Head-to-head reliability
FORD F 250 vs Toyota Camry
How the FORD F 250 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 F 250 vs Toyota Camry: The F-250 has 0 complaints and 25 recalls over 10 years, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints and 31 recalls. Camry owners report stuck keys, shuddering, and brake noise; the F-250 has no complaint text but several recall subjects. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD F 250 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD F 250
The Ford F-250 is a heavy-duty pickup that, in this 10-year NHTSA snapshot, shows zero owner complaints but 25 recalls. The recalls cover engine, door latches, seat recliners, and axle assemblies, suggesting potential safety defects that were addressed by the manufacturer rather than reported by drivers. For a buyer, this means the truck has a clean complaint record but a notable number of recall campaigns to verify were completed.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a high volume of owner complaints—2,056 over 10 years—and 31 recalls. Reported problems cluster around the power train, engine, brakes, and electrical system, with symptoms like stuck ignition keys, shuddering, delayed acceleration, and brake noise. These patterns point to recurring drivability and brake concerns that a used-car buyer should check carefully.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD F 250 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 25 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 158 |
| 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 F 250
No component data available.
Recalls exist for engine-related issues, though no owner complaint text is on record. A buyer should confirm that any engine recall work was performed, as unresolved engine defects could lead to stalling or performance problems.
A recall covers door latch/lock/linkage problems. If not fixed, a door could open unexpectedly while driving, which is a serious safety risk.
The front seat assembly recliner is subject to a recall. A faulty recliner could cause the seatback to move unexpectedly, affecting driver control.
A power train axle assembly recall is listed. An axle defect could lead to loss of drive power or wheel instability, so verify the repair was done.
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck in the ignition even when the dashboard shows Park, requiring a battery disconnect to remove it. Others describe hesitation and shuddering at various speeds with the check engine light on, pointing to transmission or engine control issues.
Complaints include a several-second delay in throttle response when pressing the accelerator from a stop, which can be a safety concern in traffic. The same shuddering and hesitation reported under power train also appear here, often with the check engine light.
The electronic parking brake (EPB) may fail to disengage, requiring a tow and manual release. Owners also report a clicking or vibrating sound from the brake pedal area that dealers attribute to the ABS system, which can be annoying and may signal a brake issue.
One owner reported multiple systems—smart stop, stability control, electric power steering, blind spot monitoring, secondary collision brake, and lane keeping—all malfunctioning at once. Such widespread electrical glitches can affect safety aids and basic driving.
“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 F 250 — 25 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also…
The risk: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's num…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causin…
The risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles originally produced with black or body colored exterior door handles that may have been subsequently equipped with a chrome exterior door handle cover accessory kit purchased from a Ford…
The risk: If the doors unlatch and open in a side impact collision, the occupants have an increased risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the accessory covers and refund the purchase price. The recall began July 13, 2017. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for the recall is 17C09.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causin…
The risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
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 F 250 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Ford F-250 has far fewer complaints per year (0 vs. about 206 for the Camry), but it has 25 recalls versus 31 for the Camry. In practice, the F-250 owner is unlikely to file a complaint but must stay on top of recall repairs, while the Camry owner faces a higher chance of experiencing drivability or brake problems.
Key differences
- The F-250 has zero owner complaints but 25 recalls covering engine, door latches, seat recliners, and axles; the Camry has 2,056 complaints and 31 recalls.
- Camry owners report specific failures like stuck ignition keys, shuddering, delayed acceleration, and parking brake non-disengagement; the F-250 has no complaint text to reveal such patterns.
- The Camry's complaints include 171 crash-related reports, 158 injuries, and 1 death, while the F-250 shows zero crash-related complaints, injuries, or deaths.
- The F-250's issues are known only through recall subjects, meaning defects were addressed proactively; the Camry's issues are documented through owner complaints, indicating real-world failures.
- Check for open recalls on the engine, door latches, seat recliners, and axle assembly—ask for proof they were repaired.
- Inspect door latches for proper operation and seat recliners for secure locking, since recalls suggest these parts can fail.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park and look for any sticking; also listen for shuddering or hesitation during a test drive.
- Check that the electronic parking brake engages and disengages smoothly, and listen for clicking or vibrating from the brake pedal area.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup for both vehicles and confirm all recall repairs are completed.
- For the F-250, test every door latch and the front seat recliners, and ask for axle service records.
- For the Camry, test drive at various speeds to feel for hesitation or shuddering, and check the check engine light.
- On the Camry, verify the ignition key can be removed easily in Park and that the electronic parking brake releases without delay.
- Ask for a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on transmission, brakes, and electrical systems.
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 F 250 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 0 | 163 |
| 2024 | 0 | 50 |
| 2023 | 0 | 64 |
| 2022 | 0 | 61 |
| 2021 | 0 | 157 |
| 2020 | 0 | 274 |
| 2019 | 0 | 395 |
| 2018 | 0 | 744 |
| 2017 | 0 | 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 F 250 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD F 250 vs Toyota Camry
- FORD F 250 total complaints
- 0
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- FORD F 250 total recalls
- 25
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- FORD F 250 avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- FORD F 250
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN