Head-to-head reliability
FORD F 350 vs Toyota Camry
How the FORD F 350 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 350 vs Toyota Camry: The F 350 averages 4.2 complaints per year with 6 crash-related reports, while the Camry averages 205.6 complaints per year with 171 crash-related reports. The F 350's issues include driveshaft separation and electrical smoke; the Camry's include stuck keys and brake problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD F 350 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD F 350
The Ford F 350 is a heavy-duty truck that sees relatively few complaints per year—about 4.2—but the pattern shows serious issues. Owners report driveshaft separation at highway speeds, electrical smoke from the A/C vents, and rear camera failures that disable collision braking. These are not minor annoyances; they can leave you stranded or cause a crash.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular family sedan with a much higher complaint volume—about 206 per year—but many are for drivability and brake quirks. Owners describe hesitation and shuddering, stuck ignition keys, and electronic parking brakes that won't release. The sheer number of reports means you're more likely to encounter a problem, though not all are severe.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD F 350 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 42 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 30 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 6 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 4.2 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 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 350
- 01POWER TRAIN15
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM12
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER9
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE6
- 05ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING6
Owners report the driveshaft separating while driving at 65-70 mph, causing a loss of power and loud noises. This can be dangerous and leave you stranded, so any vibration or clunking should be checked immediately.
Complaints describe a burnt odor and smoke coming from the A/C vents, often shortly after leaving the dealer. This suggests a potential fire risk and should be inspected by a qualified mechanic.
The rear camera screen can freeze or flash, and the collision braking may not work when backing up. This could lead to backing into objects or people because the safety system fails without warning.
While fewer details are given, engine and cooling complaints appear, often tied to the same driveshaft or electrical issues. Any overheating or coolant loss should be taken seriously.
“The driveshaft separated resulting in a loss of motive power while we were driving on the highway at around 65-70mph. We heard/felt vibrations, and a harsh noise then a loud popping noise right before/ during the failure. Then heard dragging as we came toward…”
“The driveshaft separated resulting in a loss of motive power while we were driving on the highway at around 65-70mph. We heard/felt vibrations, and a harsh noise then a loud popping noise right before/ during the failure. Then heard dragging as we came toward…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck even when the car is in Park, requiring a battery disconnect to remove. Others describe hesitation and shuddering with the check engine light on, which can affect drivability and emissions.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the gas pedal, with the car taking several seconds to move. This lag can be a safety concern when merging or crossing traffic.
The electronic parking brake may not disengage, requiring a tow, and some owners hear a clicking or vibrating noise from the ABS system. These issues can prevent the car from moving or indicate brake system faults.
Multiple systems—stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—can malfunction at once. This suggests a broader electrical or sensor problem that could compromise 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 F 350 — 30 recalls
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 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 2019 F-250 and F-350, single rear wheel and dual rear wheel, 4X4 vehicles. The front axles may contain a wheel end yoke that was not properly welded to the axle tube end.
The risk: An improperly welded axle may affect vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners and dealers will inspect the front axle wheel yoke weld location. If the weld is found to be inaccurately located, the axle assembly will be replaced free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2020. Owners may con…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 F-250 and F-350 vehicles equipped with electronically locking rear differentials. The passenger side rear axle shaft may fail prematurely due to a material issue.
The risk: A broken passenger side rear axle could result in a loss of drive power and the inability to hold the vehicle still when in Park. If the parking brake is not applied, unintended vehicle movement can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the passenger side rear axle shaft, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number f…
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 350 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Ford F 350 has far fewer complaints per year (4.2 vs. 205.6), but its issues tend to be more severe, like driveshaft separation and electrical smoke. The Toyota Camry has many more complaints, but many are for drivability and brake quirks. In practice, the F 350 may be less likely to have a problem, but when it does, it can be more dangerous.
Key differences
- Ford F 350: driveshaft separation at highway speeds reported; Toyota Camry: ignition key stuck and hesitation/shuddering.
- Ford F 350: electrical smoke from A/C vents; Toyota Camry: electronic parking brake failure and ABS noise.
- Ford F 350: rear camera freeze disables collision braking; Toyota Camry: multiple safety systems malfunction simultaneously.
- Ford F 350 has 6 crash-related complaints and 3 injuries; Toyota Camry has 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries, but far more vehicles on the road.
- Test drive at highway speeds and listen for vibrations, harsh noises, or popping from the driveshaft—pull over immediately if felt.
- Check for burnt odors from the A/C vents and inspect under the dash for any signs of electrical smoke or melted wiring.
- Try removing the ignition key in Park; if it sticks, it may need a battery disconnect to release—a sign of a power train defect.
- Test the electronic parking brake; if it won't disengage or makes clicking/vibrating noises, it could require a costly repair.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a mechanic inspect the driveshaft and universal joints on the F 350, and the ignition key interlock and EPB on the Camry.
- During a test drive, accelerate to highway speeds and brake firmly to check for shuddering, hesitation, or unusual noises.
- Verify that all safety systems (rear camera, collision braking, lane keeping) function properly before purchase.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for electrical and brake repairs, and budget for potential fixes.
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 350 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 42 | 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 350 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD F 350 vs Toyota Camry
- FORD F 350 total complaints
- 42
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- FORD F 350 total recalls
- 30
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- FORD F 350 avg complaints/year
- 4.2
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- FORD F 350
- FORD F 350 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN