Head-to-head reliability
FORD E 450 vs Toyota Camry
How the FORD E 450 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 450 vs Toyota Camry: The E-450 averaged 7.1 complaints per year over 10 years, with 19 recalls, while the Camry averaged 214.3 complaints per year and 31 recalls. The Camry also had 181 crash-related complaints and 1 death, versus 1 crash and 0 deaths for the E-450. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD E 450 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD E 450
The Ford E-450 is a heavy-duty chassis often used for motorhomes, buses, and box trucks, so its reliability is tied to how it's built upon. Over 10 years, it averaged 7.1 complaints per year, with steering and brake issues dominating the list. Many complaints reference recall campaigns for power steering and brake components, suggesting that owners frequently deal with safety recalls. For a buyer, this means the vehicle can be durable but requires vigilance about recall work and steering/brake maintenance.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular midsize sedan with a much higher complaint volume—about 214 per year—but that reflects its huge sales numbers. The most common complaints involve the power train, engine, and brakes, with some reports of sudden acceleration and transmission failure. While the Camry has a strong reputation for longevity, these complaints show that certain model years can have serious issues. A used Camry buyer should check for open recalls and test-drive carefully for transmission and brake behavior.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD E 450 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 71 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 19 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 7.1 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 E 450
- 01STEERING25
- 02SERVICE BRAKES20
- 03ENGINE14
- 04HYDRAULIC12
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER11
Owners report loose steering and delayed wheel response at highway speeds, as well as recall-related power steering pressure line failures. This can make the vehicle drift and feel unstable, especially in motorhome applications.
Complaints include parking brake issues where the brake may not hold, and recall-related hydroboost power steering pressure line problems that affect braking. These failures can lead to uncontrolled movement or reduced braking power.
Some owners describe engine-related recall notices and drivability issues, such as the vehicle drifting or feeling loose at speed. These can stem from power steering or hydraulic problems that affect engine performance.
The hydroboost or hydromax power steering pressure line is a recurring complaint, often tied to recall 22S08. If not addressed, it can cause steering and brake assist loss, making the vehicle hard to control.
“We received the two recall notice letters from Ford Motor Company, 20V795 & 22V089, for our 2021 Jayco Redhawk class C RV. Upon receiving the first recall notice, 20V795, an appointment was made with our local Ford Dealer, Spradley Ford Lincoln Mercury, in Pu…”
“Parking Brake The Sticker on this U-Haul 15 foot Truck says, "Engage the Parking Brake before turning off the Engine, otherwise UNCONTROLLED OPERATION OF VEHICLE may occur.". I pulled on the Parking Brake as the Sticker warned. With my foot off the Gas Pedal,…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front end during acceleration, often diagnosed as transmission failure requiring replacement. Some also describe sudden acceleration incidents, which can be dangerous in parking lots or low-speed maneuvers.
Complaints include sudden, uncontrollable acceleration and coolant bypass valve issues that trigger engine maintenance warnings. These can lead to crashes or costly repairs if not addressed.
Some drivers experience a complete lack of brake response when pressing the pedal, especially on steep hills or when slowing gently. This is a serious safety concern that requires immediate attention.
While not detailed in the sample, electrical complaints are common and may involve sensors or infotainment glitches. These can be frustrating and expensive to diagnose.
“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 E 450 — 19 recalls
The defect: SVO Group Inc. (SVO Group) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford E-350 and E-450-based shuttle buses equipped with ASA Electronics Voyager monitors used to display the back-up camera image. The affected monitors may revert back to the factory default settings which may cause the camera image to be re…
The risk: The driver may inadvertently turn the wrong direction to avoid an object behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: SVO Group will work with ASA to notify owners, and ASA will provide a harness relay capacitor module to eliminate the image reversal, free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2019. Owners may contact ASA Electronics customer service at 1-80…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026-2027 E-350 and E-450 vehicles. The backup alarm connector may become loose and detach, preventing the alarm from sounding when the vehicle is backing up.
The risk: A backup alarm that fails to alert pedestrians and other vehicles of a reversing vehicle, increases the risk of crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the exterior sound connector on the frame wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall…
The defect: Taylor Made Ambulances is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford E-350, F-450, E-450, F-550, and GMC G3500-based ambulances equipped with Whelen brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.
The risk: If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Taylor Made will notify owners and Whelen will replace the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began June 5, 2019. Owners may contact Taylor Made Ambulances customer service at 1-800-468-1310.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F600, and 2023 E-Series vehicles. In addition, certain 2016 E-Series, 2017 and 2019 F-450, 2021 F-350, and 2021 Transit vehicles that received a reprinted label are also included in this recall. The Safety…
The risk: Missing tire information could lead to an incorrect tire or rim being installed, or incorrect tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the Safety Certification Label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 6, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22C09.
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 E 450 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Ford E-450 has far fewer complaints per year (7.1 vs. 214.3), but it's a niche chassis while the Camry is a mass-market sedan. The Camry's higher count reflects its popularity, yet it also has more crash-related reports and injuries. In practice, the E-450 may have fewer overall issues, but the Camry's issues can be more severe when they occur.
Key differences
- The Ford E-450 has 71 complaints over 10 years, while the Toyota Camry has 2,143—but the Camry sells in far greater numbers.
- Ford E-450 complaints center on steering and brakes, often tied to recalls; Camry complaints often involve power train and engine, including sudden acceleration.
- The Camry has 181 crash-related complaints and 163 injuries, compared to 1 crash and 0 injuries for the E-450.
- Both have recalls, but the E-450's recalls often involve steering and hydraulic systems, while the Camry's include air bags, seats, and wheels.
- Check for open recalls related to steering and hydroboost brakes (e.g., 20V795, 22V089, 22S08) and confirm they were completed.
- Test-drive at highway speeds to feel for loose steering or delayed response, and test the parking brake on a slope.
- Listen for grinding noises during acceleration that could indicate transmission problems, and test for any sudden acceleration.
- Test the brakes on a steep hill or during gentle stops to ensure immediate response, and check for coolant bypass valve recall coverage.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls by VIN on the NHTSA website.
- For the E-450, inspect power steering lines and brake components for leaks or wear, and verify recall repairs.
- For the Camry, have a mechanic check transmission fluid and scan for stored codes related to the power train.
- Test-drive both vehicles in conditions that mimic your typical use, including highway and stop-and-go traffic.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for brake and steering repairs on the E-450 and transmission service on the Camry.
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 E 450 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 119 |
| 2025 | 2 | 153 |
| 2024 | 4 | 48 |
| 2023 | 2 | 62 |
| 2022 | 13 | 59 |
| 2021 | 27 | 155 |
| 2020 | 0 | 270 |
| 2019 | 5 | 393 |
| 2018 | 5 | 736 |
| 2017 | 11 | 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 E 450 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD E 450 vs Toyota Camry
- FORD E 450 total complaints
- 71
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- FORD E 450 total recalls
- 19
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- FORD E 450 avg complaints/year
- 7.1
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- FORD E 450
- FORD E 450 top complaint area
- STEERING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN