Vehicle 1

Subaru Ascent

993 complaints · 17 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Toyota Camry

1,792 complaints · 27 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

Subaru Ascent vs Toyota Camry: The Ascent averages 124.1 complaints per year over 8 years, while the Camry averages 179.2 per year over 10 years. The Ascent has 17 recalls, the Camry 27. Key issues: Ascent electrical system (286), Camry power train (284). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

4
Subaru Ascent
wins all 4 categories
0
Toyota Camry
no category wins
CategorySubaru AscentToyota Camry
Total Complaints
All years combined
993
✓ lower
1,792
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
17
✓ lower
27
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
31
✓ lower
162
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
124.1
✓ lower
179.2

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Subaru Ascent

1. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM286
2. POWER TRAIN171
3. VISIBILITY/WIPER152
4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER147
5. ENGINE99

Toyota Camry

1. POWER TRAIN284
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER277
3. SERVICE BRAKES261
4. ENGINE259
5. AIR BAGS216
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Subaru Ascent has fewer complaints per year (124.1) than the Toyota Camry (179.2), suggesting it may have fewer reported issues on average. However, the Camry has been on the market longer, so direct comparison requires caution.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize lower complaint frequency and fewer recalls, the Subaru Ascent may be a better choice. If you prefer a model with a longer track record and are less concerned about higher complaint numbers, the Toyota Camry could still be reliable. Check specific issue areas like electrical system for Ascent and power train for Camry.

Key Differences
  • Subaru Ascent has 993 total complaints over 8 years (124.1/year); Toyota Camry has 1792 over 10 years (179.2/year).
  • Ascent has 17 recalls; Camry has 27 recalls.
  • Ascent's top issue is electrical system (286 complaints); Camry's top is power train (284).
  • Camry has 162 crash complaints vs Ascent's 31.
⚠ Watch on Subaru Ascent
  • Watch for electrical system issues, which account for 286 complaints.
  • Visibility/wiper problems are also notable with 152 complaints.
⚠ Watch on Toyota Camry
  • Be aware of power train complaints (284) and service brake issues (261).
  • Air bag problems (216 complaints) are a significant concern.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check for open recalls on the specific vehicle you're considering.
  • Review the vehicle's service history for any electrical or power train repairs.
  • Test all wipers and visibility features on the Ascent.
  • Inspect brake performance and air bag system on the Camry.
  • Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Subaru AscentToyota Camry
2026
1
69
2025
10
129
2024
47
44
2023
39
57
2022
53
56
2021
96
151
2020
316
260
2019
431
378
Subaru Ascent vs Toyota Camry — comparison facts
Comparison
Subaru Ascent vs Toyota Camry
Subaru Ascent total complaints
993
Toyota Camry total complaints
1,792
Subaru Ascent total recalls
17
Toyota Camry total recalls
27
Subaru Ascent avg complaints/year
124.1
Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
179.2
More reliable overall
Subaru Ascent
Subaru Ascent top complaint area
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Toyota Camry top complaint area
POWER TRAIN
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Subaru Ascent Reliability & Problems

993 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Toyota Camry Reliability & Problems

1,792 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Subaru Ascent or Toyota Camry?

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