Head-to-head reliability
Subaru BAJA vs Toyota Camry
How the Subaru BAJA 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 BAJA vs Toyota Camry: The BAJA averages 29.8 complaints per year with 41 recalls, while the Camry averages 205.6 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The BAJA has more airbag and fuel-related complaints, while the Camry has more power train and brake issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Subaru BAJA or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Subaru BAJA
The Subaru BAJA is a niche, older vehicle with a relatively low complaint rate of about 30 per year, but it has a high number of recalls (41) and a pattern of serious issues. Owners frequently report airbag inflator recalls (Takata) that remain unrepaired, brake fluid leaks, and fuel odors or leaks, especially in cold weather. These problems can be safety-critical and may require immediate attention, making pre-purchase inspections essential.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry has a much higher complaint volume (over 2,000 in 10 years, averaging about 206 per year) but also spans a longer period and higher sales volume. Common complaints include power train hesitation or shuddering, brake noises, and electrical glitches. While the Camry has fewer recalls per year than the BAJA, the sheer number of complaints suggests a range of issues that buyers should be aware of.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Subaru BAJA | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 119 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 41 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 10 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 29.8 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 9 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 BAJA
- 01AIR BAGS17
- 02SERVICE BRAKES16
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM14
- 04FUEL SYSTEM14
- 05GASOLINE14
Owners report Takata airbag inflator recalls that have not been repaired, especially in humid regions. This is a critical safety issue because the inflator can explode and send shrapnel into the cabin.
Complaints describe brake fluid leaks near the rear wheel well, leading to low fluid and potential brake failure. Owners also mention head gasket leaks that can affect braking performance.
Owners report strong gas smells after cold starts and fuel leaks in the manifold area, sometimes pooling on the manifold. This poses a fire risk and requires immediate repair.
Similar to fuel/propulsion, complaints include fuel odors and leaks, often requiring repeated hose and clamp replacements. The smell can enter the cabin, forcing owners to drive with windows down.
“TAKATA RECALL ON MY VEHICLE IS STILL NOT REPAIRED. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING MY VEHICLE FOR OVER 10 YEARS AND LIVE IN A VERY HUMID REGION OF SOUTH EASTERN MAINE. HOW CAN IT BE ACCEPTABLE FOR SUBARU TO NOT HAVE TO SUPPLY ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION FOR CUSTOMERS DURING…”
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUBARU BAJA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V359000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED L…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report intermittent issues like the ignition key getting stuck in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove. Others describe hesitation and shuddering during acceleration, often with a check engine light.
Complaints include delayed throttle response, where pressing the accelerator results in a several-second delay before the car moves. This can be dangerous when merging or crossing intersections.
Owners report the electronic parking brake failing to disengage, requiring towing. Others hear clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which dealers attribute to the ABS system but owners find abnormal.
Multiple systems can malfunction simultaneously, including stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping. This suggests complex electrical issues that may be hard to diagnose.
“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 BAJA — 41 recalls
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columb…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawa…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru cust…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373…
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 BAJA or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Subaru BAJA has far fewer complaints per year (about 30) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 206), but the BAJA's issues are often more severe, such as unrepaired airbag recalls and fuel leaks. The Camry's higher complaint rate reflects a larger number of vehicles and a wider range of problems, but many are less immediately dangerous. In practice, the BAJA may require more urgent safety fixes, while the Camry may have more frequent but less critical annoyances.
Key differences
- The Subaru BAJA has 41 recalls over 4 years, many for Takata airbags, while the Toyota Camry has 31 recalls over 10 years, with fewer airbag-related recalls.
- BAJA owners report fuel leaks and strong gas odors, especially in cold weather, which can be a fire risk; Camry owners report power train hesitation and brake noises.
- The BAJA has a much lower complaint rate per year (29.8) compared to the Camry (205.6), but the BAJA's complaints often involve safety-critical systems like airbags and brakes.
- Camry complaints include electrical system malfunctions affecting multiple driver-assist features, while BAJA complaints focus on mechanical issues like fuel and brake leaks.
- Check for unrepaired Takata airbag recalls by running the VIN on NHTSA's website; if not repaired, insist on repair before purchase.
- Inspect for fuel leaks or strong gas smells, especially around the manifold and in cold weather; look for wet spots or corrosion on fuel lines.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park; if it sticks, it may require battery disconnection, indicating a power train defect.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area and test the electronic parking brake; if it fails to disengage, it could be costly to fix.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA's recall website to check for open recalls, especially airbag inflators on the BAJA and seat/airbag sensors on the Camry.
- Take a test drive that includes cold starts, braking, and acceleration to feel for hesitation, shuddering, or unusual noises.
- Have a mechanic inspect the fuel system on the BAJA for leaks and the brake system on both cars for fluid leaks or electronic parking brake issues.
- Check for signs of electrical problems in the Camry, such as warning lights or malfunctioning driver-assist features.
- Ask for maintenance records to see if known issues like fuel hose replacements or brake repairs have been addressed.
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 BAJA or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Subaru BAJA vs Toyota Camry
- Subaru BAJA total complaints
- 119
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Subaru BAJA total recalls
- 41
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Subaru BAJA avg complaints/year
- 29.8
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Subaru BAJA
- Subaru BAJA top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN