Head-to-head reliability
Lincoln MKS vs Toyota Camry
How the Lincoln MKS 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 MKS vs Toyota Camry: The MKS averages about 47 complaints per year with 59 deaths, while the Camry averages about 206 complaints per year with 1 death. The MKS is known for sudden power steering loss, while the Camry reports power train hesitation and key-stuck issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lincoln MKS or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lincoln MKS
The Lincoln MKS is a full-size luxury sedan that averages about 47 complaints per year over eight years, with steering problems dominating owner reports. Many complaints describe power steering assist failing suddenly, making the car very hard to steer, especially at low speeds. Electrical and engine issues also appear, including warning messages and overheating. Recalls for the electric power assist system suggest a known pattern that buyers should verify was fixed.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a much higher average of about 206 complaints per year over ten years, but it also sells in far greater numbers. Power train complaints are most common, including hesitation, shuddering, and key-stuck issues. Engine and brake problems also show up, such as delayed throttle response and electronic parking brake failures. Despite the higher complaint count, the fatality count is far lower than the MKS in this data.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lincoln MKS | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 373 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 19 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 23 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 46.6 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 54 Better | 158 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 59 | 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 MKS
- 01STEERING120
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM55
- 03ENGINE47
- 04SERVICE BRAKES33
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER27
Owners report power steering assist failing while driving, causing sudden heavy steering that is hard to turn, especially at low speeds. Some say a recall was done but the problem returned, so a buyer should check if the fix was applied and whether it still works.
Complaints include a 'Power Steering Assist Fault' warning and steering becoming very hard to turn, sometimes after prior repairs. This matters because the electrical fault can disable steering help, making the car difficult to control.
Owners describe the car smoking and getting hot, with the temperature gauge not showing overheating until after smoke appears. Another report notes the gauge rising from cool to hot and losing power, which could lead to engine damage if not addressed.
One complaint says the steering locks up, brakes and traction control malfunction, and multiple warning lights come on, nearly causing a crash. Another reports brake pedal vibration at highway speed, leading to rear rotor replacement. These issues affect both stopping and control.
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Power Steering While driving yesterday, doing shopping and online order deliveries, the steering wheel started having slight resistance during turns. It became…”
“In 2015 a recall was done to repair the power steering failure issue. In October of 2021, while driving the vehicle down the highway, the power steering went out making the vehicle almost impossible to steer. Had the vehicle towed to the dealership where they…”
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 be annoying and may signal transmission or engine trouble.
A complaint lists multiple systems failing at once, including stability control, electric power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping. Another mentions subframe, driveline, and stability control components. These widespread failures can be confusing and costly to diagnose.
Owners report a several-second delay when pressing the gas pedal, with the car eventually moving. Another describes hesitation and shuddering with the check engine light. This delayed response can be a safety concern when merging or pulling out.
The electronic parking brake may not disengage, requiring a tow and a new switch that sometimes does not fix it. Another complaint notes a clicking vibrating sound from the brake pedal area, which the manufacturer calls normal but owners find concerning.
“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 MKS — 19 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Ford Taurus vehicles manufactured December 1, 2009, to July 31, 2010, and 2011-2013 Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured June 1, 2011, to October 31, 2011. In the affected vehicles, the interior door handle return spring may unseat, r…
The risk: If the interior door handle return spring is unseated, the door may unlatch in the event of a side impact crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four of the interior door handles and either repair or replace them, free of charge. The recall began March 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford Fusion vehicles without a 3.5L engine and Lincoln MKZ hybrid electric vehicles, 2011 Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine and 2013 For…
The risk: If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC). If dealers find any loss of steering assist DTCs, the steering gear will be replaced, free of charge. If, no codes…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ford Flex, 2008 and 2010-2012 Ford Taurus, 2008-2009 Ford Taurus X, 2008 Mercury Sable, 2009 and 2011 Lincoln MKS vehicles. The driver frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high spe…
The risk: An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the driver's frontal air bag module, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on June 13, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Ford Taurus vehicles manufactured December 1, 2009, to July 31, 2010, and 2011-2013 Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured June 1, 2011, to October 31, 2011. In the affected vehicles, the interior door handle return spring may unseat, r…
The risk: If the interior door handle return spring is unseated, the door may unlatch in the event of a side impact crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four of the interior door handles and either repair or replace them, free of charge. The recall began March 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's…
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 MKS or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Lincoln MKS has far fewer complaints per year (about 47) than the Toyota Camry (about 206), but the MKS reports more deaths (59 vs. 1) and more injuries (54 vs. 158) in this data. In practice, the MKS may have fewer reported problems overall, but the steering failures it does have can be sudden and dangerous. The Camry's higher complaint volume likely reflects its much larger sales, but its issues tend to be less immediately life-threatening.
Key differences
- The Lincoln MKS has a steering-focused failure pattern, with owners reporting sudden loss of power assist, while the Toyota Camry's top complaints are power train and engine hesitation.
- The MKS has 59 deaths and 54 injuries in this data, compared to 1 death and 158 injuries for the Camry, a stark difference in reported outcomes.
- The Camry averages about 206 complaints per year versus about 47 for the MKS, but the Camry sells in much higher numbers, so rate per vehicle may differ.
- Both have recalls for air bags and steering or seats, but the MKS has repeated electric power assist recalls, suggesting a persistent issue.
- Check for any open recalls on the electric power steering assist system and confirm the fix was done; test steering at low speeds for heavy or intermittent assist.
- Look for signs of overheating, such as coolant residue or a temperature gauge that rises quickly; listen for engine noise and check for smoke.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park and check for any sticking; also look for hesitation or shuddering during a test drive and scan for check engine codes.
- Try the electronic parking brake multiple times to ensure it disengages smoothly; listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all safety recalls, especially steering and air bag recalls, were completed.
- Have a mechanic inspect the power steering system on the MKS and the transmission/engine behavior on the Camry during a test drive.
- Scan for stored trouble codes, even if no warning lights are on, to catch pending issues.
- Check for symptoms specific to each car: MKS for hard steering and overheating; Camry for key-stuck, hesitation, and parking brake problems.
- Verify the number of previous owners and whether any repeated repairs match the complaint patterns in this data.
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 MKS or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lincoln MKS vs Toyota Camry
- Lincoln MKS total complaints
- 373
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Lincoln MKS total recalls
- 19
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Lincoln MKS avg complaints/year
- 46.6
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Lincoln MKS
- Lincoln MKS top complaint area
- STEERING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN