Vehicle 1

Subaru Forester

2,956 complaints · 15 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Toyota Camry

1,792 complaints · 27 recalls

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

Subaru Forester vs Toyota Camry: The Forester averages 295.6 complaints per year, notably with 986 visibility/wiper issues, while the Camry averages 179.2 complaints per year but has 27 recalls. The Camry's top issue is power train (284). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

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

1
Subaru Forester
wins 1 of 4 categories
3
Toyota Camry
wins 3 of 4 categories
CategorySubaru ForesterToyota Camry
Total Complaints
All years combined
2,956
1,792
✓ lower
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
15
✓ lower
27
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
168
162
✓ lower
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
295.6
179.2
✓ lower

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

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Subaru Forester

1. VISIBILITY/WIPER986
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER530
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM461
4. ENGINE303
5. AIR BAGS296

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 Forester has more complaints per year (295.6) than the Toyota Camry (179.2), suggesting a higher likelihood of issues. However, the Camry has more recalls (27 vs 15), which may indicate more proactive safety fixes.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer overall complaints and lower complaint rate, choose the Toyota Camry. If you prefer fewer recalls and can accept higher complaint volume, the Subaru Forester may be acceptable, but check for visibility/wiper issues.

Key Differences
  • Forester has 295.6 complaints/year vs Camry's 179.2.
  • Forester has 15 recalls; Camry has 27.
  • Forester's top issue is VISIBILITY/WIPER (986); Camry's top is POWER TRAIN (284).
  • Forester has 168 crash complaints; Camry has 162.
⚠ Watch on Subaru Forester
  • High number of VISIBILITY/WIPER complaints (986) – check wiper motor and linkage.
  • Electrical system issues (461) – inspect battery, alternator, and wiring.
⚠ Watch on Toyota Camry
  • Power train complaints (284) – test transmission and drivetrain for smooth operation.
  • Service brake issues (261) – check brake pads, rotors, and ABS function.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles.
  • Test all wiper functions and inspect wiper linkage on Forester.
  • Test drive and listen for transmission or brake noises on Camry.
  • Review service history for electrical repairs on Forester.
  • Get a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Subaru ForesterToyota Camry
2026
10
69
2025
73
129
2024
28
44
2023
69
57
2022
92
56
2021
204
151
2020
590
260
2019
831
378
2018
484
500
2017
575
148
Subaru Forester vs Toyota Camry — comparison facts
Comparison
Subaru Forester vs Toyota Camry
Subaru Forester total complaints
2,956
Toyota Camry total complaints
1,792
Subaru Forester total recalls
15
Toyota Camry total recalls
27
Subaru Forester avg complaints/year
295.6
Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
179.2
More reliable overall
Toyota Camry
Subaru Forester top complaint area
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Toyota Camry top complaint area
POWER TRAIN
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Subaru Forester Reliability & Problems

2,956 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Toyota Camry Reliability & Problems

1,792 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Subaru Forester or Toyota Camry?

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