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 29.5 complaints per year with steering failures, while the Camry averages 205.6 with power train and brake issues. Both have 31 recalls. The MKT has fewer complaints but more severe steering risks. 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 is a low-volume luxury crossover, averaging about 29.5 complaints per year over 10 years. The most common complaint area is steering, with owners reporting sudden power steering failure and smoke from turbo issues. Structural problems like shattering moonroofs and falling trim also appear. With 31 recalls, including rear suspension and turbocharger issues, living with an MKT means staying on top of recall notices and being alert for steering loss.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a high-volume family sedan, averaging about 205.6 complaints per year over 10 years. Complaints span the power train, engine, brakes, and electrical systems, with reports of stuck ignition keys, hesitation, and brake noise. There are 171 crash-related complaints and 1 death reported. With 31 recalls covering air bag sensors and seats, the Camry's higher complaint volume reflects its much larger sales, but owners still report a range of functional problems.
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 | 295 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 31 | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 6 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 29.5 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 5 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 MKT
- 01STEERING101
- 02STRUCTURE48
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER43
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM28
- 05BACK OVER PREVENTION24
Owners report sudden power steering failure mid-turn, causing the vehicle to veer into oncoming traffic. This is a serious safety concern because it can happen without warning and makes the car hard to control.
Complaints include moonroofs shattering unexpectedly during normal rain and keyless entry trim falling off while driving. These failures can lead to water damage, noise, or debris flying into traffic.
Owners describe check engine lights for lean conditions, backup cameras blinking on and off, and power steering sensor faults. These electrical glitches can distract the driver and may indicate deeper sensor or wiring problems.
The rear camera alert sometimes fails to warn when a person or vehicle is behind the car while reversing. This reduces driver awareness and increases the risk of a low-speed collision.
“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…”
“ON 12/10/2018 AT 5 PM I MADE A RIGHT TURN TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC WHEN MY POWER STEERING FAILED MID TURN. SHOCKED AND SURPRISED AT TO WHAT WAS HAPPENING, I VEERED INTO THE ON COMING TRAFFIC NOT BEING ABLE TO KEEP THE VEHICLE IN THE PROPER LANE BECAUSE OF THE AM…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove, and hesitation or shuddering while driving. These issues can leave you stranded or cause delayed acceleration in traffic.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, with the car taking several seconds to move. This lag can be dangerous when merging or crossing an intersection.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow, and a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area is common. Brake problems affect stopping confidence and can lead to costly repairs.
Multiple systems like stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring can malfunction simultaneously. Such widespread electrical failures can overwhelm the driver and compromise safety features.
“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 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 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…
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 MKT or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Lincoln MKT has far fewer complaints per year (29.5 vs. 205.6), but its steering and structural issues are severe and potentially dangerous. The Toyota Camry's higher complaint count reflects its much larger sales volume, yet its problems are more varied and include brake and power train faults. In practice, the MKT may have fewer overall issues, but the Camry's issues are more widespread and may be easier to diagnose due to a larger owner community.
Key differences
- The Lincoln MKT has a much lower complaint rate per year (29.5 vs. 205.6), but its top issue is steering failure, which can cause loss of control.
- The Toyota Camry's most common complaint area is the power train, with reports of stuck ignition keys and hesitation, affecting everyday drivability.
- The MKT has structural complaints like shattering moonroofs, while the Camry has brake issues such as the electronic parking brake failing to disengage.
- Both have 31 recalls, but the MKT's recalls include rear suspension and turbocharger, while the Camry's include air bag sensors and seats.
- During a test drive, check for any hesitation or stiffness in steering, and ask if the power steering sensor or pump has been replaced.
- Inspect the moonroof for cracks or previous repairs, and test the keyless entry trim to ensure it is secure.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park multiple times, and check for any delay or shuddering during acceleration.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises when pressing the brake pedal, and verify the electronic parking brake engages and disengages properly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recall repairs have been completed, especially for steering (MKT) and air bags (Camry).
- Have a mechanic inspect the power steering system on the MKT and the electronic parking brake on the Camry.
- Test drive both vehicles in conditions that mimic your daily routine, including highway merging and reversing, to feel for hesitation or steering issues.
- Check for any warning lights on the dashboard, especially check engine, power steering, and brake warnings.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and specifically inquire about any prior repairs to the transmission, brakes, or electrical systems.
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 | 17 | 395 |
| 2018 | 7 | 744 |
| 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
- 295
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Lincoln MKT total recalls
- 31
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Lincoln MKT avg complaints/year
- 29.5
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Lincoln MKT
- Lincoln MKT top complaint area
- STEERING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN