Head-to-head reliability
Mitsubishi Raider vs Toyota Camry
How the Mitsubishi Raider 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 Raider vs Toyota Camry: The Raider has 142 complaints over 10 years (14.2/yr) with airbag recalls dominating, while the Camry has 2143 complaints (214.3/yr) including transmission and brake issues. The Camry's higher volume reflects its popularity, but the Raider's electrical and brake problems are notable. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mitsubishi Raider or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mitsubishi Raider
The Mitsubishi Raider is a compact pickup that, in ownership terms, has been a source of frustration for many owners. With 142 complaints over 10 years (14.2 per year), the pattern is dominated by airbag issues, especially the Takata recall, which left owners unable to get parts. Electrical gremlins, brake pulsation, and powertrain problems also appear, making it a vehicle that may require frequent dealer visits and patience.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular midsize sedan with a much higher complaint volume—2143 over 10 years (214.3 per year)—but that's partly due to its large sales base. Owners report a mix of issues, including transmission grinding, sudden acceleration concerns, brake failures, and engine problems. While some complaints are serious, the Camry's overall reliability reputation remains strong, but buyers should be aware of specific model-year quirks.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mitsubishi Raider | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 142 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 11 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 12 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 14.2 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 8 Better | 163 |
| 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 Raider
- 01AIR BAGS83
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM19
- 03SERVICE BRAKES16
- 04POWER TRAIN14
- 05HYDRAULIC8
Owners report Takata recall issues, with parts on backorder and appointments canceled, leaving vehicles with potentially dangerous airbags. This is a safety concern that may not be resolved quickly.
Multiple owners describe dash lights and gauges cutting out, speedometer failure, and radio shutdowns. Some vehicles also fail to crank, requiring towing. These intermittent issues are hard to diagnose and fix.
Brake complaints include a pulsating sensation like ABS engaging even at slow speeds, leading to rear brake shoe replacements. This can affect braking confidence and may indicate a deeper ABS or hydraulic issue.
Owners report a combination of electrical and drivetrain problems, including instances where the vehicle won't crank. While not as frequent as airbag issues, these can leave you stranded.
“THESE PARTS WERE ON RECALL, I SET UP MY APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALERSHIP. CALLED TO VERIFY APPOINTMENT AND WAS TOLD IT WAS CANCELLED, THE RECALLED AIR BAG PARTS ARE ALSO ON RECALL. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE, I HAVE CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN THAT RIDE IN MY TRUCK.…”
“"TAKATA RECALL" I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL, JULY OF 2016, FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG (MITSUBISHI HAD ALREADY REPLACED THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG OVER A YEAR AGO. I CALLED OUR MITSUBISHI DEALERSHIP @ 1-850-785-1591, TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT T…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front end on acceleration, with dealers recommending transmission replacement. Some mention recalls for the same issue, but parts may be on backorder, causing delays.
There are reports of uncontrollable sudden acceleration leading to crashes, as well as engine maintenance lights with codes related to coolant valve bypass recalls that may not apply to all VINs. These are serious safety concerns.
Brake failure is reported, including no response when pressing the pedal on a hill, forcing drivers to use emergency measures. This is a critical safety issue that requires immediate attention.
While not as prominent, electrical issues like AC condenser damage from rocks and recurring HVAC odors are mentioned, affecting comfort and requiring repairs.
“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 Raider — 11 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2…
The risk: These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occur…
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger front…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, 300C, 300S, and SRT8, 2006-2010 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Magnum, 2005-…
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler and Dodge owners and Mitsubishi will notify the affected Raider owners. Dealers will replace the driver's frontal…
The defect: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, Dakota, and 2006 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles manufactured July 1, 2005, to July 31, 2006 with manual transmissions. The return springs in the clutch ignition interlock switch may break.
The risk: Broken springs can result in a no-start condition, or cause unintended movement when the ignition is cranked, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clutch ignition interlock switch, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this reca…
The defect: ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, A STATIC ELECTRICITY SPARK BETWEEN THE OPERATOR AND THE VEHICLE CAN CAUSE THE TURN SIGNAL, HEADLAMPS OR WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO MALFUNCTION WITHOUT WARNING.
The risk: THIS CAN IMPAIR THE DRIVER'S VISION AND RESULT IN A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL RE-FLASH THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 6, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
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 Raider or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Mitsubishi Raider has far fewer complaints per year (14.2) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the Raider's issues are heavily concentrated in airbag recalls and electrical gremlins. The Camry's higher volume reflects its popularity, but the nature of its problems—transmission, sudden acceleration, brake failure—can be more alarming. In practice, the Raider may be cheaper to buy but could require more patience with recalls, while the Camry offers a more established reputation but with occasional serious issues.
Key differences
- Airbag recalls dominate the Raider's complaints, with owners struggling to get parts, while the Camry has fewer airbag complaints but more powertrain and engine issues.
- The Raider's electrical problems cause intermittent gauge and radio failures, whereas the Camry's issues include sudden acceleration and transmission grinding, which are more safety-critical.
- Brake complaints on the Raider involve ABS-like pulsation, while Camry owners report complete brake failure in some cases.
- The Camry has a much higher complaint volume, but that's partly due to its larger market share; the Raider's lower volume may reflect lower sales, not necessarily better reliability.
- Check if all airbag recalls have been completed, especially the Takata inflator, and get written confirmation from a dealer.
- Test the electrical system thoroughly: turn on lights, radio, and check gauges for intermittent cutouts; also try starting the engine multiple times to ensure it cranks reliably.
- Ask for transmission service records and test drive at various speeds to listen for grinding noises, especially during acceleration.
- Inspect the brake system and have a mechanic check for any signs of brake failure, such as soft pedal or unusual noises; also verify if any engine recalls apply to the specific VIN.
Before you buy
- Run a VIN check on both vehicles to see open recalls and service history.
- For the Raider, specifically ask about the Takata airbag recall status and get a receipt if parts are on order.
- For the Camry, ask about transmission recalls and whether the vehicle has had any transmission work; also check for engine-related recalls.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the electrical system on the Raider and the brakes on the Camry.
- Take both on a test drive that includes stop-and-go traffic and highway speeds to feel for any hesitation, grinding, or brake pulsation.
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 Raider or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mitsubishi Raider vs Toyota Camry
- Mitsubishi Raider total complaints
- 142
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Mitsubishi Raider total recalls
- 11
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Mitsubishi Raider avg complaints/year
- 14.2
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Mitsubishi Raider
- Mitsubishi Raider top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN