Head-to-head reliability
Tesla Model X vs Toyota Camry
How the Tesla Model X 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 X vs Toyota Camry: Over 10 years, the Model X averaged 312.8 complaints per year and had 111 recalls, while the Camry averaged 205.6 complaints per year and had 31 recalls. The Model X also reported 260 deaths vs. 1 for the Camry. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Tesla Model X or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Tesla Model X
The Tesla Model X is an electric SUV with complex electronics and advanced driver-assist features. Over 10 years, it has averaged about 313 complaints per year, with 111 recalls and 260 reported deaths. Owners frequently report suspension, electrical, and steering problems, including tire blowouts, touchscreen glitches, and turn signal buttons that are hard to use. These issues can make ownership demanding, with many complaints tied to safety-critical systems.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream sedan known for dependability, but it still has its share of problems. Over 10 years, it has averaged about 206 complaints per year, with 31 recalls and 1 reported death. Owners often complain about power train hesitations, engine stalling, and brake noises. While less frequent than the Model X, these issues can still affect daily driving and require attention.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Tesla Model X | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3,128 | 2,056 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 111 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 383 | 171 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 312.8 | 205.6 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 417 | 158 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 260 | 1 Better |
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 X
- 01SUSPENSION719
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM699
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER684
- 04STEERING439
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE396
Owners report tire blowouts on the freeway without impact, often linked to faulty tire pressure monitoring. This can cause loss of control and is a serious safety concern.
Complaints include infotainment delays, unexpected shutdowns, and liquid spills causing console failures. These glitches can distract the driver and affect vehicle operation.
Some owners experience simultaneous failures of ABS, stability control, and steering assist, with dashboard warnings. Others report Full Self-Driving taking wrong turns, which could lead to accidents.
This system has 396 complaints, though specific owner reports are not detailed here. Buyers should be aware that advanced driver aids may not always perform as expected.
“The tire blow up on the freeway while driving with no impact, collision or any warning or any external factors, it’s very well documented all over the internet that Model X Tesla have serious Tire problems associated with faulty tire pressure system TPMS and…”
“Incident Description: I was driving on the highway using Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD) / FSD Supervised at approximately 65+ mph. Traffic conditions were moderate, and weather and visibility conditions were clear. While FSD was actively engaged, my phone bega…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report ignition keys getting stuck in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove. Others experience hesitation and shuddering with check engine lights, indicating transmission or engine issues.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, which can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic. This hesitation may be intermittent and hard to diagnose.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow. Owners also hear clicking or vibrating noises from the ABS system, which is common but annoying.
Multiple systems like stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring can malfunction simultaneously. This can overwhelm the driver with warnings and reduce vehicle control.
“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.
Tesla Model X — 111 recalls
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Model S and Model X vehicles. The driver's air bag could tear during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 212, "Windsh…
The risk: A torn air bag may not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Tesla service will replace the air bag assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 21, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-20-001.
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Model 3, Model S, 2023-2025 Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standa…
The risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Tesla will also identify any vehicles that experienced a circuit board failure, or stress that may lead to a circuit board failure, and replace the affected computers, f…
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and 2021-2025 Model X vehicles. An air bag with the incorrect horn pad may have been installed, preventing the horn from sounding.
The risk: An inoperative horn may prevent the driver from alerting other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla service will inspect and install an air bag with the correct horn pad as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for…
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles…
The risk: Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.
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
Tesla Model X or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has fewer complaints per year (about 206 vs. 313) and far fewer recalls (31 vs. 111). In practice, this means Camry owners may spend less time dealing with repairs and safety notices, though both vehicles have their own recurring issues.
Key differences
- The Model X has 111 recalls vs. 31 for the Camry, meaning more safety-related fixes over time.
- Model X complaints often involve suspension and steering failures, while Camry complaints center on power train and engine hesitation.
- The Model X has 260 reported deaths vs. 1 for the Camry, though these figures don't account for exposure or usage.
- Camry owners report brake noises and key-stuck issues; Model X owners report touchscreen glitches and turn signal button problems.
- Check tire condition and TPMS functionality, as blowouts have been reported without warning.
- Test all steering and driver-assist features, including turn signals and Full Self-Driving, for proper operation.
- Verify the ignition key can be removed easily when in Park, as sticking has been reported.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which may indicate ABS issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- For the Model X, test the touchscreen, turn signals, and suspension over bumps.
- For the Camry, test the key removal, throttle response, and parking brake engagement.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the specific components mentioned in complaints.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for software updates and brake service.
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 X | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 0 |
| 2025 | 15 | 163 |
| 2024 | 26 | 50 |
| 2023 | 199 | 64 |
| 2022 | 127 | 61 |
| 2021 | 123 | 157 |
| 2020 | 381 | 274 |
| 2019 | 365 | 395 |
| 2018 | 700 | 744 |
| 2017 | 1185 | 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 X or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Tesla Model X vs Toyota Camry
- Tesla Model X total complaints
- 3,128
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Tesla Model X total recalls
- 111
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Tesla Model X avg complaints/year
- 312.8
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- Tesla Model X top complaint area
- SUSPENSION
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN