Head-to-head reliability
FORD Expedition vs Toyota Camry
How the FORD Expedition 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 Expedition vs Toyota Camry: The Expedition has 2,127 complaints and 92 recalls over 10 years, while the Camry has 2,143 complaints and 31 recalls. The Camry has more crash-related complaints (181 vs. 63) and one death. Both average about 213 complaints per year. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Expedition or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Expedition
The Ford Expedition is a large SUV with 2,127 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 213 per year. Power train issues dominate, with 804 complaints, often involving unintended movement or vibrations. Engine and electrical problems are also common, with reports of smoke and brake failure. With 92 recalls and 143 injuries, it requires diligent maintenance and recall checks.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with 2,143 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 214 per year. Power train and brake issues are frequent, including transmission grinding and sudden acceleration. Electrical and engine problems also appear, such as AC odors and coolant valve recalls. It has 31 recalls and 181 crash-related complaints, with 163 injuries and 1 death.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Expedition | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,127 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 92 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 63 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 212.7 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 143 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 Expedition
- 01POWER TRAIN804
- 02ENGINE369
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM254
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER250
- 05SEAT BELTS150
Owners report unintended vehicle movement after shifting into Park, and strong vibrations at highway speeds. These issues can lead to loss of control or uncomfortable driving, posing safety risks.
Complaints include smoke and unusual odors from vents, sometimes while driving with family. This could indicate overheating or fluid leaks, requiring immediate attention to prevent fire or engine damage.
Reports describe brake pedal failure where the vehicle does not slow despite repeated pressing. This is a critical safety concern that could result in crashes if not addressed.
Owners experience unintended left turn signal activation after right turns, which Ford has acknowledged as a safety risk. This can confuse other drivers and increase crash risk.
“This is a report of a recurring, life-safety defect involving unintended vehicle movement in a 2024 Ford Expedition. The vehicle has experienced two separate incidents where it was placed in 'Park,' remained stationary for 13-30 seconds, and then began drivin…”
“I purchased a new 2025 Ford Expedition Max. Since I left the dealer’s lot, the vehicle has had a strong vibration at any speed over 60 miles per hour, which makes highway driving and longer distance trips very challenging or impossible. Since I bought the veh…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Grinding noises from the front upon acceleration often indicate transmission failure, with some owners needing replacements. This can be costly and may lead to breakdowns if ignored.
Recurring HVAC odors, like vinegar or mildew, from air vents are reported, especially in warm weather. While not a safety issue, it affects comfort and may indicate mold or debris in the system.
Sudden uncontrollable acceleration incidents have been reported, sometimes resulting in crashes. Also, coolant valve bypass issues may trigger maintenance warnings, with some VINs not covered by recalls.
Owners describe brake pedal failure, such as no response when decelerating on hills. This can lead to dangerous situations and requires immediate inspection.
“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 Expedition — 92 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Expedition, and 2024 Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines. The engine may have a misaligned engine cup plug, which can result in a rapid oil leak.
The risk: A rapid oil leak can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an oil 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 inspect the engine cup plug alignment, and replace the plug if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Navigator and Expedition vehicles. The passenger side air bag may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause the air bag to deploy with excessive force during a crash.
The risk: An air bag that deploys with excessive force can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the passenger side air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S51.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Lincoln Navigator, F-150, Expedition, Bronco, and Ranger vehicles. The Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) module may malfunction while driving or when the driver is utilizing an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) feature, resulting in a loss of…
The risk: An unexpected loss of power brake assist while driving can extend stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, a loss of power brake assist while ADAS features are engaged can result in the vehicle not braking as expec…
The fix: The EBB module software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Lincoln Navigator, F-150, Expedition, Bronco, and Ranger vehicles. The Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) module may malfunction while driving or when the driver is utilizing an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) feature, resulting in a loss of…
The risk: An unexpected loss of power brake assist while driving can extend stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, a loss of power brake assist while ADAS features are engaged can result in the vehicle not braking as expec…
The fix: Dealers will replace the electronic brake booster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 26, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SD4. Vehicle Identi…
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 Expedition or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has slightly more complaints per year (214.3 vs. 212.7) but far fewer recalls (31 vs. 92). The Expedition's higher recall count suggests more frequent safety fixes, while the Camry's complaints include severe brake and acceleration issues. In practice, both need careful pre-purchase checks, but the Expedition may require more recall monitoring.
Key differences
- The Expedition has 92 recalls vs. the Camry's 31, meaning more potential safety fixes to track.
- Expedition power train complaints often involve unintended movement, while Camry power train issues include transmission grinding.
- Camry has more crash-related complaints (181 vs. 63) and one death, but Expedition has more injuries (143 vs. 163? Actually Expedition 143, Camry 163).
- Expedition electrical issues include brake failure; Camry electrical issues include AC odors and sensor problems.
- Check for unintended movement after shifting into Park; test by parking on a slope and observing if the vehicle rolls.
- Inspect for vibrations at highway speeds and any smoke or odors from the engine bay or vents.
- Listen for grinding noises from the front during acceleration, which may indicate transmission problems.
- Test the brakes on a downhill slope to ensure they respond properly, and check for sudden acceleration during test drive.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the power train, brakes, and electrical systems.
- Test drive at various speeds, including highway, and test braking on inclines.
- For the Expedition, verify that the trailer brake control and engine oil lubrication recalls are addressed.
- For the Camry, check for HVAC odors and ensure the coolant valve bypass recall is performed if applicable.
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 Expedition | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 9 | 119 |
| 2025 | 30 | 153 |
| 2024 | 71 | 48 |
| 2023 | 64 | 62 |
| 2022 | 111 | 59 |
| 2021 | 230 | 155 |
| 2020 | 400 | 270 |
| 2019 | 484 | 393 |
| 2018 | 372 | 736 |
| 2017 | 356 | 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 Expedition or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Expedition vs Toyota Camry
- FORD Expedition total complaints
- 2,127
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- FORD Expedition total recalls
- 92
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- FORD Expedition avg complaints/year
- 212.7
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- FORD Expedition top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN