Head-to-head reliability
Lincoln LS vs Toyota Camry
How the Lincoln LS 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 LS vs Toyota Camry: The LS averages 144 complaints per year with severe issues like air bag deployment and overheating, while the Camry averages 214 per year with transmission and brake problems. The LS has 4 recalls, the Camry 31. Choose based on your tolerance for specific risks. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lincoln LS or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lincoln LS
The Lincoln LS, a sporty rear-drive sedan, shows a high rate of owner complaints concentrated in suspension, engine cooling, air bags, and transmission. Owners describe repeated overheating in traffic, rough shifting, and even air bags deploying with no impact—issues that suggest costly repairs and potential safety concerns. With an average of 144 complaints per year and multiple recalls for suspension ball joints, this car demands careful inspection and a budget for maintenance.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a popular midsize sedan, has a higher total complaint count but spans more years, averaging 214 per year. Complaints focus on powertrain (transmission grinding, sudden acceleration), engine (coolant valve issues), and brakes (loss of braking). While some issues are serious, the Camry's reputation for reliability is tempered by these reports, and its 31 recalls indicate a need to check for open safety campaigns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lincoln LS | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,008 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 79 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 144.0 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 64 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 | 1 Better |
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 LS
- 01SUSPENSION270
- 02ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING145
- 03AIR BAGS142
- 04POWER TRAIN126
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM103
Owners report lower ball joint failures, which can lead to loss of control. Recalls cover front control arm lower ball joints, so check if these were replaced.
Overheating at idle or in traffic is a common complaint, often leading to smoke under the hood. This can cause severe engine damage if not addressed.
Air bags have deployed unexpectedly without impact, causing injuries and panic. This is a critical safety defect that should be checked immediately.
Transmission issues include hard shifting, failure to shift into certain gears, and solenoid problems, often requiring costly rebuilds or replacements.
“We have owned this car for about 3 years and it has been one problem after another and see same problems on line 1) Will start over heating sometimes at idle sometimes while driving (try being in DFW rush hour traffic and deal with that 2) Wife was driving on…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN LS. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH SHE NOTICED THE PARKING BRAKE/ SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. SEVERAL DAYS LATER WHILE STARTING THE IGNITION SHE NOTICED SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHIC…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission grinding and failures are reported, with some owners needing full replacements. Sudden acceleration incidents have also been reported, which can be terrifying and dangerous.
Engine maintenance lights and coolant valve bypass issues are common, with some owners noting a recall that doesn't cover their VIN, leaving them with repair costs.
Brake failure, including no response when pressing the pedal, has been reported, especially on hills. This is a serious safety concern that requires immediate attention.
While not detailed in samples, electrical issues are frequent, potentially affecting sensors, lights, and other components, adding to repair complexity.
“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 LS — 4 recalls
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 17 INCH CHROME WHEELS, THE CHROME WHEELS WERE NOT HEAT-TREATED. THESE WHEELS MAY CRACK AT THE LUG-NUT HOLES, WHICH COULD RESULT IN THE LOSS OF THE LUG-NUT TORQUE.
The risk: IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE NOISE AND/OR VIBRATION WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE COULD RESULT IN THE WHEEL SEPARATING FROM THE HUB, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WHEELS TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL THE WHEELS HAVE BEEN HEAT-TREATED. ANY WHEEL THAT HAS NOT BEEN HEAT-TREATED WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 14, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DE…
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK MAY HAVE A LOCALIZED THIN WALL SECTION IN THE LOWER HALF OF THE TANK. THE FUEL TANK MAY CRACK CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR A FUEL LEAK AND FUEL ODOR. THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" INDICATOR MAY ILLUMINATE.
The risk: A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 4, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673, LINCOLN AT 1-800-521-4140.
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATIONS WHEN THEY WERE ATTACHED TO THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS.
The risk: IF THE BALL JOINT ATTACHING NUTS ARE NOT ADEQUATELY TIGHTENED, THEY CAN LOOSEN AND, ULTIMATELY, RESULT IN FRACTURE OF THE BALL JOINT STUD. IF THE BALL JOINT FRACTURES, CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD BE AFFECTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRAS…
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TORQUE ON THE TWO BALL JOINT ATTACHING NUTS. VEHICLES WITH LOOSE BALL JOINT ATTACHING NUTS WILL EITHER HAVE THE FASTENERS TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION, OR IF NECESSARY, THE BALL JOINTS WILL BE REPLACED.
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATIONS WHEN THEY WERE ATTACHED TO THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS.
The risk: IF THE BALL JOINT ATTACHING NUTS ARE NOT ADEQUATELY TIGHTENED, THEY CAN LOOSEN AND, ULTIMATELY, RESULT IN FRACTURE OF THE BALL JOINT STUD. IF THE BALL JOINT FRACTURES, CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD BE AFFECTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRAS…
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TORQUE ON THE TWO BALL JOINT ATTACHING NUTS. VEHICLES WITH LOOSE BALL JOINT ATTACHING NUTS WILL EITHER HAVE THE FASTENERS TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION, OR IF NECESSARY, THE BALL JOINTS WILL BE REPLACED.
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 LS or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Lincoln LS has fewer complaints per year (144 vs 214) but its issues are more severe and costly, including air bag deployments and overheating. The Camry, despite higher volume, has a broader range of issues but may be more predictable in terms of repair costs. In practice, the LS demands more vigilance for safety-critical defects, while the Camry requires checking for recalls and transmission health.
Key differences
- Lincoln LS: Air bags deploy without impact; Camry: sudden acceleration reports.
- Lincoln LS: Overheating in traffic; Camry: brake failure on hills.
- Lincoln LS: Suspension ball joint recalls; Camry: transmission grinding and coolant valve recalls.
- Lincoln LS: Higher severity of issues per complaint; Camry: more complaints but spread over more years.
- Check for any open recalls on suspension lower ball joints and have them replaced immediately.
- Inspect cooling system for signs of overheating, such as coolant leaks or a replaced radiator, and test drive in stop-and-go traffic.
- Verify all recalls are performed, especially those for air bag occupant classification and transmission.
- Test brakes on a hill and listen for grinding from the transmission during acceleration.
Before you buy
- Run a VIN check for open recalls on both vehicles.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Lincoln LS's cooling system and transmission, and the Camry's brakes and transmission.
- Ask for service records, especially for transmission repairs or replacements.
- Test drive both cars in conditions that mimic reported issues: stop-and-go traffic for the LS, and hill driving for the Camry.
- Check for any signs of air bag deployment or previous accident damage.
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 LS or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lincoln LS vs Toyota Camry
- Lincoln LS total complaints
- 1,008
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Lincoln LS total recalls
- 4
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Lincoln LS avg complaints/year
- 144.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Lincoln LS
- Lincoln LS top complaint area
- SUSPENSION
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN