Head-to-head reliability
FORD Ecosport vs Toyota Camry
How the FORD Ecosport 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 Ecosport vs Toyota Camry: The EcoSport averages 368.6 complaints per year over 5 years, while the Camry averages 214.3 per year over 10 years. The EcoSport has 12 recalls and 3 deaths reported, compared to the Camry's 31 recalls and 1 death. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Ecosport or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Ecosport
The Ford EcoSport is a subcompact SUV that, based on owner complaints, can be demanding to own. It averages about 369 complaints per year over five years, with the engine and engine cooling systems drawing the most attention. Owners frequently report sudden loss of power, oil pressure warnings, and timing belt failures, sometimes even after recall repairs. These issues can leave drivers stranded and facing costly repairs, making it a model that requires careful inspection and maintenance vigilance.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a long-standing reputation for reliability, and the complaint data supports that with a much lower average of about 214 complaints per year over ten years. However, owners do report some recurring problems, particularly with the power train, brakes, and electrical system. Issues like transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, and brake failure appear in the complaints, though they are less frequent than the EcoSport's engine troubles. Overall, the Camry tends to have fewer serious breakdowns per year, but buyers should still be aware of these potential faults.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Ecosport | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,843 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 12 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 38 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 368.6 | 214.3 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 24 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 3 | 1 Better |
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 Ecosport
- 01ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING839
- 02ENGINE797
- 03POWER TRAIN218
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER149
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM111
Owners report sudden loss of power while driving, often with no warning lights, and low oil pressure warnings that can lead to engine damage. Some also experience timing belt failure even after recall repairs, which can cause the engine to die and require towing.
Complaints include engine stalling and failure earlier than expected, sometimes linked to recall issues. A recurring theme is that after a recall fix, the same problem can happen again, such as shredded timing belt material causing loss of power and braking assist.
Owners describe sudden loss of power while driving, sometimes related to front half shaft issues that may not be resolved by recalls. This can create dangerous situations on highways, as the vehicle may lose motive power without warning.
While fewer complaints, some owners report issues with the fuel system that can affect engine performance. These problems may contribute to stalling or power loss, adding to the overall reliability concerns.
“The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended, and the vehicle lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle…”
“The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving 60-65 MPH, the low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact exited the highway and pulled into a truck stop service station, where the contact was informed that the oi…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the transmission upon acceleration, sometimes requiring replacement. There are also complaints of sudden acceleration, which can lead to loss of control and crashes.
Some drivers experience brake pedal failure, where pressing the brake produces no response, especially on slopes. This is a serious safety concern that could result in accidents.
Complaints include sudden unintended acceleration and engine maintenance warnings related to coolant valve issues. These can be alarming and may indicate underlying problems that need attention.
While not detailed in the sample, electrical system complaints are among the top components, suggesting issues with various electronic features that could affect reliability and convenience.
“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 Ecosport — 12 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner may fail, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure.
The risk: A loss of oil pressure can result in an engine stall and a loss of power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the oil pump tensioner assembly and oil pump drive belt, free of charge. If engine failure occurs due to a damaged oil pump belt and/or oil pump belt tensioner, Ford has authorized dealers to replace the engine assembl…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 EcoSport vehicles. The front axle half shafts may disconnect from the transmission, which can result in a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. In addition, a disconnected half shaft can result in a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the half shafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S12.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner may fail, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure.
The risk: A loss of oil pressure can result in an engine stall and a loss of power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the oil pump tensioner assembly and oil pump drive belt, free of charge. If engine failure occurs due to a damaged oil pump belt and/or oil pump belt tensioner, Ford has authorized dealers to replace the engine assembl…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 EcoSport vehicles. The front axle half shafts may disconnect from the transmission, which can result in a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. In addition, a disconnected half shaft can result in a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the half shafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S12.
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 Ecosport or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has fewer complaints per year (about 214) compared to the Ford EcoSport (about 369), indicating better overall reliability. In practice, this means Camry owners are less likely to face frequent breakdowns, though both vehicles have notable issues. The EcoSport's engine problems appear more severe and recurrent, while the Camry's issues, though present, are less frequent.
Key differences
- The Ford EcoSport has a much higher annual complaint rate (about 369 per year) than the Toyota Camry (about 214 per year), suggesting more frequent owner-reported problems.
- Engine and engine cooling issues dominate EcoSport complaints, with reports of sudden power loss and timing belt failures, while Camry complaints are more spread across power train, brakes, and electrical systems.
- The Camry has more recalls (31 over 10 years) but fewer complaints per year, indicating that many issues may be addressed through recalls, whereas the EcoSport has 12 recalls over 5 years but still high complaint volume.
- Owner reports for the EcoSport often describe severe safety risks like loss of power and braking assist, while Camry reports include sudden acceleration and brake failure, but these appear less frequent.
- Check for any history of engine stalling or loss of power, especially at highway speeds, and confirm that all recalls (like 23S64) have been completed and verified.
- Inspect the timing belt and oil pressure system for signs of wear or failure, as owners report shredded belts and low oil pressure warnings.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration, which may indicate a need for replacement.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially on inclines, to ensure the pedal responds consistently and doesn't fail.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on the NHTSA website, ensuring all recall work is documented.
- Take the vehicle for a thorough test drive, including highway speeds and braking on slopes, to detect any power loss or brake issues.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, and brakes for signs of the specific problems reported by owners.
- For the EcoSport, ask about the timing belt service history and oil pressure checks; for the Camry, check transmission fluid and brake system condition.
- Review the owner's manual for maintenance schedules and ensure all recommended services have been performed on time.
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 Ecosport | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 10 | 59 |
| 2021 | 257 | 155 |
| 2020 | 393 | 270 |
| 2019 | 458 | 393 |
| 2018 | 725 | 736 |
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 Ecosport or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Ecosport vs Toyota Camry
- FORD Ecosport total complaints
- 1,843
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- FORD Ecosport total recalls
- 12
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- FORD Ecosport avg complaints/year
- 368.6
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- FORD Ecosport top complaint area
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN