Head-to-head reliability
Lincoln MKC vs Toyota Camry
How the Lincoln MKC 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 MKC vs Toyota Camry: The MKC averages 119.6 complaints per year with 27 recalls, while the Camry averages 205.6 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The MKC's complaints often involve engine failure from coolant intrusion, a costly repair. The Camry's issues are more varied, including power train and brake problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lincoln MKC or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lincoln MKC
The Lincoln MKC is a compact luxury SUV that averages about 120 complaints per year over five years, with 27 recalls. The most common complaint area is the engine, which owners describe as failing due to coolant intrusion, often requiring a full engine replacement. Electrical glitches and backup camera problems also appear, and some owners report stalling while driving. Living with this vehicle means budgeting for potential major engine repairs and staying on top of recalls.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with about 206 complaints per year over ten years and 31 recalls. Owners report a wide range of issues, including transmission hesitation, brake noises, and electrical malfunctions. While the Camry has more total complaints, it also has a longer data period and higher sales volume. The pattern suggests that while many issues exist, they are spread across different systems rather than concentrated in one catastrophic failure.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lincoln MKC | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 598 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 27 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 19 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 119.6 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 9 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 MKC
- 01ENGINE321
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM68
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER63
- 04BACK OVER PREVENTION51
- 05POWER TRAIN51
Owners frequently report coolant leaking into the engine, leading to engine failure and the need for a long block replacement. This is a costly repair that can occur even at relatively low mileage, making it a major financial risk.
Complaints include side view mirrors folding inward unexpectedly and staying folded after restart. Such glitches can affect visibility and are annoying to diagnose and fix.
Many owners report that the rearview camera fails or shows a blank screen when reversing, and recall repairs for this issue have been delayed due to parts unavailability. This can make backing up less safe.
Some owners experience the vehicle shutting off while in motion, which can be dangerous and leave the car unable to restart. This points to potential power train or electrical faults.
“1st Engine Failure Dec 2021 due to coolant intrusion and the long block engine needed to be replaced. After the repair I came to look at it & I found, Bolts were missing—including from the undercarriage, battery mount, & power steering reservoir, splash guard…”
“I purchased the automobile on [XXX] with 44,175 miles. When the engine light came on recently, I took it to the Lincoln dealer here in Las Vegas, paid $205 for the computer to be assessed, and was told the problem was coolant leaking into the engine. They wer…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck and not releasing even when the car is in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove. Others describe hesitation and shuddering during acceleration, which can be unsettling in traffic.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, with the car taking several seconds to move. This lag can be a safety concern when merging or crossing intersections.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer. Owners also report clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which dealers often attribute to the ABS system but owners find abnormal.
Multiple systems such as stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping can malfunction simultaneously. This can overwhelm the driver and reduce confidence in the vehicle's reliability.
“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 MKC — 27 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Escape and Lincoln MKC vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with incorrect front brake hoses that may chafe against other components, possibly resulting in a brake fluid leak.
The risk: A brake fluid leak may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake hoses, replacing any that are incorrect, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC vehicles. The battery monitor sensor may short-circuit and overheat, causing a fire in the engine compartment while parked or driving.
The risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will add an in-line fuse to the battery monitor sensor power circuit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8,…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it…
The risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded bl…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it…
The risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded bl…
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 MKC or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Lincoln MKC has fewer complaints per year (about 120) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 206), but the MKC's complaints are heavily concentrated in engine failures that can be catastrophic and expensive. The Camry's issues are more varied and may be less likely to strand you, but they still require attention. In practice, the MKC may cost more to maintain if the engine problem occurs, while the Camry may have more frequent but less severe annoyances.
Key differences
- The Lincoln MKC's most common complaint is engine failure due to coolant intrusion, often requiring a new engine, while the Toyota Camry's top complaint is power train issues like stuck ignition keys and hesitation.
- The MKC has a significant number of back over prevention complaints related to rearview camera failures and delayed recalls, whereas the Camry has more complaints about brake noises and electronic parking brake failures.
- The Camry has a higher annual complaint rate but over a longer period and with more vehicles on the road, while the MKC's complaints are more concentrated in costly engine problems.
- Both vehicles have electrical system complaints, but the MKC's include side mirror glitches, while the Camry's involve multiple safety systems malfunctioning at once.
- Check for any signs of coolant loss or engine misfires, and ask for service records related to engine repairs or replacements, as coolant intrusion is a known issue.
- Test the rearview camera and backup sensors thoroughly, and verify that any open recalls for the back over prevention system have been addressed.
- Test the ignition key removal and ensure it releases smoothly when in Park; also check for any hesitation or shuddering during a test drive.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area and test the electronic parking brake to ensure it engages and disengages properly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any outstanding recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine for the MKC and the transmission and brakes for the Camry.
- Ask the seller for all maintenance records, especially any engine or transmission repairs.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, or delayed acceleration.
- Consider an extended warranty that covers major components, especially for the Lincoln MKC's engine.
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 MKC | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 122 | 395 |
| 2018 | 74 | 744 |
| 2017 | 191 | 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 MKC or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lincoln MKC vs Toyota Camry
- Lincoln MKC total complaints
- 598
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Lincoln MKC total recalls
- 27
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Lincoln MKC avg complaints/year
- 119.6
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Lincoln MKC
- Lincoln MKC top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN