Head-to-head reliability
Volkswagen EOS vs Toyota Camry
How the Volkswagen EOS 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 EOS vs Toyota Camry: The EOS had 425 complaints over 10 years (42.5/year), while the Camry had 2,143 (214.3/year). The EOS has 21 recalls and 13 crash-related complaints; the Camry has 31 recalls and 181 crash-related complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volkswagen EOS or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volkswagen EOS
The Volkswagen EOS is a two-door convertible that can be costly to maintain as it ages. Over 10 years, owners filed 425 complaints, averaging about 42.5 per year, with air bags, power train, and electrical system issues leading the list. Many air bag complaints stem from Takata inflator recalls that left owners with broken horns or steering wheel controls after repairs. Power train complaints describe sudden loss of power or transmission failure, which can be dangerous and expensive.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular midsize sedan with a generally strong reliability reputation, but it still generates many complaints. Over 10 years, there were 2,143 complaints, averaging about 214.3 per year, with power train, unknown or other, and engine issues most common. Some owners report transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, and brake problems. While the Camry has more total complaints, that reflects its much higher sales volume.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volkswagen EOS | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 425 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 21 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 13 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 42.5 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 8 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 EOS
- 01AIR BAGS168
- 02POWER TRAIN102
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM51
- 04ENGINE48
- 05SERVICE BRAKES34
Owners report that after Takata air bag inflator recalls, the horn, ignition lock, and steering wheel controls may stop working, often costing $700 or more to fix. This matters because a safety recall repair can lead to unexpected electrical problems.
Complaints describe the car suddenly slowing to about 20 mph and not accelerating, or the transmission losing service and feeling like it shifted into neutral. These failures can leave a driver stranded or in a dangerous situation.
Beyond air bag recall issues, one owner reported a passenger seat heater malfunction that burned the seat. Electrical gremlins can be frustrating and costly to diagnose.
A broken timing belt tensioner caused major engine damage in one case, and another owner experienced power loss and a shift into neutral. Engine problems can lead to expensive repairs or replacement.
“I TOOK THE CAR IN AS PART OF THE TAKATA INFLATOR RECALL. EVERYTHING IN THE CAR WAS WORKING WHEN I DROPPED OFF THE CAR. NOW THE DEALERSHIP WANTS $700 PLUS TO REPAIR THE HORN, IGNITION LOCK, CONTROLS ON THE STEERING WHEEL THAT CONTROL THE VOLUME AND MENU BUTTON…”
“TAKATA RECALL ON 10/19/18 I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP SO THAT THEY COULD INSTALL THE NEW AIRBAG INFLATOR KIT DUE TO THE RECALL. A FEW DAYS LATER I NOTICED MY HORN WAS NOT WORKING. I RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP ON 11/9/18 ONLY TO BE TOLD I NEED TO REPLACE T…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front during acceleration, with dealers confirming transmission replacement is needed. Others describe sudden acceleration incidents, including one that ended in a crash.
Complaints include AC condenser damage from road debris and a persistent mildew or vinegar smell from the vents. These issues affect comfort and can be costly to repair.
Some owners experience uncontrollable sudden acceleration, and others see a coolant valve bypass code that may not be covered by recall for their VIN. These can be safety and reliability concerns.
One owner reported no brake response while driving down a steep hill, requiring emergency action. Brake failure is a critical safety issue.
“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 EOS — 21 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015 Passat, 2015-2016 Eos, 2015-2017 CC, 2016-2017 TT Roadster, TT Coupe, 2017 Audi R8 Coupe, and R8 Spyder vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 4, 2019. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period ma…
The risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer se…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015 Passat, 2015-2016 Eos, 2015-2017 CC, 2016-2017 TT Roadster, TT Coupe, 2017 Audi R8 Coupe, and R8 Spyder vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 4, 2019. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Volkswagen CC, 2010-2014 Golf, 2010-2014 Eos, 2007-2010 Passat Sedan and Wagon, and 2012-2014 Passat vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 16, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.…
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 EOS or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Volkswagen EOS has far fewer complaints per year (about 42.5) than the Toyota Camry (about 214.3), but the Camry sells in much higher numbers, so per-vehicle rates may be closer. In practice, the EOS owner faces fewer reported issues overall, but the Camry's issues are more widely documented due to its popularity.
Key differences
- The EOS has 425 complaints over 10 years, while the Camry has 2,143, but the Camry sells in far greater numbers.
- Air bag issues dominate EOS complaints, often tied to Takata recalls, while Camry complaints are spread across power train, engine, and brakes.
- EOS owners report sudden power loss and transmission failure; Camry owners report transmission grinding and sudden acceleration.
- The EOS has 21 recalls and 13 crash-related complaints; the Camry has 31 recalls and 181 crash-related complaints.
- Check that the horn, ignition lock, and steering wheel controls work properly, as these often fail after Takata air bag recall repairs.
- Test drive at highway speeds and watch for sudden loss of power or transmission slipping, which owners report.
- Listen for grinding noises from the front during acceleration, which may indicate transmission problems.
- Test the brakes on a downhill slope and be alert for any delay or failure, as one owner reported no brake response.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls, especially Takata air bag recalls, have been completed.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and engine for signs of failure or unusual noises.
- Test all electrical components, including horn, steering wheel controls, and seat heaters.
- For the Camry, check for transmission grinding and test the brakes on varied road conditions.
- For the EOS, verify that the timing belt and tensioner have been serviced if applicable.
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 EOS or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volkswagen EOS vs Toyota Camry
- Volkswagen EOS total complaints
- 425
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Volkswagen EOS total recalls
- 21
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Volkswagen EOS avg complaints/year
- 42.5
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Volkswagen EOS
- Volkswagen EOS top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN