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 109.8 complaints per year with 68 recalls, while the Camry averages 205.6 complaints and 31 recalls. Mustang issues often involve sudden power loss and steering lock-ups; Camry issues include key stuck in Park and brake noise. 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 is a sports coupe that sees about 110 complaints per year, with electrical and engine issues being the most common. Owners report sudden power loss, steering malfunctions, and transmission problems that can leave them stranded. With 68 recalls over a decade, it demands vigilance and frequent dealer visits. It's a fun car, but not a low-maintenance daily driver.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a family sedan with about 206 complaints per year, more than the Mustang, but its issues are often less severe. Common complaints include transmission hesitation, brake noises, and electrical glitches. It has far fewer recalls (31) and a strong reputation for longevity. Still, owners report annoying and sometimes safety-related problems.
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 | 1,098 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 68 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 76 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 109.8 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 41 Better | 158 |
| 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 SYSTEM243
- 02ENGINE199
- 03POWER TRAIN168
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER167
- 05BACK OVER PREVENTION107
Owners report sudden power loss at highway speed and electronic steering that can jerk and lock, leading to collisions. These failures can happen without warning, making the car unpredictable and dangerous in traffic.
The EVAP purge valve fails, causing stuttering, rough idle, and check engine lights, especially after refueling. This can lead to emissions test failures and poor drivability.
The 10R80 automatic transmission can shift into neutral while driving, leaving the driver unable to accelerate. Recalls for transmission valve body issues exist, but parts may be unavailable, prolonging the risk.
Complaints include rear window shattering spontaneously and backup camera or sensor failures. These defects increase the risk of accidents when reversing.
“While driving my 2025 Ford Mustang GT at highway speed, the vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly lost power. The vehicle was unable to maintain normal power while I was traveling in active highway traffic. This created a serious safety risk because surrounding v…”
“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…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key gets stuck in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove. Also, transmission hesitation and shuddering with check engine lights, indicating potential internal wear.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow. A clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area is common, linked to the ABS system, which can be distracting and costly to fix.
Delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator is reported, causing a several-second lag before the car moves. This can be dangerous when merging or crossing intersections.
Multiple systems like stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring can malfunction simultaneously. This creates a sudden loss of driver aids, increasing crash risk.
“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 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 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 Mustang or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Ford Mustang has fewer complaints per year (about 110 vs. 206 for the Camry), but its issues are often more severe, including sudden power loss and steering lock-ups. The Camry's higher complaint count reflects more frequent but generally less critical problems like brake noise and transmission hesitation. In practice, the Mustang may leave you stranded more often, while the Camry may annoy you with persistent minor faults.
Key differences
- Mustang owners report sudden power loss and steering lock-up, while Camry owners report key stuck in Park and brake noise.
- Mustang has 68 recalls vs. Camry's 31, meaning more potential safety fixes.
- Camry has more crash-related complaints (171 vs. 76) and injuries (158 vs. 41), but Mustang has 0 deaths vs. Camry's 1.
- Mustang's top issue is electrical (243 complaints), while Camry's is power train (385 complaints).
- Test the electronic steering at low speeds for any jerking or locking, especially when backing out.
- Check for transmission recall completion and test drive for any hesitation or unexpected neutral shifts.
- Ensure the ignition key can be removed easily when in Park; if not, it may indicate a faulty interlock.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal and test the electronic parking brake engagement and release.
Before you buy
- Run a VIN check for open recalls on both models and confirm they are fixed.
- Take a lengthy test drive including highway speeds and reversing to check for power loss or steering issues.
- For the Mustang, specifically test the infotainment screen and backup camera for blackouts.
- For the Camry, test all electronic driver aids (blind spot, lane keeping) for malfunctions.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and brake repairs.
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 | 13 | 0 |
| 2025 | 18 | 163 |
| 2024 | 82 | 50 |
| 2023 | 153 | 64 |
| 2022 | 50 | 61 |
| 2021 | 55 | 157 |
| 2020 | 120 | 274 |
| 2019 | 149 | 395 |
| 2018 | 193 | 744 |
| 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
- 1,098
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- FORD Mustang total recalls
- 68
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- FORD Mustang avg complaints/year
- 109.8
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- FORD Mustang
- FORD Mustang top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN