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: The Fiesta averages 350.9 complaints per year, with transmission failures common, while the Camry averages 214.3, but reports brake failure and sudden acceleration. The Camry has more recalls (31 vs 23). 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, particularly the 2018 model, shows a heavy concentration of powertrain complaints, with owners reporting transmission failures, loss of motive power, and shuddering. Engine issues like stalling after refueling and purge valve problems also appear. Structural and electrical complaints are less frequent but present. Overall, the Fiesta's reliability is a major concern, with a high complaint rate per year.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, while having fewer complaints per year, still shows significant issues in powertrain, engine, and brakes. Owners report transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, and brake failure, which are serious safety concerns. HVAC and air conditioning problems are also noted. Despite a lower complaint rate, the nature of some Camry issues could be alarming for 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 | 3,158 | 2,143 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 23 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 129 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 350.9 | 214.3 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 132 Better | 163 |
| 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
- 02ENGINE504
- 03STRUCTURE409
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER395
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM337
Owners report the automatic transmission shuddering, losing motive power, and displaying 'Transmission Malfunction Service Now' messages. Some have needed transmission replacements, which can be costly and leave the car undriveable.
Stalling after refueling and at stops is reported, along with hard starting not related to battery or starter. Purge valve replacements are common, indicating fuel system issues.
Some owners mention delays in getting structural repairs authorized, but specific failure details are sparse. This could indicate corrosion or body issues, but data is limited.
“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 2018 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power and the "Transmission Malfunction Service Now” message was displayed. The contact was able to pull over to the shou…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission grinding noises on acceleration have been reported, with dealers recommending replacement. Some Camrys have recalls for transmission issues, but not all VINs are covered, leading to out-of-pocket costs.
Sudden unintended acceleration is a serious complaint, with one owner reporting a crash. Also, engine maintenance lights and coolant valve bypass codes have been noted, potentially linked to recalls not applied to all vehicles.
Brake failure on steep hills, with no response from the pedal, is reported. This is a critical safety issue that could lead to accidents.
“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 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 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 Fiesta or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has fewer complaints per year (214.3) compared to the Ford Fiesta (350.9), indicating a lower frequency of issues. However, the Camry's complaints include severe safety concerns like brake failure and sudden acceleration, which may be more critical than the Fiesta's transmission problems.
Key differences
- The Fiesta has a much higher complaint rate per year (350.9) than the Camry (214.3).
- Fiesta owners frequently report transmission failures and stalling, while Camry owners report brake failure and sudden acceleration.
- The Camry has more recalls (31) than the Fiesta (23), but the Fiesta has more crash-related complaints (129 vs 181) and injuries (132 vs 163) despite fewer complaints overall.
- The Fiesta's top issue is powertrain (1497 complaints), while the Camry's top is also powertrain (395) but with a lower count.
- Inspect the transmission for shuddering or slipping during a test drive, especially when shifting into second gear.
- Check for stalling after refueling or at stops, and ask about any purge valve replacements.
- Test the brakes on a steep hill to ensure they respond properly, and listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration.
- Ask about any recalls and whether the VIN is included, especially for transmission and coolant valve issues.
Before you buy
- Check the vehicle's recall status using the VIN on the NHTSA website.
- Take the car for an extended test drive including highway and stop-and-go traffic to feel for transmission issues.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the fuel system, especially the purge valve, on the Fiesta.
- For the Camry, test the brakes at various speeds and on inclines, and listen for unusual noises from the transmission.
- Review the vehicle's service history for any transmission or brake repairs.
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 | 99 | 393 |
| 2018 | 35 | 736 |
| 2017 | 73 | 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
- 3,158
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- FORD Fiesta total recalls
- 23
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- FORD Fiesta avg complaints/year
- 350.9
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- FORD Fiesta top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN