This paper is concerned with the robust adaptive synchronization problem for a class of chaotic systems with actuator failures and unknown nonlinear uncertainty. Combining adaptive method and linear matrix inequality (LMI) technique, a novel type of robust adaptive reliable synchronization controller is proposed, which can eliminate the effect of actuator fault and nonlinear uncertainty on systems. After solving a set of LMIs, synchronization error between the master chaotic and slave chaotic systems can converge asymptotically to zero. Finally, illustrate examples about chaotic Chua's circuit system and Lorenz systems are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed design method.