Head-to-head reliability
FORD Transit vs Toyota Camry
How the FORD Transit 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 vs Toyota Camry: The Transit has 1,756 complaints and 104 recalls over 10 years, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints and 31 recalls. The Transit averages 176 complaints per year; the Camry 206. Both show distinct failure patterns. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Transit or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Transit
The Ford Transit is a full-size van often used for commercial work or large families, and its 10-year complaint record shows 1,756 complaints (about 176 per year) with 104 recalls. Owners frequently report electrical glitches, transmission shuddering, and backup camera failures. The high number of recalls and crash-related complaints (76) suggests that living with a Transit may require staying on top of safety recalls and addressing drivability issues as they arise.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan known for its widespread use as a family car, and it has 2,056 complaints over 10 years (about 206 per year) but only 31 recalls. Complaints often center on power train hesitation, brake noises, and multiple electronic system malfunctions. While the Camry has more complaints per year than the Transit, its lower recall count and different failure patterns may mean fewer trips to the dealer for safety recalls.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Transit | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,756 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 104 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 76 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 175.6 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 54 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
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM349
- 02POWER TRAIN315
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER266
- 04BACK OVER PREVENTION198
- 05ENGINE173
Owners report engine compartment fires and intermittent center display failures that can make the backup camera unusable. These electrical issues can compromise safety and are frustrating to diagnose.
Transmission problems include input/turbine speed sensor failures and shuddering during acceleration, often requiring costly repairs. These issues can affect drivability and lead to unexpected breakdowns.
The rearview camera may show a dark, fuzzy, or blue screen, making it hard to see when reversing. This increases the risk of back-over accidents, especially in tight spaces.
Some owners report engine-related complaints, though specific patterns are less detailed in the sample. These can include performance issues that may require dealer attention.
“On March 7, 2023, at approximately 1:45 PM, Bus 437 had caught fire in the engine compartment of the vehicle while sitting in the parking lot. The bus had just came off of a route minutes before & the driver had reported the dash tell tale (warning) lights ha…”
“In hot or humid conditions, the 8 inch center display flashes on and off intermittently. This failure makes the backup camera unusable, which is a safety problem. It also makes controlling the navigation or radio very difficult. The dealer has looked at this…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners describe intermittent ignition key sticking, hesitation, and shuddering with the check engine light on. These problems can leave you stranded or cause costly transmission repairs.
Delayed throttle response and hesitation when accelerating are reported, which can be a safety concern in traffic. These issues may require dealer diagnosis and repair.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow, and some owners hear clicking or vibrating noises from the ABS system. Brake problems are critical for safety and can be expensive to fix.
Multiple systems like stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring can malfunction simultaneously. This can make the car unpredictable and difficult to control.
“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 — 104 recalls
The defect: XL Hybrids, Inc (XL) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit vehicles modified to be equipped with XL's electric hybrid system. The cardan (universal) joint on the front driveshaft may fail, possibly causing the front driveshaft to detach.
The risk: If the front driveshaft detaches from the vehicle, drive power will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash. The detached driveshaft may also create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash for following traffic.
The fix: XL will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft with an updated one, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact XL Hybrid's customer service at 1-833-953-5338.
The defect: LA West Inc. (LA West) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Ford Transit vehicles modified to be equipped with glass roof hatches. Temperature and vibration stresses may cause the tempered glass roof hatch to shatter.
The risk: If the tempered glass roof hatch shatters, glass fragments may fall onto passengers, increasing the risk of an injury.
The fix: LA West will notify owners, and dealers will replace the hatch lids, free of charge. The recall began July 11, 2019. Owners may contact LA West customer service at 1-704-498-4940.
The defect: New England Wheels (New England) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ford Transit and 2014-2019 Ram Promaster 2500 and 3500 vehicles modified to be equipped with Freedman Go-ES Foldaway seats. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may no…
The risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
The fix: New England has notified owners, directing them to contact Freedman for repairs to the foldaway seats, free of charge. The recall began May 27, 2019. Owners may contact Freedman customer service at 1-800-443-4540 or New England at 1-800-88…
The defect: Quality Van Sales, Inc. (Quality Van) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit and E-350 vehicles modified to be equipped with Freedman GO-ES Foldaway Seat back cushions. The seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop. As such, these vehicl…
The risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
The fix: Quality Van will notify owners and dealers will inspect and repair the foldaway seat, free of charge. The recall began March 21, 2019. Owners may contact Quality Van customer service at 1-800-408-8550.
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 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Ford Transit has fewer complaints per year (about 176 vs. 206 for the Camry) but far more recalls (104 vs. 31). In practice, the Transit may need more frequent recall visits, while the Camry may have more day-to-day electronic and brake complaints. Neither is clearly better; the choice depends on which type of issue you'd rather manage.
Key differences
- The Ford Transit has 104 recalls over 10 years, while the Toyota Camry has only 31, meaning Transit owners may face more safety recall visits.
- Transit owners report engine compartment fires and backup camera failures, while Camry owners report brake noises and multiple electronic system malfunctions.
- The Camry has more crash-related complaints (171) and injuries (158) than the Transit (76 crashes, 54 injuries), though the Transit has 0 deaths vs. 1 for the Camry.
- Transit complaints often involve power train shuddering and electrical display issues, while Camry complaints include ignition key sticking and brake pedal vibrations.
- Check for transmission shuddering or delayed engagement during a test drive, especially around 60,000 miles, as owners report speed sensor failures.
- Test the backup camera in various lighting conditions; look for a dark, fuzzy, or blue screen that could indicate a failing camera.
- Test the electronic parking brake to ensure it disengages properly; owners report it failing and requiring a tow.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which may indicate ABS issues common in some Camry models.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website for both models.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and electrical system on the Ford Transit, focusing on the backup camera and display.
- For the Toyota Camry, have the brakes and electronic parking brake inspected, and check for any stored trouble codes.
- Test drive both vehicles under various conditions, including acceleration, braking, and reversing, to replicate reported issues.
- Ask the seller 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 Transit | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 35 | 0 |
| 2025 | 32 | 163 |
| 2024 | 224 | 50 |
| 2023 | 466 | 64 |
| 2022 | 316 | 61 |
| 2021 | 170 | 157 |
| 2020 | 84 | 274 |
| 2019 | 274 | 395 |
| 2018 | 57 | 744 |
| 2017 | 98 | 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 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Transit vs Toyota Camry
- FORD Transit total complaints
- 1,756
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- FORD Transit total recalls
- 104
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- FORD Transit avg complaints/year
- 175.6
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- FORD Transit
- FORD Transit top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN