Head-to-head reliability
Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback vs Toyota Camry
How the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback 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 Sportback vs Toyota Camry: The Lancer averages 17 complaints per year with 12 recalls, while the Camry averages 206 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The Lancer has 16 injuries reported, the Camry 158 and one death. Both have engine and brake issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
The Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback is a compact hatchback that, based on owner complaints, can be a mixed bag in terms of reliability. Over 10 years, it has averaged 17 complaints per year, with the most common issues involving the engine, power train, and electrical system. Owners report stalling, overheating, transmission problems, and brake light failures, which could mean unexpected repair bills. With 12 recalls and 16 injuries reported, it's important to check for open recalls and have a mechanic inspect these areas before buying.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a generally strong reputation, but NHTSA data shows a higher volume of complaints—averaging about 206 per year over 10 years. The most frequent issues involve the power train, engine, and brakes, with reports of hesitation, shuddering, and electronic parking brake problems. There are 31 recalls and 171 crash-related complaints, including one death. While many Camrys serve reliably, the data suggests that certain model years may have recurring problems that buyers should investigate.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 170 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 12 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 19 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 17.0 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 16 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.
Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
- 01ENGINE36
- 02POWER TRAIN26
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM25
- 04SERVICE BRAKES24
- 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING17
Owners report stalling and overheating while driving at various speeds without warning, often requiring mechanic attention. This can be dangerous if it happens in traffic and may indicate cooling system or sensor failures.
Complaints include complete loss of power while driving and transmission fluid dipstick defects that Mitsubishi acknowledged via a service bulletin but did not recall. These issues can lead to costly repairs and safety risks.
Brake lights may stop working even though tail lights still function, often due to a faulty ECU. This can cause failed inspections and rear-end collisions if not addressed.
Some owners experience brake failure with ABS warning light illumination, requiring repeated pumping to stop. This is a serious safety concern that demands immediate attention.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL AND OVERHEAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FROM WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED. THE MECHANIC G…”
“I WENT TO A RECALL SERVICE FOR SUNROOF AND DRIVE BELT ON APRIL 09,2018.TODAY, AFTER ONE YEAR I'M WAITING YET FOR THE MITSUBISHI CALL BECAUSE THE PARTS WAS UNAVAILABLE, SO THEY ORDERED THEM. I CALLED MANY TIMES, THEY SAID THE DRIVE BELT ARRIVED BUT NOT THE SUN…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners of newer Camrys report intermittent issues like the ignition key getting stuck in Park and the vehicle hesitating or shuddering with the check engine light on. These can be frustrating and may indicate transmission or electronic control problems.
Complaints include delayed throttle response, where pressing the accelerator results in a several-second delay before the car moves. This can be a safety hazard when merging or crossing intersections.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow, and some owners hear a clicking or vibrating noise from the ABS system. These issues can leave the car immobile or indicate brake system faults.
Multiple systems such as stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring may malfunction simultaneously, often traced to subframe or sensor problems. This can compromise safety and be expensive to diagnose.
“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.
Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback — 12 recalls
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Lancer, 2008-2012 Outlander, 2010-2012 Lancer Sportback, and 2011-2012 Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with either a 4B11 or 4B12 engine. The drive belt automatic tensioner flange may crack, allowing the accessory drive b…
The risk: If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the belt tensioner with one that has an improved shape, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's nu…
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Lancer, 2008-2012 Outlander, 2010-2012 Lancer Sportback, and 2011-2012 Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with either a 4B11 or 4B12 engine. The drive belt automatic tensioner flange may crack, allowing the accessory drive b…
The risk: If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the belt tensioner with one that has an improved shape, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's nu…
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 2009-2011 Lancer vehicles manufactured March 16, 2009, to March 30, 2011, 2010-2011 Lancer Sportback vehicles manufactured June 17, 2009, to December 1, 2010, 2010-2011 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured July 14,…
The risk: Failure of the blower motor may reduce the performance of the windshield defroster, diminishing the driver's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace a suspect blower motor, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-…
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
Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback has far fewer complaints per year (17 vs. 206 for the Camry), but the Camry's higher volume is partly due to its much larger sales. In practice, the Lancer's issues tend to be more severe, like stalling and brake failure, while the Camry's complaints often involve electronic glitches and hesitation. Both require careful inspection, but the Lancer may pose more immediate safety risks.
Key differences
- The Lancer Sportback averages 17 complaints per year, while the Camry averages about 206, but the Camry sells in much higher numbers.
- Lancer owners report stalling, overheating, and brake failure; Camry owners report hesitation, shuddering, and electronic parking brake problems.
- The Lancer has 12 recalls, including engine belts and structure; the Camry has 31 recalls, covering air bags, seats, and wheels.
- The Lancer has 16 injuries and 0 deaths in complaints; the Camry has 158 injuries and 1 death, though these are not rates.
- Check for signs of overheating or coolant leaks, and ask if the engine has ever stalled; listen for unusual noises and scan for stored codes.
- Test all brakes, including ABS, and verify that brake lights work; inspect the ECU part number 8637C096 if possible, as failures have been reported.
- Test the electronic parking brake repeatedly to ensure it disengages smoothly; listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area.
- During a test drive, accelerate firmly to check for hesitation or shuddering, and ensure the ignition key can be removed easily when in Park.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models using the NHTSA VIN lookup tool.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical systems.
- For the Lancer, specifically test for stalling, overheating, and brake light function; for the Camry, test for throttle response and parking brake operation.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and recall repairs.
- During a test drive, simulate various driving conditions (highway, stop-and-go) to uncover intermittent issues like hesitation or shuddering.
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 Lancer Sportback | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Lancer Sportback or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback vs Toyota Camry
- Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback total complaints
- 170
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback total recalls
- 12
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback avg complaints/year
- 17.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
- Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN