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 81.1 complaints per year, with brakes as the top issue (206 complaints), while the Camry averages 214.3 complaints per year, with powertrain problems leading (395 complaints). The Montero has 14 recalls, the Camry 31. 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 that, in ownership terms, tends to be a high-maintenance vehicle. Its complaint record is dominated by braking system issues, with owners reporting hard pedals, loss of brake power, and ABS malfunctions that have led to near-accidents. Electrical problems, including a battery explosion, and engine troubles like a cracked block also appear. While it has a lower total complaint count than the Camry, its per-year rate is still significant, and the nature of the failures—especially brakes—can be safety-critical.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular midsize sedan that, despite a higher total number of complaints, shows a more varied pattern of issues. Owners report transmission grinding and failures, sudden acceleration incidents, and brake problems, but these are spread across many components. The Camry also has a higher number of recalls, but many relate to seats and labels rather than core safety systems. Overall, the Camry's complaints suggest a vehicle that may have annoying or concerning issues, but they are less concentrated in one critical area.
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 | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 14 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 69 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 81.1 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 62 Better | 163 |
| 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 the brake pedal becoming hard to depress, requiring emergency brake use to stop, and complete loss of brake power. Some describe ABS malfunctions that nearly caused accidents, and brake pads coming out of calipers due to stuck calipers.
Brake fluid issues are common, with owners noting the need to pump the pedal to get braking action. The hydraulic system seems prone to failure, leading to a loss of brake pressure.
A battery explosion caused acid to spew, denting the hood and causing total electrical failure. Other electrical issues may contribute to brake problems, as the ABS and warning lights are affected.
Engine block cracks and heater core separation have been reported, along with instances of the engine revving unexpectedly. These are serious mechanical failures that can lead to breakdowns or safety hazards.
“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 TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission grinding noises and the need for transmission replacement are reported, with some owners noting a recall for the same issue on newer models. This suggests a potential for costly repairs.
Sudden acceleration incidents have occurred, leading to crashes. Also, engine maintenance lights come on due to a coolant valve bypass issue, which may not be covered by recall for all VINs.
Brake failure on a steep hill, with no response when pressing the pedal, has been reported. Another owner experienced brake issues in a parking lot, indicating inconsistent braking performance.
While not as prominent, electrical issues may underlie some problems, such as the AC condenser damage from rocks, which is not purely electrical but affects the vehicle's systems.
“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 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 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 Montero or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Mitsubishi Montero has fewer complaints per year (81.1) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but its issues are more concentrated in braking, which is a critical safety system. The Camry's higher complaint rate is spread across many areas, but includes serious issues like sudden acceleration. In practice, the Montero may require more immediate attention to brakes, while the Camry might have more frequent but less predictable problems.
Key differences
- The Montero's top issue is brakes (206 complaints), with owners reporting hard pedals and loss of braking, while the Camry's top issue is powertrain (395 complaints), including transmission failures.
- The Montero has a higher proportion of brake-related complaints (36% of total) compared to the Camry (14% for brakes), indicating a more systemic brake problem.
- The Camry has more recalls (31 vs 14), but many are for seats and labels, while the Montero's recalls include fuel system storage issues.
- The Montero has 3 deaths reported, while the Camry has 1, but both have crash-related complaints; the Montero's brake failures may contribute to its higher death count.
- Inspect the brake system thoroughly: check for pedal feel, ABS operation, and any signs of caliper sticking or pad wear.
- Look for signs of electrical issues, such as corrosion or damage from a battery explosion, and test all electrical components.
- Check the transmission for any grinding noises or hesitation during acceleration, and verify if any transmission recalls apply to the VIN.
- Be alert to any unintended acceleration or engine surging; test drive on a safe road and monitor engine behavior.
Before you buy
- Have a mechanic perform a brake system inspection on the Montero, including ABS and hydraulic lines.
- For the Camry, ask for transmission service records and check for any open recalls.
- Test drive both vehicles at highway speeds and in stop-and-go traffic to feel for brake or transmission issues.
- Check the Montero's electrical system for any signs of previous battery or wiring problems.
- Review the NHTSA complaint history for the specific model year you are considering.
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
- 2,143
- Mitsubishi Montero total recalls
- 14
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Mitsubishi Montero avg complaints/year
- 81.1
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Mitsubishi Montero
- Mitsubishi Montero top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN