Vehicle 1

Mazda Mazda2

31 complaints · 6 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Toyota Camry

1,900 complaints · 26 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

Mazda Mazda2 vs Toyota Camry: The Mazda2 has 31 complaints and 6 recalls over 10 years, while the Camry has 1900 complaints and 26 recalls. The Mazda2's top issue is steering; the Camry's is powertrain. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

4
Mazda Mazda2
wins all 4 categories
0
Toyota Camry
no category wins
CategoryMazda Mazda2Toyota Camry
Total Complaints
All years combined
31
✓ lower
1,900
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
6
✓ lower
26
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
3
✓ lower
165
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
3.1
✓ lower
190.0

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Mazda Mazda2

1. STEERING9
2. AIR BAGS5
3. SUSPENSION5
4. SEATS4
5. VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL3

Toyota Camry

1. POWER TRAIN340
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER301
3. ENGINE295
4. SERVICE BRAKES278
5. AIR BAGS218
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Mazda Mazda2 has far fewer complaints per year (3.1 vs 190.0), suggesting it may have fewer reported issues overall, but its lower sales volume could skew the data. A buyer should not assume it is trouble-free, but the numbers indicate a lower risk of frequent problems.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize lower complaint rates and fewer recalls, the Mazda Mazda2 is the better choice. If you need a larger, more popular sedan with more available parts and service, choose the Toyota Camry, but be aware of its higher complaint volume, especially in the powertrain and engine categories.

Key Differences
  • Mazda Mazda2 has 31 total complaints over 10 years (3.1/year) vs Toyota Camry's 1900 (190/year).
  • Mazda Mazda2 has 6 recalls vs Toyota Camry's 26.
  • Mazda Mazda2's top issue is steering (9 complaints); Toyota Camry's top issue is powertrain (340 complaints).
  • Toyota Camry has 165 crash complaints vs Mazda Mazda2's 3.
⚠ Watch on Mazda Mazda2
  • Watch for steering issues, as they are the most common complaint (9 out of 31).
  • Check air bag and suspension components, each with 5 complaints.
⚠ Watch on Toyota Camry
  • Pay close attention to powertrain and engine problems, which together account for 635 complaints.
  • Service brakes and air bags are also frequent issues, with 278 and 218 complaints respectively.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check for open recalls on both vehicles using the VIN.
  • Test drive and listen for steering noises or looseness on the Mazda2.
  • On the Camry, inspect transmission and engine for leaks, shuddering, or warning lights.
  • Review service history for brake and air bag repairs on the Camry.
  • Get a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Mazda Mazda2Toyota Camry
2021
0
150
2020
0
259
2019
0
369
2018
0
708
2017
0
145
Mazda Mazda2 vs Toyota Camry — comparison facts
Comparison
Mazda Mazda2 vs Toyota Camry
Mazda Mazda2 total complaints
31
Toyota Camry total complaints
1,900
Mazda Mazda2 total recalls
6
Toyota Camry total recalls
26
Mazda Mazda2 avg complaints/year
3.1
Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
190.0
More reliable overall
Mazda Mazda2
Mazda Mazda2 top complaint area
STEERING
Toyota Camry top complaint area
POWER TRAIN
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Mazda Mazda2Reliability & Problems

31 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Toyota CamryReliability & Problems

1,900 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Mazda Mazda2 or Toyota Camry?

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