Vehicle 1

Mitsubishi Lancer

454 complaints · 26 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Toyota Camry

1,900 complaints · 26 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

Mitsubishi Lancer vs Toyota Camry: The Lancer has 454 total complaints over 10 years (45.4/year), while the Camry has 1900 (190/year). Both have 26 recalls. The Camry has more crash (165) and air bag (218) complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

3
Mitsubishi Lancer
wins 3 of 4 categories
0
Toyota Camry
no category wins
CategoryMitsubishi LancerToyota Camry
Total Complaints
All years combined
454
✓ lower
1,900
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
26
26
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
39
✓ lower
165
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
45.4
✓ lower
190.0

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Mitsubishi Lancer

1. POWER TRAIN133
2. ENGINE78
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM51
4. SERVICE BRAKES41
5. SUSPENSION38

Toyota Camry

1. POWER TRAIN340
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER301
3. ENGINE295
4. SERVICE BRAKES278
5. AIR BAGS218
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Mitsubishi Lancer has far fewer complaints per year (45.4) than the Toyota Camry (190.0), suggesting lower overall owner-reported issues. However, both vehicles have the same number of recalls (26), so a buyer should still check recall completion.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer reported problems and lower complaint frequency, the Lancer is the better choice. If you need a larger, more common sedan with more parts availability, the Camry may be preferable, but be aware of its higher complaint volume, especially in power train and air bags.

Key Differences
  • Lancer averages 45.4 complaints/year vs Camry's 190.0/year.
  • Camry has 165 crash complaints; Lancer has 39.
  • Camry's top issue is power train (340); Lancer's is also power train (133) but at a lower rate.
  • Camry has 218 air bag complaints; Lancer has none listed in top five.
⚠ Watch on Mitsubishi Lancer
  • Watch for power train issues (133 complaints) and engine problems (78) on the Lancer.
  • Check suspension components (38 complaints) for wear, as they may indicate rough driving history.
⚠ Watch on Toyota Camry
  • Be alert for power train complaints (340) and air bag issues (218) on the Camry.
  • Service brake problems (278) are also common; inspect brake system thoroughly.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check open recalls for both vehicles using NHTSA VIN lookup.
  • Test drive and listen for unusual noises from power train and engine.
  • Inspect brake system for wear or pulsation.
  • Verify air bag system warning lights and recall status on Camry.
  • Review service history for any suspension or electrical repairs.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Mitsubishi LancerToyota Camry
2017
6
145
Mitsubishi Lancer vs Toyota Camry — comparison facts
Comparison
Mitsubishi Lancer vs Toyota Camry
Mitsubishi Lancer total complaints
454
Toyota Camry total complaints
1,900
Mitsubishi Lancer total recalls
26
Toyota Camry total recalls
26
Mitsubishi Lancer avg complaints/year
45.4
Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
190.0
More reliable overall
Mitsubishi Lancer
Mitsubishi Lancer top complaint area
POWER TRAIN
Toyota Camry top complaint area
POWER TRAIN
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Mitsubishi LancerReliability & Problems

454 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Toyota CamryReliability & Problems

1,900 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Mitsubishi Lancer or Toyota Camry?

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