Head-to-head reliability
Lincoln Blackwood vs Toyota Camry
How the Lincoln Blackwood 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
Lincoln Blackwood vs Toyota Camry: The Blackwood has 8 complaints over 2 years (4.0/year) and 5 recalls, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints over 10 years (205.6/year) and 31 recalls. Blackwood owners report engine stalling and a wheel detaching; Camry owners report power train hesitation and brake issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lincoln Blackwood or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lincoln Blackwood
The Lincoln Blackwood is a rare, low-volume luxury pickup, so complaints are few: 8 over 2 years (4.0 per year) and 5 recalls. Owners report serious issues like engine stalling or failure while driving, and in one case a front wheel and brake line detached at highway speed. With only 1 crash and 1 injury reported, the pattern suggests that when problems occur, they can be sudden and immobilizing.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a high-volume sedan with 2,056 complaints over 10 years (205.6 per year) and 31 recalls. Reports cover a wide range of systems, from power train hesitation and stuck ignition keys to brake noises and multiple electronic malfunctions. The 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries indicate that some issues may contribute to collisions, though many are nuisance or drivability problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lincoln Blackwood | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 8 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 5 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 4.0 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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.
Lincoln Blackwood
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
- 02WHEELS1
- 03SERVICE BRAKES1
- 04ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)1
- 05ENGINE1
Owners report the engine malfunctioning, overheating, and stopping while driving, requiring a tow and sometimes engine replacement. Another complaint describes the vehicle stalling at 65 mph without warning, which can leave you stranded in traffic.
One owner reported that at about 65 mph the passenger-side front wheel and brake line detached from the vehicle. This is an extreme safety risk because losing a wheel can cause an immediate loss of control.
The same complaint about the wheel detaching also involved the brake line, meaning braking could be compromised. A brake line failure at speed leaves little time to stop safely.
An owner reported the engine overheated and stopped working, which can affect stability control if the system loses power. When ESC fails, the vehicle may be harder to control in emergency maneuvers.
“11/23/2015 VEHICLE ENGINE MALFUNCTIONED, OVERHEATED AND STOPPED WORKING WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP REPLACED ENGINE AND RELATED PARTS AND I PICKED UP ON 12/17/15. MILEAGE 2,411 1/1/2016 ENGINE STARTED MAKING…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LINCOLN BLACKWOOD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AW…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck and not coming out even when the car is in Park, sometimes requiring a battery disconnect. Others describe hesitation and shuddering with the check engine light on, which can make merging or accelerating unpredictable.
Complaints include delayed throttle response where pressing the gas pedal does nothing for several seconds before the car moves. This lag can be dangerous when you need to accelerate quickly, such as entering a highway.
Owners report the electronic parking brake not disengaging, requiring a tow and a new switch that sometimes does not fix it. Another common complaint is a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area, which may indicate an ABS issue.
One owner described multiple systems failing at once, including stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping. When several electronic aids quit together, the car can become much harder 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.
Lincoln Blackwood — 5 recalls
The defect: FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN 1997 THROUGH 2003 MODEL YEAR FORD F-150, 2004 MODEL YEAR FORD F-150 HERITAGE, 1997 THROUGH 1999 MODEL YEAR F-250 LESS THAN 8,500 LBS. GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR), AND 2002 AND 2003 LINCOLN BLACKWOOD VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 20, 1995, THROUGH AUGUST 4, 2004, O…
The risk: AS A RESULT OF THE CORROSION, ONE OR BOTH STRAPS MAY FAIL ALLOWING THE FUEL LINES TO SEPARATE FROM THE TANK, OR IN SOME CASES, CAUSING THE TANK TO CONTACT THE GROUND. EITHER SCENARIO MAY RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK PRESENTING A FIRE HAZARD.
The fix: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND INSTRUCT THEM TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO A FORD OR LINCOLN DEALER TO HAVE THE FUEL TANK STRAPS REPLACED WITH STRAPS THAT HAVE INCREASED CORROSION PROTECTION. EARLY IN THIS CAMPAIGN, IF REPLACEMENT STRAPS ARE NOT…
The defect: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE…
The risk: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The fix: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
The defect: ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
The risk: A FIRE AT THE SWITCH COULD OCCUR.
The fix: BY LETTER DATED SEPTEMBER 12, 2005, OWNERS WERE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED. OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THEIR SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATED ARE BEING NOTIFIED THAT PA…
The defect: FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN 1997 THROUGH 2003 MODEL YEAR FORD F-150, 2004 MODEL YEAR FORD F-150 HERITAGE, 1997 THROUGH 1999 MODEL YEAR F-250 LESS THAN 8,500 LBS. GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR), AND 2002 AND 2003 LINCOLN BLACKWOOD VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 20, 1995, THROUGH AUGUST 4, 2004, O…
The risk: AS A RESULT OF THE CORROSION, ONE OR BOTH STRAPS MAY FAIL ALLOWING THE FUEL LINES TO SEPARATE FROM THE TANK, OR IN SOME CASES, CAUSING THE TANK TO CONTACT THE GROUND. EITHER SCENARIO MAY RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK PRESENTING A FIRE HAZARD.
The fix: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND INSTRUCT THEM TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO A FORD OR LINCOLN DEALER TO HAVE THE FUEL TANK STRAPS REPLACED WITH STRAPS THAT HAVE INCREASED CORROSION PROTECTION. EARLY IN THIS CAMPAIGN, IF REPLACEMENT STRAPS ARE NOT…
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
Lincoln Blackwood or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Lincoln Blackwood has far fewer complaints per year (4.0 vs. 205.6), but its reported issues are often severe, such as engine stalling and a wheel detaching. The Toyota Camry has many more complaints, but most are drivability or electronic annoyances rather than sudden catastrophic failures. In practice, the Blackwood may leave you stranded less often simply because there are fewer of them on the road, while the Camry’s higher volume means more reported problems but also more widespread parts and service availability.
Key differences
- The Lincoln Blackwood has 8 complaints over 2 years, while the Toyota Camry has 2,056 over 10 years, but the Blackwood’s complaints include engine stalling and a wheel detaching.
- The Camry’s top complaint area is the power train, with reports of stuck ignition keys and hesitation, while the Blackwood’s top area is the electrical system, with engine failure and stalling.
- The Camry has 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries, compared to 1 crash and 1 injury for the Blackwood, though the Blackwood’s low volume makes direct comparison difficult.
- Both vehicles have brake-related complaints: the Blackwood had a brake line detach with a wheel, while the Camry has electronic parking brake failures and ABS noise.
- Check for any signs of engine overheating, stalling, or previous engine replacement, as owners reported the engine malfunctioning and stopping while driving.
- Inspect the front wheels and brake lines for secure attachment, since one owner reported the passenger-side front wheel and brake line detaching at highway speed.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park and listen for any hesitation or shuddering during a test drive, as owners reported stuck keys and power train hesitation.
- Check the electronic parking brake operation and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which owners linked to ABS issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and ask for maintenance records, especially for engine and brake work.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on the specific complaint areas for each model.
- For the Blackwood, test drive at highway speeds and check for any stalling, overheating, or wheel vibration.
- For the Camry, test all electronic systems, including stability control, lane keeping, and blind spot monitoring, and check for delayed throttle response.
- Verify that all open recalls have been addressed by checking the NHTSA recall database using the VIN.
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 Lincoln Blackwood or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lincoln Blackwood vs Toyota Camry
- Lincoln Blackwood total complaints
- 8
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Lincoln Blackwood total recalls
- 5
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Lincoln Blackwood avg complaints/year
- 4.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Lincoln Blackwood
- Lincoln Blackwood top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN