Head-to-head reliability
Tesla Model S vs Toyota Camry
How the Tesla Model S 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
Tesla Model S vs Toyota Camry: The Tesla averages 57.9 complaints per year over 10 years, while the Camry averages 214.3. Tesla has 106 recalls, Camry has 31. Owners report false braking in Tesla and transmission failures in Camry. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Tesla Model S or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S, in ownership terms, is a high-tech electric luxury sedan that promises cutting-edge performance and autonomous features. However, its complaint pattern reveals a vehicle where advanced systems can be a source of frustration and safety concerns. Owners report sudden unintended braking, steering interventions, and suspension issues that affect daily drivability. The high number of recalls, especially for software and steering, indicates that the car's complex electronics are prone to glitches that require frequent updates or service visits.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream midsize sedan known for its reliability and value. Yet, the complaint data shows that it is not immune to problems, with a high volume of issues reported over the years. Owners frequently cite transmission failures, engine problems, and brake issues that can be costly and potentially dangerous. While it has fewer recalls than the Tesla, the sheer number of complaints suggests that some model years may have systemic defects that buyers should be aware of.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Tesla Model S | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 579 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 106 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 60 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 57.9 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 18 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 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.
Tesla Model S
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER160
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE115
- 03STEERING85
- 04SUSPENSION77
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM70
Owners report the system suddenly slamming on the brakes on clear highways, causing panic and near-misses. Others mention false alerts and incorrect speed limit readings in FSD, which can lead to unexpected disengagements.
The switch to button-based turn signals is criticized for being hard to use in emergencies. Additionally, lane departure assist can override steering inputs even when turned off, causing the car to veer unexpectedly.
There are reports of vibrations from the front half shafts or CV joints at 25-40 mph during cold starts, and repeated rear tire wear issues that may point to alignment or suspension defects.
“On [XXX] at approximately 1230 pm my husband loaded my [XXX] child into the car. He shut the door then tried to open the driver site door. At that time the inside the car was 93 degrees. The car shut off. Telsa customer support was contacted multiple times. M…”
“2024 Tesla Model S. Repeated rear tire and rear wheel failures with abnormal wear and possible rear alignment or suspension-related defect. Tesla service history shows repeated rear tire replacements beginning at about 5,165 miles, a later four-wheel alignmen…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission problems are common, with grinding noises on acceleration and the need for full replacements. Some owners report sudden unintended acceleration, which can lead to crashes.
Engine issues include sudden acceleration incidents and a specific coolant valve bypass code (P268115) that is not covered by a recall for all VINs, leaving some owners with safety concerns.
Brake failures are reported, such as a complete lack of response when pressing the pedal on a downhill slope, which is extremely dangerous. Other complaints involve brakes not engaging properly in low-speed maneuvers.
“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.
Tesla Model S — 106 recalls
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first c…
The risk: Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Te…
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope…
The risk: In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there ma…
The fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and Model X vehicles. An incorrect air bag may have been installed when the steering yoke or round steering wheel was replaced with a different style of yoke or steering wheel.
The risk: An air bag that is not designed to function with the replacement steering yoke or wheel may deploy incorrectly, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Tesla Service will inspect and replace the driver air bag as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is…
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y, Model X, Model S, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehi…
The risk: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, including Summon and Smart Summon, free of charge. Owner notification letters wer…
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
Tesla Model S or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has a much higher average complaints per year (214.3) compared to the Tesla Model S (57.9), but the Tesla has more recalls (106 vs 31). In practice, the Camry's issues are more frequent and often involve critical systems like transmission and brakes, while the Tesla's problems are more related to advanced tech glitches. Neither is clearly 'safer,' but the Camry's higher complaint volume suggests a higher likelihood of encountering a problem.
Key differences
- Tesla Model S has far fewer complaints per year (57.9) than the Camry (214.3), but more recalls (106 vs 31).
- Tesla's top issues are advanced driver assistance (false braking) and steering controls, while Camry's are transmission and engine failures.
- Tesla owners report suspension vibrations and tire wear, while Camry owners report brake failures and sudden acceleration.
- Tesla's complaints often involve software and electronic glitches, whereas Camry's are more mechanical in nature.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system in a safe area to ensure it doesn't false-trigger, and check for any pending software updates.
- Inspect the suspension for signs of vibration or uneven tire wear, especially at low speeds during cold starts.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration and check for any transmission-related recalls or service bulletins.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially on a hill, to ensure they respond properly and don't have any soft or spongy feel.
Before you buy
- Check the vehicle's recall status on the NHTSA website and ensure all recalls have been addressed.
- For the Tesla, review the service history for any suspension or steering-related repairs, and test the FSD features if available.
- For the Camry, ask for transmission service records and have a mechanic inspect the engine and brakes.
- Take both cars for a test drive that includes highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic to feel for any unusual vibrations or braking behavior.
- Consider getting a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic who is familiar with electric vehicles (for Tesla) or Toyota models.
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 | Tesla Model S | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 119 |
| 2025 | 6 | 153 |
| 2024 | 38 | 48 |
| 2023 | 116 | 62 |
| 2022 | 0 | 59 |
| 2021 | 176 | 155 |
| 2020 | 80 | 270 |
| 2019 | 160 | 393 |
| 2018 | 0 | 736 |
| 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 Tesla Model S or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Tesla Model S vs Toyota Camry
- Tesla Model S total complaints
- 579
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Tesla Model S total recalls
- 106
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Tesla Model S avg complaints/year
- 57.9
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Tesla Model S
- Tesla Model S top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN