Head-to-head reliability
Mitsubishi Mirage G4 vs Toyota Camry
How the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 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 Mirage G4 vs Toyota Camry: The Mirage G4 averages 8.1 complaints per year with 2 recalls, while the Camry averages 214.3 complaints per year with 31 recalls. Both have 1 death reported. The Mirage G4 has fewer complaints but serious air bag issues; the Camry has more frequent power train and brake problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mitsubishi Mirage G4
The Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is a subcompact sedan with a low average of about 8 complaints per year over 8 years, but its issues often involve serious safety systems. Owners report air bag failures in crashes, electrical glitches, and early front-end wear. With only 2 recalls, it may seem simple, but the complaints suggest that when problems occur, they can be costly or dangerous.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a much higher complaint rate—about 214 per year over 10 years—and 31 recalls. Power train, engine, and brake issues are common, including transmission failures and sudden acceleration reports. Despite its reputation, the data shows a wide range of problems that can affect safety and reliability.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mitsubishi Mirage G4 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 65 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 2 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 15 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 8.1 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 17 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 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 Mirage G4
- 01AIR BAGS21
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM16
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER11
- 04ENGINE11
- 05SERVICE BRAKES8
Owners describe air bags not deploying in crashes, including a rear-end collision where the driver's side door was hit. This is critical because non-deployment can increase injury risk.
Complaints include front brakes failing and serpentine belt problems shortly after purchase, plus instrument cluster visibility issues. These can lead to unexpected repair costs and driving difficulty.
Reports include sudden loss of power with multiple warning lights, loud banging, and the car dying on the highway. This poses a serious safety hazard if it happens in traffic.
Some owners report brake problems, though specific details are limited. Brake issues are always a safety concern and should be inspected.
“On [XXX], I was traveling back to Colorado from Missouri. The weather conditions turned poor while I was traveling just west of Topeka, Kansas. I lowered my speed to below the speed limit and continued. At one point, the car lost control. At this time, it vee…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 MITSUBISHI MIRAGE G4. WHILE THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN AT 20 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE REAR ENDED THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE OF HER VEHICLE AT A HIGH SPEED. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the transmission and sudden acceleration incidents, including one that led to a crash. Transmission replacement is sometimes needed, which is expensive.
Complaints include sudden uncontrollable acceleration and coolant valve issues that may not be covered by recalls. These can lead to loss of control or engine damage.
One owner reported total brake failure on a steep hill, requiring emergency action. Brake failure is a severe safety risk.
Common issues include AC condenser damage from road debris and persistent mildew odors from the vents. These are comfort and cost issues rather than safety-critical.
“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 Mirage G4 — 2 recalls
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Mirage G4 vehicles. The internal acceleration sensor in the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) can misinterpret vibrations, such as from poor road conditions or a flat tire, as a malfunction a…
The risk: Air bags that do not deploy increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: MMNA notified owners, and dealers will reprogram the SRS-ECU software, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2019. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-19-001.
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Mirage G4 vehicles. The internal acceleration sensor in the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) can misinterpret vibrations, such as from poor road conditions or a flat tire, as a malfunction a…
The risk: Air bags that do not deploy increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: MMNA notified owners, and dealers will reprogram the SRS-ECU software, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2019. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-19-001.
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 Mirage G4 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Mitsubishi Mirage G4 has far fewer complaints per year (8.1 vs. 214.3) and fewer recalls (2 vs. 31). In practice, this means you're less likely to encounter frequent problems, but the Mirage's issues can still be serious, especially with air bags and engine stalling.
Key differences
- The Mirage G4 has about 8 complaints per year; the Camry has about 214 per year, a huge difference in reported problem frequency.
- Air bag non-deployment is a top complaint for the Mirage G4, while the Camry's top issues are power train and engine problems like transmission failure and sudden acceleration.
- The Camry has 31 recalls versus 2 for the Mirage G4, meaning more known defects that may require dealer visits.
- Both have 1 death reported, but the Camry has 181 crash-related complaints compared to 15 for the Mirage G4, though the Camry's higher sales volume likely contributes.
- Check for air bag recall completion and ask if the air bags have ever failed to deploy in a crash; inspect the driver's side door for prior repair.
- Listen for front-end noises or clunks that could indicate worn strut mounts, and test the brakes for any softness or failure.
- Test drive at various speeds and listen for grinding or whining from the transmission; check for delayed or harsh shifting.
- Inspect the AC condenser for damage from road debris and check for musty odors from the vents; also test brakes on a hill if possible.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially air bag recalls on the Mirage G4 and power train recalls on the Camry.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and brakes on the Camry, and the air bag system and front suspension on the Mirage G4.
- During the test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, or acceleration issues.
- Check the NHTSA website for any open recalls by VIN before purchase.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes on the Camry and brake service on both.
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 Mirage G4 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 6 | 48 |
| 2023 | 5 | 62 |
| 2022 | 3 | 59 |
| 2021 | 2 | 155 |
| 2020 | 4 | 270 |
| 2019 | 6 | 393 |
| 2018 | 11 | 736 |
| 2017 | 28 | 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 Mirage G4 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mitsubishi Mirage G4 vs Toyota Camry
- Mitsubishi Mirage G4 total complaints
- 65
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Mitsubishi Mirage G4 total recalls
- 2
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Mitsubishi Mirage G4 avg complaints/year
- 8.1
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Mitsubishi Mirage G4
- Mitsubishi Mirage G4 top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN