Last updated: 2026-07-26

Ford Fusion vs Toyota Camry: Reliability Compared

Ford Fusion reliability comparison

Ford Fusion

69
GoodReliability score: 69 out of 100, rated Good
VS
More ReliableToyota Camry reliability comparison

Toyota Camry

78
GoodReliability score: 78 out of 100, rated Good

Choosing between the Ford Fusion and the Toyota Camry? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize sedans.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Toyota Camry currently leads with an average score of 78/100 compared to 69/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Ford Fusion and Toyota Camry Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Toyota Camry is in its eighth generation, which was introduced in 2018 and last redesigned in 2023. This puts it early in its current generation cycle, where newer platforms can sometimes experience first-year issues. However, the Camry's reputation for reliability often means these issues are quickly resolved. The Ford Fusion's second generation ran from 2013 to 2023, with facelifts in 2017 and 2019. The Fusion's mature platform typically indicates well-sorted reliability, benefiting from years of refinement and updates. Buyers often find mature models like the Fusion to be more reliable due to their established engineering and resolved early-generation issues.

Verdict

The Toyota Camry is more reliable than the Ford Fusion, scoring 78/100 vs 69/100.

The Toyota Camry demonstrates superior reliability with an average reliability score of 78/100 compared to the Ford Fusion's 69/100. Despite having more total recalls over a longer period, the Camry's owner complaints are significantly lower at 2.1 per 10,000 sold versus the Fusion's 21.1, indicating better long-term owner satisfaction. Additionally, the Camry benefits from lower estimated annual repair costs of $388 compared to the Fusion's $581. These factors make the Camry a more reliable choice in the midsize sedan segment.

Key Differences

  1. 1Toyota Camry costs $193 less per year to repair
  2. 2Ford Fusion has 27 fewer total recalls
  3. 3Toyota Camry has 19.0 fewer complaints per 10k sold

Category Scoreboard

1Ford Fusion
—
4Toyota Camry
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateAnnual Repair CostRepair FrequencyMajor Repair RiskSafety Rating

Ford Fusion vs Toyota Camry: Which Is More Reliable?

Ford Fusion vs Toyota Camry at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricFord FusionToyota Camry
Reliability Score69/10078/100
Years Tracked39
Total Recalls835
Complaints per 10k Sold21.12.1
Annual Repair Cost$581/yr$388/yr
Repair Frequency0.3/yr0.3/yr
Major Repair Risk12%11%
Safety RatingNHTSA overall
2020 NHTSA
2026 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins12

What Are the Common Problems With the Ford Fusion and Toyota Camry?

The Toyota Camry and Ford Fusion exhibit distinct problem profiles in their reliability data. The Camry shows a higher total number of complaints, with significant issues in the power train and air bags, the latter being notably crash-linked with 58 incidents. In contrast, the Ford Fusion's primary concerns lie with the engine and power train, with the engine accounting for the majority of its complaints, although it has fewer crash-linked incidents overall. While both vehicles face challenges with their electrical systems, the Fusion has fewer air bag complaints, suggesting a different focus on safety-related issues compared to the Camry.

Ford Fusion vs Toyota Camry common problem areas comparison
ComponentFord FusionToyota Camry
ENGINE5.7Average0.1Very Low
POWER TRAIN5Average0.4Very Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING2.9Low—None
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2.6Low0.2Very Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER0.8Very Low0.2Very Low
STEERING0.8Very Low0.1Very Low
AIR BAGS0.3Very Low0.2Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES0.2Very Low0.2Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL0.2Very Low0.1Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM0.1Very Low0.1Very Low
FUEL SYSTEM0.1Very Low0.1Very Low
SEAT BELTS0.1Very Low—None
SUSPENSION—None—None
TIRES—None—None
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE—None—None
STRUCTURE—None—None
VISIBILITY/WIPER—None—None
EXTERIOR LIGHTING—None—None
VISIBILITY—None—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Ford Fusion or Toyota Camry?

The Toyota Camry offers a more economical choice for maintenance and repair costs compared to the Ford Fusion. With an annual repair cost of $388, the Camry is significantly less expensive than the Fusion, which averages $581 annually—translating to a $193 difference each year, or nearly $965 over five years. Both vehicles have the same repair frequency of 0.3 visits per year, but the Camry carries a slightly lower major repair risk at 11%, compared to the Fusion's 12%. For cost-conscious buyers, the Camry provides better value, combining lower costs with a marginally reduced risk of major repairs, according to industry estimates.

How Does Ford Fusion vs Toyota Camry Reliability Compare by Year?

Ford Fusion vs Toyota Camry year-by-year reliability scores
YearFord FusionToyota CamryEdge
202071/1003R / 176C75/1005R / 253CToyota Camry
201968/1003R / 370C70/1008R / 364CToyota Camry
201868/1002R / 429C65/1008R / 708CFord Fusion

Best years to cross-shop: The 2020 Ford Fusion scored 71/100 and the 2020 Toyota Camry scored 75/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Ford Fusion vs the Toyota Camry?

If you prioritize low running costs and dependability, the Toyota Camry is the better choice. With a reliability score of 78/100 and an estimated annual repair cost of $388, it offers peace of mind for budget-conscious drivers. The Camry has a lower owner complaint rate of 2.1 per 10,000 sold, suggesting a more satisfying ownership experience. Despite having more recalls, its major repair risk is slightly lower at 11%, indicating fewer serious issues over time. On the other hand, if you are more concerned about fewer recalls and are willing to handle higher repair costs, consider the Ford Fusion. It has only 8 recalls but comes with a higher estimated annual repair cost of $581 and a major repair risk of 12%. The Fusion's owner complaints are significantly higher, with 21.1 complaints per 10,000 sold, which might be a concern for those seeking a trouble-free ride. Choose the Fusion if you prioritize recall history but are prepared for potential maintenance challenges.

Ford Fusion vs Toyota Camry: Common Questions

Is the Ford Fusion more reliable than the Toyota Camry?
Based on our data, the Toyota Camry is more reliable with an average score of 78/100 compared to 69/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Ford Fusion or the Toyota Camry?
The Toyota Camry has more recalls (35) compared to the Ford Fusion (8). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Ford Fusion or the Toyota Camry?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Toyota Camry has a lower complaint rate at 2.1 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 21.1 for the Ford Fusion. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Ford Fusion or the Toyota Camry?
Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Toyota Camry is cheaper to maintain at $388/year versus $581/year for the Ford Fusion.
Is the Ford Fusion or Toyota Camry safer?
Both the Ford Fusion and Toyota Camry received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

Related Reliability Comparisons

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How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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