Head-to-head reliability
FORD Escape vs Toyota Camry
How the FORD Escape 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 Escape vs Toyota Camry: Over 10 years, the Escape averaged 739.7 complaints per year and had 102 recalls, while the Camry averaged 205.6 complaints per year and had 31 recalls. The Escape also had 131 crash-related complaints versus 171 for the Camry, but far more engine issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Escape or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Escape
The Ford Escape is a compact SUV that has generated an average of about 740 complaints per year over the past decade, with 102 recalls. Owners frequently report serious issues like sudden loss of power, unintended acceleration, and exhaust fumes entering the cabin. These problems can affect daily driving and safety, making it a vehicle that demands careful inspection before purchase.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a much lower complaint rate—about 206 per year—and 31 recalls over the same period. Reported issues tend to be less severe, such as key stuck in ignition, hesitation, and brake noise. While not trouble-free, the Camry's problems are generally less likely to involve sudden power loss or fire risk.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Escape | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 7,397 | 2,056 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 102 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 131 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 739.7 | 205.6 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 163 | 158 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 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 Escape
- 01ENGINE3,281
- 02POWER TRAIN1,130
- 03ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING975
- 04STRUCTURE820
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER722
Owners report sudden loss of power while accelerating or pulling into traffic, often with hesitation or failure to respond. Some also note exhaust fumes entering the cabin and loud noises from under the hood, which could indicate mechanical failures.
Complaints include unintended acceleration, where the vehicle speeds up without throttle input, and high-voltage battery fire hazards leading to recalls. These issues can be dangerous and may require costly repairs.
Reports describe the engine revving unexpectedly while parked and loss of power during acceleration. Exhaust fumes entering the cabin is a health concern and suggests exhaust system leaks.
Owners mention liftgate hinge covers flying off, sometimes during car washes, and sudden acceleration at low speeds causing collisions. These structural and unintended acceleration issues can lead to property damage or injury.
“I am reporting a recurring safety issue involving sudden loss of power while driving in my 2023 Ford Escape. The vehicle has experienced multiple incidents where, while accelerating or pulling into traffic, it suddenly loses power, hesitates, or fails to resp…”
“Purchased brand new 11/2023, immediately started with electrical problems 01/2024, also would put car in reverse and car would cut off, was dropped off at service but never given a reason for the issue or a repair. 01/2025 car had acceleration issues, dropped…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Some owners report the ignition key becomes stuck and cannot be removed even when the car is in Park, requiring battery disconnection. Others experience hesitation and shuddering with the check engine light on, which may indicate transmission or engine issues.
Complaints include multiple system malfunctions at once, such as stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring failing simultaneously. This can be confusing and potentially dangerous if it happens while driving.
Owners describe delayed throttle response, where pressing the accelerator results in a several-second delay before the car moves. This lag can be frustrating and may pose a risk when merging or crossing traffic.
Reports include the electronic parking brake failing to disengage, requiring towing, and clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area. These issues can affect brake performance and increase repair costs.
“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 Escape — 102 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will update the engine control software to include fuel injector leak detection and install a drain tube, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed January 9, 2023. Remedy pa…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2022-2023 Maverick, and 2021-2023 Corsair vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources s…
The risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will replace the engine long-block in 2023 Escape and Corsair vehic…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Escape, Super Duty F-250, Super Duty F-350, Super Duty F-450, and Super Duty F-550 vehicles equipped with a digital instrument panel cluster. The module may have been improperly soldered, preventing the instrument panel from illuminating. As such,…
The risk: An inoperable instrument panel cannot show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, which may increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the module or instrument panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 4, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C2…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Escape two-wheel drive vehicles equipped with adaptive cruise control. The cruise control radar module was misaligned during production.
The risk: Misalignment of the radar module can result in the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) misclassifying an overhead object as an object in the vehicle's path, causing the vehicle to unexpectedly slow and/or stop. Other safety systems that depend o…
The fix: Dealers will adjust the angle of the radar module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S39.
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 Escape or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has far fewer complaints per year (about 206 vs. 740 for the Ford Escape) and fewer recalls (31 vs. 102). In practice, this means Camry owners report fewer serious problems like sudden power loss or fire risks, though both vehicles have some issues. The Escape's higher rate suggests a greater likelihood of encountering costly or safety-related repairs.
Key differences
- The Ford Escape has over three times as many complaints per year as the Toyota Camry, with many involving sudden power loss or unintended acceleration.
- Escape owners report exhaust fumes entering the cabin and high-voltage battery fire risks, while Camry complaints are more about key stuck, hesitation, and brake noise.
- The Escape has 102 recalls versus 31 for the Camry, indicating more frequent manufacturer fixes for safety or defect issues.
- Camry issues like delayed throttle response and parking brake failure are less likely to cause sudden loss of control compared to Escape's acceleration problems.
- During a test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and at highway speeds to check for hesitation, sudden loss of power, or unintended acceleration.
- Inspect the liftgate hinge covers for looseness or missing pieces, and check for exhaust smells inside the cabin with the engine running.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park—if it sticks, it could indicate a power train defect requiring battery disconnection.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises when pressing the brake pedal, and check if the electronic parking brake engages and disengages smoothly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on engine, transmission, and brakes.
- During the test drive, simulate stop-and-go traffic and highway merging to feel for hesitation or unintended acceleration.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for any engine, transmission, or electrical repairs.
- For the Escape, specifically check for exhaust leaks and liftgate hardware; for the Camry, test the ignition key and parking brake.
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 Escape | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 0 |
| 2025 | 29 | 163 |
| 2024 | 76 | 50 |
| 2023 | 99 | 64 |
| 2022 | 234 | 61 |
| 2021 | 348 | 157 |
| 2020 | 1531 | 274 |
| 2019 | 588 | 395 |
| 2018 | 1801 | 744 |
| 2017 | 2687 | 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 Escape or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Escape vs Toyota Camry
- FORD Escape total complaints
- 7,397
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- FORD Escape total recalls
- 102
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- FORD Escape avg complaints/year
- 739.7
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- FORD Escape top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN