Last updated: 2026-05-15
Tesla vs Toyota: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Tesla
5 models tracked
Toyota
16 models tracked
Comparing Tesla and Toyota on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Toyota currently leads with an average score of 75/100 compared to 52/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Tesla More Reliable Than Toyota?
| Metric | Tesla | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 52/100 | 75/100 |
| Models Tracked | 5 | 16 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 101 | 28 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 2526 | 690 |
Tesla Models
5 models ranked by reliability
Tesla vs Toyota: The Verdict
This isn't a close contest. Toyota outperforms Tesla on nearly every reliability measure we track. Aggregating recall data, owner complaints, and repair costs across every model we track, Tesla averages 52/100 (5 models) and Toyota averages 75/100 (16 models).
Where Tesla and Toyota Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Tesla | Toyota |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 49/100Mixed | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 40/100Mixed | 78/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 57/100Mixed | 77/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 74/100Good | 82/100Excellent |
Where they diverge most: repair costs. Toyota has a 38-point edge in that component, which accounts for much of the reliability gap.
Tesla vs Toyota: Strengths and Weaknesses
Tesla
Strengths
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
Weaknesses
- 5 of 5 models rated Mixed or Poor
- 73 fire-related complaints across lineup
Toyota
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (75/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Very affordable maintenance ($473/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 16 of 16 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 93 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Tesla and Toyota Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Tesla
Toyota
Tesla vs Toyota Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Tesla | Toyota | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trucks(1 vs 2 models) | 59/100 | 65/100 | Toyota |
| Sedans(2 vs 5 models) | 47/100 | 77/100 | Toyota |
| SUVs(2 vs 7 models) | 56/100 | 77/100 | Toyota |
Toyota wins 3 out of 3 shared categories.
Common Problems: Tesla vs Toyota
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Tesla | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 25%2,734 | 1%59 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 13%1,412 | 14%1,321 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 12%1,331 | 13%1,214 |
| STEERING | 12%1,303 | 6%555 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 14%1,504 | 3%330 |
| POWER TRAIN | 2%238 | 17%1,593 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 8%898 | 8%792 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%426 | 9%890 |
| ENGINE | 0%9 | 10%965 |
| SUSPENSION | 6%708 | 1%62 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Tesla vs Toyota Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Tesla owners reported 1,306 crash-related, 73 fire-related, and 868 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Toyota owners reported 672 crash-related, 93 fire-related, and 611 injury-related complaints. Toyota has fewer severe incident reports overall. These counts reflect owner-reported incidents and don't establish causation — but they're a useful signal for comparing safety profiles.
Tesla
1,306
Crash reports
73
Fire reports
868
Injury reports
Toyota
672
Crash reports
93
Fire reports
611
Injury reports
Every Tesla and Toyota Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Tesla Models
Toyota Models
Tesla vs Toyota Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Tesla's reliability is improving — recent model years average 60/100, up from earlier years. Toyota's reliability is improving — recent model years average 77/100.
Interestingly, both Tesla and Toyota show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Tesla | Toyota | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 64/100(5) | 78/100(15) | Toyota |
| 2024 | 56/100(5) | 75/100(16) | Toyota |
| 2023 | 47/100(4) | 75/100(15) | Toyota |
| 2022 | 54/100(4) | 75/100(13) | Toyota |
| 2021 | 43/100(4) | 76/100(11) | Toyota |
| 2020 | 47/100(4) | 73/100(10) | Toyota |
| 2019 | 50/100(3) | 70/100(9) | Toyota |
| 2018 | 48/100(3) | 71/100(9) | Toyota |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
Tesla vs Toyota: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Tesla and Toyota. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: Tesla or Toyota?
If reliability is a top priority, Toyota deserves serious consideration over its rival.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Toyota Crown leads both lineups with a score of 84/100.
All scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data combined with independent repair cost databases. Check individual model pages for year-specific reliability data before making a final decision.
Tesla vs Toyota: Common Questions
Is Tesla more reliable than Toyota?
Which make has more recalls, Tesla or Toyota?
What are the most reliable models from Tesla and Toyota?
What are the least reliable models from Tesla and Toyota?
What are the most common problems with Tesla and Toyota vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Tesla or Toyota?
How many Tesla and Toyota models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Tesla or Toyota?
Are Tesla and Toyota getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Tesla or Toyota?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Tesla or Toyota?
Comparing Tesla vs Toyota? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.