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 has 284 complaints (28.4/year) and 89 recalls, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints (205.6/year) and 31 recalls. Navigator issues include transmission failure and engine damage; Camry issues include key stuck and brake noise. 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 with 284 complaints over 10 years, averaging 28.4 per year. Owners report serious issues like transmission disengaging at highway speed, engine failure with oil contamination, and electrical modules disabling screens and seats. With 89 recalls and 20 injuries reported, it demands careful maintenance and a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with 2,056 complaints over 10 years, averaging 205.6 per year. Common reports include hesitation and shuddering, brake noises, and multiple system malfunctions. Despite 31 recalls and 1 death, it remains a popular choice, but buyers should be aware of frequent powertrain and brake complaints.
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 | 284 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 89 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 17 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 28.4 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 20 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 Navigator
- 01POWER TRAIN72
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM49
- 03ENGINE39
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER33
- 05SEAT BELTS29
Owners report the transmission unexpectedly disengaging at highway speeds, causing complete loss of propulsion, and violent downshifts. This is a critical safety issue that can leave you stranded or cause a crash.
Complaints include modules failing, which disables screens, massage seats, running boards, and other controls. These failures can be intermittent and expensive to diagnose and fix.
Reports of catastrophic engine failure at around 78,000 to 93,000 miles, often with oil contamination in cylinders and piston ring failure. This can require a full engine replacement.
With 29 complaints, seat belt issues may include pretensioner or buckle failures, which are critical for occupant safety in a crash.
“Category: Power Train -> Automatic Transmission Subject: 2020 Lincoln Navigator – Repeated Missed Warranty Repairs – Transmission Neutral-Out & Violent Downshift at Highway Speed Description: On [XXX], while traveling at approximately 70 mph on [XXX], my 2020…”
“On August 20, 2026, while traveling about 45 MPH, I accelerated to merge onto a highway while passing a slow-moving semi, with traffic approaching from behind. The transmission unexpectedly disengaged and the vehicle completely lost propulsion. The gear indic…”
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/shuddering with check engine light. These can be frustrating and may indicate transmission or electronic issues.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, and hesitation/shuddering. This can affect drivability and may signal underlying engine management problems.
Reports of electronic parking brake not disengaging, requiring towing, and clicking/vibrating noises from the ABS system. Brake issues are safety-critical and should be addressed promptly.
Multiple system malfunctions reported, including smart stop, stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping. These can compromise safety and are often difficult to diagnose.
“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 Navigator — 89 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The front axle pinion may not have been heat-treated, which can cause it to fracture.
The risk: A fractured pinion can result in a loss of 4-wheel drive and may cause the front wheels to lock up, increasng the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front axle pinion gear set. If there is a broken front axle pinion, the entire axle assembly will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 21, 2023. Owners…
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.…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150, 2021-2024 Edge, 2022-2025 Escape, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, 2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023 Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, 2022-2024 Navigator, and 2023-2024 Corsair vehicl…
The risk: A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model an…
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.
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 Navigator or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Lincoln Navigator has far fewer complaints per year (28.4 vs. 205.6), but its issues tend to be more severe, such as transmission failure and engine destruction. The Toyota Camry has more frequent complaints, but many are for less catastrophic problems like brake noise and hesitation. In practice, the Navigator may spend more time in the shop for major repairs, while the Camry may have more numerous but smaller annoyances.
Key differences
- The Lincoln Navigator has 89 recalls vs. 31 for the Toyota Camry, indicating more widespread safety fixes.
- Navigator owners report transmission disengagement and engine failure, while Camry owners report key stuck and brake noise.
- The Camry has 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries, compared to 17 crashes and 20 injuries for the Navigator, despite the Camry's higher complaint volume.
- Navigator complaints often involve electrical modules disabling multiple features, while Camry complaints include multiple system malfunctions like stability control and power steering.
- Check for transmission shuddering, delayed engagement, or any history of transmission repairs, as owners report sudden loss of propulsion.
- Inspect for engine oil contamination, listen for ticking or knocking, and check for check engine lights, as engine failure has been reported around 78,000 miles.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park; if it sticks, it may require battery disconnection, a reported issue.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area and check if the electronic parking brake disengages properly, as these are common complaints.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on both models.
- For the Navigator, have a mechanic inspect the transmission and engine compression, and check all electrical modules.
- For the Camry, test the ignition key, brake pedal feel, and all electronic safety systems during a test drive.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and brake service.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a certified mechanic familiar with the specific model's common issues.
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 | 0 |
| 2025 | 12 | 163 |
| 2024 | 16 | 50 |
| 2023 | 7 | 64 |
| 2022 | 21 | 61 |
| 2021 | 33 | 157 |
| 2020 | 32 | 274 |
| 2019 | 80 | 395 |
| 2018 | 52 | 744 |
| 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
- 284
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Lincoln Navigator total recalls
- 89
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Lincoln Navigator avg complaints/year
- 28.4
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Lincoln Navigator
- Lincoln Navigator top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN