Vehicle 1

Subaru Impreza

610 complaints · 25 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Toyota Camry

2,003 complaints · 27 recalls

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

Subaru Impreza vs Toyota Camry: The Impreza has 61 complaints per year vs Camry's 200.3, but the Camry's top issue is powertrain (365) while Impreza's is visibility/wiper (175). Both have similar recall counts (25 vs 27). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

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

4
Subaru Impreza
wins all 4 categories
0
Toyota Camry
no category wins
CategorySubaru ImprezaToyota Camry
Total Complaints
All years combined
610
✓ lower
2,003
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
25
✓ lower
27
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
26
✓ lower
174
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
61.0
✓ lower
200.3

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

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Subaru Impreza

1. VISIBILITY/WIPER175
2. EXTERIOR LIGHTING164
3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER97
4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM59
5. ENGINE41

Toyota Camry

1. POWER TRAIN365
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER316
3. ENGINE305
4. SERVICE BRAKES284
5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM222
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Subaru Impreza has far fewer complaints per year (61.0) than the Toyota Camry (200.3), suggesting it may have fewer reported issues. However, the Camry's higher complaint count could reflect higher sales volume, so buyers should focus on specific problem areas rather than totals.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer reported issues and lower complaint rates, the Subaru Impreza is the better choice. If you need a larger, more common sedan and can accept a higher risk of powertrain or brake complaints, the Toyota Camry may suit you. Always get a pre-purchase inspection.

Key Differences
  • Subaru Impreza averages 61.0 complaints/year vs Toyota Camry's 200.3/year.
  • Camry has 174 crash complaints vs Impreza's 26.
  • Impreza's top issue is visibility/wiper (175); Camry's top is powertrain (365).
  • Camry has 27 recalls, Impreza has 25.
⚠ Watch on Subaru Impreza
  • Check for wiper and exterior lighting problems, as these are the most common complaints.
  • Inspect the electrical system and engine for any reported issues.
⚠ Watch on Toyota Camry
  • Watch for powertrain issues, which are the most frequent complaint.
  • Be aware of service brake and engine problems, also commonly reported.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Obtain a vehicle history report to check for past recalls and complaints.
  • Have a trusted mechanic inspect the car, focusing on top complaint areas.
  • Test drive to feel for transmission or brake issues.
  • Check all lights and wipers for proper operation.
  • Review NHTSA recall status for both models.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Subaru ImprezaToyota Camry
2026
0
68
2025
4
126
2024
28
44
2023
4
56
2022
12
55
2021
14
151
2020
84
260
2019
190
374
2018
149
721
2017
125
148
Subaru Impreza vs Toyota Camry — comparison facts
Comparison
Subaru Impreza vs Toyota Camry
Subaru Impreza total complaints
610
Toyota Camry total complaints
2,003
Subaru Impreza total recalls
25
Toyota Camry total recalls
27
Subaru Impreza avg complaints/year
61.0
Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
200.3
More reliable overall
Subaru Impreza
Subaru Impreza 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 Impreza Reliability & Problems

610 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Toyota Camry Reliability & Problems

2,003 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Subaru Impreza or Toyota Camry?

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