Head-to-head reliability
FORD F 450 vs Toyota Camry
How the FORD F 450 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 450 vs Toyota Camry: The F-450 averages 12.5 complaints per year with 60 recalls, while the Camry averages 214.3 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The F-450's issues include engine fires and driveshaft fractures, whereas the Camry has transmission failures and brake problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD F 450 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD F 450
The Ford F-450 is a heavy-duty work truck that owners rely on for demanding tasks. Over the past decade, it has averaged 12.5 complaints per year, with the most frequent issues in the electrical system, powertrain, and engine. Owners report water intrusion causing electrical failures, engine compartment fires, and driveline vibrations that can lead to catastrophic failures. These patterns suggest that while the F-450 is built for tough work, it may require vigilant maintenance and inspection to avoid serious breakdowns.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular midsize sedan known for its reliability and efficiency. However, it has averaged 214.3 complaints per year over the same period, with the highest numbers in the powertrain, unknown/other, and engine categories. Owners report transmission grinding, sudden acceleration incidents, and brake failures, which are concerning for a daily driver. Despite its reputation, the Camry shows a higher volume of complaints, indicating that even mainstream models can have significant issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD F 450 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 125 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 60 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 4 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 12.5 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 6 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 F 450
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM25
- 02POWER TRAIN22
- 03ENGINE18
- 04STRUCTURE17
- 05STEERING14
Owners report water leaking into the cab, soaking the dash and console, causing electrical malfunctions and even engine compartment fires near the secondary fuel filter. This can lead to unexpected shutdowns or fire risk.
At highway speeds, the driveshaft can fracture, causing a violent vibration and potential loss of control. Transmission housing damage has also been reported, indicating driveline stress.
Oil leaks from injector seals are common, and some vehicles have experienced engine fires originating in the engine valley. These issues can lead to costly repairs and safety hazards.
The tailgate can open unexpectedly while driving, and doors may fail to latch properly, even on low-mileage trucks. This poses a risk of cargo falling out or occupants being ejected in a crash.
“WAS PASSING BY THE TRUCK THE ALARM WAS GOING OFF, UPON OPENING THE DOOR THERE WAS WATER POURING OUT OF THE DOOR, THEN I NOTICED THE FRONT DASH WAS SOAKING WET. THE CONSOLE HAD SEVERAL INCHES OF WATER IN IT. THE TRUCK WAS FLATBEDDED TO COLUMBIA FORD, FOUND SUN…”
“incidents Summary: The vehicle experienced a significant engine compartment fire while in operation. The fire originated in the engine valley near the secondary fuel filter, consistent with the failure mode described in NHTSA Investigation PE24014. 1. Compone…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission grinding noises and failures have been reported, with some owners needing full replacements. Sudden acceleration incidents have also occurred, leading to crashes.
Air conditioning condensers are easily damaged by rocks, causing refrigerant leaks, and HVAC systems often emit a strong vinegar or mildew odor, affecting comfort and air quality.
Some engines experience uncontrollable sudden acceleration, and others trigger maintenance lights due to coolant valve bypass issues that may not be covered by recall for all VINs.
Brake failure has been reported, with the pedal going to the floor or providing no response, especially on hills, leading to potential collisions.
“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 F 450 — 60 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: LGE Coachworks, Inc. (LGE Coachworks) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Ford E-450, F-550, and Freightliner M2-based vehicles equipped with ASA Electronics Voyager back-up camera displays. The displays may unexpectedly revert back to the factory default settings which may cause the camera image to be…
The risk: The driver may inadvertently turn the wrong direction to avoid an object behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: ASA will notify LGE Coachworks owners, and dealers will replace the displays, free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2019. Owners may contact ASA customer service at 1-800-384-4400 or LGE Coachworks at 1-800-209-3985.
The defect: Taylor Made Ambulances is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford E-350, F-450, E-450, F-550, and GMC G3500-based ambulances equipped with Whelen brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.
The risk: If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Taylor Made will notify owners and Whelen will replace the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began June 5, 2019. Owners may contact Taylor Made Ambulances customer service at 1-800-468-1310.
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 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 F 450 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Ford F-450 has significantly fewer complaints per year (12.5) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the F-450's problems are often more severe, involving fires and driveline failures, while the Camry's issues are more numerous but varied. In practice, the F-450 may require more intensive checks on critical systems, but the Camry's higher complaint volume suggests a greater likelihood of encountering a problem.
Key differences
- The F-450 has far fewer complaints per year (12.5) than the Camry (214.3), but its issues include engine fires and driveshaft fractures, which are more dangerous.
- The Camry's top problems are transmission failures and sudden acceleration, which can lead to crashes, while the F-450's electrical and structural issues are more about water intrusion and latch failures.
- The F-450 has more recalls (60) than the Camry (31), suggesting more proactive safety campaigns, but also more potential defects.
- The Camry has a higher number of crash-related complaints (181) and injuries (163) compared to the F-450 (4 crashes, 6 injuries), indicating more frequent safety incidents.
- Inspect the engine valley for signs of fuel or oil leaks, and check the secondary fuel filter area for fire risk.
- Test the tailgate latch and all door latches to ensure they engage properly, and look for water stains under carpets or in the dash that indicate leaks.
- Listen for grinding noises during acceleration and have the transmission inspected, especially if the vehicle has over 50,000 miles.
- Check the brake pedal for sponginess or loss of pressure, and ask about any history of sudden acceleration incidents.
Before you buy
- For the F-450, have a mechanic inspect the driveshaft, u-joints, and transmission housing for wear or damage.
- For the Camry, test the air conditioning and smell the vents for mildew; check the condenser for damage.
- Review the vehicle's recall history and ensure all outstanding recalls are performed.
- Take both vehicles for a test drive at highway speeds to feel for vibrations or unusual noises.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for oil changes and transmission service.
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 450 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 119 |
| 2025 | 2 | 153 |
| 2024 | 8 | 48 |
| 2023 | 5 | 62 |
| 2022 | 19 | 59 |
| 2021 | 17 | 155 |
| 2020 | 24 | 270 |
| 2019 | 19 | 393 |
| 2018 | 10 | 736 |
| 2017 | 20 | 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 450 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD F 450 vs Toyota Camry
- FORD F 450 total complaints
- 125
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- FORD F 450 total recalls
- 60
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- FORD F 450 avg complaints/year
- 12.5
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- FORD F 450
- FORD F 450 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN