Head-to-head reliability
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution vs Toyota Camry
How the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 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 Lancer Evolution vs Toyota Camry: The Evo averaged 29 complaints per year over 10 years, while the Camry averaged 214.3. The Evo has 27 recalls and 12 injuries; the Camry has 31 recalls and 163 injuries. Both have serious issues, but the Camry's higher volume includes more safety complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is a high-performance sports sedan that demands frequent maintenance and can be costly to own. Over 10 years, it averaged 29 complaints per year, with power train issues dominating. Owners report clutch failures, transmission problems, and oil consumption, often at low mileage. Recalls cover major systems like air bags and fuel delivery, so checking recall history is essential.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream family sedan with a generally strong reliability reputation, but it still has a notable complaint volume. It averaged 214.3 complaints per year over 10 years, with power train, engine, and brake issues among the top categories. Some owners report sudden acceleration, transmission grinding, and brake failure. Recalls address air bags, seats, and wheels, so verify all recall work is done.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 290 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 27 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 18 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 29.0 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 12 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 Lancer Evolution
- 01POWER TRAIN113
- 02ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)40
- 03ENGINE36
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM26
- 05ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING26
Owners frequently report clutch failure and transmission problems, sometimes as early as 1,847 miles. One owner needed a new clutch at 22,000 miles and had master/slave cylinder failure. These repairs are expensive and can recur, making pre-purchase inspection critical.
Complaints describe random dashboard warnings and driving-mode lights flashing, sometimes while stationary. One owner at 31,651 miles had the instrument panel flash and chime in a drive-thru. This can indicate sensor or module issues that may affect stability control operation.
Reports include excessive oil consumption, with owners adding a quart every 1,000 miles. This can lead to engine wear if not monitored. Some complaints also mention transmission giving out, suggesting linked power train stress.
Owners report random clicking noises, dashboard lights flickering, and the car shutting off when in park. Bluetooth connectivity issues are also common, with dealers sometimes blaming phones. Electrical gremlins can be hard to diagnose and fix.
“I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE WITH 200 MILES ON IT AT 700 MILES TOOK IT IN FOR LATCHES AND RATTLES. SINCE THAT HAIR EVERY 8K MIKES IT NEEDED A NEW CLUTCH AT 22K MILES MADTER SLAVE FAILED TRANSMISSION STARTED TO GIVE OUT AT 28K MILES. PLEASE REVIVE SAWC EVERY 1,000 M…”
“I PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2005 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION, AND TWO MONTHS LATER @ 1847 MILES, THE CLUTCH WENT OUT. MITSUBISHI REFUSED TO WARRANTY REPAIR THE FAILURE, SO I STARTED INVESTIGATING THEIR CLUTCHES. IT TURNS OUT SIX LOCAL REPAIR SHOPS AS WELL AS 4 MI…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front upon acceleration, with dealers confirming transmission replacement is needed. Some cite recalls on 2021 Camrys for similar issues, but parts may be backordered. This can mean costly repairs and long waits.
Complaints include uncontrollable sudden acceleration, sometimes leading to crashes. Others report coolant valve bypass issues with code P268115, even when the VIN isn't covered by a recall. These are serious safety concerns that require immediate attention.
Owners describe brake pedal going to the floor with no response, such as when driving down a steep hill. Another report notes difficulty braking on a slight downward slope. Brake failure is a critical safety risk and should be inspected thoroughly.
Many complaints involve AC condenser damage from road debris and persistent mildew or vinegar odors from the vents. These are comfort and potential health issues, but repair costs can add up. The AC condenser may need replacement if damaged.
“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 Lancer Evolution — 27 recalls
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Outlander, 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Evolution, and 2010 Lancer Sportback vehicles equipped with sunroofs. The sunroof glass may detach from the sunroof assembly, becoming a road hazard to other vehicles.
The risk: If the sunroof glass detaches from the assembly while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sunroof glass assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-003.
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Lancer, Lancer Evolution, and Outlander; 2009-2011 Lancer Sportback, Lancer Rilliart, and Lancer Sportback Ralliart; and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles. The affected vehicles, manufactured with 4B1 engines,…
The risk: If the drive belt detaches, the battery may discharge, resulting in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the drive belt with a rubber belt. Drive pulleys that are excessively worn will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2014. Owne…
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured from December 12, 2007, through March 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the clutch master cylinder can fail.
The risk: Failure of the clutch master cylinder reduces the ability to shift the vehicle into or out of gear, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected clutch master cylinders free of charge. The recall began on November 12, 2013. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's campaign number for this reca…
The defect: MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 LANCER EVOLUTION, RALLIART, AND SPORTBACK RALLIART VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TURBOCHARGED ENGINES. THE MANNER IN WHICH THE FUEL RETURN PIPE IS ATTACHED TO THE ENGINE, IN COMBINATION WITH FREQUENT VEHICLE OPERATION AT CERTAIN ENGINE REVOLUTIONS, MAY RESULT I…
The risk: IF THIS STRESS CRACK DEVELOPS, FUEL LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: THE FUEL RETURN PIPE WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW PART AND TWO ADDITIONAL ATTACHMENT BRACKETS WILL BE INSTALLED TO BETTER CONTROL FUEL PIPE VIBRATION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2009. OW…
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 Lancer Evolution or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has far fewer complaints per year (29.0) than the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the Evo's issues are often severe and performance-related. The Camry's higher volume includes many comfort and minor issues, but also serious safety complaints like sudden acceleration and brake failure. In practice, the Evo may need more frequent costly repairs, while the Camry's problems are more varied but can be equally dangerous.
Key differences
- The Lancer Evolution averages 29 complaints per year, while the Camry averages 214.3, but the Evo's complaints are concentrated in power train and ESC, often requiring expensive repairs.
- Camry owners report sudden acceleration and brake failure, which are immediate safety risks; Evo owners report clutch and transmission failures that can strand you but are less likely to cause a crash.
- The Evo has 27 recalls over 10 years, including air bags and fuel delivery; the Camry has 31 recalls, covering air bags, seats, and wheels, so both need recall checks.
- Evo complaints often mention low-mileage failures (e.g., clutch at 1,847 miles), while Camry complaints span various systems including AC odors and transmission grinding.
- Check for clutch wear and transmission issues by test-driving and asking for service records; clutch replacement can be needed before 30,000 miles.
- Inspect for oil consumption by checking oil level and looking for blue exhaust smoke; owners report adding a quart every 1,000 miles.
- Test the brakes on a downhill slope and listen for grinding; brake failure and transmission grinding are reported.
- Check for sudden acceleration by test-driving at low speeds and ensuring no unintended acceleration; also inspect AC for debris damage and odors.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and verify all recalls have been performed, especially air bags and fuel system for the Evo, and air bags and seats for the Camry.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic specializing in the model; for the Evo, focus on clutch, transmission, and oil consumption; for the Camry, focus on brakes, transmission, and acceleration response.
- Test-drive extensively, including highway and stop-and-go traffic, to feel for transmission slipping, brake response, and any unexpected acceleration.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for the Evo's clutch and oil changes, and the Camry's brake and transmission services.
- Check for open recalls by VIN with a dealer and confirm they are fixed before purchase.
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 Lancer Evolution or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution vs Toyota Camry
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution total complaints
- 290
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution total recalls
- 27
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution avg complaints/year
- 29.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN