Head-to-head reliability
Lincoln Continental vs Toyota Camry
How the Lincoln Continental 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 Continental vs Toyota Camry: The Continental averaged 38 complaints per year over 7 years, while the Camry averaged 214 per year over 10 years. The Camry had 181 crash-related complaints and 1 death; the Continental had 14 crash-related complaints and 0 deaths. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lincoln Continental or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lincoln Continental
The Lincoln Continental is a low-volume luxury sedan that averaged about 38 complaints per year over seven years, with 18 recalls. Owners most often report electrical glitches, door latch failures, and structural cracks near the door check strap. The pattern suggests a car with fewer overall complaints but potentially annoying and sometimes safety-relevant issues that require attention.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a high-volume family sedan that averaged about 214 complaints per year over ten years, with 31 recalls. Owners frequently report power train, engine, and brake problems, including transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, and brake failure. The volume of complaints is much higher, but it reflects the huge number of Camrys on the road.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lincoln Continental | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 266 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 18 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 14 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 38.0 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 12 Better | 163 |
| 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 Continental
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM41
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER37
- 03LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES31
- 04STRUCTURE30
- 05SUSPENSION26
Owners report random electrical issues such as approach lights not coming on, instrument cluster presets deprogramming, interior lights malfunctioning, and mirrors folding when programmed not to. One owner also reported the trunk lid independently closing and sticking their head, with no warning chime. These glitches can be frustrating and may affect safety if they involve lighting or trunk operation.
The electric door latching mechanisms may fail to fully latch, especially in cold weather, requiring owners to slam the door. A recall (19V077000) addressed latch assemblies on all four doors, but some owners report the problem persists after the remedy. This matters because a door that doesn't latch properly can open while driving.
Owners report the front driver's side metal near the door check strap splitting, which can cause the door to not open properly. Some vehicles were delivered with this defect and later included in a recall. Structural cracks can worsen over time and may compromise crash protection.
Suspension complaints appear in the top five components, though specific owner reports are not detailed here. Buyers should be aware that suspension issues can affect ride comfort and handling, and may be costly to repair on a luxury sedan.
“TL* THE CONTACT LEASED A 2020 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPENING THE TRUNK FROM THE DASHBOARD AND UNLOADING GROCERIES FROM THE TRUNK, THE TRUNK LID INDEPENDENTLY CLOSED STICKING HIS HEAD. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THERE WAS NO CHIME A…”
“RANDOM PROBLEMS WITH MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL AREAS; APPROACH LIGHTS NOT COMING ON, INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DEPROGRAMING PRESETS, INTERIOR LIGHTS, OUTSIDE MIRRORS FOLDING WHEN PROGRAMMED NOT TO DO SO, INTERIOR REAR VIEW MIRROR MARKEDLY CHANGING POSITION, HUD MALFUNCTIO…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front upon acceleration, which dealers have diagnosed as transmission failure requiring replacement. Some 2021 Camrys have recalls for the same issue, and transmissions are on backorder. This is a major concern because a failed transmission can leave you stranded and cost thousands.
Complaints include uncontrollable sudden acceleration, with one owner reporting three incidents that led to a crash and total loss. Another owner reported a coolant valve bypass issue (code P268115) that was covered by a recall for some 2022 Camrys but not their VIN. Sudden acceleration is a serious safety risk.
Owners describe brake pedal going to the floor with no response, such as while driving down a steep hill. One owner had to take emergency action to avoid a crash. Brake failure is extremely dangerous and should be investigated immediately.
Electrical complaints are common, though specific examples are not provided in the sample. Given the high volume, buyers should check for battery drain, infotainment glitches, and sensor malfunctions.
“I turned into a restaurant’s parking lot, found a spot and slowly drove into the lot, I eased off the gas pedal and gently applying the brake as the lot has a slight downward slope. When I reach the chunk (the parking block), I added more force to the brake,…”
“Grinding noise coming from front end upon acceleration. Brought to dealership who confirmed noises coming from transmission. Transmission needs to be replaced per dealer recommendation. Recalls on 2021 Toyota Camry for same issue. Transmissions on backorder a…”
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 Continental — 18 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Lincoln Continental vehicles. The door latch pawl motors may not function properly, possibly resulting in a door latch not fully engaging.
The risk: A door latch that is not fully engaged may result in a door opening while driving, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the latch assemblies on all four doors, free of charge. The recall began October 14, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S03.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2020 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and 2017-2020 Lincoln Continental vehicles equipped with the 360-degree camera system. Degradation of the camera's anit-reflective lens coating can lead to a foggy or cloudy rearview camera image.
The risk: Lack of a clear rearview camera image can reduce the driver's visibility of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 14, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S51.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2020 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and 2017-2020 Lincoln Continental vehicles equipped with the 360-degree camera system. Degradation of the camera's anit-reflective lens coating can lead to a foggy or cloudy rearview camera image.
The risk: Lack of a clear rearview camera image can reduce the driver's visibility of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 14, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S51.
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 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…
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…
Buyer analysis
Lincoln Continental or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Lincoln Continental has far fewer complaints per year (38 vs. 214) and fewer total complaints, but its issues tend to be electrical, latch, and structural problems that can be persistent. The Toyota Camry's higher complaint count reflects its much larger sales volume, but it also includes serious power train, engine, and brake failures. In practice, the Continental may have fewer overall problems, but the Camry's issues can be more severe when they occur.
Key differences
- The Lincoln Continental averages 38 complaints per year, while the Toyota Camry averages 214 per year, but the Camry sells in much higher volumes.
- Lincoln Continental owners report electrical glitches, door latch failures, and structural cracks; Camry owners report transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, and brake failure.
- The Continental has 18 recalls and 14 crash-related complaints; the Camry has 31 recalls and 181 crash-related complaints, with 1 death reported.
- Camry complaints include serious safety issues like uncontrollable acceleration and brake loss, while Continental complaints are more often annoying but less immediately dangerous.
- Check that all four door latches fully engage and that the recall remedy (19V077000) was performed; test in cold weather if possible.
- Inspect the driver's side door jamb near the check strap for metal cracks or splitting, and open/close the door to feel for binding.
- Listen for grinding noises from the front during acceleration, which may indicate transmission problems; check for recalls on the transmission.
- Test the brakes on a downhill slope or in a safe area for any sponginess or failure to respond, and ask about any sudden acceleration incidents.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been completed, especially for the Lincoln's door latches and the Camry's transmission and coolant valve.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Lincoln's electrical system, door latches, and structural integrity around the door check strap.
- For the Camry, have a mechanic check transmission operation, engine codes, and brake system performance, including a road test.
- Search NHTSA complaints for the specific model year and VIN to see if common issues apply.
- Test drive both vehicles in conditions that might trigger known issues, such as cold weather for the Lincoln's latches or highway acceleration for the Camry's transmission.
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 | Lincoln Continental | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 7 | 270 |
| 2019 | 31 | 393 |
| 2018 | 19 | 736 |
| 2017 | 75 | 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 Lincoln Continental or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lincoln Continental vs Toyota Camry
- Lincoln Continental total complaints
- 266
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Lincoln Continental total recalls
- 18
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Lincoln Continental avg complaints/year
- 38.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Lincoln Continental
- Lincoln Continental top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN