Head-to-head reliability
Mazda Mazda2 vs Toyota Camry
How the Mazda Mazda2 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
Mazda Mazda2 vs Toyota Camry: The Mazda2 averages 3.1 complaints per year with 6 recalls, while the Camry averages 205.6 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The Mazda2's issues center on steering and suspension noises; the Camry's on power train and brake problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mazda Mazda2 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mazda Mazda2
The Mazda Mazda2 is a subcompact hatchback with a low complaint rate—about 3.1 per year over a decade—but the pattern is concentrated in front-end steering and suspension noises, plus air bag concerns. Owners often describe clunking, popping, or vibration from the front end at low speeds, and some report air bags not deploying in a crash. With only 6 recalls, it's a simpler car to own, but the few complaints that exist tend to be repetitive and annoying rather than catastrophic.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a much higher complaint volume—about 206 per year—but that reflects its huge sales volume. The most common owner-reported problems involve the power train (hesitation, shuddering, key stuck), engine throttle delay, and brake noises or electronic parking brake failures. It also has 31 recalls and more crash-related reports, so while many issues are covered by recalls, buyers should expect more frequent trips to the dealer for software or hardware fixes.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mazda Mazda2 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 31 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 6 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 3.1 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 Better | 158 |
| 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.
Mazda Mazda2
- 01STEERING9
- 02SUSPENSION5
- 03AIR BAGS5
- 04SEATS4
- 05VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL3
Owners report shaking, vibrating, and loud popping or clicking from the steering at low speeds, sometimes linked to a recall for the steering knuckle separating from the strut. This can make the car feel unstable and may lead to costly repairs if not addressed.
Complaints describe a persistent vibration from the front driver's side at lower speeds, often misdiagnosed by multiple mechanics. It's a nuisance that can worsen over time and may indicate worn suspension components.
One owner reported that air bags failed to deploy in a rollover crash, resulting in a chest injury. While rare, this is a serious safety concern that buyers should verify recall status for.
The seat height adjuster can become loose, causing the seat to rock back and forth. This is uncomfortable and could affect driving position, though it's not a safety recall on all model years.
“I bought this 2014 Mazda 2 Sport HB on Thursday January 26, 2023. Upon driving it home, this vehicle with only 41,280 miles on it, shook, vibrating , hearing a very loud popping clicking sounds. Like body metal clanging. It was hard to see. I don’t know if th…”
“MY 2012 MAZDA HAS APPROXIMATELY 42,000 MILES ON IT. I PURCHASED IT USED IN 2013 WHEN IT HAD 35,570 MILES ON IT. WHEN I BOUGHT IT USED FROM A RENTAL-CAR SALE LOT, I NOTICED A SLIGHT "HITCH" IN THE STEERING IF THE WHEELS WERE TURNED FAR TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. BU…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners of recent Camrys report the ignition key getting stuck in Park, requiring a battery disconnect to remove, and hesitation or shuddering with the check engine light on. These issues can leave you stranded or cause expensive diagnostic visits.
Complaints include a several-second delay in throttle response when pressing the accelerator, making the car feel unresponsive and potentially unsafe when merging. This points to electronic throttle or software problems.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow, and some owners hear a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area that dealers call 'normal.' These brake issues can be frustrating and costly if out of warranty.
Multiple driver-assist systems (stability control, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping) can malfunction simultaneously, often traced to sensors or the accessory gateway ECU. This reduces safety features you may rely on.
“My 2023 Toyota Camry has developed an intermittent defect where the ignition key becomes stuck and cannot be removed even though the dashboard shows the vehicle is in Park. The only way to remove the key is to disconnect the vehicle's battery, which is not a…”
“The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitating and shuddering, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle…”
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.
Mazda Mazda2 — 6 recalls
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
The risk: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
The risk: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 2, 2015, 2013-2014 Mazda2 vehicles manufactured July 3, 2013, to August 8, 2014, 2014-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured January 19, 2013, to December 2, 2015, and 2013-201…
The risk: If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lower mounting nuts and bolts that secure the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle. If the bolts are loose, they will be replaced and then correctly tightened, free of charge.…
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 2, 2015, 2013-2014 Mazda2 vehicles manufactured July 3, 2013, to August 8, 2014, 2014-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured January 19, 2013, to December 2, 2015, and 2013-201…
The risk: If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lower mounting nuts and bolts that secure the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle. If the bolts are loose, they will be replaced and then correctly tightened, free of charge.…
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
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…
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…
Buyer analysis
Mazda Mazda2 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Mazda2 has far fewer complaints per year (3.1 vs. 205.6), but the Camry's higher count is partly due to its much larger sales volume. In practice, the Mazda2's issues are more repetitive front-end noises, while the Camry's are more varied and often electronic, meaning more potential dealer visits for the Toyota.
Key differences
- The Mazda2's top complaint areas are steering and suspension noises, while the Camry's are power train and engine hesitation.
- The Camry has 31 recalls versus 6 for the Mazda2, so expect more recall notices and dealer visits with the Toyota.
- Air bag non-deployment was reported in a Mazda2 crash, while Camry complaints include brake and electronic parking brake failures.
- The Mazda2 averages 3.1 complaints per year; the Camry averages 205.6, but the Camry sells in much higher numbers.
- Listen for popping, clicking, or clunking from the front end when turning at low speeds—this could indicate steering knuckle or suspension wear.
- Check the seat height adjuster for looseness or rocking; if it moves, it may need repair.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park—if it sticks, it could be a sign of the reported power train defect.
- Try the electronic parking brake and listen for clicking or vibration from the brake pedal; if the EPB won't disengage, it may need a new switch or more.
Before you buy
- Ask for the vehicle's recall history and confirm all open recalls are fixed, especially steering and air bag recalls on the Mazda2 and brake/seat recalls on the Camry.
- During a test drive, listen for front-end noises on the Mazda2 and check for hesitation or delayed throttle on the Camry.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Mazda2's steering and suspension components, and the Camry's electronic parking brake and battery/charging system.
- For the Camry, test all driver-assist features (blind spot, lane keeping) to ensure they work without error messages.
- Check the Mazda2's seat adjustment and the Camry's key removal and brake pedal feel before buying.
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 | Mazda Mazda2 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 0 | 157 |
| 2020 | 0 | 274 |
| 2019 | 0 | 395 |
| 2018 | 0 | 744 |
| 2017 | 0 | 148 |
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 Mazda Mazda2 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mazda Mazda2 vs Toyota Camry
- Mazda Mazda2 total complaints
- 31
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Mazda Mazda2 total recalls
- 6
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Mazda Mazda2 avg complaints/year
- 3.1
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Mazda Mazda2
- Mazda Mazda2 top complaint area
- STEERING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN