Head-to-head reliability
Subaru Forester vs Toyota Camry
How the Subaru Forester 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 Forester vs Toyota Camry: Over 10 years, the Forester had 3050 complaints and 17 recalls, while the Camry had 2056 complaints and 31 recalls. The Forester averages 305 complaints per year versus 206 for the Camry. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Subaru Forester or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester is a compact SUV that averages about 305 complaints per year over the past decade, with 17 recalls. The most common owner-reported trouble spots are windshield and wiper issues, electrical glitches, and engine oil leaks. While many complaints are minor, some involve serious safety concerns like sudden acceleration and fires after oil changes.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with about 206 complaints per year and 31 recalls over the same period. Owners frequently report power train problems such as hesitation, shuddering, and key removal issues, along with brake noises and electrical malfunctions. The Camry has fewer complaints per year than the Forester but more recalls.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Subaru Forester | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3,050 | 2,056 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 17 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 176 | 171 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 305.0 | 205.6 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 99 Better | 158 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 | 1 Better |
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 Forester
- 01VISIBILITY/WIPER992
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER544
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM476
- 04ENGINE319
- 05AIR BAGS313
Owners report windshields that crack or shatter easily, sometimes from small impacts like a thrown bottle, sending glass shards into the cabin. This is a safety concern because it can impair vision and cause injury while driving.
Complaints include side mirrors melting, vehicles dying and failing to restart, and multiple dashboard warnings flashing. These issues can leave you stranded and may require costly repairs to wiring or control modules.
Some owners report oil leaks after oil changes, and in at least one case, oil leaked onto the catalytic converter and caused a fire that totaled the car. This means you should check for leaks and monitor oil levels regularly.
Reports include a hard plastic HVAC duct in the driver-side footwell that can interfere with pedals, and sudden unexpected acceleration while parking. These defects could lead to loss of control or a crash.
“I was driving down the road and a bottle was thrown out of a vehicle going the opposite direction as me. Upon impact my windshield shattered and sent shards of glass flying into the cabin of my vehicle. The shards of glass were thrown into my face and would h…”
“Windshield cracked during rainstorm [XXX] in San Diego in upper right corner, After 3 days crack appeared which has now spread to 4 inches Dealer has confirmed that winsheild needs reapir and is not covered by bumper to bumber warranty Vehicle only has mileag…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners describe the ignition key getting stuck in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove, and hesitation or shuddering while driving with the check engine light on. These problems can leave you unable to secure or start the car reliably.
Complaints include the electronic parking brake failing to disengage, requiring a tow, and a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area that dealers say is common. Brake issues directly affect your ability to stop safely.
Some drivers report a several-second delay in throttle response when pressing the accelerator, which can be dangerous when merging or pulling out. This hesitation may indicate a software or sensor problem.
Multiple systems like stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring can malfunction at once, and some owners report subframe or driveline issues. These electrical and structural problems can be expensive to diagnose and fix.
“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 Forester — 17 recalls
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Forester vehicles. The engine water pipe may have loose attachment bolts, allowing the pipe to lose its seal and leak coolant.
The risk: Leaking coolant can contact a hot exhaust pipe, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Subarus independent distributor processing facilities will tighten the water pipe attachment bolts. The affected vehicles have not been delivered to dealers or sold to owners and therefore, no owner notification letters will be sent. Owne…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.
The risk: A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power while driving or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake engaged. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the left and right front driveshafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. 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 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.
The risk: A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power while driving or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake engaged. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the left and right front driveshafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
The risk: An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
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 Forester or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has fewer complaints per year (about 206 vs. 305 for the Forester) but more recalls (31 vs. 17). In practice, the Camry may have fewer day-to-day owner-reported problems, but the higher recall count means you should stay on top of recall notices. Both vehicles have safety-related complaints, so a thorough inspection is essential.
Key differences
- The Forester has more complaints per year (305 vs. 206) but fewer recalls (17 vs. 31).
- Forester owners frequently report windshield cracking and electrical failures, while Camry owners report power train hesitation and brake noise.
- The Forester has 2 deaths and 99 injuries in crash-related complaints over 10 years, compared to 1 death and 158 injuries for the Camry.
- Camry complaints include key stuck in Park and electronic parking brake failure, while Forester complaints include oil leaks that can lead to fires.
- Inspect the windshield for cracks or chips, especially near the edges, as owners report spontaneous cracking and shattering.
- Check for oil leaks around the engine, particularly after an oil change, and look for any signs of oil on the catalytic converter or exhaust.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park and listen for any hesitation or shuddering during a test drive.
- Check the electronic parking brake operation and listen for clicking or vibrating noises when pressing the brake pedal.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and confirm all safety recalls have been performed.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the specific problem areas: windshield and electrical system for the Forester; power train and brakes for the Camry.
- During a test drive, test all electronics, including mirrors, windows, and dashboard warnings, and listen for unusual noises.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for oil changes and brake service.
- Check for any signs of water leaks or electrical gremlins, such as a musty smell or flickering lights.
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 Forester | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 33 | 0 |
| 2025 | 95 | 163 |
| 2024 | 29 | 50 |
| 2023 | 73 | 64 |
| 2022 | 98 | 61 |
| 2021 | 207 | 157 |
| 2020 | 600 | 274 |
| 2019 | 833 | 395 |
| 2018 | 496 | 744 |
| 2017 | 586 | 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 Subaru Forester or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Subaru Forester vs Toyota Camry
- Subaru Forester total complaints
- 3,050
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Subaru Forester total recalls
- 17
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Subaru Forester avg complaints/year
- 305.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- Subaru Forester top complaint area
- VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN