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 has 61.6 complaints per year, with top issues being windshield cracks and headlight failures. The Camry has 208.1 complaints per year, with powertrain and brake problems. The Impreza's electrical fires pose a higher safety risk. 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, while a popular compact car, shows a reliability pattern dominated by visibility and lighting issues. Owners frequently report spontaneous windshield cracks and headlights that fail to illuminate the road adequately at night. The complaint rate is relatively low at 61.6 per year, but the nature of the problems—such as stalling during turns and electrical system failures leading to fires—raises concerns about safety and dependability.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a midsize sedan, has a higher complaint volume at 208.1 per year, but its issues are more varied across powertrain, engine, and brakes. Owners report problems like the ability to remove the key while in drive, spontaneous moonroof shattering, and unintended braking activation. Despite the higher count, the Camry's recalls are fewer and less severe, focusing on seats and air bag sensors.
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 | 616 Better | 2,081 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 25 Better | 28 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 26 Better | 177 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 61.6 Better | 208.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 17 Better | 161 |
| 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/WIPER175
- 02EXTERIOR LIGHTING164
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER99
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM61
- 05ENGINE42
Owners report spontaneous windshield cracking from the defroster area in a 'J' shape, often requiring replacement. This is a recurring issue that can be costly and inconvenient.
Headlights fail to provide adequate illumination at night, reducing driver visibility. Some complaints also mention steering looseness and vehicle jerking, which may be related to lighting system malfunctions.
The entire dashboard can go out, displaying danger messages and prompting immediate stop. In one case, a battery defect caused a vehicle fire, highlighting a serious safety risk.
The Eyesight driver-assist system frequently malfunctions without triggering error codes, leading to repeated dealer visits with no resolution. Cruise control issues also reported.
“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 TRAIN384
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER332
- 03ENGINE309
- 04SERVICE BRAKES288
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM233
The ignition key can be removed while the vehicle is in drive, allowing it to roll away. Also, the key can become stuck even when in park, requiring battery disconnection to remove.
The moonroof can shatter spontaneously while driving, sounding like a gunshot, with no external cause. This poses a safety hazard from falling glass.
Engine noise and vibration are common, with some owners reporting musty smells and rust in the trunk. A vibration sound when braking is also noted.
Brakes can erroneously activate, causing unintended deceleration. Grinding noises and thumping sounds from the brakes are also reported, indicating potential wear or system faults.
“The vehicle allows the engine to be turned off, key removed, while the vehicle is still in drive with no warning lights or sounds. I have tested and the vehicle can roll away. Complained to the toyota dealership and they said the service tech consulted with t…”
“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…”
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 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…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.
The risk: Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will clean the bolt mounting surfaces of the center support brace and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Suba…
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 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…
Toyota Camry — 28 recalls
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 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…
Buyer analysis
Subaru Impreza or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Subaru Impreza has fewer complaints per year (61.6 vs 208.1), but its issues are more concentrated on safety-critical systems like lighting and electrical. The Toyota Camry has more complaints but they are spread across multiple areas, with fewer severe safety risks. In practice, the Impreza may require more frequent repairs for visibility and electrical problems, while the Camry's higher volume suggests more overall nuisance issues.
Key differences
- Subaru Impreza has a high rate of spontaneous windshield cracks and headlight failures, while Toyota Camry has powertrain issues like key removal in drive.
- Impreza electrical system can cause dashboard failure and fires; Camry's electrical issues are less severe.
- Camry has more complaints overall but fewer recalls (28 vs 25) and less concentrated on safety-critical components.
- Impreza's Eyesight system malfunctions without codes; Camry's moonroof shattering is a unique hazard.
- Inspect the windshield for cracks originating from the defroster area, a common failure pattern.
- Check the headlight illumination at night and look for any dashboard warning lights that may indicate electrical issues.
- Test the ignition key removal in all gear positions to ensure it cannot be removed while in drive.
- Listen for unusual engine or brake noises during a test drive, and check the moonroof for any signs of stress or damage.
Before you buy
- Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles using the VIN.
- Test drive the Impreza at night to evaluate headlight brightness.
- On the Camry, try removing the key in each gear position to verify safety.
- Inspect the Impreza's windshield for any existing cracks, especially near the defroster.
- Listen for brake grinding or thumping on the Camry during a test drive.
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 | 97 |
| 2025 | 4 | 140 |
| 2024 | 30 | 46 |
| 2023 | 4 | 60 |
| 2022 | 12 | 57 |
| 2021 | 14 | 154 |
| 2020 | 85 | 264 |
| 2019 | 192 | 387 |
| 2018 | 149 | 728 |
| 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
- 616
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,081
- Subaru Impreza total recalls
- 25
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 28
- Subaru Impreza avg complaints/year
- 61.6
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 208.1
- More reliable overall
- Subaru Impreza
- Subaru Impreza top complaint area
- VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN