Head-to-head reliability
Mitsubishi Outlander vs Toyota Camry
How the Mitsubishi Outlander 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 Outlander vs Toyota Camry: The Outlander averages 49.6 complaints per year with 33 recalls, while the Camry averages 205.6 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The Camry also has 171 crash-related complaints and 1 death, compared to 47 and 0 for the Outlander. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mitsubishi Outlander or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mitsubishi Outlander
The Mitsubishi Outlander is a compact SUV that averages about 50 complaints per year over the past decade, with 33 recalls. Owner reports often center on structural issues like liftgate struts and body noises, plus electrical glitches and engine problems. While it has fewer complaints than the Camry, the pattern suggests a mix of minor annoyances and some safety-related recalls.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a much higher complaint rate—about 206 per year—and 31 recalls. Power train, engine, and brake issues dominate owner reports, including stuck keys, hesitation, and brake noise. Despite its reputation, the data shows frequent visits to the dealer for various systems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mitsubishi Outlander | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 496 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 33 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 47 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 49.6 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 41 Better | 158 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 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 Outlander
- 01STRUCTURE92
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM88
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER77
- 04ENGINE57
- 05SERVICE BRAKES57
Owners report issues with the liftgate support struts, which can fail and cause the hatch to fall. There are also complaints of a thump noise after reversing and then driving forward, which may indicate suspension or driveline problems.
Complaints include abnormal sounds from the hood and windshield area, sometimes described as vibrating. These can be distracting and may point to loose components or electrical faults.
Some owners experience warning lights and unusual sounds shortly after oil changes, suggesting potential sensor or engine management issues. This can lead to unexpected repair visits.
Brake-related complaints are present, though specific details are limited in the sample. Buyers should be aware that brake issues can affect safety and may require attention.
“The contact owns a 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V507000 (Structure) and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was repaired. The ma…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report intermittent ignition key sticking, where the key cannot be removed even in Park, requiring battery disconnection. Also, hesitation and shuddering while driving with check engine light on, indicating transmission or engine control problems.
Delayed throttle response is a common complaint, where pressing the accelerator results in a several-second delay before the car moves. This can be a safety concern in traffic.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring towing. Additionally, a clicking or vibrating sound from the brake pedal area is reported, attributed to the ABS system.
Multiple system malfunctions are reported, including smart stop, stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping assistance. These can compromise vehicle safety and require dealer diagnosis.
“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 Outlander — 33 recalls
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Outlander and 2026 Outlander PHEV vehicles. Due to improper software programming, the Alliance In-Vehicle Infotainment (A-IVI) system may fail to display the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As s…
The risk: A rearview image that does not display properly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the A-IVI software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 24, 2026. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-26-002. Vehicl…
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Outlander and 2019 Outlander PHEV vehicles. The seat belt for the right side second-row seat may have been assembled incorrectly.
The risk: An incorrectly assembled seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the right side second-row seat belt and replace it as necessary, free of charge. This recall began June 17, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number f…
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Outlander PHEV and 2014-2020 Outlander vehicles sold and/or currently registered in Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, M…
The risk: A gas spring cylinder rupture or a liftgate falling unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: MMNA will replace the left and right liftgate gas springs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2025. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-25-002
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Outlander PHEV and 2014-2020 Outlander vehicles. The liftgate gas spring cylinders may corrode and lose pressure, which can result in a gas spring cylinder rupture or the liftgate falling unexpectedly.
The risk: A gas spring cylinder rupture or a liftgate falling unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: MMNA will replace the left and right liftgate gas springs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 17, 2026. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-26-001. Vehicl…
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 Outlander or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Mitsubishi Outlander has far fewer complaints per year (about 50) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 206). In practice, this means Outlander owners may experience fewer trips to the dealer for repairs, but the Camry's issues are more frequently related to power train and brakes, which can be costly and safety-critical.
Key differences
- The Camry has over four times as many complaints per year as the Outlander, with power train and engine issues being most common.
- Outlander complaints often involve structural elements like liftgate struts and body noises, while Camry complaints focus on driving performance and brake problems.
- The Camry has more crash-related complaints (171 vs. 47) and injuries (158 vs. 41), though these are raw counts and not rates.
- Both have recalls, but the Outlander's recalls include back over prevention software and seat belts, while the Camry's include air bag sensors and seats.
- Check the liftgate struts for weakness or failure, as they are a common complaint and recall subject.
- Listen for a thump noise after reversing and then driving forward, which may indicate suspension or driveline issues.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park; if it sticks, it could be a costly repair.
- Check for delayed throttle response and any shuddering during a test drive, as these are frequently reported.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- For the Outlander, inspect the liftgate operation and listen for unusual noises when reversing and driving forward.
- For the Camry, test the ignition key, electronic parking brake, and throttle response during a test drive.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the specific complaint areas for each vehicle.
- Verify that all recall repairs have been completed by checking with a dealer using the VIN.
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 Outlander | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 0 |
| 2025 | 15 | 163 |
| 2024 | 26 | 50 |
| 2023 | 47 | 64 |
| 2022 | 216 | 61 |
| 2021 | 19 | 157 |
| 2020 | 31 | 274 |
| 2019 | 29 | 395 |
| 2018 | 57 | 744 |
| 2017 | 51 | 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 Outlander or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mitsubishi Outlander vs Toyota Camry
- Mitsubishi Outlander total complaints
- 496
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Mitsubishi Outlander total recalls
- 33
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Mitsubishi Outlander avg complaints/year
- 49.6
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Mitsubishi Outlander
- Mitsubishi Outlander top complaint area
- STRUCTURE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN