Vehicle 1

Subaru WRX

195 complaints · 9 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Toyota Camry

1,900 complaints · 26 recalls

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

Subaru WRX vs Toyota Camry: The WRX has 19.5 complaints per year (195 total) and 9 recalls, while the Camry has 190 per year (1900 total) and 26 recalls. The WRX's top issue is engine (59), the Camry's is powertrain (340). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

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

4
Subaru WRX
wins all 4 categories
0
Toyota Camry
no category wins
CategorySubaru WRXToyota Camry
Total Complaints
All years combined
195
✓ lower
1,900
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
9
✓ lower
26
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
19
✓ lower
165
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
19.5
✓ lower
190.0

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

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Subaru WRX

1. ENGINE59
2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM45
3. POWER TRAIN32
4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER30
5. STEERING15

Toyota Camry

1. POWER TRAIN340
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER301
3. ENGINE295
4. SERVICE BRAKES278
5. AIR BAGS218
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Subaru WRX has far fewer complaints per year (19.5) than the Toyota Camry (190), suggesting lower overall problem frequency. However, the WRX's complaints are concentrated in engine and electrical issues, while the Camry's are spread across powertrain, brakes, and airbags.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize lower complaint rates and can accept potential engine or electrical issues, choose the Subaru WRX. If you prefer a more balanced issue profile and are willing to handle more frequent but varied problems, choose the Toyota Camry.

Key Differences
  • Subaru WRX averages 19.5 complaints/year vs Toyota Camry's 190/year.
  • Subaru WRX has 9 recalls; Toyota Camry has 26.
  • Subaru WRX top issue: ENGINE (59); Toyota Camry top issue: POWER TRAIN (340).
  • Toyota Camry has 165 crash complaints; Subaru WRX has 19.
⚠ Watch on Subaru WRX
  • Watch for engine problems (59 complaints) and electrical system issues (45 complaints).
  • Steering issues (15 complaints) may affect handling.
⚠ Watch on Toyota Camry
  • Watch for powertrain problems (340 complaints) and brake issues (278 complaints).
  • Air bag concerns (218 complaints) could indicate safety system reliability.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles and ensure all recalls are completed.
  • For WRX: inspect engine and electrical system; request service records for any repairs.
  • For Camry: test brakes and transmission; check air bag system warning lights.
  • Obtain a vehicle history report to see if crash complaints match reported accidents.
  • Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on top issue areas.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Subaru WRXToyota Camry
2026
0
0
2025
1
118
2024
13
43
2023
7
54
2022
24
54
2021
12
150
2020
17
259
2019
28
369
2018
40
708
2017
53
145
Subaru WRX vs Toyota Camry — comparison facts
Comparison
Subaru WRX vs Toyota Camry
Subaru WRX total complaints
195
Toyota Camry total complaints
1,900
Subaru WRX total recalls
9
Toyota Camry total recalls
26
Subaru WRX avg complaints/year
19.5
Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
190.0
More reliable overall
Subaru WRX
Subaru WRX top complaint area
ENGINE
Toyota Camry top complaint area
POWER TRAIN
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Subaru WRXReliability & Problems

195 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Toyota CamryReliability & Problems

1,900 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Subaru WRX or Toyota Camry?

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