Head-to-head reliability
Subaru Solterra vs Toyota Camry
How the Subaru Solterra 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 Solterra vs Toyota Camry: The Solterra has 60 complaints over 4 years (15/yr) versus the Camry's 2,143 over 10 years (214/yr). Solterra owners report power loss and camera issues; Camry owners report transmission and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Subaru Solterra or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Subaru Solterra
The Subaru Solterra is an all-electric SUV that has been on sale for only a few years, and its complaint history is relatively short but concentrated in electrical and driver-assistance systems. Owners report sudden power loss in cold weather, issues with the forward collision avoidance camera, and trim pieces coming loose in heavy rain. While the total number of complaints is low, the nature of the issues—especially power loss and camera malfunctions—can be unsettling for a new EV buyer.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a long-running, high-volume sedan with a much larger complaint database, reflecting its popularity and years on the road. The most common issues involve the powertrain (including transmission grinding and replacement), engine problems (including sudden acceleration reports and coolant valve codes), and brake failures. With over 2,000 complaints and 31 recalls, the Camry shows a broader range of reliability concerns, but many are isolated incidents rather than widespread defects.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Subaru Solterra | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 60 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 9 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 6 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 15.0 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 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 Solterra
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM23
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE15
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER15
- 04VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL9
- 05SERVICE BRAKES5
Owners report progressive loss of power while driving, especially in low temperatures, which can be dangerous on highways. The issue appears related to the battery or power management system, and it may leave the driver with reduced speed or unexpected shutdown.
The forward recognition camera can malfunction, leading to false alerts or failure to detect obstacles. One owner hit a stationary deer and found an open recall for camera reprogramming, but Subaru refused to cover the damage, citing animal collisions as a liability carve-out.
In addition to power loss, some owners report unintended acceleration or braking events. For example, one owner backing out of a driveway had the rear safety warning activate near a bush, causing the car to stop unexpectedly.
Some complaints are vague but mention safety concerns, while others describe physical damage: during a rainstorm, the front fabric wheel well liners came loose and caught under the vehicle, pulling down the plastic undercarriage cover. This suggests potential build quality issues with exterior components.
“Subject: Safety Concerns with Subaru Solterra - Urgent Attention Required I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my serious concerns regarding the safety issues I am experiencing with my newly purchased Subaru Solterra 2023 Touring. Despi…”
“On December 15, 2025, driving on a highway in low temperatures, my 2024 Subaru Solterra (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced a progressive loss of power. At 9:20 a.m., I departed NYC for Amenia, NY (91 miles). The range showed ~130 miles (no AC). For the first ~70 miles…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front end upon acceleration, with dealers confirming transmission issues that often require replacement. Some Camrys have recalls for the same problem, and transmissions may be on backorder, leaving owners waiting for repairs.
There are reports of uncontrollable sudden acceleration, which in one case led to a crash and totaled the car. Other owners see engine maintenance lights with codes like P268115 related to a coolant valve bypass, but their VINs may not be covered by the recall, causing confusion and safety concerns.
Some drivers experience a complete lack of brake response when pressing the pedal, such as on a steep hill, forcing them to take evasive action. Others report that brakes grab unexpectedly when parking, making low-speed maneuvers feel unsafe.
Electrical issues are common, though the sample complaints focus on AC problems like a damaged condenser from a rock or recurring mildew odors from the HVAC system. These are less safety-critical but affect comfort and reliability.
“I turned into a restaurant’s parking lot, found a spot and slowly drove into the lot, I eased off the gas pedal and gently applying the brake as the lot has a slight downward slope. When I reach the chunk (the parking block), I added more force to the brake,…”
“Grinding noise coming from front end upon acceleration. Brought to dealership who confirmed noises coming from transmission. Transmission needs to be replaced per dealer recommendation. Recalls on 2021 Toyota Camry for same issue. Transmissions on backorder 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 Solterra — 9 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2025 bZ4X, Lexus RZ, and Subaru Solterra vehicles. During certain HVAC system faults, such as electrical compressor failure, the defroster and defogger system may become inoperative.
The risk: An inoperative defroster and defogger system can decrease the driver's visibility under certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the HVAC control ECU software, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect the electrical compressor, and replace it, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2025. Owners may conta…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or d…
The risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's nu…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2025 bZ4X, Lexus RZ, and Subaru Solterra vehicles. During certain HVAC system faults, such as electrical compressor failure, the defroster and defogger system may become inoperative.
The risk: An inoperative defroster and defogger system can decrease the driver's visibility under certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the HVAC control ECU software, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect the electrical compressor, and replace it, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2025. Owners may conta…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or d…
The risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's nu…
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
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…
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…
Buyer analysis
Subaru Solterra or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Subaru Solterra has far fewer complaints per year (15.0) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the Solterra's issues are more concentrated in safety-critical systems like power loss and camera malfunctions. The Camry's higher volume reflects its longer sales history and larger owner base, but the nature of its problems—transmission failures and brake loss—can be equally serious. In practice, the Solterra may offer fewer headaches overall, but the Camry's issues are more varied and well-documented.
Key differences
- The Solterra has a much lower complaint rate (15 per year) than the Camry (214 per year), but its issues are heavily weighted toward electrical and driver-assist systems.
- Solterra owners report sudden power loss in cold weather, which is a unique EV concern, while Camry owners report transmission grinding and brake failure.
- The Camry has more recalls (31) than the Solterra (9), but the Solterra's recalls include camera reprogramming and wheel hub issues, which are directly tied to safety.
- The Solterra's forward collision avoidance camera has been linked to a recall, while the Camry's sudden acceleration reports are not covered by a specific recall in the data.
- Check for any open recalls, especially the forward recognition camera reprogramming (WRG23-1) and wheel hub issues, and ensure they have been performed.
- Test the vehicle in cold weather if possible, and ask about any history of power loss or reduced range in low temperatures.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration, and check if the transmission has been replaced or if there is a recall for your VIN.
- Test the brakes at low speeds and on a hill to ensure they respond consistently, and ask about any history of sudden acceleration or brake failure.
Before you buy
- Obtain the vehicle's VIN and check NHTSA's recall database for both models to see if any open recalls exist.
- For the Solterra, ask for service records related to electrical system updates or battery management software, and inspect the wheel well liners for looseness.
- For the Camry, ask for transmission service history and any warranty work done on the powertrain, and check for engine codes like P268115.
- Take both vehicles for a test drive that includes highway speeds and low-speed maneuvers, paying attention to any warning lights or unusual noises.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic familiar with EVs (for Solterra) or with Toyota transmissions (for Camry).
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 Solterra | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 17 | 119 |
| 2025 | 4 | 153 |
| 2024 | 14 | 48 |
| 2023 | 25 | 62 |
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 Solterra or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Subaru Solterra vs Toyota Camry
- Subaru Solterra total complaints
- 60
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Subaru Solterra total recalls
- 9
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Subaru Solterra avg complaints/year
- 15.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Subaru Solterra
- Subaru Solterra top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN