Head-to-head reliability
Toyota Supra vs Toyota Camry
How the Toyota Supra 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
Toyota Supra vs Toyota Camry: The Supra averages 6.4 complaints per year with 19 recalls, while the Camry averages 214.3 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The Camry has 181 crash-related complaints and 163 injuries, versus 4 and 1 for the Supra. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Toyota Supra or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Toyota Supra
The Toyota Supra is a low-volume sports car, averaging about 6.4 complaints per year over seven years. Owners report electrical gremlins like unresponsive throttle and starter relay recalls, plus brake noise and oil pump concerns. With only 45 total complaints, it's a niche vehicle where problems tend to be specific and often tied to recalls.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a high-volume family sedan with about 214 complaints per year over ten years. The most common issues involve the power train, engine, and brakes, including transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, and brake failure. With 2,143 complaints and 181 crash-related reports, it's a mainstream car with a wide range of owner-reported problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Toyota Supra | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 45 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 19 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 4 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 6.4 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 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 Supra
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM13
- 02SERVICE BRAKES9
- 03ENGINE9
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER8
- 05STEERING5
Owners report unresponsive or unpredictable throttle behavior, and some say a safety recall for the starter relay was not remedied in a timely way. These issues can affect drivability and may leave you waiting for parts.
Complaints describe chronic braking noise from delivery and an electronic parking brake that can disengage automatically without enough safeguards. This could lead to unexpected movement or noise that dealerships struggle to fix.
The B58TU engine uses a variable-displacement oil pump with a thermoplastic component that owners worry can fail, potentially causing oil pressure loss. This is a serious concern for long-term engine health.
Reports include a rear hatch that won't open electrically or manually, which could trap someone inside, and climate control issues inherited from BMW parts. These are annoying and sometimes safety-related.
“I own a new 2021 Toyota Supra and along with other owners of this new model, there is a safety issue that has been identified. There is a repeating issue with unresponsive/unpredictable throttle behavior for me and other Toyota Supra owners. It only happens o…”
“See attached document for complaint. Toyota Motor North America, Inc. has failed or is unable to remedy the safety recall (NHTSA Recall No. 25V-636), issued on 26 September 2025, for my 2021 Toyota Supra within a reasonable period of time. According to the no…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners describe grinding noises from the transmission upon acceleration, sometimes requiring a full replacement, and sudden unintended acceleration incidents. These can be costly and dangerous.
Complaints include sudden rapid acceleration leading to crashes, and coolant bypass valve failures that may not be covered by recall for some VINs. This can cause overheating or loss of control.
Reports of brake pedal going to the floor with no response, especially on hills, and braking issues in parking lots. This is a critical safety concern.
Common complaints include AC condenser damage from road debris and persistent mildew or vinegar odors from the vents. These are comfort and potential health issues.
“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.
Toyota Supra — 19 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 BMW 330i, 2019-2022 BMW Z4, 2020-2022 BMW 530i, X3, X4, Toyota Supra, 2021-2022 BMW 430i, 430i Convertible, and 2022 BMW 230i vehicles. The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.
The risk: A short circuit in the starter relay may increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete. Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 6, 2026. Owners may contact B…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Toyota Supra, 2022-2023 2 Series Coupe, 2021-2024 5 Series (xDrive), 2021-2022 Z4, 2022-2024 4 Series (Gran Coupe), 2021-2024 4 Series (Convertible and xDrive Convertible), 2021-2023 4 Series (Coupe), 2021-2024 3 Series, 2021-2023 X4, 2…
The risk: Fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Vehicle Identification…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Supra, 2022-2025 2 Series Coupe, 2021-2023 5 Series, 2022-2026 Z4, 2023-2024 4 Series Gran Coupe, 4 Series Convertible, 4 Series Coupe, 3 Series, 2021-2025 X4, and 2021-2024 X3 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complet…
The risk: Fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on August 28, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Veh…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota GR Supra, 3 Series Sedan (330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, M3), 5 Series Sedan (530i, 530i xDrive, M5), 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive), 4 Series Convertible (430i, 430i xDrive, M440…
The risk: Transmission oil that leaks into the control unit can lead to a seizure of the transmission gears, causing a sudden loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the transmission mechatronics module and the automatic transmission fluid, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 26, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-741…
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
Toyota Supra or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Supra has far fewer complaints per year (6.4 vs. 214.3), but it's a low-volume sports car with serious electrical and engine concerns. The Camry's higher volume means more reported problems, but many are widespread and well-documented. In practice, the Supra may have fewer issues overall, but the Camry's issues are more likely to affect a large number of owners.
Key differences
- The Supra averages 6.4 complaints per year, while the Camry averages 214.3, but the Supra has 19 recalls vs. 31 for the Camry.
- Supra owners report electrical throttle and starter relay issues; Camry owners report transmission grinding and sudden acceleration.
- Supra brake complaints involve noise and parking brake auto-disengage; Camry brake complaints include total brake failure on hills.
- The Supra has 4 crash-related complaints and 1 injury; the Camry has 181 crash-related complaints and 163 injuries.
- Check for unresponsive throttle or starter relay recall work; test drive at low speeds and verify recall completion.
- Listen for brake noise and test the electronic parking brake engagement; ensure it doesn't release unexpectedly.
- Test transmission for grinding noises during acceleration and check for recall on transmission replacement.
- Test brakes on a hill or slope for pedal response; look for any sudden acceleration during test drive.
Before you buy
- Verify all open recalls are completed, especially for the Supra's starter relay and the Camry's transmission.
- Obtain a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the Supra's electrical system and brakes, and the Camry's transmission and brakes.
- Ask for service records to see if brake noise or transmission issues have been addressed.
- Test drive the Supra for throttle response and the Camry for unintended acceleration or brake failure.
- Check for the Supra's rear hatch operation and the Camry's AC odor or condenser damage.
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 Supra | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 119 |
| 2025 | 2 | 153 |
| 2024 | 1 | 48 |
| 2023 | 5 | 62 |
| 2022 | 1 | 59 |
| 2021 | 20 | 155 |
| 2020 | 16 | 270 |
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 Supra or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Toyota Supra vs Toyota Camry
- Toyota Supra total complaints
- 45
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Toyota Supra total recalls
- 19
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Toyota Supra avg complaints/year
- 6.4
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Supra
- Toyota Supra top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN