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 216.6 complaints per year with 75 recalls, while the Camry averages 214.3 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The Camry has more crash-related complaints (181 vs. 37) and injuries (163 vs. 56). 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 9 years, generating an average of 216.6 complaints per year. Owners frequently report electrical glitches, air bag warnings, engine stalling, and brake problems. With 75 recalls and 56 injuries reported, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection before purchase.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a 10-year history and an average of 214.3 complaints per year. Power train issues, engine problems, and brake complaints are common, along with 181 crash-related reports and 163 injuries. It has fewer recalls (31) but a higher number of crash-related complaints than the Atlas.
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 | 1,949 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 75 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 37 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 216.6 | 214.3 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 56 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.
Volkswagen Atlas
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM473
- 02AIR BAGS373
- 03ENGINE363
- 04SERVICE BRAKES350
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER294
Owners report multiple warning lights (check engine, EPC), error messages for driver door contact switch and electronic parking brake, and windows that won't open. These electrical gremlins can leave you stranded or unable to secure the vehicle.
Complaints include front collision alerts and automatic braking when nothing is in the path, which could cause a rear-end collision. Air bag warning lights and sensor issues are also reported, potentially affecting air bag deployment.
Several owners describe the vehicle stalling in traffic or turning itself off at stop lights and in parking lots, with error messages like 'START STOP.' This sudden loss of power is dangerous and can leave you stuck in intersections.
Reports include brake booster and master cylinder failure, leading to a hard brake pedal and reduced braking ability. Electronic parking brake faults are also common, which can affect stopping reliability.
“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 TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front end during acceleration, often traced to transmission failure requiring replacement. Some also experience sudden acceleration, which has led to crashes.
Complaints include uncontrollable sudden acceleration and coolant valve bypass issues that trigger maintenance warnings. These problems can cause loss of control or unexpected repair costs.
Some drivers report a complete lack of brake response when pressing the pedal, especially on hills or when slowing down. This is a serious safety concern that needs immediate attention.
While not as frequent as other issues, electrical problems can include HVAC odors and sensor malfunctions. These are less likely to strand you but can be annoying and costly to fix.
“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.
Volkswagen Atlas — 75 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 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
Volkswagen Atlas or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has a slightly lower average complaints per year (214.3 vs. 216.6) and far fewer recalls (31 vs. 75). However, the Camry has more crash-related complaints (181 vs. 37) and injuries (163 vs. 56), suggesting that when problems occur, they may be more severe. In practice, the Atlas may have more frequent minor electrical and brake issues, while the Camry's issues tend to be more serious power train and acceleration problems.
Key differences
- The Atlas has 75 recalls vs. the Camry's 31, meaning more potential safety fixes to track.
- Camry owners report sudden acceleration and transmission failures, while Atlas owners report electrical faults and stalling.
- The Camry has 181 crash-related complaints compared to the Atlas's 37, indicating more severe incidents.
- Atlas complaints often involve multiple warning lights and brake booster failure; Camry complaints include brake pedal going to the floor and HVAC odors.
- Check for any stored error messages related to the electronic parking brake, driver door contact switch, or start-stop system.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for a hard pedal or reduced assist, which could indicate brake booster or master cylinder failure.
- Listen for grinding noises from the front end during acceleration, which may signal transmission problems.
- Test the brakes on a hill or incline to ensure the pedal responds normally and doesn't go to the floor.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system and brakes on the Atlas, and the transmission and brakes on the Camry.
- Test drive both vehicles in various conditions, including stop-and-go traffic and hills, to check for stalling or brake issues.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission or brake work.
- Verify that all recall repairs have been completed by checking with a dealership using the VIN.
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 | 8 | 119 |
| 2025 | 42 | 153 |
| 2024 | 167 | 48 |
| 2023 | 129 | 62 |
| 2022 | 178 | 59 |
| 2021 | 464 | 155 |
| 2020 | 27 | 270 |
| 2019 | 473 | 393 |
| 2018 | 461 | 736 |
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
- 1,949
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Volkswagen Atlas total recalls
- 75
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Volkswagen Atlas avg complaints/year
- 216.6
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- Volkswagen Atlas top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN