Head-to-head reliability
Lincoln MARK LT vs Toyota Camry
How the Lincoln MARK LT 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 MARK LT vs Toyota Camry: The MARK LT has 13.3 complaints per year versus 214.3 for the Camry, but MARK LT owners report sudden stalling and unintended acceleration, while Camry owners face transmission and brake failures. Both have recalls. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lincoln MARK LT or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lincoln MARK LT
The Lincoln MARK LT is a full-size luxury pickup that, in used form, shows a pattern of sudden power loss and stalling, often at low speeds or while turning, which can leave you without power steering or brake assist. Owners also report transmission shuddering and unintended acceleration, making it a vehicle that demands careful inspection and a contingency plan for unexpected failures.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular midsize sedan with a high volume of complaints, but that volume is partly due to its large sales base. The complaints cluster around transmission issues (grinding, shuddering), brake problems (including a scary loss of braking on a hill), and engine concerns like sudden acceleration and coolant valve faults. While many Camrys are reliable, these reports show that some units can have serious safety-related defects.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lincoln MARK LT | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 40 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 5 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 8 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 13.3 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 5 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 MARK LT
- 01POWER TRAIN7
- 02ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING7
- 03ENGINE6
- 04VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL5
- 05SERVICE BRAKES5
Owners report the transmission shudders, causing the whole truck to vibrate, and it may not shift into overdrive, forcing the driver to slow down and manually shift. This can be a safety hazard if it happens in traffic.
Sudden loss of engine power while driving at highway speeds can cause stalling, and there are reports of the engine suddenly accelerating on its own, leading to crashes. These are serious safety concerns that could leave you stranded or in a collision.
The accelerator pedal can become stuck, and the vehicle may accelerate unintentionally even when the brake is applied. This is a critical issue that has led to crashes and injuries.
“IN 2012, WE BOUGHT A USED MARK LT WITH 60K MILES. THE VEHICLE SINCE STALLED TWICE AFTER REACHING 100K+ MILES AND DRAINING TWO BATTERY, SHUTTING DOWN THE ENGINE WITHOUT WARNING AT A LOW SPEED AND WHILE TRYING TO TURN. THIS RENDERED THE BRAKES AND POWER STEERIN…”
“THE TRUCK'S TRANSMISSION SHUTTERS, SO THE WHOLE TRUCK VIBRATES. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. IT CAUSES THE TRUCK TO SLOW DOWN AND OVERDRIVE DOES NOT KICK IN. SO YOU HAVE TO SLOW DOWN AND FORCE THE TRUCK TO SHIFT. THIS IS A 5.4 TRITON MOTOR. I DID CHANGE THE P…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission problems are common, with owners reporting grinding noises and the need for complete transmission replacement. Some Camrys have recalls for the same issue, but not all affected vehicles are covered.
There are reports of a complete loss of braking response, such as when descending a steep hill, which can lead to a crash. Other owners describe the brake pedal feeling unresponsive or requiring excessive force.
Some owners report sudden, uncontrollable acceleration, which can be terrifying and lead to accidents. Others have engine warning lights and codes related to a coolant bypass valve that may not be covered by a recall for their specific VIN.
“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 MARK LT — 5 recalls
The defect: FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 F-150 PICK UP TRUCKS AS WELL AS CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 LINCOLN MARK LT VEHICLES. IF THE CLOCKSPRING JUMPER WIRE COMES IN CONTACT WITH THE DRIVER SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG LOWER HORN PLATE, THE WIRE INSULATION MAY BECOME CHAFED, CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR A S…
The risk: THE DRIVER SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG COULD INADVERTENTLY DEPLOY INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY OR LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL IF OCCURRING WHILE IN MOTION.
The fix: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND INSTRUCT THEM TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO A FORD OR LINCOLN/MERCURY DEALER TO HAVE A NEW CLOCKSPRING JUMPER WIRE INSTALLED THAT INCORPORATES A PROTECTIVE MESH COVER. REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THIS…
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: FORD IS RECALLING 605,684 MY 2005-2006 F-150 AND LINCOLN MARK LT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L 3-VALVE ENGINES. THE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM SUPPLY HOSE ATTACHED TO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD FITTING MAY SWELL OVER TIME AND LOSE RETENTION FORCE. THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW THE HOSE TO BECOME DETACHED FROM THE FI…
The risk: ONCE THE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM RESERVE IS DEPLETED, THE DRIVER WILL HAVE FOUNDATION BRAKE FUNCTION, BUT WITH INCREASED BRAKE PEDAL EFFORT. REDUCED VEHICLE BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE A RUBBER HOSE ON THE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM SUPPLY TUBE ASSEMBLY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 27, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
The defect: CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH EITHER THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD (FMVSS) NO. 105, 'HYDRAULIC AND ELECTRIC BRAKE SYSTEMS' OR FMVSS NO. 135, 'PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS.' THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A SOFTWARE ERROR IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER.
The risk: THIS ERROR COULD PREVENT THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) WARNING LIGHT FROM ILLUMINATING IF THE ABS MODULE EVER BECAME INOPERATIVE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL RECALIBRATE THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IN THESE VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 27, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
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 MARK LT or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Lincoln MARK LT has far fewer complaints per year (13.3) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the nature of the issues is more severe, involving sudden stalling and unintended acceleration. The Camry's higher volume is partly due to its popularity, but it still has a significant number of safety-related complaints. In practice, the MARK LT may be riskier due to the potential for sudden loss of control, while the Camry's issues, though more frequent, are often more predictable and repairable.
Key differences
- The Lincoln MARK LT has a much lower complaint rate per year (13.3) than the Camry (214.3), but its complaints are more likely to involve sudden loss of power or unintended acceleration, which are critical safety events.
- The Camry's top issues include transmission failures and brake loss, which are serious but often give warning signs like grinding or a soft pedal, whereas the MARK LT's stalling can happen without warning.
- The MARK LT has recalls for air bag inflators, fuel system, and brake hoses, while the Camry has recalls for occupant classification sensor and seat issues, indicating different areas of concern.
- The Camry has a higher number of crash-related complaints (181) and injuries (163) compared to the MARK LT (8 and 5), but that is partly due to the Camry's much larger sales volume.
- Check for any history of stalling or sudden acceleration, and have the engine and transmission thoroughly inspected, especially the throttle and idle control systems.
- Look for signs of transmission shuddering or slipping, and test drive at various speeds to ensure smooth shifting and that overdrive engages properly.
- Ask about any transmission issues, such as grinding or shuddering, and check if the VIN is covered by any transmission-related recalls or service campaigns.
- Test the brakes on a steep hill to ensure they respond firmly and do not fade, and listen for any unusual noises from the engine that might indicate a coolant valve problem.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both vehicles; have any unrepaired recalls addressed before purchase.
- Have an independent mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, and brakes for both vehicles.
- For the Lincoln MARK LT, specifically test for stalling by driving at low speeds and turning, and check for any warning lights.
- For the Toyota Camry, test the transmission for smooth shifting and listen for grinding, and have the brake system checked for any signs of failure.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and brake service, to gauge how well the vehicle was cared for.
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 MARK LT or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lincoln MARK LT vs Toyota Camry
- Lincoln MARK LT total complaints
- 40
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Lincoln MARK LT total recalls
- 5
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Lincoln MARK LT avg complaints/year
- 13.3
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Lincoln MARK LT
- Lincoln MARK LT top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN