Head-to-head reliability
Mitsubishi Montero vs Toyota Camry
How the Mitsubishi Montero 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 vs Toyota Camry: The Montero averages 81 complaints per year over 7 years, while the Camry averages 206 per year over 10 years. The Montero's complaints center on service brakes (206) and hydraulic issues, while the Camry's lead with power train (385) and engine problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mitsubishi Montero or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mitsubishi Montero
The Mitsubishi Montero is a body-on-frame SUV with a relatively low complaint volume of about 81 per year over seven years, but the pattern is dominated by brake and hydraulic problems. Owners describe hard pedals, complete brake loss, and ABS malfunctions that nearly caused accidents. Electrical gremlins like exploding batteries and persistent no-start issues also appear. Overall, it demands attention to brakes and electrics, but the lower annual complaint rate suggests fewer chronic issues than the Camry.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry has a much higher complaint rate of about 206 per year over ten years, with power train, engine, and brake complaints leading. Owners report stuck ignition keys, hesitation and shuddering, and electronic parking brake failures. Many complaints involve advanced driver-assist systems malfunctioning simultaneously. Despite the volume, the Camry's issues are spread across many systems, and the single death versus the Montero's three may reflect different usage or reporting, not an absolute safety difference.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mitsubishi Montero | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 568 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 14 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 69 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 81.1 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 62 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
- 01SERVICE BRAKES206
- 02HYDRAULIC148
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM63
- 04ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING61
- 05AIR BAGS56
Owners report a hard brake pedal that requires the emergency brake to stop, and ABS that almost caused accidents. This matters because brake failure is an immediate safety risk, and the high complaint count (206) suggests it is not an isolated incident.
Complaints include complete loss of brake power and brake lights illuminating, forcing owners to pump the pedal. This is often linked to the brake system and means a buyer should expect potential hydraulic repairs that affect stopping ability.
Reports include a battery exploding and spewing acid, causing total electrical failure, and repeated starting problems with multiple parts replaced. These issues can leave the vehicle stranded and are costly to diagnose.
Owners describe the engine racing while in park and a cracked engine block with a separated heater core. Such failures can lead to overheating and major engine damage, making a pre-purchase inspection critical.
“THE VEHICLE STARTED CREAKING AFTER THE SECOND MONTH , WE WERE ORIGINALLY TOLD THAT IT WAS NEW AND THAT IT WAS THE INTERIOR PLASTIC THAT WAS ADJUSTING DO TO TEMP. CHANGES. THIS CONTINUED AND THAN THE SECOND ISSUE THE ABS BRAKES ALMOST CAUSED 2 ACCIDENTS WHEN G…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS HARD TO DEPRESS. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE HAD TO BE ACTIVATED IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNOR…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report an ignition key that becomes stuck and cannot be removed unless the battery is disconnected, and hesitation/shuddering with the check engine light on. These problems can strand you and indicate transmission or electronic control issues.
Complaints include delayed throttle response where the car does not move for several seconds after pressing the accelerator, and shuddering with check engine light. This affects drivability and may signal sensor or fuel system faults.
The electronic parking brake (EPB) may not disengage, requiring a tow, and a clicking/vibrating noise from the brake pedal area is reported as common. These issues can prevent normal driving and point to ABS or switch failures.
Multiple systems—smart stop, stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—malfunctioned at once. This suggests complex electronic vulnerabilities that can affect safety aids and steering assist.
“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 — 14 recalls
The defect: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT CONTAIN A STEP-BY-STEP DESCRIPTION FOR HEADREST ADJUSTMENT WHEN INSTALLING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM (CRS) TETHER STRAP.
The risk: IF THE TETHER STRAP IS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED TO THE TETHER ANCHOR, THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT RESTRAINED. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD COULD BE INJURED.
The fix: A LETTER OUTLINING THE PROBLEM WILL BE SENT TO OWNERS ALONG WITH A STICKER CONTAINING THE CORRECT INSTRUCTIONS AS WELL AS INSTRUCTIONS ON WHERE TO AFFIX THE STICKER IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 29, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD C…
The defect: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS FULL AND THE VEHICLE IS PARKED FACING FORWARD ON AN UPWARD SLOPE, THE FUEL TANK LEVELING VALVE MAY NOT MAINTAIN PROPER SEALING IN THE EVENT THE FUEL EXPANDS FROM A RISE IN THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE.
The risk: IF THE FUEL LEVELING VALVE DOES NOT SEAL PROPERLY, FUEL MAY LEAK ONTO THE GROUND. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEVELING VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037 OR MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN AT 1-787-251-8715.
The defect: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS FULL AND THE VEHICLE IS PARKED FACING FORWARD ON AN UPWARD SLOPE, THE FUEL TANK LEVELING VALVE MAY NOT MAINTAIN PROPER SEALING IN THE EVENT THE FUEL EXPANDS FROM A RISE IN THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE.
The risk: IF THE FUEL LEVELING VALVE DOES NOT SEAL PROPERLY, FUEL MAY LEAK ONTO THE GROUND. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEVELING VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037 OR MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN AT 1-787-251-8715.
The defect: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS FULL AND THE VEHICLE IS PARKED FACING FORWARD ON AN UPWARD SLOPE, THE FUEL TANK LEVELING VALVE MAY NOT MAINTAIN PROPER SEALING IN THE EVENT THE FUEL EXPANDS FROM A RISE IN THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE.
The risk: IF THE FUEL LEVELING VALVE DOES NOT SEAL PROPERLY, FUEL MAY LEAK ONTO THE GROUND. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEVELING VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037 OR MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN AT 1-787-251-8715.
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 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Mitsubishi Montero has far fewer complaints per year (81 vs. 206), meaning owners report problems less frequently. However, the Montero's complaints cluster around critical brakes and hydraulics, while the Camry's are spread across power train, engine, and electronics. In practice, the Montero may need fewer repairs but each brake issue could be more immediately dangerous.
Key differences
- The Montero's top complaint is service brakes (206), with reports of hard pedals and complete brake loss; the Camry's top complaint is power train (385), including stuck ignition keys and hesitation.
- Montero owners report hydraulic brake failures and exploding batteries; Camry owners report electronic parking brake failures and multiple driver-assist systems malfunctioning at once.
- The Montero averages 81 complaints per year over 7 years, while the Camry averages 206 per year over 10 years, indicating the Camry generates more owner complaints annually.
- The Montero has 3 deaths and 62 injuries in its complaint data, versus 1 death and 158 injuries for the Camry, though these counts reflect reported incidents and not absolute safety ratings.
- Check the brake pedal for a hard or spongy feel and listen for creaking; also test the ABS on a safe surface, as owners report ABS malfunctions and complete brake loss.
- Inspect the battery and electrical connections for acid damage or corrosion, and verify that the vehicle starts reliably, given reports of exploding batteries and persistent no-start problems.
- Test the ignition key removal in park and check for any sticking; also look for hesitation or shuddering during a test drive, as these are common power train complaints.
- Verify the electronic parking brake engages and disengages smoothly, and listen for clicking or vibrating from the brake pedal area, which owners report as a common ABS-related noise.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and confirm all recalls (14 for Montero, 31 for Camry) have been addressed.
- Have a mechanic inspect the brake system thoroughly, including ABS and hydraulic components, especially on the Montero.
- For the Camry, test all electronic features: keyless entry, ignition key removal, electronic parking brake, and driver-assist systems.
- During a test drive, pay attention to engine hesitation, transmission shuddering, and any unusual noises from the brakes or engine.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and check for recurring electrical or starting problems, particularly on the Montero.
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 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mitsubishi Montero vs Toyota Camry
- Mitsubishi Montero total complaints
- 568
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Mitsubishi Montero total recalls
- 14
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Mitsubishi Montero avg complaints/year
- 81.1
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Mitsubishi Montero
- Mitsubishi Montero top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN