Head-to-head reliability
Lincoln MKT vs Toyota Camry
How the Lincoln MKT 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 MKT vs Toyota Camry: The MKT averages 29.3 complaints per year, with notable moonroof shattering and steering assist failures. The Camry averages 214.3 complaints per year, including transmission and brake issues. Both have 31 recalls. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lincoln MKT or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lincoln MKT
The Lincoln MKT, a large luxury crossover, shows a reliability profile dominated by steering and structural issues. Owners report power steering assist failures at startup and, more alarmingly, multiple instances of the front moonroof shattering spontaneously, often in normal rain. These are not just inconveniences; they point to potential safety concerns and costly repairs. With an average of 29.3 complaints per year, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection and a robust warranty.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a popular midsize sedan, has a much higher complaint volume (214.3 per year) but covers a wider range of issues. The most frequent complaints involve the powertrain, with reports of grinding noises and transmission failures, and engine problems, including sudden acceleration incidents. Brake issues, such as a complete loss of response, are also reported. While the Camry's high volume partly reflects its popularity, the nature of these complaints suggests that buyers should be vigilant about transmission and brake health.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lincoln MKT | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 293 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 31 | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 6 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 29.3 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 MKT
- 01STEERING100
- 02STRUCTURE48
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER43
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM28
- 05BACK OVER PREVENTION24
Owners report power steering assist failures at startup, with warning messages on the dash. This can make the car difficult to steer, especially at low speeds, and may require towing to the dealer.
The most alarming issue is the moonroof shattering spontaneously, often while driving in normal rain. Owners describe a loud noise and glass flying, which is a serious safety hazard. Also, exterior trim pieces like the keyless entry pad can fall off while driving.
Problems include the trunk not opening via remote or dash button, and the engine light coming on with a 'running lean' code. Backup cameras may also intermittently fail, affecting visibility and safety.
“Car begin smoking out of the back took car to dealership car oil was low. Car dealership refilled oil and told me to come back after driving 1000 miles. Car began smoking again like it was going to catch on fire took car in was told the turbo boost failed. De…”
“The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKT. The contact stated that at start-up the power steering assist failed to operate as needed with the power steering assist message on the instrument panel. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front end upon acceleration, with dealers confirming transmission issues that often require replacement. This is a major repair that can be costly and leave the car out of service.
There are reports of sudden, uncontrollable acceleration, which is extremely dangerous and has led to crashes. Additionally, some owners see a maintenance required light for a coolant valve bypass that is under recall for other VINs, but not theirs, causing confusion and potential overheating.
Some owners describe a complete loss of brake response when pressing the pedal, such as on a downhill slope. This is a critical safety issue that requires immediate attention.
“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 MKT — 31 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Lincoln MKT and Ford Flex and Taurus vehicles with the Police Interceptor or SHO Performance Pack. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
The risk: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. Remedy parts are not currently available. Owners were notified about the recall on March 3, 2020. A second notice will be mailed when remedy p…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Taurus, 2016-2017 Ford Flex, Lincoln MKT, 2017 Ford Explorer and Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines. Improperly brazed turbocharger oil supply tubes may leak oil on engine components.
The risk: An oil leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the turbocharger oil supply tubes, free of charge. The recall began on January 31, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKT vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
The risk: Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will repair the B-pillar trim, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 23, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in July 2026. Owner…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Lincoln MKT vehicles with a limousine or hearse preparation package, manufactured March 6, 2012, to March 10, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the vacuum pump relay may overheat due to an internal fault or contamination.
The risk: If the vacuum pump relay overheats, there is an increased risk of a vehicle fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the vacuum pump relay with a new electro-mechanical relay, free of charge. The recall began on July 6, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for th…
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 MKT or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Lincoln MKT has fewer complaints per year (29.3) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the MKT's issues are more concentrated in safety-critical areas like steering and glass breakage. The Camry's higher volume includes many minor issues, but the presence of sudden acceleration and brake failures is concerning. In practice, the MKT may require more frequent repairs for specific known problems, while the Camry's issues are more varied and could affect a larger number of vehicles.
Key differences
- The MKT has a specific, dangerous issue with the moonroof shattering, while the Camry has no such structural glass problem.
- The Camry has a higher rate of powertrain complaints, including transmission failures and sudden acceleration, which are more severe than the MKT's steering assist issues.
- The MKT's electrical problems are relatively minor (trunk, backup camera), whereas the Camry's brake failures are potentially life-threatening.
- The MKT's complaint count is lower, but the Camry's higher count may be due to its larger sales volume, not necessarily a worse reliability record.
- Inspect the moonroof for any cracks or signs of stress, and ask if it has been replaced before. Check for any open recalls related to the structure.
- Test the power steering at startup and during low-speed maneuvers to ensure it engages properly without warning lights.
- Listen for any grinding noises during acceleration and have the transmission fluid checked and the system scanned for codes.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including a hard stop from moderate speed, to ensure there is no loss of pressure or response.
Before you buy
- Check the vehicle's recall status on the NHTSA website for both models and ensure all open recalls are addressed.
- For the MKT, specifically ask about any prior moonroof replacements and inspect the glass and seals.
- For the Camry, request a transmission fluid analysis and a diagnostic scan for any stored codes related to the powertrain.
- Take both vehicles for an extended test drive that includes highway speeds, stop-and-go traffic, and parking lot maneuvers to feel for any steering or brake anomalies.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the steering, suspension, and electrical systems for the MKT, and the transmission, brakes, and engine for the Camry.
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 MKT | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 16 | 393 |
| 2018 | 7 | 736 |
| 2017 | 3 | 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 MKT or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lincoln MKT vs Toyota Camry
- Lincoln MKT total complaints
- 293
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Lincoln MKT total recalls
- 31
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Lincoln MKT avg complaints/year
- 29.3
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Lincoln MKT
- Lincoln MKT top complaint area
- STEERING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN