Head-to-head reliability
Volkswagen Atlas vs Toyota Camry
How the Volkswagen Atlas 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
Volkswagen Atlas vs Toyota Camry: The Atlas averages 221 complaints per year and has 77 recalls, while the Camry averages 205.6 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The Camry has more crash-related reports (171 vs. 38) and one death. Both need careful inspection. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volkswagen Atlas or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volkswagen Atlas
The Volkswagen Atlas is a three-row SUV that has been on the road for nine years, averaging 221 complaints per year. Owners frequently report electrical glitches, air bag warnings, engine shutdowns, and brake problems. With 77 recalls and 58 injuries reported, it demands careful inspection before purchase.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a 10-year history and an average of 206 complaints per year. Power train issues like shuddering and key removal problems, along with brake noises, are common. It has fewer recalls (31) but more crash-related reports (171) and one death, so a thorough check is still essential.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volkswagen Atlas | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,989 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 77 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 38 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 221.0 | 205.6 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 58 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.
Volkswagen Atlas
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM484
- 02AIR BAGS375
- 03ENGINE371
- 04SERVICE BRAKES353
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER305
Owners report multiple warning lights (check engine, EPC), windows that won't open, and error messages for driver door contact switch and electronic parking brake. These glitches can leave you stranded or distract while driving.
Complaints include front collision alerts and automatic braking when nothing is in the path, plus air bag warning lights. This unexpected braking could cause a rear-end collision, and air bag faults may mean they won't deploy in a crash.
The engine can shut off while idling, at low speeds, or even on the highway, showing 'START STOP' errors. This sudden loss of power is dangerous, especially in traffic or school zones.
Reports include a soft brake pedal that sinks to the floor and electronic parking brake faults. Loss of hydraulic pressure means longer stopping distances or complete brake failure.
“We've had our Atlas since 5/2020. Since then, we've had multiple issues similar to what I have seen reported on VW's upcoming recall. I am not sure how VW intends to identify which VIN's are an issue, but ours should probably be included. Here's a list of iss…”
“In the beginning of Novemeber 2021 with 7680 miles an alarm stating Error: Driver door contact switch Fault: Electronic parking brake Attention: Engine is running. Error: Start Stop The check engine light/EPC lights were on. Windows do not open or open about…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners describe the ignition key getting stuck even when in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove. Others report hesitation and shuddering with the check engine light on, which can affect drivability and lead to costly repairs.
Multiple systems—smart stop, stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—can malfunction simultaneously. This cluster of failures makes the car unpredictable and hard to control.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, with the car taking several seconds to move. This lag can be risky when merging or crossing intersections.
The electronic parking brake may not disengage, requiring a tow, and a clicking/vibrating noise from the brake pedal area is common. These issues can prevent the car from moving or indicate ABS problems.
“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.
Volkswagen Atlas — 77 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Atlas and 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles equipped with accessory side steps. The reduced Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) label, reflecting the additional weight of the side steps, was not installed. As such, thes…
The risk: Without the reduced GVWR label, the vehicle could be overloaded, leading to a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install the reduced GVWR label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 09D9.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Atlas, 2020-2023 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021-2023 Atlas FL vehicles. The door wiring harness electrical contacts may corrode, disrupting the electrical connection and delaying the deployment of the driver or passenger fro…
The risk: A delayed air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will secure and, as necessary, replace any the front door wiring harnesses showing a fault code, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Golf Alltrack, Golf R GP, Audi Q3, Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas, Golf A7, Audi A3, 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021 Atlas FL vehicles. The t…
The risk: An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audis customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Atlas and 2020 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may experience a fault in the wiring and deactivate the front passenger air bag when the seat is occupied.
The risk: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 22, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall…
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
Volkswagen Atlas or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has slightly fewer complaints per year (205.6 vs. 221.0) and far fewer recalls (31 vs. 77). However, the Camry has more crash-related reports (171 vs. 38) and one death, while the Atlas has none. In practice, the Camry may have fewer overall visits to the shop, but both need a pre-purchase inspection focused on their known trouble spots.
Key differences
- The Atlas has 77 recalls versus 31 for the Camry, meaning more potential safety fixes to verify.
- Camry owners report power train issues like stuck keys and shuddering, while Atlas owners report electrical glitches and engine shutdowns.
- The Camry has 171 crash-related complaints and 1 death; the Atlas has 38 crash-related complaints and 0 deaths.
- Atlas complaints often involve multiple warning lights and unexpected braking; Camry complaints include delayed throttle and brake noise.
- Check for any history of engine shutting off while idling or at low speeds—test drive in stop-and-go traffic and listen for 'START STOP' errors.
- Inspect all electrical functions: windows, door switches, parking brake, and warning lights. Look for signs of repeated electrical repairs.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park—if it sticks, it could be a recurring power train defect.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating from the brake pedal and check if the electronic parking brake disengages properly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for the Atlas (77 recalls) and Camry (31 recalls).
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the model, focusing on the top complaint areas: electrical and engine for Atlas; power train and brakes for Camry.
- During the test drive, simulate stop-and-go traffic, highway merging, and parking to check for engine shutdowns (Atlas) or throttle lag (Camry).
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and specifically inquire about any repairs related to warning lights, brake issues, or transmission problems.
- Check for open recalls by VIN on the NHTSA website before purchase and ensure they are fixed.
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 | Volkswagen Atlas | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 9 | 0 |
| 2025 | 49 | 163 |
| 2024 | 171 | 50 |
| 2023 | 133 | 64 |
| 2022 | 183 | 61 |
| 2021 | 473 | 157 |
| 2020 | 27 | 274 |
| 2019 | 480 | 395 |
| 2018 | 464 | 744 |
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 Volkswagen Atlas or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volkswagen Atlas vs Toyota Camry
- Volkswagen Atlas total complaints
- 1,989
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Volkswagen Atlas total recalls
- 77
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Volkswagen Atlas avg complaints/year
- 221.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- Volkswagen Atlas top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN