Head-to-head reliability
Mazda Tribute vs Toyota Camry
How the Mazda Tribute 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 Tribute vs Toyota Camry: The Tribute has 2,160 complaints and 56 recalls over 10 years, while the Camry has 2,143 complaints and 31 recalls. The Tribute reports more unintended acceleration and tailgate failures; the Camry reports more transmission and brake issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mazda Tribute or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mazda Tribute
The Mazda Tribute is a compact SUV that, over 10 years, generated 2,160 owner complaints—about 216 per year—and 56 recalls. The most common trouble spots are engine cooling, unintended speed control behavior, and structural issues like a tailgate that won't open. With 113 crash-related reports, 96 injuries, and 5 deaths, the data shows a pattern of both mechanical and safety-related failures that a used-car buyer should weigh carefully.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with 2,143 complaints over 10 years—roughly 214 per year—and 31 recalls. Owners most often report power train problems (including transmission grinding), engine issues like sudden acceleration, and brake failures. Although it has more crash-related reports (181) and injuries (163) than the Tribute, it has far fewer recalls and only 1 death, suggesting a different mix of reported problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mazda Tribute | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,160 | 2,143 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 56 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 113 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 216.0 | 214.3 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 96 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 5 | 1 Better |
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 Tribute
- 01ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING355
- 02VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL344
- 03STRUCTURE290
- 04SUSPENSION250
- 05POWER TRAIN235
This is the most complained-about area on the Tribute, with 355 reports. Owners describe engine and cooling system failures that can lead to overheating or breakdowns, so a buyer should check for coolant leaks, unusual noises, and maintenance records.
With 344 complaints, owners report strange gas pedal feel and unintended acceleration, including cruise control surging from 70 to 80 mph. This is a serious safety concern because it can happen while driving, so any test drive should include checking for sticky or erratic pedal response.
290 complaints focus on the rear tailgate or hatch failing to open, often requiring a pump replacement. This matters because it can trap people or make loading/unloading difficult, and it's a recurring defect rather than a one-off.
250 complaints and multiple recalls for front wheel bearings indicate a pattern of suspension wear. A buyer should listen for humming or grinding from the front end, which can signal a failing wheel bearing and lead to costly repairs.
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
With 395 complaints, owners report transmission grinding noises and even complete transmission failure, sometimes requiring replacement. This is the top issue on the Camry and can be expensive, so a pre-purchase inspection should include a transmission fluid check and a test drive for unusual sounds.
315 complaints include reports of uncontrollable sudden acceleration, sometimes leading to crashes. Owners also mention coolant valve bypass issues that may not be covered by recalls for their specific VIN, so buyers should verify any open recalls and have the engine scanned for codes.
290 complaints describe brake pedal going to the floor with no response, especially on hills or slopes. This is a critical safety issue, so a test drive should include braking on different surfaces and checking for soft or spongy pedal feel.
342 complaints often relate to HVAC problems, such as a strong vinegar or mildew smell from the vents and AC condenser damage from road debris. These are comfort and potential health issues, so a buyer should run the AC and check for odors or weak cooling.
“I turned into a restaurant’s parking lot, found a spot and slowly drove into the lot, I eased off the gas pedal and gently applying the brake as the lot has a slight downward slope. When I reach the chunk (the parking block), I added more force to the brake,…”
“Grinding noise coming from front end upon acceleration. Brought to dealership who confirmed noises coming from transmission. Transmission needs to be replaced per dealer recommendation. Recalls on 2021 Toyota Camry for same issue. Transmissions on backorder a…”
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 Tribute — 56 recalls
The defect: The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles. The affected wheel bearings have…
The risk: Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer service at 1-866-984-6536.
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Tribute vehicles manufactured October 5, 2006, through September 11, 2010. The affected vehicles have a steering torque sensor that may not be able to properly detect driver steering input. As a result, the system cou…
The risk: If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners and dealers will update the software for the power steering control module (PSCM) and the instrument cluster module, free of charge. If a vehicle shows a history of a loss of the torque sensor signal or fault codes…
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Tribute vehicles manufactured March 3, 2009, to May 26, 2011. On vehicles with a 3.0L engine, the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) may crack, causing a fuel leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the FDM flange with one that has a redesigned fuel supply port, free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices informing owners of the safety recall were mailed on…
The defect: The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles. The affected wheel bearings have…
The risk: Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer service at 1-866-984-6536.
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
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…
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…
Buyer analysis
Mazda Tribute or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has slightly fewer complaints per year (214.3 vs. 216.0) and far fewer recalls (31 vs. 56), but it has more crash-related reports and injuries. In practice, the Tribute's issues cluster around speed control and structural defects, while the Camry's center on power train and brakes—both need a thorough inspection.
Key differences
- The Tribute has 56 recalls vs. the Camry's 31, with Tribute recalls covering suspension, steering, and fuel pump—areas that can affect control and stalling.
- Tribute owners frequently report unintended acceleration and cruise control surging, while Camry owners report sudden acceleration and transmission grinding.
- The Tribute has 5 deaths and 96 injuries in its complaints; the Camry has 1 death and 163 injuries, showing different severity patterns.
- Structural problems like a stuck tailgate are common on the Tribute, whereas the Camry's top non-mechanical issue is HVAC odor and AC damage.
- Check the gas pedal and cruise control operation for any sticking, surging, or unusual feel, as owners report unintended acceleration.
- Test the rear tailgate/hatch multiple times to ensure it opens reliably; a failing pump is a known defect that can trap occupants.
- Listen for grinding or whining from the transmission during acceleration and test drive at various speeds, as transmission replacement is a reported issue.
- Test the brakes on a slope or hill for any softness or failure to respond, since owners report brake pedal going to the floor.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls by VIN, especially for the Tribute's suspension/steering and the Camry's air bag and seat recalls.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the engine cooling system (Tribute) and transmission (Camry) for signs of wear or failure.
- During a test drive, specifically test acceleration from a stop and cruise control (Tribute) and braking on a hill (Camry).
- Check the operation of the rear hatch (Tribute) and air conditioning system (Camry) for odors or weak cooling.
- Ask for maintenance records and confirm that any recall repairs have been completed, as some issues may not be covered for all VINs.
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 Tribute or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mazda Tribute vs Toyota Camry
- Mazda Tribute total complaints
- 2,160
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Mazda Tribute total recalls
- 56
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Mazda Tribute avg complaints/year
- 216.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- Mazda Tribute top complaint area
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN