Head-to-head reliability
FORD Mustang vs Toyota Camry
How the FORD Mustang 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 Mustang vs Toyota Camry: The Mustang averages 106.4 complaints per year with 68 recalls, while the Camry averages 214.3 complaints with 31 recalls. Mustang owners report sudden engine stalls and steering lock-ups, whereas Camry owners report brake failure and unintended acceleration. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Mustang or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Mustang
The Ford Mustang, over the past decade, has been a performance car with a notable number of reliability complaints, averaging over 100 per year. Owners frequently report sudden engine stalls and electrical system failures, including steering lock-ups, which can be alarming and potentially dangerous. The high number of recalls (68) indicates that Ford has been actively addressing some issues, but the frequency of complaints suggests that buyers should be prepared for potential electrical and powertrain problems.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, while having more total complaints due to its higher sales volume, shows a different pattern. Its issues are more spread across powertrain, brakes, and engine, with some reports of sudden acceleration and brake failure, which are serious safety concerns. However, the lower recall count (31) and the nature of some complaints (like AC odors) suggest that many issues are less critical, but the presence of severe incidents like brake loss and unintended acceleration warrants attention.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Mustang | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,064 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 68 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 73 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 106.4 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 38 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 Mustang
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM229
- 02ENGINE187
- 03POWER TRAIN164
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER163
- 05BACK OVER PREVENTION106
Owners report sudden steering lock-ups and complete power loss while driving, often leading to crashes. The electronic steering gear can jerk and lock, and the engine can stall without warning, creating dangerous situations.
Frequent reports of engine stalling and shutting off without warning, especially in traffic. Some owners also mention recall repairs for engine cooling issues, but parts may be unavailable, leaving the problem unresolved.
Transmission issues are common, with owners mentioning the 10R80 transmission needing replacement. There are also complaints about transmission fluid valve body problems, which can cause rough shifting or failure.
“The vehicle experienced a sudden steering malfunction involving the electronic steering gear. While backing out of a parking structure, the steering wheel suddenly jerked and locked instead of naturally correcting, resulting in collision with a pillar. There…”
“While driving approximately 45 mph and entering a highway, my 2022 Ford Mustang GT California Special suddenly lost power and shut off completely. The engine stalled without warning, creating a dangerous situation with surrounding traffic. I had to coast the…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission problems include grinding noises and the need for full replacement. Some owners also report sudden acceleration incidents, which can lead to crashes, though these may be related to driver error or other factors.
Engine issues include sudden acceleration and coolant valve bypass problems. Owners have reported the engine surging or accelerating on its own, and some have received error codes indicating a recall that doesn't apply to their VIN.
Brake failure is a serious concern, with owners reporting no response when pressing the pedal, especially on hills. This can lead to loss of control and crashes.
“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 Mustang — 68 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Bronco, 2024 Ranger, 2025 Mustang, Explorer, and Aviator vehicles. The transmission valve body may have been machined incorrectly, which can cause reverse gear failure, or unexpected forward movement in reverse or neutral gear.
The risk: Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the transmission main control valve body, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S19.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Lincoln Nautilus, Mustang Mach E, and Mustang vehicles. The LED Driver Modules may contain a burnt diode, which can cause the low-beam and high-beam headlights, daytime running lights, front position lights, and front turn signals to fail in the a…
The risk: Exterior lighting failure can reduce visibility for the driver and other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the LED Driver Modules, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Mustang, and Mustang GTD vehicles. Water may enter the body control module and cause a loss of communication with the exterior lighting, including the license plate light, side marker, and tail lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply w…
The risk: License plate, side marker, and tail lights that fail to illuminate as intended can reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and seal the body seams as necessary. Dealers will also inspect the body control module for corrosion and replace it, if necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed Octob…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger, Lincoln Nautilus, Mustang, Maverick, Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Corsair, Bronco Sport, and Bronco vehicles. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may fail, resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power.
The risk: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the EGR valves, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 31, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (…
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 Mustang or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Ford Mustang has fewer complaints per year (106.4) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the Mustang's issues are more concentrated in electrical and engine areas, which can be more dangerous. The Camry has more complaints but a lower recall rate, suggesting that many issues are not safety-critical. In practice, the Mustang may require more frequent repairs for serious failures, while the Camry's higher complaint count is partly due to higher sales volume.
Key differences
- Mustang owners report sudden engine stalls and steering lock-ups, while Camry owners report brake failure and unintended acceleration.
- The Mustang has more recalls (68) than the Camry (31), indicating more proactive safety campaigns but also more known issues.
- Camry complaints are more numerous but spread across many areas, while Mustang issues are heavily concentrated in electrical and engine systems.
- The Mustang's transmission issues (10R80) are a known problem, while the Camry's transmission problems also require replacement but are less frequent per vehicle.
- Inspect the electronic steering system for any signs of malfunction, as owners report sudden lock-ups.
- Check for any open recalls, especially for engine cooling, and ensure parts are available before purchase.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially on hills, to ensure there is no loss of pressure.
- Ask about any transmission issues and check for grinding noises during acceleration.
Before you buy
- Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles and ensure all recalls are completed.
- Test drive at various speeds and in traffic to see if any stalling or sudden acceleration occurs.
- Inspect the electrical system, including steering and infotainment, for any warning lights or malfunctions.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and brakes for any signs of wear or failure.
- Review the vehicle's service history for any repeated repairs related to the top complaint areas.
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 Mustang | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 119 |
| 2025 | 14 | 153 |
| 2024 | 73 | 48 |
| 2023 | 149 | 62 |
| 2022 | 49 | 59 |
| 2021 | 55 | 155 |
| 2020 | 118 | 270 |
| 2019 | 147 | 393 |
| 2018 | 187 | 736 |
| 2017 | 265 | 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 Mustang or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Mustang vs Toyota Camry
- FORD Mustang total complaints
- 1,064
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- FORD Mustang total recalls
- 68
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- FORD Mustang avg complaints/year
- 106.4
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- FORD Mustang
- FORD Mustang top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN