Head-to-head reliability
Volkswagen Cabrio vs Toyota Camry
How the Volkswagen Cabrio 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 Cabrio vs Toyota Camry: The Cabrio has 87 complaints over 3 years (29/year) and 2 recalls, while the Camry has 2,143 complaints over 10 years (214.3/year) and 31 recalls. The Cabrio's issues are often electrical; the Camry's include sudden acceleration and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volkswagen Cabrio or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volkswagen Cabrio
The Volkswagen Cabrio is a small convertible that can be charming but demands attention. Over three years, owners filed 87 complaints, averaging 29 per year, with electrical problems being the most common. Many complaints describe recurring electrical glitches, engine issues, and power train failures that can lead to costly repairs. With only 2 recalls, the Cabrio's reliability picture is one of persistent, varied problems rather than a few major recalls.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream sedan with a strong reputation, but NHTSA data shows 2,143 complaints over ten years, averaging 214 per year. Power train, engine, and brake issues are frequently reported, including sudden acceleration and transmission failures. With 31 recalls, the Camry has more reported problems overall, but many are addressed through recalls. The high complaint volume suggests that even popular vehicles can have significant owner-reported issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volkswagen Cabrio | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 87 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 2 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 11 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 29.0 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 11 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 Cabrio
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM20
- 02ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING12
- 03POWER TRAIN12
- 04VISIBILITY11
- 05AIR BAGS10
Owners report speedometer freezing, air conditioning not starting, and warning lights (check engine, ABS, check trunk) coming on. One owner described electrical shorts causing smoke and possible fire, which can lead to expensive diagnostics and safety concerns.
Complaints include check engine lights appearing shortly after purchase and completely rusted exhaust systems. These issues can indicate neglected maintenance and may require costly repairs to pass emissions or run reliably.
Reports include transmission failure linked to electrical shorts and computer overheating. This can leave a buyer stranded and facing a major repair bill, as transmission replacements are expensive.
Window regulators fail, causing windows to remain open, which owners say compromises security and safety. This is a common annoyance in older convertibles and can be costly to fix.
“I HAVE HAD VARIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR THE SPEEDOMETER FREEZING OR THE SINCE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY. SOMETIMES MY AIR CONDITIONER WON'T START. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, ABS OR THE CHECK TRUNK COMES ON HAS BEEN DOING THIS SINCE THE CAR WAS UNDER WARRANT…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN CABRIO. ON AUGUST 29, 2017, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (DAVID MAUS VOLKSWAGEN, 1050 LEE RD, ORLANDO, FL 32810) FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. THE CONTACT RETURNED ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2017 TO RETRIEVE THE VEHICLE AND NOTI…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front end and transmission failure requiring replacement. Some mention recalls for similar issues, but parts may be on backorder, leaving vehicles undrivable for extended periods.
Complaints include uncontrollable sudden acceleration leading to crashes, and coolant valve bypass issues that trigger engine maintenance lights. These are serious safety and reliability concerns that can result in costly repairs or accidents.
Owners describe brake pedal going to the floor with no response, especially on slopes. This is a critical safety issue that could lead to collisions if not addressed immediately.
Recurring HVAC odors (vinegar/mildew smell) and AC condenser damage from road debris are reported. While not safety-critical, these issues affect comfort and can be expensive to diagnose and 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 Cabrio — 2 recalls
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." CHILD SEAT ANCHORAGES INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE'S REAR SEATS MUST BE IDENTIFIED BY MARKINGS, AND THEIR LOCATION AND USE BE DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUA…
The risk: THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT MARKED OR DESCRIBED AS REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.
The fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALSO ONE SET OF FOUR GUIDANCE FIXTURES INTENDED TO USE IN CONJUNCTION WITH CHILD SEATS EQUIPPED WITH RIGID OR SEMI-RIGID LOWER ANCHORAGE ATTACHMENTS. ALSO ENCLOSED WILL B…
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." CHILD SEAT ANCHORAGES INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE'S REAR SEATS MUST BE IDENTIFIED BY MARKINGS, AND THEIR LOCATION AND USE BE DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUA…
The risk: THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT MARKED OR DESCRIBED AS REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.
The fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALSO ONE SET OF FOUR GUIDANCE FIXTURES INTENDED TO USE IN CONJUNCTION WITH CHILD SEATS EQUIPPED WITH RIGID OR SEMI-RIGID LOWER ANCHORAGE ATTACHMENTS. ALSO ENCLOSED WILL B…
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 Cabrio or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Volkswagen Cabrio has far fewer complaints per year (29) than the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the Cabrio's issues are often electrical and can be chronic. The Camry's higher volume includes many recalls and serious safety complaints like sudden acceleration. In practice, the Cabrio may need more frequent small repairs, while the Camry has more reported safety-related failures.
Key differences
- The Cabrio averages 29 complaints per year, while the Camry averages 214.3, but the Camry has 31 recalls versus 2 for the Cabrio.
- Cabrio owners frequently report electrical gremlins (speedometer, AC, warning lights) and window regulator failures; Camry owners report sudden acceleration, transmission failure, and brake loss.
- The Camry has 1 death and 163 injuries reported in complaints, while the Cabrio has 0 deaths and 11 injuries, though these figures are not directly comparable due to different complaint volumes.
- Both have power train complaints, but the Cabrio's are often linked to electrical shorts, while the Camry's involve grinding noises and transmission replacement.
- Check all electrical functions: speedometer, air conditioning, warning lights, and windows. Look for signs of shorts or smoke under the hood.
- Inspect the exhaust system for rust and the transmission for slipping or failure, especially if the check engine light is on.
- Test drive at various speeds and braking conditions to check for sudden acceleration or brake pedal feel. Look for transmission grinding noises.
- Verify if any open recalls apply to the VIN, especially for air bags, seats, and wheels, and confirm they have been repaired.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the specific problem areas noted for each model.
- During the test drive, pay attention to electrical functions, transmission shifting, brake response, and any unusual noises.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission and brake services.
- For the Cabrio, check the convertible top and window regulators; for the Camry, check for HVAC odors and AC condenser damage.
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 Cabrio or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volkswagen Cabrio vs Toyota Camry
- Volkswagen Cabrio total complaints
- 87
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Volkswagen Cabrio total recalls
- 2
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Volkswagen Cabrio avg complaints/year
- 29.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Volkswagen Cabrio
- Volkswagen Cabrio top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN