Head-to-head reliability
FORD Maverick vs Toyota Camry
How the FORD Maverick 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 Maverick vs Toyota Camry: The Maverick averages 119 complaints per year with 83 recalls in 5 years, while the Camry averages 206 complaints per year with 31 recalls in 10 years. Maverick issues often involve sudden power loss; Camry issues are more often drivability annoyances. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Maverick or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Maverick
The Ford Maverick is a compact pickup that has been on the road for five years, averaging about 119 complaints per year. Owners frequently report serious issues like sudden loss of acceleration, braking shudder, and electrical problems that can cause the truck to shut down. With 83 recalls in that short time, it's a vehicle that may require frequent dealer visits and careful attention to safety defects.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a ten-year history, averaging about 206 complaints per year. While that's a higher yearly average than the Maverick, the Camry's complaints often involve drivability issues like hesitation, stuck keys, and brake noises rather than sudden power loss. It has far fewer recalls (31) over twice the time span, suggesting more consistent manufacturing quality.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Maverick | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 596 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 83 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 35 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 119.2 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 16 Better | 158 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 3 | 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 Maverick
- 01POWER TRAIN171
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM162
- 03ENGINE112
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER85
- 05SERVICE BRAKES69
Owners report the vehicle completely losing acceleration while driving, with the accelerator pedal going dead to the floor. Another complaint describes a violent shudder and loss of braking during the hand-off between regenerative and friction braking, which could be dangerous in traffic.
The reverse camera can freeze or show a false image, and the 12V battery may fail to hold a charge, causing the truck to enter 'sleep mode' and require frequent driving to maintain charge. In some cases, total electrical shutdown occurs while driving, disabling instrumentation and power.
Some owners experience a total electrical and mechanical shutdown while driving, with the 12V system failing completely. There are also reports of ECU placement issues that complicate repairs on certain models.
A critical braking failure is reported where the vehicle exhibits a violent shudder and loss of deceleration during the transition from regenerative to friction braking, which was first reported to a dealer at around 35,000 miles.
“Twice in the last two months the vehicle completely lost the ability to accelerate while driving. While the vehicle was in motion, the accelerator lost all tension and you could put your foot the floor without the vehicle moving. The vehicle still had all oth…”
“RITICAL BRAKING FAILURE & DEALER NEGLIGENCE: The vehicle exhibits a violent shudder and loss of deceleration during the hand-off between regenerative and friction braking. This defect was first reported to the dealer (Rich Ford) at 35,399 miles (RO #[XXX]) wi…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key becoming stuck and unable to be removed even when the car is in Park, requiring battery disconnection to fix. Others describe hesitation and shuddering while driving, often accompanied by a check engine light.
A delayed throttle response is reported, where pressing the accelerator results in a several-second delay before the car moves. This can happen multiple times and may feel unsafe when merging or pulling out.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer. Also, a clicking or vibrating sound from the brake pedal area is common, which the manufacturer attributes to the ABS system but owners find abnormal.
Multiple systems including stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping can malfunction simultaneously, as reported by one owner. This suggests potential electrical or software issues that could affect safety features.
“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 Maverick — 83 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. In the event that one of the rear turn signals stops working, the vehicle will not adjust the turn signal flash rate frequency to warn the driver that a turn signal is not working correctly. As such, these vehicles fail to…
The risk: A nonfunctioning exterior turn signal will not notify other drivers that the vehicle is turning, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 16, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C41.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Maverick vehicles. The tire and loading information label may state the incorrect vehicle capacity, tire pressure, and spare tire size. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 11…
The risk: Incorrect tire and capacity information may result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will mail new labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 1, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C08.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick, 2020-2022 Escape, and 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the HPCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S33.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Maverick vehicles. The fuel tanks may have an open pinch joint between the two molds, which can allow fuel to leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
The fix: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine immediately if a fuel leak is detected or the Malfunction Indicator Lamp illuminates. Dealers will replace the fuel tanks, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 10…
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 Maverick or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Ford Maverick has fewer complaints per year (about 119 vs. 206 for the Camry), but its issues often involve sudden loss of power or braking, which are more severe. The Camry's higher complaint rate includes many drivability annoyances, but it has far fewer recalls over a longer period. In practice, the Maverick may leave you stranded more often, while the Camry might have more frequent but less critical problems.
Key differences
- The Ford Maverick has 83 recalls in 5 years, while the Toyota Camry has 31 recalls in 10 years, indicating the Maverick is recalled far more often per year.
- Maverick owners report sudden loss of acceleration and braking shudder, which are potentially life-threatening; Camry owners more often report stuck keys, hesitation, and brake noises.
- The Camry has 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries over 10 years, while the Maverick has 35 crash-related and 16 injuries over 5 years, but the Maverick's shorter timeframe makes direct comparison tricky.
- Electrical issues in the Maverick can cause total shutdown while driving, whereas Camry electrical complaints involve multiple system malfunctions but not typically total loss of power.
- Test the accelerator pedal for any dead spots or loss of response, and ask if the throttle body or pedal sensor has been replaced.
- Check the 12V battery health and ask if the truck has ever entered 'sleep mode' or required frequent driving to maintain charge; also test the reverse camera for freezing.
- Try removing the ignition key multiple times to ensure it doesn't stick, and check for any hesitation or shuddering during a test drive.
- Test the electronic parking brake engagement and disengagement, and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on both models, especially the Maverick's power train and electrical recalls.
- During a test drive, accelerate hard to check for hesitation or loss of power, and brake firmly to feel for shudder or unusual noises.
- Have a mechanic inspect the 12V battery and charging system on the Maverick, and the ignition key mechanism and brake system on the Camry.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for software updates or repairs related to the complaints reported to NHTSA.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a dealer or independent shop familiar with these specific models to catch known issues.
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 Maverick | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 13 | 0 |
| 2025 | 96 | 163 |
| 2024 | 72 | 50 |
| 2023 | 265 | 64 |
| 2022 | 150 | 61 |
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 Maverick or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Maverick vs Toyota Camry
- FORD Maverick total complaints
- 596
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- FORD Maverick total recalls
- 83
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- FORD Maverick avg complaints/year
- 119.2
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- FORD Maverick
- FORD Maverick top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN