Head-to-head reliability
Tesla Model Y vs Toyota Camry
How the Tesla Model Y 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 Y vs Toyota Camry: The Model Y averages 1,010 complaints per year and has 100 recalls, while the Camry averages 206 complaints per year and has 31 recalls. The Model Y also has 787 crash-related complaints versus 171 for the Camry. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Tesla Model Y or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y is an electric SUV with a high rate of owner complaints—about 1,010 per year over seven years—and a pattern of software and driver-assist issues. Many complaints describe safety systems like forward collision avoidance and speed control disengaging or behaving unexpectedly, which can be alarming. There are also reports of brake and electrical problems. With 100 recalls, owners should expect frequent software updates and potential hardware fixes.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a much lower complaint rate—about 206 per year over ten years—and issues that are more often mechanical than software-related. Owners report power train problems like hesitation, shuddering, and key removal trouble, as well as engine and brake concerns. Recalls are fewer (31) and focus on items like seats and air bag sensors. Overall, the Camry's complaint pattern suggests fewer urgent safety-system failures.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Tesla Model Y | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 7,070 | 2,056 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 100 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 787 | 171 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1010.0 | 205.6 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 629 | 158 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 220 | 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 Y
- 01FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE3,524
- 02SERVICE BRAKES1,063
- 03VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1,034
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER967
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM961
Owners report that critical safety systems randomly disengage without warning while driving, creating a crash hazard. Some also complain about the removal of driver-controlled maximum speed in Full Self-Driving, which they say leads to speeding. These issues matter because they can affect the car's ability to avoid collisions.
Complaints include multiple critical system failures during accidents, sometimes in rainy conditions, resulting in injuries. Owners describe brake-related safety defects that occur without warning. For a buyer, this means brake performance may be unpredictable in certain situations.
Reports include uncommanded high-speed reverse acceleration, such as a Model Y backing into a bollard, and Full Self-Driving exceeding speed limits by 15-20 MPH with no way for the driver to set a precise maximum. These incidents highlight potential loss of speed control.
Owners mention issues with the gear selection lever and other electrical quirks, such as confusion over Park, Drive, Neutral, and Reverse positions. While not always safety-critical, these can lead to operator error and frustration.
“SUMMARY OF SAFETY DEFECT: Multiple critical safety systems randomly disengage without warning while the vehicle is in operation, creating an immediate crash hazard. DETAILED DESCRIPTION: For approximately one month, my vehicle has experienced intermittent, un…”
“I am filing a safety complaint regarding Tesla's removal of driver-controlled maximum speed in FSD (Supervised), a change that has alarmed a significant number of Tesla owners and safety-conscious drivers. Previous software allowed drivers to set a precise ma…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report intermittent ignition key sticking (key cannot be removed even in Park) and hesitation/shuddering with the check engine light on. These can leave you stranded or cause delayed acceleration, which is a safety concern in traffic.
Complaints include several-second delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, sometimes occurring multiple times. This lag can be dangerous when merging or crossing intersections.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow, and some owners hear a clicking/vibrating noise from the brake pedal area that the manufacturer calls normal. These issues can affect daily usability and brake confidence.
Multiple systems—smart stop, stability control, electric power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—can malfunction simultaneously. This suggests potential electrical gremlins that could impair several safety features at once.
“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 Y — 100 recalls
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not remain illuminated between drive cycles, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to com…
The risk: Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-018.
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 2025-2026 Model Y vehicles. The certification label may not have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 C.F.R. Part 567, "Certification."
The risk: Missing weight information provided by the label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla Service will inspect and install a certification label as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 17, 2026. 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 2026 Model Y vehicles. The hose connector may block the windshield washer nozzles, preventing washer fluid from reaching the windshield. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 104,…
The risk: The inability to clean the windshield reduces the driver’s visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla service will inspect and replace the wiper arm elbow connector as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 25, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this r…
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 Y or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has far fewer complaints per year (about 206 vs. 1,010 for the Tesla Model Y) and fewer crash-related reports (171 vs. 787). In practice, this means a used Camry is likely to have fewer urgent safety-system complaints, while the Model Y may require more attention to software and driver-assist issues.
Key differences
- The Tesla Model Y has about 5 times more complaints per year than the Toyota Camry, with many focused on forward collision avoidance and speed control.
- Tesla Model Y complaints often involve software-driven systems disengaging or behaving unexpectedly, while Camry complaints are more about mechanical power train and engine hesitation.
- The Model Y has 100 recalls versus 31 for the Camry, indicating more frequent recall campaigns.
- Crash-related complaints are much higher for the Model Y (787) than the Camry (171), though these are raw counts and not rates.
- Check for any history of forward collision avoidance or autopilot/FSD disengagements; ask for software update records and recall completion.
- Test the brakes in various conditions, especially wet, and listen for unusual noises or delayed response.
- Test the ignition key removal and ensure it releases smoothly in Park; also check for any hesitation or shuddering during a test drive.
- Verify the electronic parking brake engages and disengages properly, and listen for clicking or vibrating from the brake pedal area.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for the Tesla's software and the Camry's air bag sensors.
- During a test drive, specifically test the forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking (Tesla) or throttle response and transmission shifting (Camry).
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly any related to brake service, software updates, or power train repairs.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the model, focusing on the components with the most complaints.
- Check for open recalls by entering the VIN on the NHTSA website before purchase.
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 Y | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 101 | 163 |
| 2024 | 356 | 50 |
| 2023 | 1363 | 64 |
| 2022 | 1730 | 61 |
| 2021 | 3240 | 157 |
| 2020 | 280 | 274 |
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 Y or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Tesla Model Y vs Toyota Camry
- Tesla Model Y total complaints
- 7,070
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Tesla Model Y total recalls
- 100
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Tesla Model Y avg complaints/year
- 1010.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- Tesla Model Y top complaint area
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN