Head-to-head reliability
Lincoln Navigator vs Toyota Camry
How the Lincoln Navigator 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 Navigator vs Toyota Camry: The Navigator averages 27.3 complaints per year with 89 recalls, while the Camry averages 214.3 complaints with 31 recalls. Navigator issues often involve engine fires and transmission problems; Camry complaints include brake failure and sudden acceleration. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lincoln Navigator or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lincoln Navigator
The Lincoln Navigator is a large luxury SUV that averages about 27 complaints per year over the past decade, with 89 recalls and 16 crash-related reports. Owners frequently describe serious issues like transmission shifting into neutral, engine fires, and electrical glitches that can require repeated dealer visits. While the total complaint count is lower than the Camry's, the Navigator's problems often involve expensive powertrain and electrical systems, and some reports mention injuries.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a much higher complaint volume—about 214 per year—but far fewer recalls (31) than the Navigator. Common owner reports include transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, brake failure, and air conditioning odors. Despite the high number of complaints, the Camry has a long-standing reputation for dependability, though the data shows that certain model years 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 Navigator | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 273 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 89 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 16 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 27.3 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 15 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 Navigator
- 01POWER TRAIN69
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM47
- 03ENGINE39
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER31
- 05SEAT BELTS26
Owners report vibrations at highway speeds (70-85 mph) that persist even after tire balancing, driveshaft replacement, and transfer case work. Others describe the transmission unexpectedly shifting into neutral while driving, which can be dangerous if it happens in traffic.
Complaints include spontaneous braking on the interstate, window malfunctions, and key fob issues that require multiple dealer visits. One owner reported a vehicle returned to service five times for the same unresolved electrical problems.
There are reports of engine fires occurring while parked, with popping noises and flames seeping from under the hood. Another owner described the vehicle lurching forward and crashing into a garage door before shutting down.
Some owners report sudden explosions or shattered glass, such as a rear windshield exploding when a door was closed. These incidents can be frightening and may indicate structural or manufacturing defects.
“The vehicle has a vibration at interstate speeds 70-85 mph. The dealership has rebalanced the tires that came on the car, installed new tires and road forced balanced, replaced transfer case, rear drive shaft, but different size tires on car, and done another…”
“The contact owns a 2024 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH on several occasions, the transmission independently shifted into neutral(N). The contact stated that during each failure, the drive(D) button was pressed wi…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front end during acceleration, often diagnosed as transmission failure requiring replacement. Some also describe sudden acceleration incidents, including one that resulted in a crash and total loss.
Common complaints include air conditioning condenser damage from road debris and persistent mildew or vinegar odors from the vents. These issues are annoying and can be costly to repair, though not typically safety-critical.
Sudden uncontrollable acceleration has been reported multiple times, sometimes leading to crashes. Another owner cited a coolant valve bypass recall issue that was not covered for their specific VIN, leaving a safety concern unresolved.
Some drivers experienced a complete loss of brake response, such as when driving down a steep hill with curves. This is a severe safety risk, and owners should have the brake system thoroughly inspected.
“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 Navigator — 89 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, 2024 Expedition and 2024 Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine. The engines may have a misaligned engine cup plug, which can result in a rapid oil leak.
The risk: A rapid oil leak can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the engine cup plug alignment, and replace the plug if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 23, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for th…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement…
The risk: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Expedition, and 2024 Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines. The engine may have a misaligned engine cup plug, which can result in a rapid oil leak.
The risk: A rapid oil leak can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the engine cup plug alignment, and replace the plug if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Navigator and Expedition vehicles. The front brake lines may contact the engine air cleaner outlet pipe and become damaged, possibly resulting in a brake fluid leak and reduced brake function.
The risk: A loss of brake function increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the front brake line and replace the brake line or air cleaner outlet pipe, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.…
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 Navigator or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Lincoln Navigator has far fewer complaints per year (27.3 vs. 214.3) and fewer crash-related reports (16 vs. 181), but its issues often involve costly powertrain and electrical failures. The Toyota Camry, despite more complaints, has fewer recalls and a broader support network, though brake and acceleration problems can be life-threatening. In practice, the Navigator may spend more time in the shop for complex repairs, while the Camry's higher complaint volume reflects its much larger sales base.
Key differences
- The Lincoln Navigator averages 27.3 complaints per year, while the Toyota Camry averages 214.3—but the Camry has far more vehicles on the road.
- Navigator owners report engine fires and transmission shifting into neutral; Camry owners report brake failure and sudden acceleration.
- The Navigator has 89 recalls versus 31 for the Camry, meaning more factory-issued fixes for the SUV.
- Camry complaints include AC odors and condenser damage, which are less severe than the Navigator's electrical and powertrain failures.
- During a test drive, feel for vibrations at highway speeds (70-85 mph) that don't go away after tire balancing—this could indicate a deeper drivetrain issue.
- Ask for service records showing any transmission or electrical repairs; multiple visits for the same issue (like spontaneous braking or window malfunctions) are a warning sign.
- Listen for grinding noises from the front end during acceleration, which may mean the transmission needs replacement.
- Test the brakes on a downhill slope if possible; any sponginess or lack of response could indicate a serious brake system defect.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models using the NHTSA VIN lookup tool.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the transmission and electrical systems, especially on the Navigator, for signs of the reported issues.
- For the Camry, specifically ask the mechanic to check the brake system and look for any signs of sudden acceleration or transmission grinding.
- Request all service records and note any repeated repairs for the same problem—this can reveal a lemon or ongoing defect.
- During a test drive, replicate common driving scenarios: highway speeds for the Navigator, and stop-and-go traffic plus braking 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 Navigator | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 119 |
| 2025 | 11 | 153 |
| 2024 | 15 | 48 |
| 2023 | 6 | 62 |
| 2022 | 20 | 59 |
| 2021 | 32 | 155 |
| 2020 | 31 | 270 |
| 2019 | 75 | 393 |
| 2018 | 52 | 736 |
| 2017 | 31 | 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 Navigator or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lincoln Navigator vs Toyota Camry
- Lincoln Navigator total complaints
- 273
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Lincoln Navigator total recalls
- 89
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Lincoln Navigator avg complaints/year
- 27.3
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Lincoln Navigator
- Lincoln Navigator top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN