Head-to-head reliability
Subaru WRX vs Toyota Camry
How the Subaru WRX 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 WRX vs Toyota Camry: The WRX averages 20.3 complaints per year with 9 recalls, while the Camry averages 205.6 complaints with 31 recalls. Both have injury reports, but the Camry has one death. The WRX suffers engine failures; the Camry faces power train and brake issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Subaru WRX or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Subaru WRX
The Subaru WRX is a sporty compact car that sees about 20 complaints per year, with engine and electrical issues being the most common. Owners report serious problems like engine failures and transmission binding, often at low mileage. With 9 recalls and 10 injuries reported, it's a vehicle that demands careful maintenance and a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream family sedan with a much higher complaint volume—about 206 per year—but that's partly because there are far more on the road. The most frequent complaints involve the power train, engine, and brakes, with issues like hesitation, shuddering, and electronic parking brake failures. It has 31 recalls and 158 injuries, so while it's a popular choice, buyers should be aware of these recurring problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Subaru WRX | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 203 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 9 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 19 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 20.3 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 10 Better | 158 |
| 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 WRX
- 01ENGINE60
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM49
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER34
- 04POWER TRAIN33
- 05STEERING15
Owners report catastrophic engine failure, sometimes due to oil issues or modified ECMs, as seen in a 2021 WRX STI complaint. This can happen while driving and may not be covered if modifications are present, so a pre-purchase inspection is critical.
Complaints include infotainment glitches, such as SiriusXM ads blocking the screen, and incorrect data displays like max speed readings. These issues can distract the driver and affect usability, though they are rarely safety-critical.
Transmission binding and loss of power are reported, with one owner experiencing a pop and total power loss in third gear. This can be dangerous in traffic and suggests potential driveline weaknesses.
With 15 complaints, steering issues are less common but still notable. Owners may experience vague steering or unusual noises, which should be checked during a test drive.
“I am filing this complaint to report a serious safety concern involving my 2021 Subaru WRX, which is currently covered under the manufacturer’s powertrain warranty as well as an extended warranty. Subaru of Ontario, an authorized Subaru dealership, failed to…”
“In October 2024, my vehicle, a 2021 Subaru WRX STI, was purchased from a Toyota dealership (Fort Bend Sterling McCall Toyota). The dealership sold the vehicle with an oil issue and a modified ECM. This issue caused catastrophic engine failure while driving. T…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report intermittent key stuck in ignition, hesitation, and shuddering, often accompanied by a check engine light. These issues can leave you stranded or cause delayed acceleration, which is a safety concern.
Complaints include delayed throttle response and hesitation, with some owners experiencing several seconds of lag when pressing the gas. This can be dangerous when merging or crossing intersections.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow, and some owners hear clicking or vibrating noises from the ABS system. These problems can prevent the car from moving or indicate brake system faults.
Multiple system malfunctions are reported, including stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring failing simultaneously. This can overwhelm the driver and reduce safety features when needed most.
“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 WRX — 9 recalls
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.
The risk: A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power while driving or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake engaged. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the left and right front driveshafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.
The risk: Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 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 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.
The risk: Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 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 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.
The risk: Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this rec…
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 WRX or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Subaru WRX has far fewer complaints per year (20.3 vs. 205.6), but the Camry's higher volume is partly due to its much larger sales. In practice, the WRX's issues tend to be more severe (engine failures), while the Camry's are more frequent but often less catastrophic. Both have recalls and injuries, so neither is trouble-free.
Key differences
- The WRX averages 20.3 complaints per year, while the Camry averages 205.6—but the Camry sells in much higher numbers, so per-vehicle risk may be similar.
- WRX owners report catastrophic engine failures and transmission binding; Camry owners report hesitation, shuddering, and electronic parking brake failures.
- The Camry has 31 recalls vs. 9 for the WRX, covering air bags, seats, and wheels, while WRX recalls include driveline and backup lights.
- Both have injury reports (10 for WRX, 158 for Camry) and one death for the Camry, highlighting that neither is immune to serious outcomes.
- Check for any signs of engine modification or tuning, as a modified ECM can lead to catastrophic engine failure and may void warranty coverage.
- Test the transmission for binding or hesitation during acceleration, especially when shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear, as owners report sudden power loss.
- Test the electronic parking brake to ensure it disengages properly; failure may require a tow and costly repairs.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which could indicate ABS system issues common in 2023 Camrys.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- During a test drive, accelerate firmly to check for hesitation or shuddering, and test all electronic features including infotainment and parking brake.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially oil changes, to assess engine health.
- For the WRX, verify that the ECM is stock and not modified; for the Camry, check for any software updates related to power train or brakes.
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 WRX | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 2 | 163 |
| 2024 | 13 | 50 |
| 2023 | 8 | 64 |
| 2022 | 25 | 61 |
| 2021 | 13 | 157 |
| 2020 | 17 | 274 |
| 2019 | 30 | 395 |
| 2018 | 42 | 744 |
| 2017 | 53 | 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 WRX or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Subaru WRX vs Toyota Camry
- Subaru WRX total complaints
- 203
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Subaru WRX total recalls
- 9
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Subaru WRX avg complaints/year
- 20.3
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Subaru WRX
- Subaru WRX top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN