Vehicle 1

Tesla Model S

4,231 complaints · 106 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Toyota Camry

1,900 complaints · 26 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

Tesla Model S vs Toyota Camry: The Tesla has 4231 complaints (423/year) and 106 recalls, while the Camry has 1900 complaints (190/year) and 26 recalls. Top Tesla issues: electrical system (969) and suspension (914). Top Camry issues: power train (340) and engine (295). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

0
Tesla Model S
no category wins
4
Toyota Camry
wins all 4 categories
CategoryTesla Model SToyota Camry
Total Complaints
All years combined
4,231
1,900
✓ lower
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
106
26
✓ lower
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
545
165
✓ lower
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
423.1
190.0
✓ lower

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Tesla Model S

1. UNKNOWN OR OTHER984
2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM969
3. SUSPENSION914
4. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE781
5. STEERING447

Toyota Camry

1. POWER TRAIN340
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER301
3. ENGINE295
4. SERVICE BRAKES278
5. AIR BAGS218
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Toyota Camry has far fewer complaints per year (190 vs 423) and fewer recalls (26 vs 106), suggesting a lower likelihood of encountering issues. For a first-time used-car buyer, the Camry is likely a more reliable choice based on NHTSA data.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize lower complaint rates and fewer recalls, choose the Toyota Camry. If you are drawn to the Tesla Model S's performance and technology, be prepared to investigate its high complaint counts in electrical system, suspension, and forward collision avoidance systems.

Key Differences
  • Tesla Model S has 4231 total complaints vs Camry's 1900, with an average of 423.1 per year vs 190.0.
  • Tesla has 106 recalls; Camry has 26.
  • Tesla's top issue is UNKNOWN OR OTHER (984) and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (969); Camry's top is POWER TRAIN (340).
  • Tesla has 545 crash complaints; Camry has 165.
⚠ Watch on Tesla Model S
  • High number of complaints about electrical system (969) and suspension (914) – check for recurring repair needs.
  • Forward collision avoidance complaints (781) – test the system thoroughly during a test drive.
⚠ Watch on Toyota Camry
  • Power train complaints (340) – ask about transmission or engine repairs.
  • Air bag complaints (218) – verify recall completion and proper deployment history.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles and ensure all recalls are completed.
  • For Tesla, request service records for electrical and suspension repairs.
  • For Camry, ask about power train and air bag system maintenance.
  • Test drive and pay attention to steering, brakes, and forward collision features.
  • Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with each brand.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Tesla Model SToyota Camry
2026
2
0
2025
6
118
2024
38
43
2023
105
54
2022
131
54
2021
174
150
2020
80
259
2019
185
369
2018
745
708
2017
2765
145
Tesla Model S vs Toyota Camry — comparison facts
Comparison
Tesla Model S vs Toyota Camry
Tesla Model S total complaints
4,231
Toyota Camry total complaints
1,900
Tesla Model S total recalls
106
Toyota Camry total recalls
26
Tesla Model S avg complaints/year
423.1
Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
190.0
More reliable overall
Toyota Camry
Tesla Model S top complaint area
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Toyota Camry top complaint area
POWER TRAIN
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Tesla Model SReliability & Problems

4,231 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Toyota CamryReliability & Problems

1,900 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

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