Head-to-head reliability
FORD Transit Connect vs Toyota Camry
How the FORD Transit Connect 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 Transit Connect vs Toyota Camry: The Transit Connect averages 45.3 complaints per year with 68 recalls, while the Camry averages 205.6 complaints per year with 31 recalls. Both have reported transmission and brake issues, but the Transit Connect's complaints often involve catastrophic failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Transit Connect or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Transit Connect
The Ford Transit Connect is a compact van often used for commercial or family duty. Over 10 years, it has averaged 45.3 complaints per year, with 68 recalls and 14 crash-related reports. The most common complaints involve power train, brakes, and structure, with owners describing serious transmission failures and brake lockups. This suggests that while the van is practical, it may require more frequent and costly repairs than some buyers expect.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan known for its reliability, but it still has 2,056 complaints over 10 years, averaging 205.6 per year. With 31 recalls and 171 crash-related reports, the volume is higher simply because more Camrys are on the road. Owners report issues with power train, engine, and brakes, including key stuck problems and brake noise. Overall, the Camry's complaint rate per vehicle is likely lower, but individual problems can still be serious.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Transit Connect | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 453 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 68 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 14 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 45.3 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 12 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 Transit Connect
- 01POWER TRAIN83
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER73
- 03SERVICE BRAKES60
- 04STRUCTURE58
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM53
Owners report severe transmission problems, including complete failure as early as 87,000 miles, slipping, harsh shifting, and sudden deceleration. These issues can leave drivers stranded and lead to expensive repairs, making it critical to check transmission service history.
Complaints describe intermittent catastrophic front brake lockup and unintended acceleration, which can cause loss of control. Such failures are dangerous and should be addressed immediately if experienced.
Some owners report rear window glass shattering spontaneously with a loud pop, even without impact. This can create a safety hazard from flying glass and sudden loss of visibility.
While specific complaints are not detailed here, electrical issues are among the top components, suggesting potential problems with various electronic systems that could affect reliability.
“We have just passed 87,000 miles on our 2021 Ford Transit Connect and the transmission has had to be completely replaced. We were told at the transmission repair facility that ours was one of 4 2021 Ford Transit Connects in their shop alone with a whole trans…”
“On going problem that's getting worse and have totally stopped driving the van. Transmission Severe Slipping, harsh and hard shifting, abrupt Highway deceleration & violent downshift while on the Hwy. Pauses sometimes to accelerate from a stop and sometimes l…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report intermittent ignition key stuck in the ignition even when the vehicle is in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove. Others describe hesitation and shuddering with check engine light, indicating potential transmission or engine management issues.
Complaints include delayed throttle response, where pressing the accelerator results in several seconds of no movement. This can be a safety concern when merging or crossing traffic.
Owners report the electronic parking brake failing to disengage, requiring towing, and clicking or vibrating noises from the ABS system. These issues can affect brake performance and driver confidence.
Multiple system malfunctions are reported, including smart stop, stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping assistance failing simultaneously. Such widespread electrical glitches can be distracting and potentially dangerous.
“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 Transit Connect — 68 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2021 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 2.5L engines. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
The risk: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, causing the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scen…
The fix: Dealers will replace the underhood shifter cable bushing, and add a protective cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 29, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Transit and 2021 Transit Connect vehicles. The front passenger seat belt automatic locking retractor (ALR) may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with…
The risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the front passenger seat belt assembly, and replace the assembly as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on September 14, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 30…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
The risk: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either sc…
The fix: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are ex…
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.
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 Transit Connect or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Ford Transit Connect has far fewer complaints per year (45.3) compared to the Toyota Camry (205.6), but the Camry's higher volume reflects its much larger sales. In practice, the Transit Connect's complaints often involve severe transmission and brake failures, while the Camry's issues are more varied but may be less catastrophic on average. Buyers should weigh the lower complaint rate against the potential severity of problems.
Key differences
- The Ford Transit Connect has a much lower annual complaint rate (45.3 vs 205.6), but its complaints often involve catastrophic transmission failures and brake lockups.
- The Toyota Camry has more recalls (31 vs 68 for Transit Connect? Wait, Transit Connect has 68 recalls, Camry 31) — actually Transit Connect has more recalls, which may indicate more widespread issues.
- Transit Connect owners report structural issues like shattering rear windows, while Camry owners report widespread electrical system malfunctions affecting multiple safety features.
- The Camry has a higher number of crash-related reports (171 vs 14), but this is likely due to higher vehicle population; the severity of reported defects differs.
- Check for transmission shuddering, slipping, or harsh shifting during test drive; ask for service records and be wary of any transmission work.
- Test the brakes for any lockup or unusual noises, and inspect the rear window for cracks or signs of spontaneous shattering.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park; if it sticks, it could be a recurring problem requiring battery disconnection.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating from the brake pedal area and check if the electronic parking brake disengages properly; these are common complaints.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially the Transit Connect's transmission and Camry's air bag sensors.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission on the Transit Connect for any signs of failure or rough shifting.
- On the Camry, test all electronic systems including blind spot monitoring, lane keeping, and stability control for proper function.
- For both, verify that the brakes operate smoothly without noise or lockup, and check the electronic parking brake on the Camry.
- Ask for maintenance records and pay attention to any repeated repairs in the same area, which could indicate a chronic issue.
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 Transit Connect | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 64 |
| 2022 | 12 | 61 |
| 2021 | 9 | 157 |
| 2020 | 32 | 274 |
| 2019 | 51 | 395 |
| 2018 | 22 | 744 |
| 2017 | 28 | 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 Transit Connect or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Transit Connect vs Toyota Camry
- FORD Transit Connect total complaints
- 453
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- FORD Transit Connect total recalls
- 68
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- FORD Transit Connect avg complaints/year
- 45.3
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- FORD Transit Connect
- FORD Transit Connect top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN