Head-to-head reliability
FORD Explorer Sport TRAC vs Toyota Camry
How the FORD Explorer Sport TRAC 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 Explorer Sport TRAC vs Toyota Camry: The Explorer Sport Trac averaged 786 complaints per year over 9 years, with 345 crash-related and 10 deaths, while the Camry averaged 206 per year over 10 years, with 171 crash-related and 1 death. The Ford's complaints often involve severe power train and suspension failures, whereas the Camry's are generally less critical. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Explorer Sport TRAC or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Explorer Sport TRAC
The Ford Explorer Sport Trac is a mid-size pickup based on an SUV, and its complaint history suggests it can be a demanding vehicle to own. Over nine years, owners filed 7,071 complaints—an average of about 786 per year—with power train, structure, and suspension issues leading the list. The sample complaints describe serious problems like transmissions that won't upshift, sudden acceleration, and wheels losing studs, which can be costly and dangerous. Buyers should expect to deal with more frequent repairs and should carefully inspect any used example.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mid-size sedan with a reputation for reliability, and its complaint record is much lighter than the Explorer Sport Trac's. Over ten years, owners filed 2,056 complaints—about 206 per year—with power train, engine, and brake issues most common. The sample complaints include key stuck in ignition, hesitation, and brake noise, but these are generally less severe than the Ford's. Still, the Camry has 31 recalls, so buyers should check for open recalls.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Explorer Sport TRAC | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 7,071 | 2,056 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 17 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 345 | 171 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 785.7 | 205.6 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 415 | 158 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 10 | 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 Explorer Sport TRAC
- 01POWER TRAIN2,552
- 02STRUCTURE1,537
- 03SUSPENSION595
- 04ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING408
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM390
Owners report the transmission failing to upshift from low gear, triggering a wrench light and disabling cruise control. Some also describe sudden acceleration or lurching when braking, which could lead to loss of control.
Complaints include excessive vibration when rear windows are open and front windows are closed, which dealers may call normal. More seriously, one owner reported that braking also engaged the accelerator, causing a serious wreck.
A owner described the truck shimmying and losing control at 30 mph, with two wheel studs missing from the rear right wheel. This suggests potential wheel detachment if not addressed.
Sudden acceleration incidents are reported, such as the engine revving and the car lurching forward at a stop sign. Radiator leaks are also noted, with coolant leaking intermittently from the top or bottom.
“I BOUGHT THE TRUCK NEW IN MAY 2010. I HAD ALL THE SCHEDULED DEALER MAINTENANCE COMPLETED AS SCHEDULED AND THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN OFF ROAD. THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE HAS BEEN ENGAGED TWICE, AND THE MAJORITY OF THE MILES HAVE BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY. THIRTY MILES FR…”
“THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT UPSHIFT FROM LOW GEAR, FROM TAKE OFF FOR AWHILE AND GIVE ME THE WRENCH SIGN, ALSO WILL CUT OFF THE CRUSE CONTROL IF BEING USED OR WILL NOT ALLOW ME TO USE IT. AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP IT WAS DIAGNOSED TO A FAUL…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key becoming stuck and unable to be removed even when the car is in Park, requiring battery disconnection. Others describe hesitation and shuddering with the check engine light on.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, with the car taking several seconds to move. This hesitation and shuddering can be unsettling in traffic.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer. Owners also report a clicking or vibrating sound from the brake pedal area, which the manufacturer says is common for the 2023 Camry.
Multiple systems—smart stop, stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—can malfunction simultaneously. This suggests potential electrical or software glitches that could affect safety features.
“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 Explorer Sport TRAC — 17 recalls
The defect: FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 FUSION, EXPLORER, EXPLORER SPORT TRAC, AND MERCURY MILAN AND MOUNTAINEER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN DECEMBER 15, 2009 THROUGH FEBRUARY 3, 2010 EQUIPPED WITH FRONT SEAT MANUAL RECLINERS. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR…
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEATBACK AND HEAD RESTRAINT MAY MOVE REARWARD, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MANUAL RECLINERS FOR BOTH POWER AND MANUAL SEATS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE APRIL 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
The defect: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 4.6L ENGINE AND 6R TRANSMISSION, THE BOLT SECURING THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE FITTINGS AT THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENTLY TORQUED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY. AS A RESULT, THE BOLT MAY LOOSEN AND THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINES…
The risk: IF LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID CONTACTS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, IT MAY POSE A RISK OF FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND HAVE THE TRANSMISSION COOLER LINE ATTACHMENT BOLT TIGHTENED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
The defect: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE TWO BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY TO THE FRAME MAY HAVE BEEN OVER-TIGHTENED. THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN ONE OR BOTH OF THE BOLTS FRACTURING, CAUSING THE STEERING GEAR TO BECOME LOOSE.
The risk: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE "CLUNKING" NOISE WHEN STEERING AS WELL AS DECREASED STEERING EFFECTIVENESS POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY MOUNTING BOLTS AND NUTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
The defect: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE D…
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
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 Explorer Sport TRAC or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has far fewer complaints per year (about 206) than the Ford Explorer Sport Trac (about 786), and its reported issues tend to be less severe. In practice, a used Camry is likely to need fewer repairs and pose fewer safety risks, though it still has notable recalls and some brake and power train complaints.
Key differences
- The Explorer Sport Trac has over three times as many complaints per year as the Camry, with more crashes, injuries, and deaths reported.
- Ford owners report severe power train issues like transmission failure to upshift and sudden acceleration, while Camry power train complaints are mostly key-stuck and hesitation.
- Suspension problems on the Explorer Sport Trac include wheel stud loss and shimmying, which are not prominent in Camry complaints.
- The Camry has more recalls (31 vs 17), but many are for seats and air bag sensors, whereas Ford recalls include steering and speed control.
- Check for transmission shifting problems: test drive at various speeds and listen for hesitation or a wrench light.
- Inspect wheel studs and suspension components for missing or loose studs, and test for shimmying or vibration at highway speeds.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park; if it sticks, it may require costly repair.
- Check the electronic parking brake operation and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the transmission, suspension, and brakes, focusing on the specific issues reported for each model.
- During the test drive, accelerate gradually and at highway speeds to check for hesitation, shuddering, or warning lights.
- Test all electrical features, including windows, cruise control, and safety systems, for proper operation.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and confirm that all recall repairs have been completed.
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 Explorer Sport TRAC or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Explorer Sport TRAC vs Toyota Camry
- FORD Explorer Sport TRAC total complaints
- 7,071
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- FORD Explorer Sport TRAC total recalls
- 17
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- FORD Explorer Sport TRAC avg complaints/year
- 785.7
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- FORD Explorer Sport TRAC top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN