Head-to-head reliability
Volkswagen Passat vs Toyota Camry
How the Volkswagen Passat 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 Passat vs Toyota Camry: The Passat averages 188.7 complaints per year with 47 recalls, while the Camry averages 214.3 complaints per year with 31 recalls. Passat owners often report airbag clock spring failures, while Camry owners face transmission and brake issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volkswagen Passat or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volkswagen Passat
The Volkswagen Passat, over the last decade, has been a frequent visitor to repair shops, with owners reporting a wide range of issues. The most common complaints center on airbag system components, particularly the clock spring, which can disable the horn and steering wheel controls. Engine and electrical problems also feature prominently, with reports of coolant leaks and acceleration failures. While the Passat offers a comfortable ride, its reliability record suggests a higher likelihood of unexpected repairs.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, while having more total complaints, shows a different pattern, with the most issues in the powertrain, particularly the transmission, and brakes. Owners report grinding noises and transmission failures, as well as brake responsiveness problems. There are also notable engine and electrical complaints, including sudden acceleration incidents. The Camry's higher complaint count is partly due to its popularity, but the nature of the issues, especially those affecting safety, warrants careful consideration.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volkswagen Passat | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,887 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 47 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 79 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 188.7 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 62 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 | 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 Passat
- 01AIR BAGS886
- 02ENGINE278
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM273
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER219
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM164
Owners frequently report the clock spring failing, which triggers the airbag light and disables the horn and steering wheel controls. This is a safety concern as it may indicate the airbag may not deploy in a crash.
Engine complaints include secondary air injection system faults (P0491) causing persistent warning lights and diagnostic confusion. More severe reports mention coolant leaking internally, which can lead to electrical damage and potential fire hazards.
Electrical issues often stem from coolant leaking into wiring harnesses, causing shorts and malfunctions. Some owners also report sudden loss of acceleration while driving, which is alarming and could lead to accidents.
“Steering wheel controls stopped working, no horn either. Probably no airbag but haven't got into an accident. There was recall on the same part for the until 2018, but the new part I was going to install lists that if fits cars 2016-2022 Part # 5K0-953-569-BC…”
“My clock spring isn’t working after having my vehicle for barely a year. My air bag light is currently on. I can’t use my horn nor use any of the controls on my steering wheel. I’ve paid already 800 plus on previous car issues such as my harness hose. I’m sti…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission problems are common, with owners reporting grinding noises and the need for complete transmission replacement. This is a costly repair and can leave the vehicle undriveable.
Engine complaints include sudden unintended acceleration, which is a serious safety issue. There are also reports of coolant valve bypass codes (P268115) that may not be covered by recall for all VINs, leading to potential overheating.
Brake issues range from a complete lack of response when pressing the pedal to a feeling of the brakes not engaging properly, especially on slopes. This can lead to collisions.
“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 Passat — 47 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2020 Volkswagen Passat and 2018-2019 Atlas vehicles. The blocking cap disabling the adjustment of the headlight's horizontal aim may not have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Saf…
The risk: Without the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, block the headlight horizontal adjustment, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswa…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Atlas and 2020 Passat vehicles. An incorrect driver and/or front passenger side impact air bag may have been installed.
The risk: In an event of a side impact crash, an incorrect side airbag may not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Volkswagen has inspected and replaced the side air bags, free of charge. The recall was completed in April 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Y8.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020 Passat vehicles. The passenger frontal air bag may have been folded incorrectly affecting its deployment force. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208,…
The risk: An incorrectly folded air bag can deploy with too much force, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began October 14, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-888-241-2289. Volkswagen's number for this recall…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2020 Volkswagen Passat and 2018-2019 Atlas vehicles. The blocking cap disabling the adjustment of the headlight's horizontal aim may not have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Saf…
The risk: Without the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, block the headlight horizontal adjustment, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswa…
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 Passat or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has a higher average complaint rate (214.3 per year) compared to the Volkswagen Passat (188.7 per year), but the Passat has more recalls (47 vs 31). In practice, the Camry's transmission and brake issues may be more expensive to fix, while the Passat's airbag and electrical problems could be more frequent but less costly. Neither is clearly more reliable, but the nature of the issues differs.
Key differences
- The Passat's most common issue is the airbag clock spring, which disables the horn and steering wheel controls, while the Camry's top issue is transmission failure.
- The Camry has more reported crashes (181) and injuries (163) than the Passat (79 and 62), possibly due to the sudden acceleration and brake failures.
- The Passat has more recalls (47) than the Camry (31), indicating more factory-acknowledged defects.
- Engine problems in the Passat often involve coolant leaks into electrical systems, while the Camry has reports of unintended acceleration.
- Check the airbag light and test the horn and steering wheel controls; if they don't work, the clock spring may need replacement.
- Look for signs of coolant leaks, especially around the engine, and check for any electrical issues like flickering lights or warning messages.
- Listen for grinding noises during acceleration, which could indicate transmission problems.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially on slopes, and be alert for any lack of response or unusual pedal feel.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to check for open recalls and past accidents.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the airbag system for the Passat and the transmission and brakes for the Camry.
- Test drive both vehicles, paying attention to steering wheel controls, horn, acceleration, and braking.
- Check for any warning lights on the dashboard, especially airbag and check engine lights.
- Ask for maintenance records to see if any major repairs have been done.
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 Passat | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 12 | 59 |
| 2021 | 0 | 155 |
| 2020 | 17 | 270 |
| 2019 | 12 | 393 |
| 2018 | 45 | 736 |
| 2017 | 110 | 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 Passat or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volkswagen Passat vs Toyota Camry
- Volkswagen Passat total complaints
- 1,887
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Volkswagen Passat total recalls
- 47
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Volkswagen Passat avg complaints/year
- 188.7
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Volkswagen Passat
- Volkswagen Passat top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN