Head-to-head reliability
FORD C MAX vs Toyota Camry
How the FORD C MAX 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
FORD C MAX vs Toyota Camry: The Ford C-Max has 14 complaints over 6 years (2.3/year) and 0 crash-related, while the Toyota Camry has 2,143 complaints over 10 years (214.3/year) and 181 crash-related. The C-Max's main issue is the rear-view camera; the Camry's include transmission and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD C MAX or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD C MAX
The Ford C-Max is a compact hybrid that, based on owner complaints, has a relatively low complaint rate of about 2.3 per year over six years. The most common issue reported is the rear-view camera failing, which is tied to a safety recall for back-over prevention. Other complaints include touchscreen and electrical glitches, and a few reports of stalling or loss of acceleration. Overall, the complaint volume is small, but the camera and electronic issues can be annoying and costly if not addressed.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a much higher complaint rate of about 214 per year over ten years, reflecting its huge sales volume. Owners report a wide range of problems, including transmission grinding and failure, sudden acceleration, brake failure, and air conditioning issues. There are also many crash and injury reports associated with these complaints. While not every Camry will have these problems, the data shows a broader set of serious issues to be aware of.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD C MAX | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 14 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 27 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 2.3 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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.
FORD C MAX
- 01BACK OVER PREVENTION6
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
- 03FUEL SYSTEM1
- 04GASOLINE1
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
Owners report the rear-view camera not working or displaying a blank screen, often related to a safety recall for the back-over prevention system. This matters because a non-functioning camera can make reversing less safe, especially in tight spots.
Complaints include touchscreen failures that affect GPS, audio, and even the rear-view camera, as well as a customer satisfaction program for a contaminated electronic throttle body that may cause the vehicle to enter limp mode. These electronic gremlins can be frustrating and expensive to fix.
A few owners of 2017 C-Max Energi models reported stalling and failure to accelerate at low speeds without warning lights. This could indicate a fuel or throttle issue that might leave a driver stranded or in a dangerous situation.
“See attached document for complaint. RE: NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 25V695 To whom it may concern, In August 2025 we took our 2016 CMAX into the Ford Dealer we purchased it from to have the check out the back-up camera that was not working and have a service done. T…”
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rear-view camera displayed a…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the transmission, sometimes requiring replacement, and sudden acceleration incidents that have led to crashes. These are serious safety concerns that can result in loss of control or costly repairs.
Complaints include sudden unintended acceleration and engine maintenance codes related to a coolant valve bypass, which some owners say should be covered by a recall. These issues can cause unpredictable acceleration or engine damage.
Some drivers experienced a complete loss of brake response when pressing the pedal, such as on a steep hill. This is a critical safety failure that could lead to a crash.
Owners report air conditioning malfunctions, including condenser damage from road debris and persistent mildew odors. These are comfort and potential health issues that may require costly repairs.
“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.
FORD C MAX — 27 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
The risk: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either sc…
The fix: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are ex…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
The risk: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either sc…
The fix: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are ex…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
The risk: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either sc…
The fix: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are ex…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
The risk: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either sc…
The fix: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are ex…
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
FORD C MAX or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Ford C-Max has far fewer complaints per year (2.3 vs. 214.3) and no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in the data, while the Camry has 181 crash-related complaints, 163 injuries, and 1 death. In practice, this means the C-Max appears to have a lower frequency of reported problems, but the Camry's issues are more severe and widespread.
Key differences
- The Ford C-Max has 14 complaints over 6 years, while the Toyota Camry has 2,143 complaints over 10 years, a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- The C-Max's top complaint is back-over prevention (rear camera), often tied to a recall, whereas the Camry's top complaints are power train, engine, and brakes, with many crash and injury reports.
- The Camry has 181 crash-related complaints, 163 injuries, and 1 death, while the C-Max has 0 in all three categories.
- Both have recalls, but the C-Max's recalls include gear position indication and door latches, while the Camry's include air bags, seats, and wheels.
- Check if the rear-view camera recall (25V695) has been performed and that the camera works properly; a blank or non-functional screen is a common complaint.
- Test the touchscreen and all electronic features, including GPS, audio, and climate controls, as owners report failures that can worsen over time.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration and test-drive at low speeds to check for hesitation or sudden acceleration.
- Test the brakes on a slope or during hard braking to ensure they respond immediately, as some owners reported complete brake failure.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on the specific problem areas for each model (camera and electronics for C-Max; transmission, brakes, and engine for Camry).
- During the test drive, deliberately test the rear-view camera (C-Max) and transmission/brakes (Camry) under various conditions.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes (Camry) and any recall repairs.
- Verify that all safety recalls have been completed and ask for documentation.
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 | FORD C MAX | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 0 | 736 |
| 2017 | 1 | 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 FORD C MAX or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD C MAX vs Toyota Camry
- FORD C MAX total complaints
- 14
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- FORD C MAX total recalls
- 27
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- FORD C MAX avg complaints/year
- 2.3
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- FORD C MAX
- FORD C MAX top complaint area
- BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN