Vehicle 1

Volkswagen Passat

1,872 complaints · 47 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Toyota Camry

1,900 complaints · 26 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

Volkswagen Passat vs Toyota Camry: The Passat has 187.2 complaints per year and 47 recalls, while the Camry has 190.0 complaints per year and 26 recalls. The Passat's top issue is air bags (882 complaints), and the Camry's is power train (340 complaints). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

3
Volkswagen Passat
wins 3 of 4 categories
1
Toyota Camry
wins 1 of 4 categories
CategoryVolkswagen PassatToyota Camry
Total Complaints
All years combined
1,872
✓ lower
1,900
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
47
26
✓ lower
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
76
✓ lower
165
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
187.2
✓ lower
190.0

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Volkswagen Passat

1. AIR BAGS882
2. ENGINE275
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM268
4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER218
5. STEERING161

Toyota Camry

1. POWER TRAIN340
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER301
3. ENGINE295
4. SERVICE BRAKES278
5. AIR BAGS218
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Toyota Camry has slightly more complaints per year (190.0 vs 187.2), but the Volkswagen Passat has nearly twice as many recalls (47 vs 26). This suggests the Passat may have more widespread safety-related issues, while the Camry's complaints are more frequent but less likely to result in recalls.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer recalls and lower risk of major safety defects, choose the Toyota Camry. If you are willing to accept more recalls but want slightly fewer complaints per year, the Volkswagen Passat could be an option, but be prepared to address air bag issues (882 complaints).

Key Differences
  • Volkswagen Passat has 47 recalls vs Toyota Camry's 26 recalls.
  • Toyota Camry has 165 crash complaints vs Passat's 76 crash complaints.
  • Passat's top issue is AIR BAGS (882 complaints); Camry's top issue is POWER TRAIN (340 complaints).
  • Passat has 187.2 complaints per year; Camry has 190.0 complaints per year.
⚠ Watch on Volkswagen Passat
  • Watch for air bag issues: 882 complaints, the highest for any component.
  • Steering problems: 161 complaints, which could affect control.
⚠ Watch on Toyota Camry
  • Watch for power train issues: 340 complaints, the most common problem.
  • Service brakes: 278 complaints, indicating potential braking reliability concerns.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check NHTSA recall status for the specific VIN.
  • Inspect air bag system operation and recall completion for Passat.
  • Test drive and listen for power train noises or hesitation in Camry.
  • Review service history for brake repairs on Camry.
  • Ask for a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Volkswagen PassatToyota Camry
2022
9
54
2021
0
150
2020
15
259
2019
12
369
2018
44
708
2017
107
145
Volkswagen Passat vs Toyota Camry — comparison facts
Comparison
Volkswagen Passat vs Toyota Camry
Volkswagen Passat total complaints
1,872
Toyota Camry total complaints
1,900
Volkswagen Passat total recalls
47
Toyota Camry total recalls
26
Volkswagen Passat avg complaints/year
187.2
Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
190.0
More reliable overall
Volkswagen Passat
Volkswagen Passat top complaint area
AIR BAGS
Toyota Camry top complaint area
POWER TRAIN
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Volkswagen PassatReliability & Problems

1,872 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Toyota CamryReliability & Problems

1,900 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

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