Head-to-head reliability
Subaru Ascent vs Toyota Camry
How the Subaru Ascent 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
Subaru Ascent vs Toyota Camry: The Ascent averages 129 complaints per year over 8 years, while the Camry averages 206 per year over 10 years. Both have recalls and owner-reported issues like electrical failures and transmission problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Subaru Ascent or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent is a three-row family SUV that averages about 129 complaints per year over eight years, with 25 recalls. Owners frequently report electrical gremlins like batteries dying below 11.5 volts and intermittent ignition problems, as well as transmission slippage that can suddenly stop the wheels. Windshield cracks from minor impacts and vibrating side mirrors are also common, making it a vehicle that demands vigilance.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with about 206 complaints per year over ten years and 31 recalls. Reported issues include a stuck ignition key, transmission hesitation and shuddering, delayed throttle response, and brake problems such as the electronic parking brake failing to disengage. These patterns suggest that while the Camry is popular, owners should be prepared for a range of powertrain and brake quirks.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Subaru Ascent | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,033 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 25 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 34 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 129.1 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 29 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.
Subaru Ascent
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM292
- 02POWER TRAIN185
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER152
- 04VISIBILITY/WIPER152
- 05ENGINE104
Owners report batteries that repeatedly fail, with voltage dropping below 11.5V and causing the vehicle to die and become immobilized. Intermittent ignition-control malfunctions can also leave the car unable to start, which is a major safety concern.
Transmission slippage may occur without warning, followed by a flashing yellow automatic transmission oil light and disabling of front systems. In some cases, the wheels suddenly stop turning mid-intersection, creating a dangerous loss of power.
Windshields crack easily from minor rock strikes, sometimes requiring multiple replacements within months. Driver-side mirrors can vibrate so badly that the view is blurry, making it hard to see clearly, especially at night.
Owners report unusual tire wear, such as needing replacements at only 15,000 miles, and issues with no warning lights or error messages. These problems can be hard to diagnose and may lead to unexpected repair costs.
“2024 Subaru Ascent – Intermittent Electrical / Ignition-Control Malfunction Vehicle: 2024 Subaru Ascent Mileage: Approximately 29,000 miles Chronology of Events August 19 Vehicle had been operating normally. First occurrence – grocery store •Returned to vehic…”
“2023 Subaru Ascent, under manufacturer basic warranty. Factory OEM battery has repeatedly failed. Voltage drops below 11.5V in normal use. Three documented failures in six weeks. SAFETY INCIDENT: Vehicle died on a public street and became completely immobiliz…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
The ignition key can become stuck and cannot be removed even when the dashboard shows the car is in Park, sometimes requiring battery disconnection. Transmission hesitation and shuddering, along with check engine lights, are also reported.
Owners describe a several-second delay in throttle response when pressing the accelerator, which can be dangerous when merging or pulling out. This hesitation has occurred multiple times and may indicate a deeper engine management issue.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer. A clicking or vibrating sound from the brake pedal area is also common and attributed to the ABS system, which can be annoying and concerning.
Multiple systems—including smart stop, stability control, electric power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—can malfunction simultaneously. This can leave the driver without critical safety aids and is a significant reliability worry.
“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.
Subaru Ascent — 25 recalls
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with…
The risk: An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Subaru will mail a new certification label to owners, free of charge. Owners may also choose to have a dealer install the new label, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 27, 2026. Additional letter…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Ascent vehicles equipped with 20-inch wheels. The internal tire bead may have been damaged during the wheel mounting process.
The risk: A damaged tire may experience a sudden loss of air pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace all four tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 6, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-23.
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Ascent vehicles. The left or right front lower control arm may have an improperly tightened ball joint castle nut which can result in retention pin failure and separation of the ball joint from the lower control arm.
The risk: Ball joint separation while the vehicle is in motion can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the lower control arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 30, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.
The risk: Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will clean the bolt mounting surfaces of the center support brace and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Suba…
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
Subaru Ascent or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Subaru Ascent has fewer complaints per year (about 129) than the Toyota Camry (about 206), but both have notable issues. In practice, the Ascent's problems often involve sudden electrical failures and transmission stoppages, while the Camry's issues include stuck keys and brake malfunctions. Neither is clearly more reliable, but the Ascent's lower annual rate may mean fewer overall visits to the shop.
Key differences
- The Subaru Ascent averages about 129 complaints per year, while the Toyota Camry averages about 206 per year, indicating fewer reported issues annually for the Ascent.
- Ascent owners frequently report electrical failures like dead batteries and ignition problems, whereas Camry owners report stuck ignition keys and delayed throttle response.
- Transmission issues in the Ascent can cause the wheels to suddenly stop, while Camry transmission problems often involve hesitation and shuddering.
- The Camry has more crash-related complaints (171) and injuries (158) than the Ascent (34 crashes, 29 injuries), though these numbers alone don't prove fault.
- Check the battery health and voltage; owners report repeated failures below 11.5V that can leave the vehicle immobilized.
- Test the transmission for any slippage or hesitation, and look for a flashing yellow transmission oil light, which may indicate a serious problem.
- Try removing the ignition key multiple times to ensure it doesn't get stuck in Park, a reported issue that may require battery disconnection.
- Test the electronic parking brake and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which could signal ABS or EPB problems.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls, especially for the Ascent's electrical and tire issues and the Camry's air bag and seat recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the battery and charging system on the Ascent, and the ignition key mechanism on the Camry.
- During a test drive, accelerate firmly to check for transmission hesitation or slippage in both vehicles.
- Test all electrical components, including windows, mirrors, and infotainment, and look for any warning lights.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for battery replacements, transmission services, and brake repairs.
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 | Subaru Ascent | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 0 |
| 2025 | 15 | 163 |
| 2024 | 50 | 50 |
| 2023 | 45 | 64 |
| 2022 | 55 | 61 |
| 2021 | 102 | 157 |
| 2020 | 322 | 274 |
| 2019 | 441 | 395 |
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 Subaru Ascent or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Subaru Ascent vs Toyota Camry
- Subaru Ascent total complaints
- 1,033
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Subaru Ascent total recalls
- 25
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Subaru Ascent avg complaints/year
- 129.1
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Subaru Ascent
- Subaru Ascent top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN