Head-to-head reliability
FORD E 150 vs Toyota Camry
How the FORD E 150 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 E 150 vs Toyota Camry: The E 150 has 422 complaints and 105 recalls over 10 years, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints and 31 recalls. The E 150 reports stalling and loss of control; the Camry reports transmission and brake issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD E 150 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD E 150
The Ford E 150 is a full-size van often used for work or transport, with 422 complaints over 10 years (about 42 per year) and 105 recalls. Owners frequently report sudden stalling, loss of steering and braking, and transmission problems, which can be frightening. With 29 crash-related complaints and 33 injuries, these issues are serious but less frequent than in the Camry.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular midsize sedan with 2,056 complaints over 10 years (about 206 per year) and 31 recalls. Owners report a wide range of issues, from transmission shuddering and delayed acceleration to brake noises and electrical glitches. Despite more complaints, the Camry has fewer recalls and only 1 death reported, but the high complaint volume suggests many small problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD E 150 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 422 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 105 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 29 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 42.2 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 33 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 E 150
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM77
- 02POWER TRAIN52
- 03STRUCTURE52
- 04ENGINE43
- 05SERVICE BRAKES36
Owners report sudden stalling while driving, often with loss of power steering and brakes, and the van may not restart. This can leave you stranded or in a dangerous situation on the road.
Complaints include transmission failure where the van won't move in reverse or makes loud noises, and stalling at low speeds. These repairs can be costly and affect daily reliability.
Some owners report throttle sticking, causing unintended acceleration and difficulty stopping. This is a serious safety concern that may require immediate attention.
Engine power loss and stalling on the highway are reported, sometimes requiring a long wait before restart. This can be dangerous in traffic and points to underlying fuel or ignition issues.
“MY FORD E150, ECONO VAN CAME TO A SUDDEN STALL WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON HIGH WAY. ONCE IT GOT STALLED, I L DON'T HAVE STEERING, POWER AND BRAKE CONTROL. THE VAN WON'T START AND WON'T STAY IDLE. OR RUNNING, BUT AFTER LIKE 20 TIMES TRYING TO RESTART THE CAR, IT ST…”
“I OWN A 2006 FORD F-150 4X4 PICKUP. TWO WEEKS AGO THE SPEED ODOMETER WENT CRAZY, IT STARTED OUT STICKING AT 10 MPH AND MOVED ALL THE WAY OVER TO 120+ AND SOMETIMES DROPS TO THE 40 MPH AREA AND THEN RIGHT BACK UP TO THE 120 MPH ZONE. I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS TRUC…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report hesitation, shuddering, and delayed acceleration, plus ignition key getting stuck in Park. These can be annoying and may indicate transmission or electronic issues.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the gas pedal, and check engine lights with shuddering. This can make merging or accelerating feel unpredictable.
The electronic parking brake may not disengage, requiring a tow, and some hear clicking or vibrating noises from the ABS system. Brake problems can be costly and affect safety.
Multiple system malfunctions are reported, including stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring failing at once. This can be distracting and reduce driver confidence.
“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 E 150 — 105 recalls
The defect: FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL TANKS THAT COULD BE INSTALLED INTO MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2008 E-150, E-250, AND E-350 VANS AND WAGONS. THE AFFECTED FUEL TANKS HAVE AN EXTRA OBDII SENSOR HOLE ON THE TOP OF THE TANK THAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SEALED AND MAY LEAK FUEL.
The risk: A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANKS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 28, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-800-232-5952.
The defect: VAN CONVERSIONS IS RECALLING 74 MY 2004-2007 FORD E-150, E-250 E-350 AND MY 2006 GM SAVANNA 3500 VANS BUILT ON FORD AND GM CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 404, "PLATFORM…
The risk: THE USER OF THE LIFT COULD BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY.
The fix: VAN CONVERSIONS IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E095). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR VAN CONVERSIONS AT 610-837-0707.
The defect: VAN CONVERSIONS IS RECALLING 52 MY 2004-2007 FORD E-150, E-250 E-350 AND MY 2006 GM SAVANNA 3500 VANS BUILT ON FORD AND GM CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE LIFTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 403, "PLATFORM LI…
The risk: A LIFT OCCUPANT CAN BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT BEGIN TO STOW UNINTENTIONALLY.
The fix: VAN CONVERSIONS IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E097). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR VAN CONVERSIONS AT 610-837-0707.
The defect: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE…
The risk: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The fix: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
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 E 150 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Ford E 150 has far fewer complaints per year (42 vs. 206), but its issues often involve stalling and loss of control, which are severe. The Toyota Camry has more complaints but fewer recalls and only one death, though many problems are electronic or transmission-related. In practice, the E 150 may leave you stranded less often, but when it fails, it can be more dangerous.
Key differences
- The Ford E 150 has 105 recalls vs. 31 for the Camry, meaning more factory fixes but also more potential unresolved issues.
- E 150 owners report sudden stalling and loss of steering/brakes, while Camry owners report transmission shuddering and brake noises.
- The Camry has 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries vs. 29 crashes and 33 injuries for the E 150, but the E 150's crashes may be more severe due to stalling.
- The E 150 has 0 deaths reported, while the Camry has 1 death, but the Camry's higher complaint volume suggests more frequent minor problems.
- Check for any history of stalling or loss of power steering/brakes; test drive at highway speeds and listen for engine hesitation.
- Inspect transmission operation, especially reverse engagement and any loud noises; a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with Ford vans is wise.
- Test the electronic parking brake and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area; ensure it disengages properly.
- Check for transmission shuddering or delayed acceleration during a test drive, and verify that the ignition key can be removed easily when in Park.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to see if recalls were addressed and if there are any accident records.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the specific problem areas mentioned for each model.
- During a test drive, simulate highway driving and stop-and-go traffic to check for stalling, hesitation, or brake issues.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission and electrical repairs.
- Verify that all open recalls have been completed by checking the NHTSA website with the VIN.
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 E 150 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD E 150 vs Toyota Camry
- FORD E 150 total complaints
- 422
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- FORD E 150 total recalls
- 105
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- FORD E 150 avg complaints/year
- 42.2
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- FORD E 150
- FORD E 150 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN