Head-to-head reliability
FORD Contour vs Toyota Camry
How the FORD Contour 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 Contour vs Toyota Camry: The Contour has 252 complaints per year over 1 year, while the Camry has 205.6 per year over 10 years. The Camry has 31 recalls and 171 crash-related complaints; the Contour has 7 recalls and 12 crash-related. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Contour or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Contour
The Ford Contour is a compact sedan with a very short complaint history—just one year of data—but that year shows a high rate of 252 complaints per year. Owners frequently report structural issues like dashboard warping that can block defrost vents, and fuel system problems such as stalling at a quarter tank or fuel odors after refueling. With 7 recalls and 12 crash-related complaints, it's a car that demands careful inspection before purchase.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a much longer 10-year complaint history, averaging 205.6 complaints per year. Owners report a wide range of issues, from power train problems like key stuck in Park and shuddering, to engine hesitation and brake noises. With 31 recalls and 171 crash-related complaints, it's a complex vehicle with many systems that can fail, though the per-year rate is lower than the Contour's.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Contour | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 252 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 7 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 12 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 252.0 | 205.6 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 12 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.
FORD Contour
- 01STRUCTURE82
- 02FUEL SYSTEM38
- 03GASOLINE34
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM29
- 05VISIBILITY29
Owners report dashboard warping that can interfere with defrost vent flow and visibility, and in some cases cause loose interior parts to become projectiles during sudden stops. This matters because it can impair your ability to see clearly and may affect airbag performance.
Complaints include stalling or hesitation when the fuel tank reaches about a quarter full, and strong fuel odors after refueling due to a leaking tank. These issues can leave you stranded or create a fire risk, so a thorough fuel system check is essential.
The instrument panel can warp, leading to loose bezels and potential airbag system interference. This is not just cosmetic—it can affect safety systems and create distracting rattles or projectiles.
Similar to fuel system complaints, owners report stalling and hesitation at a quarter tank, often after replacing the fuel filter without solving the problem. This suggests a more serious fuel delivery issue that could be costly to diagnose and fix.
“I HAD JUST GOT ON INTERSTATE WHEN MY CAR STARTED CUTTING OUT. I IMMEDIATELY PUT MY FLASHERS ON & TRIED TO GET IN THE LEFT LANE SO I COULD GET ON SHOULDER OF INTERSTATE BUT CARS WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO GET OVER. MY CAR DIED IN MIDDLE OF INTERSTATE. I CALLED ASAP…”
“2000 FORD CONTOUR SVT, 71K MILES THE DASHBOARD HAS BEEN CURLING, FROM WHERE THE WINDSHIELD MEETS THE DASHBOARD, FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW. THE PROCESS HAS BEEN VERY SLOW, BUT HAS GOTTEN TO THE POINT WHERE IT NOW SEVERELY INTERFERES WITH DEFROST VENT FLOW AND VISI…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck and unable to be removed even when the car is in Park, sometimes requiring battery disconnection. Others experience hesitation and shuddering with the check engine light on. These can leave you unable to secure or drive the car reliably.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, with the car taking several seconds to move. This hesitation can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic, and may indicate a deeper engine management issue.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow, and some owners hear a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area that is attributed to the ABS system. Brake problems are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately.
Multiple systems can malfunction at once, including stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping assistance. This suggests complex electronic integration issues that can be difficult and expensive to diagnose.
“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.
FORD Contour — 7 recalls
The defect: FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS…
The risk: THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE B…
The fix: FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.
The defect: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE M…
The risk: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-323-0354.
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. AN INCORRECT LABEL WAS INSTALLED ON THE DRIVER SIDE REAR DOOR. THIS LABEL CONTAINS INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE ACTIVATION OF THE CHILDPROOF SAFETY LOCKS.
The risk: THE OPERATOR OF THE VEHICLE MAY BELIEVE THE CHILDPROOF SAFETY LOCK WAS ACTIVATED WHEN IT WAS NOT, POTENTIALLY ALLOWING THE DOOR TO BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE.
The fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A REPLACEMENT LABEL AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: BI-FUEL VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE GROMMET THAT COULD HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING THE INSTALLATION OF THE BI-FUEL SYSTEM. IF THE GROMMET IS DAMAGED, FUEL COULD LEAK. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. DEALERS W…
The risk: IF THE GROMMET IS DAMAGED, FUEL COULD LEAK. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE GROMMET.
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
FORD Contour or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Ford Contour has a higher complaint rate per year (252) compared to the Toyota Camry (205.6), but the Camry's data spans 10 years and includes more crashes and injuries overall. In practice, the Contour's issues are concentrated in structural and fuel problems, while the Camry's are spread across many systems, meaning the Camry may have more varied but less frequent per-year problems.
Key differences
- The Ford Contour has a much shorter complaint history (1 year) but a higher annual complaint rate (252 vs. 205.6), while the Toyota Camry's data covers 10 years and shows more total crashes and injuries.
- Contour owners frequently report dashboard warping and fuel tank leaks, whereas Camry owners report key stuck in Park, engine hesitation, and brake noise.
- The Camry has 31 recalls versus 7 for the Contour, indicating more widespread safety-related issues over its longer production span.
- Contour complaints are concentrated in structure and fuel system, while Camry complaints are spread across power train, engine, brakes, and electrical systems.
- Check the dashboard for any warping or curling, especially near the windshield, as this can block defrost vents and affect visibility.
- Inspect the fuel tank and lines for leaks or odors, and test drive until the fuel gauge reaches about a quarter tank to see if stalling or hesitation occurs.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park to ensure it doesn't stick, and listen for any hesitation or shuddering during acceleration.
- Check the electronic parking brake operation and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which may indicate ABS issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Ford Contour's dashboard, fuel system, and electrical components for warping, leaks, and loose parts.
- For the Toyota Camry, test the key removal, throttle response, and brake system, and scan for any stored error codes.
- Drive the car at various speeds and fuel levels to replicate reported symptoms like stalling or hesitation.
- Verify that all safety systems (airbags, brakes, stability control) are functioning properly before purchase.
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 Contour or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Contour vs Toyota Camry
- FORD Contour total complaints
- 252
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- FORD Contour total recalls
- 7
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- FORD Contour avg complaints/year
- 252.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- FORD Contour top complaint area
- STRUCTURE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN