Head-to-head reliability
Mitsubishi Endeavor vs Toyota Camry
How the Mitsubishi Endeavor 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
Mitsubishi Endeavor vs Toyota Camry: The Endeavor averaged 36.9 complaints per year over 8 years, while the Camry averaged 214.3 per year over 10 years. The Camry had 181 crash-related complaints and 1 death; the Endeavor had 30 crashes and 0 deaths. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mitsubishi Endeavor or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mitsubishi Endeavor
The Mitsubishi Endeavor is a mid-size SUV that, based on owner complaints, can be a headache to live with as it ages. Over 8 years, it averaged about 37 complaints per year, with the most common issues involving the structure, electrical system, and power train. Owners frequently report problems like the liftgate not opening, the key getting stuck in the ignition, and the vehicle rolling after being parked. These are not just minor annoyances—they can leave you stranded or cause safety hazards.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular mid-size sedan, but it has a much higher volume of complaints—over 2,100 in 10 years, averaging about 214 per year. The most frequent trouble spots are the power train, engine, and brakes, with reports of sudden acceleration, transmission failure, and brake loss. While many Camrys run reliably, the sheer number of complaints suggests that some model years have serious recurring defects. Buyers should be aware that even a well-known name can have significant problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mitsubishi Endeavor | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 295 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 28 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 30 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 36.9 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 22 Better | 163 |
| 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.
Mitsubishi Endeavor
- 01STRUCTURE81
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM30
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER30
- 04POWER TRAIN28
- 05ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING28
Owners report the liftgate and rear glass failing to open, often requiring manual release. This can trap you out of the cargo area and is a common issue across 2004–2008 models.
Complaints include the key sticking in the ignition, the vehicle failing to start after refueling, and the air conditioner blowing warm air. These electrical gremlins can be frustrating and expensive to diagnose.
Some owners describe the vehicle rolling backward after parking and the gear shifter getting stuck in Park. These issues can lead to accidents or leave you unable to drive.
Reports of water soaking the driver-side floor when the A/C or defroster runs, and brake calipers rusting with fluid leaks. These problems can cause odors, mold, and reduced braking performance.
“FROM THE TIME OF PURCHASE THE CAR WILL NOT START AFTER GAS IS PUT INTO IT WHEN THE CAR IS CUT OFF. BY PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR SLIGHTLY IT WILL RESUME NORMAL OPERATION.THE KEY DOES NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION AND THE PARKING BRAKE WILL NOT DISENGAGE IT. KEYL…”
“ORIGINALLY THE LIFTGATE WOULD NOT OPEN ONLY THE GLASS TOP WOULD OPEN. A COMMON ISSUE ACCORDING TO SEVERAL MITSUBISHI ENDEAVOR OWNER FORUMS FOR ENDEAVORS FROM 2004 TO 2008. RECENTLY BOTH LIFTGATE AND GLASS WOULD NOT OPEN AT ALL UNLESS I USED THE MANUAL RELEASE…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the transmission, sudden acceleration, and transmission failure requiring replacement. These are serious and can lead to loss of control or costly repairs.
Complaints include uncontrollable sudden acceleration and coolant valve bypass issues that trigger warning lights. Sudden acceleration is a critical safety concern.
Some drivers experienced a complete loss of brake response, especially on hills or when braking gently. This is an extreme safety risk that should not be ignored.
Common reports include A/C condenser damage from road debris and a persistent mildew or vinegar smell from the vents. These affect comfort and can be costly to fix.
“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.
Mitsubishi Endeavor — 28 recalls
The defect: MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2008 ENDEAVOR WITH MANUAL AIR CONDITIONING. DUE TO AN INCORRECT HEATER (HVAC) CONTROLLER SIGNAL, THE AIR FLOW FROM THE AIR VENTS MAY RANDOMLY CHANGE DIRECTION AND/OR THE TEMPERATURE MAY BRIEFLY CYCLE BETWEEN HOT AND COLD.
The risk: THIS CONDITION COULD AFFECT DEFROSTER PERFORMANCE, RESULTING IN POOR WINDSHIELD VISIBILITY AND POTENTIALLY CAUSE A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR DAMAGE AND IF NECESSARY REPAIR THE MODE DOOR SHAFT FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 7, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.
The defect: MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 ENDEAVOR VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENN…
The risk: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILLER PIPE WITH A NEW IMPROVED PART FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JULY 5, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.
The defect: MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING 120,000 MY 2004-2006 ENDEAVOR PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING VEHICLE USE, THE IGNITION KEY INTERLOCK CABLE (WHICH IS A COMPONENT OF THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM) MAY ALLOW THE INTERLOCKING CAM TO FALL FORWARD AND ALLOW THE IGNITION KEY TO BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH WHEN THE GEA…
The risk: IF THE DRIVER DOES NOT SHIFT TO PARK BEFORE REMOVING THE KEY AND FAILS TO ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND CORRECT THESE VEHICLES FOR THE REPORTED CONDITION. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON JULY 7, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-888-648-7820.
The defect: MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 ENDEAVOR VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENN…
The risk: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILLER PIPE WITH A NEW IMPROVED PART FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JULY 5, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.
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
Mitsubishi Endeavor or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Mitsubishi Endeavor has far fewer complaints per year (about 37) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 214). However, the Camry's higher volume may reflect its much larger sales. In practice, the Endeavor's issues tend to be structural and electrical annoyances, while the Camry's include more severe safety-related defects like sudden acceleration and brake failure.
Key differences
- The Endeavor averages about 37 complaints per year, while the Camry averages about 214 per year, but the Camry sold in much higher numbers.
- Endeavor owners frequently report liftgate and ignition key problems; Camry owners report sudden acceleration and transmission failure.
- The Camry has 181 crash-related complaints and 163 injuries, compared to 30 crashes and 22 injuries for the Endeavor.
- Both have recalls, but the Endeavor's include fuel tank and ignition issues, while the Camry's include air bag sensors and seat problems.
- Test the liftgate and rear glass multiple times to ensure they open and close properly—failure is a common complaint.
- Check for water leaks on the driver-side floor after running the A/C or defroster, and inspect brake calipers for rust or fluid leaks.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any grinding noises from the transmission and any hesitation or sudden acceleration.
- Test the brakes on a hill or at low speeds to ensure they respond immediately; also check for A/C odors and condenser damage.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on the reported problem areas.
- For the Endeavor, test all doors, liftgate, ignition key, and parking brake operation.
- For the Camry, test the transmission for smooth shifting, the brakes for immediate response, and the A/C for odors.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission and brake services.
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 Mitsubishi Endeavor or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mitsubishi Endeavor vs Toyota Camry
- Mitsubishi Endeavor total complaints
- 295
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Mitsubishi Endeavor total recalls
- 28
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Mitsubishi Endeavor avg complaints/year
- 36.9
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Mitsubishi Endeavor
- Mitsubishi Endeavor top complaint area
- STRUCTURE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN