Head-to-head reliability
Mitsubishi Montero Sport vs Toyota Camry
How the Mitsubishi Montero Sport 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 Montero Sport vs Toyota Camry: The Montero Sport averaged 98.4 complaints per year over 5 years, with brakes and hydraulic issues dominating, while the Camry averaged 205.6 per year over 10 years, led by power train and engine complaints. Both have crash-related reports, but the Montero Sport’s brake failures can be severe. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mitsubishi Montero Sport or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mitsubishi Montero Sport
The Mitsubishi Montero Sport is a mid-size SUV that, based on owner complaints, demands close attention to its braking system. Over five years, it averaged about 98 complaints per year, with brakes and hydraulic components dominating the list. Owners frequently describe abnormal brake noises, leaks, and even caliper bolts falling out, which can lead to wheel damage. This suggests a vehicle where brake maintenance and inspection are critical to safe operation.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular sedan with a much higher annual complaint rate—about 206 per year over ten years—but the issues are spread across many systems. Power train complaints, such as stuck ignition keys and hesitation, are common, along with electrical glitches and brake noises. While the volume is higher, the problems often appear less immediately safety-critical than the Montero Sport’s brake failures, though some can still affect drivability.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mitsubishi Montero Sport | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 492 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 72 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 98.4 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 63 Better | 158 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 3 | 1 Better |
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 Montero Sport
- 01SERVICE BRAKES139
- 02HYDRAULIC108
- 03POWER TRAIN58
- 04ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING57
- 05AIR BAGS56
Owners report a improperly manufactured hydraulic brake booster that leaks pressurized nitrogen gas, causing abnormal dash noise and potentially reduced braking assist. Others describe discomfort stopping at speeds above 45 mph, leading to repeated brake checks or replacements.
Complaints include retaining bolts on the front brake caliper falling out, causing the caliper to strike the wheel and crack it, resulting in a flat tire. This is a severe safety risk that can occur at highway speeds.
Some owners report engine sludge despite following the manual’s oil change schedule, with dealerships blaming lack of maintenance. One owner suspects the oil pan is positioned wrong, leaving residual oil and leading to sludge buildup.
Premature AC compressor failure at low mileage (e.g., 32,500 miles) and hard knocking noises with oil lamp on after oil changes, sometimes diagnosed as no oil pressure, are reported. These indicate potential engine and accessory reliability concerns.
“MY MECHANIC SAID THAT THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER HAS BEEN MANUFACTURED IMPROPERLY WHICH RESULTED IN LEAKAGE OF THE PRESSURIZED NITRGEN GAS FROM INSIDE THE ACCUMULATOR. THE LOSS OF THIS GAS PRESSURE RESULTED IN AN ABNORMAL NOISE FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DASH…”
“I HAVE HAD SEVERAL TIMES TO TAKE MY CAR TO A SERVICE CENTER TO HAVE MY BRAKES CHECKED AND/OR REPLACED. I HAVE A 2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT LX THAT HAVE GIVEN ME DISCOMFORT WHEN HAVING TO STOP WHEN TRAVELING AT SPEED ABOVE 45 MPH. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners of 2023 Camrys report intermittent ignition key stuck in the ignition even when in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove. Others describe hesitation and shuddering with check engine light, pointing to transmission or engine control issues.
Multiple systems—smart stop, stability control, electric power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—malfunctioned simultaneously in one complaint. Another lists subframe, driveline, and stability control components as involved, suggesting complex electronic or structural faults.
Delayed throttle response of several seconds when pressing the accelerator from a stop is reported repeatedly, creating a potential safety hazard in traffic. Hesitation and shuddering with check engine light also appear under engine complaints.
The electronic parking brake (EPB) may fail to disengage, requiring towing and manual release; a new switch did not fix one case. A clicking/vibrating sound from the brake pedal area is attributed to the ABS system and described as common for the 2023 Camry.
“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 Montero Sport — 3 recalls
The defect: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHTS AS STATED ON THE TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABEL ARE IN ERROR.
The risk: THIS INFORMATION COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN CONSUMERS LOADING THEIR VEHICLES BEYOND THE GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR).
The fix: OWNERS WILL BE SENT REPLACEMENT LABELS WITH INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO INSTALL THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 14, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.5L ENGINES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 106, "BRAKE HOSES." THESE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH NONCOMPLIANT BRAKE VACUUM HOSES.
The risk: THESE HOSES COULD BURST CAUSING FLUID LEAKAGE, INCREASING THE BRAKING CAPABILITY OF THE VEHICLE AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VACUUM HOSE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 15, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONT…
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.5L ENGINES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 106, "BRAKE HOSES." THESE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH NONCOMPLIANT BRAKE VACUUM HOSES.
The risk: THESE HOSES COULD BURST CAUSING FLUID LEAKAGE, INCREASING THE BRAKING CAPABILITY OF THE VEHICLE AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VACUUM HOSE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 15, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONT…
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 Montero Sport or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has more than double the annual complaint rate of the Mitsubishi Montero Sport (about 206 vs. 98 per year), but the Montero Sport’s complaints are heavily concentrated in brakes and hydraulic systems with severe outcomes like wheel cracking. In practice, the Camry may have more frequent minor annoyances, while the Montero Sport’s issues can be more immediately dangerous if neglected.
Key differences
- The Montero Sport’s top complaints are brakes and hydraulic components, with reports of caliper bolts falling out and brake booster leaks; the Camry’s top areas are power train, unknown/other, and engine, with stuck keys and throttle delay.
- Montero Sport has 3 recalls over 5 years, including brake hydraulic recalls; Camry has 31 recalls over 10 years, covering air bags, seats, and wheels.
- Montero Sport averaged 98.4 complaints per year; Camry averaged 205.6 per year, but the Camry’s higher volume spans more model years and systems.
- Crash-related complaints: Montero Sport 72 over 5 years (14.4/yr); Camry 171 over 10 years (17.1/yr), similar annual rates but different failure types.
- Inspect the hydraulic brake booster and accumulator for leaks or abnormal noise from the left dash area, as owners report nitrogen gas leakage.
- Check front brake caliper retaining bolts for tightness and signs of loosening; a fallen bolt can cause the caliper to strike the wheel and crack it.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park multiple times; if it sticks, it may require battery disconnection to remove, a reported power train defect.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating from the brake pedal area and verify the electronic parking brake engages and disengages smoothly; ABS noise and EPB failure are reported.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and verify all recalls (especially brake-related for Montero Sport, air bag/seat for Camry) have been performed.
- Have a independent mechanic inspect the brake system thoroughly: booster, calipers, lines, and ABS for both vehicles.
- For the Montero Sport, check for engine sludge by inspecting oil condition and service records; for the Camry, test throttle response and transmission behavior during a test drive.
- Scan for stored diagnostic trouble codes, especially in the Camry’s stability control, power steering, and blind spot systems.
- Verify the electronic parking brake operation on the Camry and the key removal function; on the Montero Sport, test brakes at highway speeds if possible.
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 Montero Sport or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mitsubishi Montero Sport vs Toyota Camry
- Mitsubishi Montero Sport total complaints
- 492
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Mitsubishi Montero Sport total recalls
- 3
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Mitsubishi Montero Sport avg complaints/year
- 98.4
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Mitsubishi Montero Sport
- Mitsubishi Montero Sport top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN