Last updated: 2026-03-04
Tesla Model 3 vs Toyota Camry: Reliability Compared
Tesla Model 3
Toyota Camry
Choosing between the Tesla Model 3 and the Toyota Camry? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize sedans.
Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Toyota Camry currently leads with an average score of 77/100 compared to 54/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
How Do the Tesla Model 3 and Toyota Camry Generations Compare?
Verdict
The Toyota Camry is more reliable than the Tesla Model 3, scoring 77/100 vs 54/100.
The Toyota Camry significantly outperforms the Tesla Model 3 in reliability, with an average reliability score of 88 compared to the Model 3's 41. The Camry has a much lower owner complaint rate of 2.1 per 10,000 sold versus the Model 3's 28.7, and it has experienced only 35 total recalls over nine years compared to 113 for the Model 3. Additionally, independent repair cost estimates suggest the Camry is more affordable to maintain, with an estimated annual repair cost of $388. The key differentiators are the Camry's lower complaint rate and recall history, making it the more reliable choice for a midsize sedan.
Key Differences
- 1Toyota Camry has 78 fewer total recalls
- 2Toyota Camry has 26.6 fewer complaints per 10k sold
- 3Toyota Camry scores 23 points higher in reliability
Category Scoreboard
Tesla Model 3 vs Toyota Camry: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Tesla Model 3 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 54/100 | 77/100 |
| Years Tracked | 9 | 9 |
| Total Recalls | 113 | 35 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 28.7 | 2.1 |
| Year Wins | 0 | 8 |
What Are the Common Problems With the Tesla Model 3 and Toyota Camry?
The Toyota Camry and Tesla Model 3 exhibit distinct problem profiles, with the Tesla Model 3 accumulating more total complaints. The Model 3's most significant issues are related to forward collision avoidance and vehicle speed control, with a substantial number of complaints linked to crashes, particularly 67 for vehicle speed control. In contrast, the Camry's primary concerns are with the power train and air bags, although it has fewer crash-linked complaints in these areas compared to the Model 3's top issues. Notably, the Model 3 also reports a considerable number of complaints regarding its electrical system and steering, indicating a broader range of reliability challenges compared to the Camry.
| Component | Tesla Model 3 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 6.1Average | —None |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 3.7Average | 0.1Very Low |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 3Low | 0.2Very Low |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 2.8Low | 0.2Very Low |
| STEERING | 2.6Low | 0.1Very Low |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 2.1Low | 0.2Very Low |
| AIR BAGS | 1.7Low | 0.2Very Low |
| SUSPENSION | 1.6Low | —None |
| POWER TRAIN | 0.6Very Low | 0.4Very Low |
| STRUCTURE | 0.5Very Low | —None |
| LANE DEPARTURE | 0.3Very Low | —None |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 0.2Very Low | —None |
| SEAT BELTS | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| ENGINE | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| FUEL SYSTEM | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | —None | —None |
| TIRES | —None | —None |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | —None | —None |
| VISIBILITY | —None | —None |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Tesla Model 3 or Toyota Camry?
How Does Tesla Model 3 vs Toyota Camry Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Tesla Model 3 | Toyota Camry | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 67/1003R / 87C | 76/1004R / 6C | Toyota Camry |
| 2024 | 62/1004R / 183C | 83/1002R / 35C | Toyota Camry |
| 2023 | 57/10010R / 386C | 79/1004R / 47C | Toyota Camry |
| 2022 | 50/10016R / 729C | 84/1002R / 47C | Toyota Camry |
| 2021 | 48/10020R / 626C | 82/1002R / 144C | Toyota Camry |
| 2020 | 54/10020R / 416C | 75/1005R / 253C | Toyota Camry |
| 2019 | 49/10021R / 569C | 70/1008R / 364C | Toyota Camry |
| 2018 | 46/10018R / 951C | 65/1008R / 708C | Toyota Camry |
| 2026(predicted) | 62/100(predicted) | 79/100(predicted) | Toyota Camry |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Tesla Model 3 scored 67/100 and the 2022 Toyota Camry scored 84/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
Who Should Buy the Tesla Model 3 vs the Toyota Camry?
Tesla Model 3 vs Toyota Camry: Common Questions
- Is the Tesla Model 3 more reliable than the Toyota Camry?
- Based on our data, the Toyota Camry is more reliable with an average score of 77/100 compared to 54/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.
- Which has more recalls, the Tesla Model 3 or the Toyota Camry?
- The Tesla Model 3 has more recalls (113) compared to the Toyota Camry (35). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
- Which has fewer owner complaints, the Tesla Model 3 or the Toyota Camry?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Toyota Camry has a lower complaint rate at 2.1 per 10,000 sold versus 28.7 for the Tesla Model 3. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Related Reliability Comparisons
More Tesla Model 3 comparisons
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.
See incorrect data? Report an issue