Head-to-head reliability
FORD Fiesta vs Toyota Camry
How the FORD Fiesta 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 Fiesta vs Toyota Camry: Over 9 years, the Fiesta averaged 351.8 complaints per year, while the Camry averaged 205.6 over 10 years. The Fiesta had 6 deaths and 132 injuries reported, versus 1 death and 158 injuries for the Camry. Both have power train issues, but the Fiesta's are more frequent. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Fiesta or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta is a subcompact car that, based on owner complaints, can be demanding to own. Over nine years, it averaged about 352 complaints per year, with the power train being the most common trouble spot. Many owners report transmission shuddering, hard shifts, and jerking, which can make daily driving frustrating. Engine stalling and sudden acceleration are also reported, raising safety concerns.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan that, according to owner complaints, tends to have fewer issues per year than the Fiesta. Over ten years, it averaged about 206 complaints annually, with power train and engine problems still present but less frequent. Owners describe hesitation, shuddering, and brake noises, but the overall complaint volume is lower. This suggests the Camry may be a more predictable choice for used-car buyers.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Fiesta | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3,166 | 2,056 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 23 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 129 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 351.8 | 205.6 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 132 Better | 158 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 6 | 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 Fiesta
- 01POWER TRAIN1,497
- 02ENGINE505
- 03STRUCTURE409
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER397
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM338
Owners frequently report transmission jerking, hard shifts, and shuddering, especially between first and second gear. Some also experience sudden acceleration or transmission failure, which can be dangerous and expensive to repair.
Complaints include abnormal knocking sounds, loss of power, and stalling after refueling. These issues can leave a driver stranded and may indicate deeper mechanical problems.
While specific complaints are not detailed here, structure-related issues are among the top categories. This could involve body integrity or mounting points, which may affect crash protection over time.
Electrical problems are commonly reported, though details are limited. These can cause a range of symptoms from warning lights to component failures, adding to ownership hassle.
“Hello, I have zero idea why I am emailing, I may be secretly hoping for...anything. I drive a 2018 Ford Fiesta SE, I have owned it since 2019 as that is when I purchased it used. Over the weekend I experienced transmission issues and an auto shop informed me…”
“The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked and experienced hard shifts from first to second gear and from second to third gear. The contact stated that the RPM were significantly high prior to s…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report intermittent ignition key sticking, hesitation, and shuddering. These issues can be annoying and may require dealer visits to diagnose.
Complaints include delayed throttle response and check engine lights. This can make acceleration feel unpredictable, especially when merging or pulling out.
Some owners hear clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, often linked to the ABS system. While not necessarily a failure, it can be concerning and may need inspection.
Multiple system malfunctions are reported, including stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring. These electronic glitches can be distracting and costly to fix.
“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 Fiesta — 23 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Fiesta vehicles. The brake calipers may have been manufactured with the incorrect assembly fluid, which can cause the caliper's rubber seals to swell.
The risk: The swollen seals can cause the brakes to drag, potentially overheating the brakes and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will flush the brake fluid and replace the front brake calipers and brake hoses, free of charge. The recall began October 10, 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 Flex, Fiesta, and Lincoln MKT vehicles. The rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image.
The risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the drivers view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed January 22, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated March 2…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when…
The risk: A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of t…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Escape, 2014-2015 Fiesta ST, 2013-2014 Fusion and 2013-2015 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 1.6L GTDI engines. If the vehicle is started and driven with an insufficient level of coolant within the engine cooling system, the engine cylinder…
The risk: If the cylinder head cracks and leaks oil, the oil may contact a hot engine or exhaust component, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a coolant level sensor and the supporting hardware and software, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed April 21, 2017. The recall began on January…
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 Fiesta or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has fewer complaints per year (about 206) compared to the Ford Fiesta (about 352). In practice, this means a used Camry may spend less time in the shop for recurring issues. However, both vehicles have their own problem areas, so a thorough inspection is still essential.
Key differences
- The Ford Fiesta has a much higher complaint rate per year, especially for power train issues like transmission jerking and hard shifts.
- The Toyota Camry's complaints are more spread across power train, engine, and brakes, with fewer overall reports per year.
- Fiesta owners report sudden acceleration and stalling, which are serious safety concerns; Camry complaints more often involve hesitation and brake noises.
- The Camry has more recalls (31 vs 23) but fewer complaints, suggesting recalls may address some issues proactively.
- Test drive at various speeds and pay attention to any jerking, hard shifts, or shuddering from the transmission, especially between first and second gear.
- Listen for abnormal engine knocking or stalling after refueling, and check for any sudden acceleration during the test drive.
- Check if the ignition key sticks or is difficult to remove when the car is in Park.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which may indicate ABS issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on transmission, engine, and brakes.
- During the test drive, simulate stop-and-go traffic and highway merging to feel for hesitation or shuddering.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and software updates.
- Verify that all safety systems (brakes, stability control, airbags) are functioning properly.
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 Fiesta | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 105 | 395 |
| 2018 | 35 | 744 |
| 2017 | 74 | 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 Fiesta or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Fiesta vs Toyota Camry
- FORD Fiesta total complaints
- 3,166
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- FORD Fiesta total recalls
- 23
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- FORD Fiesta avg complaints/year
- 351.8
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- FORD Fiesta top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN