Head-to-head reliability
Toyota MR2 vs Toyota Camry
How the Toyota MR2 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
Toyota MR2 vs Toyota Camry: The MR2 has 74 complaints over 8 years (9.3/yr) with no recalls, while the Camry has 2143 complaints over 10 years (214.3/yr) and 31 recalls. MR2 issues center on transmission and engine, while Camry reports include sudden acceleration and brake failure. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Toyota MR2 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Toyota MR2
The Toyota MR2 is a niche sports car that, in ownership terms, demands attention to its mechanical health. With 74 complaints over 8 years (about 9 per year), the pattern centers on the powertrain, especially the SMT transmission, which owners report failing and requiring expensive repairs. Engine issues like spun bearings and sudden acceleration incidents also appear, making it a car that needs careful inspection and maintenance.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream sedan with a much higher complaint volume—2143 over 10 years (about 214 per year)—reflecting its popularity. The complaints span many areas, but the most frequent are powertrain (transmission grinding, sudden acceleration), engine (coolant valve issues), and brakes (loss of response, vibration). With 31 recalls, it has a broader set of known issues, but many are minor or addressed by recalls.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Toyota MR2 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 74 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 9 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 9.3 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 4 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.
Toyota MR2
- 01POWER TRAIN22
- 02ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING9
- 03VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL9
- 04SERVICE BRAKES8
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6
Owners report the SMT (sequential manual transmission) failing, with symptoms like not shifting properly, slipping out of gear, or needing complete replacement. One owner paid $3,500 for repairs, and another had to reset the computer by disconnecting the battery to temporarily fix gear engagement.
Engine issues include a ticking noise leading to a spun bearing due to oil starvation, even with regular oil changes. Another owner had clutch and transmission replaced but still experienced problems, indicating potential recurring engine or drivetrain concerns.
Sudden unintended acceleration is reported, with one incident causing the car to spin out and crash into a curb. Another owner describes the SMT slipping into neutral while driving, which can be dangerous if it happens unexpectedly.
Brake complaints include violent shaking when braking, attributed to undersized calipers and rotors that warp and overheat. This suggests a potential braking performance issue that could affect safety.
“TOYOTA MR2 SPYDER SMT TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. (5 SPEED - CLUTCHLESS SHIFTING SYSTEM) SMT TRANSMISSION WENT OUT ON MY MR2 SPYDER CAR. GOT IT FIXED (OR SO I THOUGHT)AT THE DEALERSHIP AFTER EXCESSIVE EXPENSE ($3,500) REPLACING TWO ASSEMBLIES WITHIN THE SYSTEM. AF…”
“Within the first two weeks after purchasing the vehicle, I noticed a transmission issue where the vehicle would not properly shift gears. I sometimes would try to up or downshift but there would be no change in the display on the gear indicator. Later there b…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission problems are common, with grinding noises on acceleration and dealers recommending replacement. Some owners note recalls for similar issues on newer models, but their VINs may not be included, leaving them with costly repairs.
Engine issues include sudden unintended acceleration, which led to a crash and totaled vehicle in one case. Another owner received a code for a coolant valve bypass recall, but their VIN wasn't covered, causing a safety concern.
Brake failures are reported, such as no response when pressing the pedal on a hill, leading to a dangerous situation. Other complaints mention vibration or pulling, indicating potential brake system weaknesses.
While not detailed in the sample, electrical issues are a top component, likely involving sensors or wiring that could affect various systems, including safety features.
“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.
Toyota MR2
No recalls on record.
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
Toyota MR2 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota MR2 has far fewer complaints per year (9.3) compared to the Camry (214.3), but its issues are more concentrated in the powertrain and can be expensive to fix. The Camry's higher volume reflects its popularity, but the nature of its problems—like sudden acceleration and brake failure—can be serious. In practice, the MR2 may be less troublesome overall, but the Camry has more recalls and a broader range of issues.
Key differences
- The MR2 has a much lower complaint rate (9.3/yr) than the Camry (214.3/yr), but its complaints are heavily focused on the SMT transmission, which can fail and require costly repairs.
- The Camry has 31 recalls, addressing issues like air bag sensors and wheel lugs, while the MR2 has none, but the MR2's sudden acceleration reports are concerning.
- Brake problems appear in both, but the MR2's are described as undersized components causing vibration, while the Camry's include complete loss of braking response.
- The Camry's engine issues include a specific coolant valve recall that may not cover all VINs, leaving some owners with a safety risk.
- Inspect the SMT transmission thoroughly: test all gears, listen for unusual noises, and check for any warning lights. Ask for service records to see if the transmission or clutch has been replaced.
- Check for engine oil consumption or ticking noises, which could indicate bearing wear. A compression test or oil analysis might reveal hidden issues.
- Test the brakes at various speeds and on hills to ensure they respond firmly without vibration or pulling. Look for signs of rotor warping or pad wear.
- Check for any open recalls on the specific VIN, especially those related to air bags, seats, and wheel lugs. Also, ask about the coolant valve issue and whether it has been addressed.
Before you buy
- For the MR2: Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and clutch, and check for any signs of oil leaks or engine noise.
- For the Camry: Verify all recalls have been performed, especially the air bag sensor and wheel lug recalls.
- For both: Take a test drive that includes highway speeds, stop-and-go traffic, and braking from high speed to feel for any abnormalities.
- Ask for maintenance records to see if the MR2's transmission fluid was changed regularly and if the Camry's brakes have been serviced.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic who can check for common issues like the MR2's SMT or the Camry's brake system.
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 Toyota MR2 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Toyota MR2 vs Toyota Camry
- Toyota MR2 total complaints
- 74
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Toyota MR2 total recalls
- 0
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Toyota MR2 avg complaints/year
- 9.3
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Toyota MR2
- Toyota MR2 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN