Head-to-head reliability
Mitsubishi I MIEV vs Toyota Camry
How the Mitsubishi I MIEV 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 I MIEV vs Toyota Camry: The I MIEV has 0 complaints over 7 years and 16 recalls, while the Camry has 2,143 complaints over 10 years, including 181 crash-related and 163 injuries. The Camry also has 31 recalls. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mitsubishi I MIEV or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mitsubishi I MIEV
The Mitsubishi I MIEV is a small electric car that has been on the road for about seven years with no owner complaints filed to NHTSA. That silence suggests owners have not reported recurring failures, but it also means there is little public detail about what might go wrong. The main documented issue is a series of recalls for the vacuum power brake assist, which could affect braking feel. For a buyer, this is a low-complaint vehicle, but you should still verify that recall work was completed.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular midsize sedan with a much larger owner base and, over ten years, an average of about 214 complaints per year. Owners report a wide range of problems, from transmission grinding and sudden acceleration to brake failure and air conditioning odors. There are also 181 crash-related complaints, 163 injuries, and one death, which means some reported issues have had serious consequences. This is a vehicle with many reported problems, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mitsubishi I MIEV | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 16 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 I MIEV
No component data available.
The only recall subject for the I MIEV is the vacuum power brake assist, repeated five times. This part helps you press the brake pedal with less effort; if it fails, the pedal can become hard to push, making stopping harder. Buyers should confirm the recall repair was done.
NHTSA has zero owner complaints for the I MIEV over seven years. That could mean the car is trouble-free, but it also means there is no real-world pattern to learn from. You will need a mechanic to check it thoroughly because there is no complaint history to guide you.
The I MIEV has 16 recalls in total, but only the brake vacuum assist is listed in the sample. Recalls are free fixes, but they can be a hassle if not done. Ask the seller for proof that all recalls, especially the brake one, have been completed.
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front during acceleration, which dealers have traced to the transmission needing replacement. Another complaint describes sudden acceleration while braking in a parking lot. These are serious because they can lead to loss of control or costly repairs.
Complaints include uncontrollable sudden acceleration that led to a crash, and a coolant valve bypass issue that triggered a maintenance light but was not covered by a recall for that VIN. These engine problems can be dangerous and expensive to fix.
Owners report the brake pedal going to the floor with no response, such as when driving down a steep hill. Another complaint describes needing extra force to brake on a slight slope. Brake failure is a critical safety concern.
Many complaints involve the air conditioning, including a condenser damaged by a rock and a persistent vinegar or mildew smell from the vents. These are comfort issues, but they can be costly to repair and may indicate poor design.
“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 I MIEV — 16 recalls
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2012-2017 i-MiEV vehicles. Water may penetrate the brake assist vacuum pump, causing corrosion and a failure of the brake vacuum pump.
The risk: Without the brake vacuum pump, the driver will experience a sudden loss of braking assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake vacuum pump, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-19-002.
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2012-2017 i-MiEV vehicles. Water may penetrate the brake assist vacuum pump, causing corrosion and a failure of the brake vacuum pump.
The risk: Without the brake vacuum pump, the driver will experience a sudden loss of braking assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake vacuum pump, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-19-002.
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2012-2017 i-MiEV vehicles. Water may penetrate the brake assist vacuum pump, causing corrosion and a failure of the brake vacuum pump.
The risk: Without the brake vacuum pump, the driver will experience a sudden loss of braking assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake vacuum pump, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-19-002.
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2012-2017 i-MiEV vehicles. Water may penetrate the brake assist vacuum pump, causing corrosion and a failure of the brake vacuum pump.
The risk: Without the brake vacuum pump, the driver will experience a sudden loss of braking assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake vacuum pump, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-19-002.
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 I MIEV or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Mitsubishi I MIEV has far fewer issues per year, with 0 complaints annually versus about 214 for the Toyota Camry. In practice, that means the I MIEV is likely to have fewer reported problems, but the Camry's larger owner base and longer history reveal many specific failure patterns. If you want a lower chance of complaints, the I MIEV looks better on paper, but you must still check its recalls.
Key differences
- The I MIEV has 0 owner complaints over 7 years, while the Camry has 2,143 complaints over 10 years, including 181 crash-related and 163 injuries.
- The I MIEV's only listed recall area is the vacuum power brake assist, repeated five times; the Camry has 31 recalls covering air bags, seats, wheels, and labels.
- Camry owners report serious issues like transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, and brake failure; the I MIEV has no owner-reported failure patterns on record.
- The Camry's complaints include specific part failures such as AC condenser damage and coolant valve bypass, while the I MIEV's data is limited to recalls.
- Check for any open recall on the vacuum power brake assist; if not repaired, the brake pedal may require extra effort to stop the car.
- Since there are no owner complaints, have a mechanic inspect the entire vehicle, especially the brakes and electrical system, for any signs of wear or failure.
- Listen for grinding noises from the front during acceleration, which could mean the transmission needs replacement.
- Test the brakes on a slope or at low speed to ensure the pedal responds normally; some owners report the pedal going to the floor with no braking.
Before you buy
- Ask for proof that all recalls, especially the brake vacuum assist on the I MIEV and any air bag or seat recalls on the Camry, have been completed.
- Take the car to a trusted mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the transmission and brakes for the Camry and the brake system for the I MIEV.
- For the Camry, test drive at various speeds and listen for transmission grinding or unusual engine noises, and check for sudden acceleration.
- For the I MIEV, verify the brake pedal feel and check for any warning lights related to the power brake assist.
- Review the NHTSA complaint history for the specific model year you are considering, as patterns can vary by year.
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 | Mitsubishi I MIEV | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 0 | 736 |
| 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 Mitsubishi I MIEV or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mitsubishi I MIEV vs Toyota Camry
- Mitsubishi I MIEV total complaints
- 0
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Mitsubishi I MIEV total recalls
- 16
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Mitsubishi I MIEV avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Mitsubishi I MIEV
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN