Head-to-head reliability
FORD Fusion vs Toyota Camry
How the FORD Fusion 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 Fusion vs Toyota Camry: The Camry averages 214 complaints per year versus the Fusion's 1,361, and has 31 recalls to the Fusion's 91. Owners report Fusion steering and engine failures, while Camry issues are less frequent. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Fusion or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Fusion
The Ford Fusion, over a decade of ownership, shows a heavy complaint load concentrated in steering, engine, and powertrain. Owners describe parts like lower control arms snapping during turns and engine cooling fans failing, leading to overheating and engine destruction. Electrical issues, including battery management problems in hybrids, add to the ownership burden. With over 1,300 complaints per year, it's a vehicle that demands vigilance and potentially costly repairs.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, by contrast, has a much lower complaint rate, averaging about 214 per year. Its issues are spread across powertrain, engine, brakes, and electrical, but with less severity. Owners report transmission grinding, sudden acceleration incidents, and brake failures, but these are less frequent. The Camry's overall pattern suggests a more reliable daily driver, though not without its own concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Fusion | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 13,611 | 2,143 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 91 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 472 | 181 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1361.1 | 214.3 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 310 | 163 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 7 | 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 Fusion
- 01STEERING4,151
- 02ENGINE2,545
- 03POWER TRAIN2,020
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,293
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,153
Owners report the front lower control arm snapping while turning, which can cause loss of control. Other steering-related complaints include a non-functional horn and blind spot warning issues, pointing to broader electrical and steering linkage problems.
Engine cooling fans fail, blowing fuses and leading to overheating that destroys the head gasket and engine, requiring complete replacement. Some owners also notice unusual shifting behavior in sport mode, hinting at transmission-engine integration issues.
Transmission cooling lines leak, causing fluid loss without any warning lights, leading to transmission failure. Owners also report loud knocking, vibration, and fluid leaks after routine maintenance, suggesting systemic powertrain fragility.
In hybrid models, sudden engine failure and fire originating from the high-voltage battery have been reported. Other electrical issues can leave the vehicle stuck in park, unable to move, which is a safety hazard in traffic.
“I’ve learned a while ago that the vehicle doesn’t have a working horn, I’ve replaced the fuse at least five times and it’s still not working. Yes the car was sold to me this way. Also I’ve been getting this warning to my ford app: “The Blind Spot Information…”
“The front left lower control arm (driver's side) snapped off (broke) while turning a corner. There was no reason for the breakage other than turning. It was repaired through insurance. The driver's safety as well as the safety of pedestrians were put at risk…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmissions can produce grinding noises upon acceleration, with dealers recommending replacement. Some owners experience sudden unintended acceleration, leading to crashes, though these are less common.
Engine maintenance lights come on due to coolant valve bypass issues, which may not be covered by recall for all VINs. This can affect engine cooling and performance.
Brake pedal can have no response when descending steep hills, requiring immediate action. In parking lots, brakes may not engage properly on slopes, leading to potential collisions.
Recalls for occupant classification sensors and seat issues indicate potential problems with airbag deployment and seat stability, which are critical for safety.
“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 Fusion — 91 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Fusion PHEV vehicles. The battery energy control module (BECM) may become damaged due to excessive voltage and current flow.
The risk: A damaged BECM can result in a loss of drive power or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Dealers will replace the battery and update the BECM software for free, or Ford will repurchase the vehicle. If your vehicle is currently operating normally, Fo…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2…
The risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations ca…
The fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it…
The risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded bl…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Fusion PHEV vehicles. The battery energy control module (BECM) may become damaged due to excessive voltage and current flow.
The risk: A damaged BECM can result in a loss of drive power or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Dealers will replace the battery and update the BECM software for free, or Ford will repurchase the vehicle. If your vehicle is currently operating normally, Fo…
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 Fusion or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has significantly fewer complaints per year (214 vs 1,361) and fewer recalls (31 vs 91). This translates to a lower likelihood of encountering major failures. While both have safety concerns, the Camry's issues are less frequent and often less severe, making it a more reliable choice for most buyers.
Key differences
- The Fusion has over six times more complaints per year than the Camry, indicating a much higher rate of reported problems.
- Fusion steering failures, like control arm snaps, are safety-critical and can happen suddenly, while Camry's steering issues are less prominent.
- Fusion engine failures often lead to complete engine replacement due to overheating, whereas Camry engine issues are more about sensor and valve problems.
- Camry has fewer recalls and less severe electrical issues, while Fusion has battery fire risks in hybrids.
- Inspect the front lower control arms for any signs of wear or damage, as they have been known to snap.
- Check the engine cooling fan operation and fuse condition; a failing fan can lead to catastrophic engine damage.
- Test the brakes on a slope to ensure they respond properly, as some owners report brake failure.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration, which may indicate a need for replacement.
Before you buy
- Have a mechanic inspect the Fusion's steering components, especially the lower control arms, and check for any recalls.
- For the Camry, verify that all recalls have been performed, especially those related to airbags and seats.
- Test drive both vehicles, paying attention to any unusual noises from the engine or transmission.
- Check the service history for any major repairs, especially engine or transmission work on the Fusion.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic for either vehicle.
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 Fusion | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 178 | 270 |
| 2019 | 373 | 393 |
| 2018 | 436 | 736 |
| 2017 | 1104 | 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 Fusion or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Fusion vs Toyota Camry
- FORD Fusion total complaints
- 13,611
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- FORD Fusion total recalls
- 91
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- FORD Fusion avg complaints/year
- 1361.1
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- FORD Fusion top complaint area
- STEERING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN