Vehicle 1

FORD Taurus

1,702 complaints · 46 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Toyota Camry

1,993 complaints · 28 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

FORD Taurus vs Toyota Camry: The Taurus has fewer complaints per year (170.2 vs 199.3) but more recalls (46 vs 28). The Camry has more crash complaints (174 vs 84). Choose based on your priority: lower complaint rate (Taurus) or fewer recalls (Camry). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

3
FORD Taurus
wins 3 of 4 categories
1
Toyota Camry
wins 1 of 4 categories
CategoryFORD TaurusToyota Camry
Total Complaints
All years combined
1,702
✓ lower
1,993
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
46
28
✓ lower
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
84
✓ lower
174
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
170.2
✓ lower
199.3

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

FORD Taurus

1. STEERING505
2. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM226
3. ENGINE223
4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM222
5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER157

Toyota Camry

1. POWER TRAIN360
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER316
3. ENGINE305
4. SERVICE BRAKES284
5. AIR BAGS221
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Ford Taurus has fewer complaints per year (170.2) than the Toyota Camry (199.3), suggesting a lower rate of reported issues. However, the Taurus has more recalls (46 vs 28), which may indicate more widespread safety defects that have been addressed.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer overall complaints per year, the Ford Taurus may be appealing. However, if you want fewer recalls and are concerned about crash-related complaints, the Toyota Camry might be a better choice despite its higher complaint rate.

Key Differences
  • Ford Taurus has 46 recalls vs Toyota Camry's 28.
  • Toyota Camry has 174 crash complaints vs Ford Taurus's 84.
  • Ford Taurus's top issue is STEERING (505 complaints); Toyota Camry's top issue is POWER TRAIN (360 complaints).
  • Ford Taurus averages 170.2 complaints/year; Toyota Camry averages 199.3 complaints/year.
⚠ Watch on FORD Taurus
  • High number of steering complaints (505) – check for steering issues during test drive.
  • 46 recalls – verify all recall repairs have been completed.
⚠ Watch on Toyota Camry
  • 174 crash complaints – investigate if any involve air bag deployment issues (221 air bag complaints).
  • Power train complaints (360) – listen for transmission or engine noises.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles and ensure all recalls are fixed.
  • Test drive and pay attention to steering (Taurus) and power train (Camry).
  • Review service history for any complaints related to top issues.
  • Get a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic.
  • Compare insurance costs as crash complaint rates may affect premiums.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

FORD TaurusToyota Camry
2019
10
372
2018
43
719
2017
43
147
FORD Taurus vs Toyota Camry — comparison facts
Comparison
FORD Taurus vs Toyota Camry
FORD Taurus total complaints
1,702
Toyota Camry total complaints
1,993
FORD Taurus total recalls
46
Toyota Camry total recalls
28
FORD Taurus avg complaints/year
170.2
Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
199.3
More reliable overall
FORD Taurus
FORD Taurus top complaint area
STEERING
Toyota Camry top complaint area
POWER TRAIN
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

FORD Taurus Reliability & Problems

1,702 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Toyota Camry Reliability & Problems

1,993 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

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