Head-to-head reliability
Subaru Impreza vs Toyota Camry
How the Subaru Impreza 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 Impreza vs Toyota Camry: The Impreza averages 62 complaints per year and 25 recalls, while the Camry averages 206 complaints per year and 31 recalls. The Camry also has 171 crash-related complaints versus 28 for the Impreza. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Subaru Impreza or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza is a compact car that averages about 62 complaints per year over the past decade, with 25 recalls. Owner complaints often center on visibility and wiper problems, exterior lighting, and electrical glitches. While the overall complaint rate is lower than some rivals, the types of issues reported—like windshields cracking spontaneously and headlights that don't illuminate well—can be frustrating and costly.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a much higher complaint volume: about 206 per year over 10 years, plus 31 recalls. The most common trouble spots are the power train, engine, and service brakes, with owners describing shuddering, delayed acceleration, and brake noises. These are often more serious and expensive to fix than the Impreza's typical gripes.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Subaru Impreza | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 624 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 25 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 28 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 62.4 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 20 Better | 158 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 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 Impreza
- 01VISIBILITY/WIPER176
- 02EXTERIOR LIGHTING164
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER100
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM61
- 05ENGINE42
Owners report windshields cracking spontaneously, often from the defroster area, sometimes multiple times on the same car. This can compromise visibility and require expensive replacement plus recalibration of driver-assist cameras.
Complaints include headlights that fail to provide adequate illumination at night, and brake light switch issues. Poor lighting makes night driving riskier, and brake light failures can lead to rear-end collisions.
Some owners experience complete dashboard failure, warning messages to stop driving, and even fires traced to a defective battery. Electrical gremlins can strand you and are hard to diagnose.
A few reports mention stalling when making turns, especially left turns, and loss of power. Stalling in traffic is dangerous and can be difficult for dealers to reproduce and fix.
“JULY 09 2021 REPORTED TO SUBARU EL PASO AT TIME OF FIRST MAINTENANCE (6000 MILES) VEHICLE LOSSES POWER AND STALLS WHEN MAKING TURNS, IT IS MORE NOTICEABLE MAKING A LEFT TURN. TECHNICIAN SAID COUDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND NO FURTER ACTION WAS NEEDED. HOWEV…”
“Front windshield spontaneous cracking from defroster area in a "J" shape. This is the second windshield since new to do this (2021 model). Available for inspection. The first windshield was inspected and replaced by Subaru at their cost minus eyesight recalib…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners describe the ignition key getting stuck even when the car is in Park, requiring a battery disconnect to remove it. Others report hesitation and shuddering at various speeds, which can be alarming and may indicate transmission issues.
Complaints include delayed throttle response—pressing the gas and waiting several seconds for the car to move—and check engine lights with shuddering. This lag can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow, and some owners hear clicking or vibrating noises from the ABS system. Brake problems directly affect stopping ability and safety.
Multiple systems—stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—can malfunction simultaneously. Losing these aids without warning can overwhelm a driver in an emergency.
“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 Impreza — 25 recalls
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Impreza vehicles. The left-front lower control arm weld may fail, allowing the control arm to separate from the crossmember.
The risk: A separated control arm may cause the tire to contact the wheel well, resulting in a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the control arm as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 3, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Outback and Impreza vehicles. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) select lever cable nut may not have been tightened properly, allowing the nut to loosen.
The risk: A loose nut can lead to a lost of retention in the CVT select lever cable and the gear selector not functioning properly, increasing risk of crash.
The fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and, if necessary, tighten the nut, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is W…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2022 Impreza and Outback vehicles. The incorrect paint clearcoat may have been applied, which can cause the windshield to be insufficiently bonded to the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehi…
The risk: An insufficiently bonded windshield can detach during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Subaru will offer owners a vehicle exchange or repurchase, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 21, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this rec…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Impreza vehicles. The brake light switch may be improperly adjusted and illuminate the brake lights without application of the brake pedal. The vehicle may also allow drivers to start and shift the transmission out of the PARK position with…
The risk: An unintentional brake light illumination can fail to alert other motorists of actual brake application. A vehicle that shifts out of the park position unexpectedly can allow the vehicle to rollaway. Either of these scenarios can increase…
The fix: Dealers will inspect the gap between the brake light switch and stopper, adjusting the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 23, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at…
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 Impreza or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Subaru Impreza has far fewer complaints per year (about 62 vs. 206 for the Camry) and fewer crash-related reports (28 vs. 171). In practice, the Impreza may be less likely to leave you dealing with major mechanical or brake failures, though it has its own annoying visibility and electrical quirks.
Key differences
- The Camry has over three times as many complaints per year as the Impreza, with power train and engine issues being the most common.
- Impreza owners frequently report windshield cracking and poor headlight illumination, while Camry owners report shuddering, delayed acceleration, and brake problems.
- The Camry has more crash-related complaints (171 vs. 28) and injuries (158 vs. 20), though these numbers don't prove cause.
- Both have 1 death reported, but the Impreza's top issues are visibility and lighting, whereas the Camry's are mechanical and brake-related.
- Inspect the windshield for any cracks, especially near the defroster vents, and ask if it has been replaced—multiple replacements are reported.
- Test the headlights at night to ensure they illuminate the road adequately, and check that brake lights work reliably.
- Check for any hesitation or shuddering during a test drive, and ensure the ignition key can be removed easily when in Park.
- Test the electronic parking brake to confirm it disengages smoothly, and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially the Impreza's windshield and lighting recalls and the Camry's air bag and seat recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Impreza's windshield, headlights, and electrical system, and the Camry's transmission, engine response, and brakes.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any stalling or hesitation in the Impreza and any shuddering or delayed acceleration in the Camry.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for the Camry's transmission fluid changes and the Impreza's windshield replacements.
- Verify that all driver-assist features (like Subaru's EyeSight or Toyota's safety systems) are functioning properly, as malfunctions are reported.
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 Impreza | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 | 5 | 163 |
| 2024 | 32 | 50 |
| 2023 | 4 | 64 |
| 2022 | 13 | 61 |
| 2021 | 14 | 157 |
| 2020 | 85 | 274 |
| 2019 | 194 | 395 |
| 2018 | 151 | 744 |
| 2017 | 125 | 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 Impreza or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Subaru Impreza vs Toyota Camry
- Subaru Impreza total complaints
- 624
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Subaru Impreza total recalls
- 25
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Subaru Impreza avg complaints/year
- 62.4
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Subaru Impreza
- Subaru Impreza top complaint area
- VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN