
- Suzuki DR Z400s total complaints
- 0
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Suzuki DR Z400s total recalls
- 2
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Suzuki DR Z400s avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Suzuki DR Z400s
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN