Head-to-head reliability
FORD FIVE Hundred vs Toyota Camry
How the FORD FIVE Hundred 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 FIVE Hundred vs Toyota Camry: The Five Hundred averages 357.7 complaints per year over 3 years, while the Camry averages 214.3 over 10 years. The Camry has 31 recalls and 163 injuries reported, versus 6 recalls and 25 injuries for the Five Hundred. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD FIVE Hundred or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD FIVE Hundred
The Ford Five Hundred is a full-size sedan that averages about 358 complaints per year over three years, with 6 recalls. Owners frequently report transmission problems, unintended acceleration, and electrical glitches. These issues can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns, so a thorough inspection is essential.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with about 214 complaints per year over ten years and 31 recalls. Common complaints include transmission noises, sudden acceleration, brake failures, and HVAC odors. While the annual complaint rate is lower, the higher total complaints and recalls mean some model years may have persistent problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD FIVE Hundred | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,073 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 6 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 57 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 357.7 | 214.3 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 25 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 FIVE Hundred
- 01POWER TRAIN299
- 02VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL292
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM168
- 04ENGINE115
- 05ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING91
Owners report CVT transmission issues, including shuddering, failure, and costly repairs. The throttle body and mass air flow sensor are also problematic, sometimes causing unintended acceleration.
Many complaints describe unintended acceleration when shifting into drive or reverse, or while parking. This can be dangerous and requires immediate attention.
Flickering dashboard lights, instrument cluster failures, and electrical gremlins are common. These can distract the driver and indicate deeper wiring issues.
Engine-related complaints often tie back to the CVT transmission and throttle body, leading to poor performance or stalling. Repairs can be expensive.
“THERE HAS BEEN A CONTINUING ISSUE WITH THE CVT TRANSMISSIONS IN 2005, 2006, AND 2007 MY FORD 500/FREESTYLE AND MERCURY MONTEGO. THERE WAS A RECALL REGARDING THE THROTTLE BODY & MAF SENSOR. WHAT IS NOW HAPPENING IS THE CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE CVT TRANSMISSION C…”
“MY THROTTLE BODY WENT COMPLETELY OUT AT 99481 MILES. I PAID APPROX. $800 FOR THE REPAIR/REPLACEMENT. FORD MOTOR COMPANY REIMBURSED FOR THE SERVICE ON 12/11/2012 AFTER SO MANY COMPLAINTS HAD BEEN MADE ABOUT THE THROTTLE BODY IN THIS MODEL THAT THEY WERE PAYING…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission grinding noises and failures are reported, sometimes requiring replacement. Some owners note recalls for similar issues on certain model years.
Sudden acceleration incidents and coolant valve bypass problems are mentioned. These can lead to loss of control or engine damage if not addressed.
Some owners experience brake pedal going to the floor with no response, especially on slopes. This is a serious safety concern that needs immediate repair.
HVAC issues like AC condenser damage from road debris and persistent mildew odors are common. These affect comfort and may indicate design flaws.
“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 FIVE Hundred — 6 recalls
The defect: FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 FORD FIVE HUNDRED AND MERCURY MONTEGO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 5, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 11, 2006. THE FUEL TANKS MAY NOT HAVE CONSISTENT WELDS BETWEEN THE FUEL TANK AND FUEL FILLER NECK SPUD WHICH CAN AFFECT THE STRENGTH OF THE JOINT. SOME FUE…
The risk: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 16, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
The defect: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE…
The risk: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The fix: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
The defect: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE…
The risk: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The fix: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
The defect: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE…
The risk: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The fix: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
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 FIVE Hundred or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has fewer complaints per year (about 214 vs. 358 for the Ford Five Hundred), suggesting better overall reliability. However, the Camry has more total complaints and recalls over its longer production run, so individual model years vary. In practice, the Five Hundred may need more frequent repairs, while the Camry's issues can be more severe when they occur.
Key differences
- The Ford Five Hundred has a higher annual complaint rate (357.7 vs. 214.3), but the Camry has more total complaints and recalls over a longer period.
- Five Hundred owners frequently report CVT transmission and unintended acceleration issues, while Camry owners report transmission grinding, brake failures, and HVAC odors.
- The Camry has more crash-related complaints (181 vs. 57) and injuries (163 vs. 25), though these numbers are not adjusted for sales volume.
- Both vehicles have recalls for fuel system and latch issues (Five Hundred) and air bags, seats, and wheels (Camry), so check for open recalls.
- Test the transmission for shuddering, slipping, or delayed engagement, especially during acceleration and when shifting into drive or reverse.
- Check for unintended acceleration by lightly pressing the brake and ensuring the car does not lunge forward when shifting into gear.
- Listen for grinding noises from the front end during acceleration, which may indicate transmission problems.
- Test the brakes on a slope to ensure the pedal does not sink to the floor, and check for sudden acceleration incidents.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls using the VIN.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission, throttle body, and electrical system for the Ford Five Hundred.
- For the Toyota Camry, have a mechanic check the transmission, brakes, and HVAC system for odors or damage.
- Test drive both vehicles in various conditions, including parking maneuvers and braking on slopes.
- Review NHTSA complaints for the specific model year you are considering to identify common issues.
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 FIVE Hundred or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD FIVE Hundred vs Toyota Camry
- FORD FIVE Hundred total complaints
- 1,073
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- FORD FIVE Hundred total recalls
- 6
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- FORD FIVE Hundred avg complaints/year
- 357.7
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- FORD FIVE Hundred top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN