Head-to-head reliability
Toyota Camry vs Toyota Highlander
How the Toyota Camry and Toyota Highlander compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Toyota Camry vs Toyota Highlander: The Camry has 211 complaints per year over 10 years, while the Highlander has 223, with the Camry having fewer recalls (26 vs 44). Both show serious transmission and brake issues, but the Highlander's powertrain problems are more frequent. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Toyota Camry or Toyota Highlander more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a midsize sedan, shows a mixed reliability picture over the past decade. While it has fewer complaints per year than the Highlander, the nature of the issues—ranging from transmission failures to sudden acceleration reports—raises concerns for a family car. Owners frequently mention powertrain and engine problems, along with brake concerns, suggesting that while the Camry is generally dependable, certain model years may have significant mechanical issues.
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander, a midsize SUV, has a higher complaint rate and more recalls, with powertrain issues dominating the reports. Owners describe transmission failures, stalling, and brake problems, which can be alarming for a vehicle marketed for safety and family use. The higher frequency of complaints and recalls indicates that the Highlander may have more widespread reliability issues, particularly in the transmission and braking systems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Toyota Camry | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,113 Better | 2,232 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 26 Better | 44 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 179 | 123 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 211.3 Better | 223.2 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 162 | 130 Better |
| 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.
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN391
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER338
- 03ENGINE311
- 04SERVICE BRAKES288
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM240
Owners report grinding noises from the front end and transmission failures requiring replacement, especially in 2021 models. This can lead to costly repairs and potential safety hazards if the transmission fails while driving.
There are reports of sudden unintended acceleration, which is a serious safety concern. Additionally, engine maintenance lights come on due to coolant valve bypass issues, but some VINs are not covered by recalls, leaving owners with unresolved problems.
Brake failure incidents are described, where the pedal goes to the floor with no response, leading to near-accidents. This is critical for safety and requires immediate attention.
While not detailed in the sample, the high number of electrical complaints suggests issues with sensors or displays, which could affect safety features and driver information.
“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…”
Toyota Highlander
- 01POWER TRAIN703
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER356
- 03SERVICE BRAKES268
- 04ENGINE247
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM214
The 8-speed automatic transmission (UA80-series) has recurring issues, including stalling on the highway and internal failures, especially in cold weather. This can leave drivers stranded and poses a significant safety risk.
Brakes sometimes do not engage until the pedal is almost to the floor, causing warning lights and near-accidents. This is a serious safety defect that needs immediate inspection.
Owners report strong odors entering the cabin and idle increases that cause the vehicle to move forward on its own, which can be dangerous in traffic. These issues may be linked to engine or AC system malfunctions.
While not detailed in the sample, the high number of fuel system complaints suggests potential leaks or fuel delivery issues, which can be fire hazards and affect performance.
“Detailed Description of the Incident: I am reporting a recurring powertrain safety issue regarding the 8-speed automatic transmission (UA80-series) in my vehicle. [Symptoms] During cold-start conditions (outside temperatures below 30°F), the vehicle consisten…”
“The vehicle started stalling out randomly on the highway even with it being automatic, after getting home and parking it , it would not back up or drive . Took it to Toyota dealership and they said it’s an internal failure of the transmission which is a UA80…”
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.
Toyota Camry — 26 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…
Toyota Highlander — 44 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner…
The risk: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the instrument panel software over-the-air (OTA) for non-PHEV vehicles, free of charge. For PHEV vehicles, dealers will inspect the instrument panel assembly, and either replace it, or update the software, free of charg…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or d…
The risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's nu…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The third row center seat belt roof anchor may have been installed at an incorrect angle, preventing the seat belt from properly restraining the occupant.
The risk: A seat belt that does not properly restrain an occupant increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reinstall the seat belt anchor with a new bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 25TA16.
The defect: Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2022-2024 model year Highlander L and Highlander LE vehicles equipped with the Blackout Package that includes 20" black alloy wheels and tires. The installed tires have an insufficient load rating. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the r…
The risk: Tires with an insufficient load rating may be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: GST will inspect and replace the tires as necessary, and install a new tire information label as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2024. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. G…
Buyer analysis
Toyota Camry or Toyota Highlander: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has fewer complaints per year (211.3) compared to the Highlander (223.2), indicating a slightly better reliability record. However, both vehicles have serious reported issues, so the difference is marginal in practice. Buyers should prioritize a thorough inspection and check for open recalls regardless of model.
Key differences
- The Camry has fewer complaints per year and fewer recalls (26 vs 44), suggesting a slightly more reliable track record.
- The Highlander has a much higher number of powertrain complaints (703 vs 391), indicating more frequent transmission problems.
- Both have brake issues, but the Camry's sudden acceleration reports are particularly alarming, while the Highlander's stalling is a major concern.
- The Highlander's fuel system complaints are notable, which the Camry does not have in its top five.
- Check for transmission grinding noises and any signs of transmission replacement, especially on 2021 models.
- Inspect the brake system for any soft pedal or delayed response, and ask about any sudden acceleration incidents.
- Test the transmission for stalling or harsh shifting, especially during cold starts.
- Check the brakes for a pedal that goes too far down before engaging, and look for any warning lights.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA's website to check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the transmission and brakes.
- Test drive at various speeds and on hills to feel for any hesitation or brake issues.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and brake service.
- Check for any signs of fluid leaks under the vehicle, particularly for the Highlander's fuel system.
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 | Toyota Camry | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 114 | 1 |
| 2025 | 144 | 9 |
| 2024 | 47 | 39 |
| 2023 | 60 | 172 |
| 2022 | 58 | 229 |
| 2021 | 154 | 488 |
| 2020 | 268 | 304 |
| 2019 | 389 | 471 |
| 2018 | 731 | 258 |
| 2017 | 148 | 261 |
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 Toyota Camry or Toyota Highlander in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Toyota Camry vs Toyota Highlander
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,113
- Toyota Highlander total complaints
- 2,232
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 26
- Toyota Highlander total recalls
- 44
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 211.3
- Toyota Highlander avg complaints/year
- 223.2
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Toyota Highlander top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN