Head-to-head reliability
Suzuki V Strom 1050xt vs Toyota Camry
How the Suzuki V Strom 1050xt 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 V Strom 1050xt vs Toyota Camry: The Suzuki has only 3 complaints over 3 years (1.0/yr) and no recalls, while the Camry has 2143 complaints over 10 years (214.3/yr) and 31 recalls. The Suzuki's issues are limited to cruise control, but the Camry reports serious problems like sudden acceleration and brake failure. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Suzuki V Strom 1050xt or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Suzuki V Strom 1050xt
The Suzuki V Strom 1050xt is a dual-sport motorcycle that, in ownership terms, has been relatively trouble-free, with only three complaints over three years. The complaints all center on the electronic cruise control system, which owners report disengaging on its own without any input. This suggests a specific electronic gremlin rather than widespread mechanical issues. For a buyer, this means the bike is likely reliable overall, but the cruise control may be a point of frustration if you use it frequently.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular midsize sedan that, over a decade, has accumulated a high volume of complaints, averaging over 200 per year. The complaints span multiple systems, including powertrain, engine, brakes, and electrical, with some serious incidents like sudden acceleration and brake failure. While the Camry has a reputation for reliability, the data shows that some owners have faced significant mechanical and safety-related problems, though these are a small fraction of total owners. For a buyer, this means that while many Camrys are dependable, there is a chance of encountering major issues, especially in certain model years.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Suzuki V Strom 1050xt | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.0 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 163 |
| 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 V Strom 1050xt
- 01VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL3
Owners report that the cruise control system randomly disengages without any input from the rider, such as touching the brakes or clutch. This can be annoying and potentially distracting, especially on long highway rides, as the bike suddenly loses set speed.
“My Suzuki has a ride by wire throttle control system and electronic speed control. The problem is the cruise control cancels all by itself without any input from any of the cancel switches. Like the throttle grip, the front brake or rear brake, or the clutch…”
“On at least 20 separate occasions between July, 2021 and September, 2021, cruise control has disengaged without myself providing the input necessary to disengage cruise control. In other words, cruise control randomly disengaged by itself, and this problem ha…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Complaints include grinding noises from the front end upon acceleration, with dealerships confirming transmission issues that may require replacement. Some owners also report sudden acceleration incidents, which can be dangerous and lead to crashes.
Owners report AC condenser damage from rocks and recurring HVAC odors, such as a vinegar or mildew smell from the vents. These issues affect comfort and may require repairs or cleaning.
There are reports of uncontrollable sudden acceleration, which can lead to loss of control and crashes. Additionally, some owners see engine maintenance lights related to coolant valve bypass recalls, but their specific VINs may not be covered, leaving them with potential safety concerns.
Some owners report a complete loss of brake response when pressing the pedal, which is a critical safety issue. Others describe situations where braking feels ineffective, such as when approaching a parking block, leading to potential collisions.
“I turned into a restaurant’s parking lot, found a spot and slowly drove into the lot, I eased off the gas pedal and gently applying the brake as the lot has a slight downward slope. When I reach the chunk (the parking block), I added more force to the brake,…”
“Grinding noise coming from front end upon acceleration. Brought to dealership who confirmed noises coming from transmission. Transmission needs to be replaced per dealer recommendation. Recalls on 2021 Toyota Camry for same issue. Transmissions on backorder a…”
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 V Strom 1050xt
No recalls on record.
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
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…
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…
Buyer analysis
Suzuki V Strom 1050xt or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Suzuki V Strom 1050xt has far fewer complaints per year (1.0) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), indicating a much lower rate of reported issues. In practice, this means the motorcycle is likely to have fewer reliability problems, but the Camry's issues are more varied and include serious safety concerns. However, the Camry's higher volume also reflects its larger sales base, so the relative risk per vehicle may be lower than the raw numbers suggest.
Key differences
- The Suzuki has no recalls, while the Camry has 31 recalls, indicating more widespread factory issues.
- The Suzuki's only complaint is about cruise control disengaging, whereas the Camry has complaints about sudden acceleration, brake failure, and transmission problems.
- The Camry has a much higher complaint rate per year, but it also sells in much higher volumes, so the actual failure rate per vehicle may be lower.
- The Suzuki is a motorcycle, so it has fewer complex systems, while the Camry is a car with more components that can fail.
- Test the cruise control thoroughly on a test ride, including setting it at various speeds and seeing if it disengages without input.
- Check for any service bulletins or software updates related to the cruise control system.
- Inspect the transmission for any signs of grinding or slipping, especially during acceleration.
- Check the brake system for any signs of reduced responsiveness, and ask about any open recalls related to brakes or engine.
Before you buy
- For the Suzuki, verify that all recalls are performed (though none are listed) and ask the seller about any cruise control issues.
- For the Camry, run the VIN to check for open recalls and ensure they are completed.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Camry's transmission and brakes before purchase.
- For the Suzuki, test the cruise control on a highway to ensure it holds speed.
- For the Camry, check the AC system for odors and inspect the condenser for damage.
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 V Strom 1050xt | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 0 | 59 |
| 2021 | 0 | 155 |
| 2020 | 3 | 270 |
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 V Strom 1050xt or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Suzuki V Strom 1050xt vs Toyota Camry
- Suzuki V Strom 1050xt total complaints
- 3
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Suzuki V Strom 1050xt total recalls
- 0
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Suzuki V Strom 1050xt avg complaints/year
- 1.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Suzuki V Strom 1050xt
- Suzuki V Strom 1050xt top complaint area
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN