Head-to-head reliability
Volkswagen Jetta vs Toyota Camry
How the Volkswagen Jetta 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 Jetta vs Toyota Camry: The Jetta averages 100.9 complaints per year, while the Camry averages 214.3. Jetta owners report stalling and fuel leaks; Camry owners report transmission grinding and brake failure. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volkswagen Jetta or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volkswagen Jetta
The Volkswagen Jetta, over the past decade, has been a compact sedan with a notable number of owner complaints, averaging about 101 per year. The most frequent issues revolve around electrical system failures, engine problems, and powertrain concerns. Owners report sudden stalls, fuel leaks, coolant loss, and transmission noises, which can lead to unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. While not all Jettas will experience these issues, the pattern suggests that buyers should be prepared for potential reliability challenges.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a midsize sedan, has a higher total number of complaints (2143) but also a higher sales volume, averaging about 214 per year. Its top problem areas are powertrain, engine, and brakes, with owners reporting transmission grinding, sudden acceleration incidents, and brake failures. Despite these issues, the Camry's reputation for reliability is generally strong, but the data indicates that certain model years may have specific defects that buyers should investigate.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volkswagen Jetta | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,009 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 35 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 50 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 100.9 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 49 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 3 | 1 Better |
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 Jetta
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM249
- 02ENGINE235
- 03POWER TRAIN205
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER175
- 05SERVICE BRAKES112
Owners report sudden engine stalls without warning, often while driving, which can be dangerous. Additionally, there are issues with the ignition switch and cylinder, causing keys to get stuck and preventing the car from turning off.
Fuel leaks from the bottom of the car and steady coolant loss without external puddles are reported. These issues can lead to fire hazards and engine damage, especially as they often occur after the warranty expires.
Grinding or scraping noises at low speeds, along with a loss of power, suggest transmission problems. Owners also report keys getting stuck in the ignition, which is a safety concern if it happens in traffic.
“The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly stalled without warning. The contact shifted in neutral and attempted to restart the vehicle. The contact had to push the vehicle to the side of…”
“Rear brakes replaced twice on warranty. The car only has 24,000. Car remains with loud chattering brakes on all 4 brakes especially when brakes are cold. Especially loud chattering and squealing brakes still exist especially on rear brakes. Issue with a fuel…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission grinding noises upon acceleration have been confirmed by dealers, sometimes requiring full transmission replacement. This is a costly repair that may occur even in relatively new vehicles.
Uncontrollable sudden acceleration has been reported, leading to crashes. Additionally, engine maintenance lights may indicate a coolant valve bypass issue that is not covered by recall for all VINs.
Brake failure, such as no response when pressing the pedal, has been reported, especially on steep hills. This is a critical safety issue that requires immediate attention.
“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 Jetta — 35 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Jetta vehicles. The fuel rail bolts may become loose over time, allowing fuel to leak.
The risk: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rail bolts and, as necessary, the fuel rail. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this r…
The defect: Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake flu…
The risk: If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Beck/Arnley will notify the distributors that sold the master cylinders and will work with the distributors to notify the end users. Affected master cylinders will be exchanged for a new master cylinder (part number 072-9990), free of char…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of…
The risk: Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for t…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Golf GTI, Jetta GLI, Jetta NF, Arteon FL, Tiguan LWB, 2022 Taos, Jetta PA, Tiguan PA, 2021-2022 Atlas Cross Sport, and Atlas FL vehicles. The manufacturing process of the eMMC memory module in the infotainment system may cause…
The risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 16, 2022. 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 Jetta or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Volkswagen Jetta has fewer complaints per year (100.9) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the Jetta's issues are more concentrated in electrical and engine failures that can leave you stranded. The Camry's higher complaint count is partly due to its larger sales volume, but its transmission and brake issues are serious. In practice, the Jetta may require more frequent repairs, while the Camry's problems, though less frequent per car, can be more dangerous.
Key differences
- The Jetta has more electrical system complaints (249) than the Camry (246), but the Jetta's electrical issues often cause stalling, while the Camry's are less prominent.
- The Camry has more powertrain complaints (395) than the Jetta (205), with transmission grinding being a common issue.
- The Jetta has more engine complaints (235) than the Camry (315) relative to its total, but the Camry's engine issues include sudden acceleration, which is more dangerous.
- Brake complaints are higher on the Camry (290) than the Jetta (112), with reports of complete brake failure.
- Inspect the ignition switch and cylinder for any sticking or difficulty turning the key, as this is a reported issue.
- Check for any signs of fuel or coolant leaks under the car, and ask for service records related to engine or electrical repairs.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during a test drive, especially at low speeds, and check if any transmission recalls apply to the VIN.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including on a hill, to ensure there is no loss of braking power.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical system.
- Test drive both vehicles in various conditions, including highway and stop-and-go traffic, to feel for any unusual noises or performance issues.
- Ask for maintenance records and verify that any reported issues have been addressed.
- Check online forums and NHTSA complaints for the specific model year you are considering to identify common problems.
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 Jetta | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 119 |
| 2025 | 24 | 153 |
| 2024 | 41 | 48 |
| 2023 | 42 | 62 |
| 2022 | 42 | 59 |
| 2021 | 67 | 155 |
| 2020 | 51 | 270 |
| 2019 | 545 | 393 |
| 2018 | 31 | 736 |
| 2017 | 159 | 148 |
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 Jetta or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volkswagen Jetta vs Toyota Camry
- Volkswagen Jetta total complaints
- 1,009
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Volkswagen Jetta total recalls
- 35
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Volkswagen Jetta avg complaints/year
- 100.9
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Volkswagen Jetta
- Volkswagen Jetta top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN