Head-to-head reliability
FORD Freestar vs Toyota Camry
How the FORD Freestar 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 Freestar vs Toyota Camry: The Freestar has 2533 complaints over 4 years (633/yr) vs Camry's 2143 over 10 years (214/yr). Freestar owners report transmission failures and electrical issues, while Camry owners report brake and engine problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Freestar or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Freestar
The Ford Freestar is a minivan that, based on NHTSA data, has a very high complaint rate, averaging over 600 per year. Owners frequently report sudden loss of power or transmission failure, often at speed, which can be alarming and potentially dangerous. Electrical issues, such as water entering the computer, and engine stalling are also common, making it a vehicle that may require frequent and costly repairs.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a sedan with a much lower complaint rate, averaging about 214 per year. While it has its share of issues, they are less frequent and often less severe. Owners report problems with the transmission, engine, and brakes, but these are not as dominant as the Freestar's powertrain failures. The Camry also has more recalls, but many are for minor issues like labels or seat components.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Freestar | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,533 | 2,143 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 14 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 29 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 633.3 | 214.3 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 41 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 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 Freestar
- 01POWER TRAIN1,819
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM248
- 03ENGINE157
- 04STRUCTURE136
- 05SEATS121
The most common issue, with over 1800 complaints. Owners report transmissions slipping into neutral, failing at around 100k miles, or losing all gears without warning, which can leave you stranded or in traffic.
Frequent electrical failures, including water entering the computer, causing hesitation or loss of power. Some owners report sudden loss of all gears and speed with no warning lights.
Engine stalling or loss of power, especially at intersections, can be dangerous. Owners describe having to shift into a lower gear to limp through traffic.
“WHEN I TOUCHED THE TRANSMISSION GEAR SHIFT ONE MORNING, THE CAR BEGAN ROLLING DOWN MY DRIVEWAY & ROLLED INTO THE STREET. I HAD A HARD TIME STOPPING THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE ENGINE WAS NOT YET RUNNING & THE POWER BRAKES WERE NOT ON. THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER WOULD N…”
“I HAVE A 2007 FORD FREESTAR SE. VIN# [XXX]. AT 102,296 MILES THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. I WAS DRIVING IT ON A SIDE STREET AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MILES PER HOUR. I WAS ACCELERATING FROM A STOP SIGN, WHEN THE TRANSMISSION APPEARED TO SLIP INTO NEUTRAL. I LOOKED AND…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues include grinding noises and the need for replacement, as reported by owners. Some also mention sudden acceleration, which is a serious safety concern.
Engine problems include sudden acceleration incidents and a specific coolant valve bypass issue that may not be covered by recall for all VINs, leading to maintenance warnings.
Brake failures, such as no response when pressing the pedal, have been reported, which can be terrifying on hills or in parking lots.
“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 Freestar — 14 recalls
The defect: Ford is recalling certain model year 2004-2007 Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles manufactured from March 24, 2003, through November 7, 2006, equipped with a third row seat and originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massa…
The risk: In the event that the vehicle is crashed into from the rear, an unlatched seat may increase the risk of personal injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install new third row seat latch striker mounting brackets, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2013. 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: Ford is recalling certain model year 2004-2007 Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles manufactured from March 24, 2003, through November 7, 2006, equipped with a third row seat and originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massa…
The risk: In the event that the vehicle is crashed into from the rear, an unlatched seat may increase the risk of personal injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install new third row seat latch striker mounting brackets, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.
The defect: ON CERTAIN VANS EQUIPPED WITH THE POWER LIFTGATE OPTION, THE POWER LIFTGATE MOTOR AUTOMATICALLY DISENGAGES AFTER THE LIFTGATE IS POWERED OPEN.
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A LIFTGATE STRUT MALFUNCTION, THE LIFTGATE CAN FALL FREELY WITH NO PRIOR WARNING. ANYONE STANDING BENEATH THE LIFTGATE MAY BE INJURED IF THE LIFTGATE FALLS.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE POWER LIFTGATE MODULE TO REDUCE THE LIKELIHOOD THAT THE LIFTGATE COULD FALL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
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 Freestar or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has significantly fewer complaints per year (214 vs 633), indicating a more reliable ownership experience. While both have serious issues, the Freestar's powertrain failures are more frequent and potentially more dangerous, making the Camry a safer bet for most buyers.
Key differences
- The Freestar has over three times more complaints per year than the Camry, with powertrain issues dominating.
- Freestar owners report sudden transmission failure and loss of power, while Camry owners report more varied issues including brakes and engine.
- The Camry has more recalls, but many are for minor items like labels, whereas the Freestar's recalls focus on seats and fuel system.
- The Freestar's electrical problems can lead to water damage in the computer, a costly repair, while the Camry's issues are less frequent.
- Inspect the transmission thoroughly: test drive at various speeds and listen for slipping or hesitation.
- Check for signs of water intrusion in the engine computer area, such as corrosion or moisture.
- Test the brakes on a hill and in a parking lot to ensure they respond properly.
- Ask about any engine coolant valve bypass issues and whether the VIN is covered by a recall.
Before you buy
- Get a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, focusing on the transmission and electrical system for the Freestar, and brakes and engine for the Camry.
- Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles using their VINs.
- Review service records for transmission fluid changes and any prior repairs.
- Test drive on a variety of roads, including hills and highways, to assess power and braking.
- Consider the age and mileage: the Freestar may have higher mileage, increasing risk of failure.
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 Freestar or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Freestar vs Toyota Camry
- FORD Freestar total complaints
- 2,533
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- FORD Freestar total recalls
- 14
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- FORD Freestar avg complaints/year
- 633.3
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- FORD Freestar top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN