Head-to-head reliability
Mitsubishi Lancer vs Toyota Camry
How the Mitsubishi Lancer 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 vs Toyota Camry: The Lancer had 455 complaints (45.5/year) and 29 recalls, while the Camry had 2,056 complaints (205.6/year) and 31 recalls. Lancer owners report power loss and transmission slipping; Camry owners report stuck keys and brake noises. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mitsubishi Lancer or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mitsubishi Lancer
The Mitsubishi Lancer is a compact car that, over a 10-year span, generated 455 owner complaints—about 45.5 per year—along with 29 recalls. The most frequent complaints involve the power train, engine, and electrical system, with owners describing issues like complete loss of power, transmission noises, and gears slipping. While the overall complaint rate is lower than some rivals, the pattern suggests that when problems occur, they can affect major driving systems.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan that accumulated 2,056 complaints over 10 years—roughly 205.6 per year—and 31 recalls. The most common trouble spots are the power train, engine, and service brakes, with owners reporting symptoms such as a stuck ignition key, delayed throttle response, and brake pedal noises. The higher complaint volume means more owners are reporting issues, but many appear to be drivability annoyances rather than immediate safety failures.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mitsubishi Lancer | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 455 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 29 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 39 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 45.5 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 29 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
- 01POWER TRAIN134
- 02ENGINE78
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM51
- 04SERVICE BRAKES41
- 05SUSPENSION38
Owners report complete loss of power while driving and transmission noises with gears slipping out during acceleration, causing RPMs to spike. These failures can leave a driver stranded or unable to accelerate safely, making a pre-purchase transmission check critical.
Complaints include heavy engine noises, reduced fuel mileage, and loss of power with illuminated fault lights. Such symptoms often point to internal wear or sensor failures that can be expensive to diagnose and repair.
Electrical complaints often accompany power train issues, such as complete power loss and warning lights. Intermittent electrical faults can be hard to trace and may affect multiple systems, adding to ownership frustration.
Owners describe abnormal clicking sounds when pressing the clutch pedal and brake fluid leaks inside the vehicle, sometimes linked to a faulty clutch master cylinder. Brake fluid leaks can compromise braking performance and require immediate attention.
“I BOUGHT MY 2014 MITSUBISHI LANCER IN NOV. 2014 AT LONG LEWIS FORD IN FLORENCE, AL, WHERE I RECEIVED ALL REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE PERFORMANCES FOR IT. ON SEPT. 15, 2017, I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD IN MY 2014 MITSUBISHI LANCER AND EXPERIENCED COMPLETE…”
“RECEIVED VEHICLE AT 10KM, AFTER 2 OIL CHANGES, AT 16000KM MILIEGE DROPPED FROM 700KM ON A TANK OF GAS TO 300KM TANK OF GAS. AT 24000KM HEAVY TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE NOISES OCCURRED. GEARS SLIPPING OUT WHILE ACCELERATING CAUSING RPMS TO SHOOT UP TO 6000-7000 W…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report an intermittent defect where the ignition key becomes stuck and cannot be removed even though the car is in Park, sometimes requiring battery disconnection. Others note hesitation and shuddering with the check engine light on, which can indicate transmission or engine management issues.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, with the car taking several seconds to move. This lag can be dangerous when merging or pulling out into traffic, and may be caused by electronic throttle or sensor problems.
Owners describe the electronic parking brake failing to disengage, requiring a tow, and a clicking or vibrating sound from the brake pedal area that is attributed to the ABS system. These issues can prevent the car from moving or cause concern about brake reliability.
Multiple systems—including stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—have malfunctioned simultaneously. Such widespread electrical glitches can be distracting and costly to repair, and may affect safety features.
“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 — 29 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. (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 Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured January 31, 2014, to September 5, 2014, and 2014-2015 Lancer Ralliart vehicles manufactured February 3, 2014, to September 5, 2014. The affected turbocharged vehicles…
The risk: Without the protective coating, the fuel tank may rust and leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right parking brake cable, and inspect the fuel tank, free of charge. If the fuel tank's exterior coating shows signs of damage from abrasive contact with the right parking brake…
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2014 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured January 31, 2014, through February 21, 2014, and 2014 Lancer Ralliart vehicles manufactured February 3, 2014, through February 14, 2014. The affected vehicles may have insu…
The risk: Due to abrasion and rust, a hole may develop in the power steering tube, allowing the fluid to leak out, resulting in added steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the leaking fluid increases the risk of a fire in th…
The fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the power steering tube for sufficient clearance. If the vehicle has insufficient clearance, the power steering tube assembly will be replaced, free of charge. The manufacturer notifi…
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 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Mitsubishi Lancer has far fewer complaints per year (45.5) than the Toyota Camry (205.6), but the Camry's higher volume reflects its much larger sales base. In practice, the Lancer's lower complaint rate may mean fewer individual owners report problems, while the Camry's issues are more widely documented and often relate to drivability and electronic features.
Key differences
- The Lancer has 455 complaints over 10 years (45.5/year) versus the Camry's 2,056 (205.6/year), but the Camry sells in much higher volumes, so per-vehicle rates may be closer.
- Lancer owners frequently report complete power loss and transmission slipping, while Camry owners more often describe a stuck ignition key and delayed throttle response.
- Camry complaints include many electronic system malfunctions (stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring), whereas Lancer electrical complaints are often tied to power train events.
- Brake issues differ: Lancer reports clutch master cylinder leaks and clicking, while Camry reports electronic parking brake failure and ABS-related noises.
- During a test drive, listen for transmission noises or slipping during acceleration, and check for any hesitation or loss of power that could indicate power train problems.
- Inspect the brake and clutch pedal area for signs of fluid leaks or abnormal clicking sounds, and ask if the clutch master cylinder has been replaced.
- Test the ignition key removal multiple times to ensure it does not stick, and check for any delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator from a stop.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area and verify that the electronic parking brake engages and disengages properly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on both the Lancer and Camry using the NHTSA VIN lookup tool.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the transmission, engine, and brake systems for the Lancer, and the electronic parking brake, throttle response, and ignition key operation for the Camry.
- During a test drive, replicate common complaint scenarios: accelerate hard to check for transmission slipping (Lancer) and press the brake pedal to listen for ABS noises (Camry).
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and brake repairs, as these can indicate how well the car was cared for.
- Check that all electrical features work, including power windows, lights, and for the Camry, the stability control and lane keeping systems, as multiple electrical complaints have been reported.
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 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 6 | 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 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mitsubishi Lancer vs Toyota Camry
- Mitsubishi Lancer total complaints
- 455
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Mitsubishi Lancer total recalls
- 29
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Mitsubishi Lancer avg complaints/year
- 45.5
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Mitsubishi Lancer
- Mitsubishi Lancer top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN