Head-to-head reliability
Volkswagen TAOS vs Toyota Camry
How the Volkswagen TAOS 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 Taos vs Toyota Camry: The Taos averages 94.6 complaints per year over 5 years, with engine stalls and brake issues common. The Camry averages 214.3 per year over 10 years, with transmission and sudden acceleration reports. The Camry has more recalls but a longer track record. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volkswagen TAOS or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volkswagen TAOS
The Volkswagen Taos, a compact SUV introduced for 2022, shows a high complaint rate concentrated in its first years. Owners report engine stalls during acceleration, repeated brake noise and malfunction, and electrical glitches affecting the instrument cluster. These issues suggest a vehicle that may require frequent dealer visits for serious safety-related faults.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a midsize sedan with a long history, has a lower complaint rate per year despite a larger total. Complaints span many systems, including transmission grinding, sudden acceleration reports, brake failures, and HVAC odors. While no single issue dominates, the sheer volume over a decade indicates a mix of minor annoyances and occasional serious safety concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volkswagen TAOS | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 473 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 9 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 8 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 94.6 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 2 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 TAOS
- 01ENGINE194
- 02SERVICE BRAKES113
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM92
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER70
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM69
Owners report the engine stalling while accelerating and shutting off, sometimes with warning lights and trouble codes related to fuel pressure. This can be dangerous in traffic and may require fuel pump or software fixes.
Frequent complaints of loud grinding, squeaking, and burning smells from both front and rear brakes, even at low mileage. Some owners report persistent malfunctions that dealers struggle to repair.
Problems include the instrument cluster going blank, screens shutting off, and false start conditions. These electrical gremlins can be intermittent and hard to diagnose, affecting driver information and confidence.
“I have brough my vehicle into the dealership on 3 separate occasions, all of which were the same safety issue - the engine would stall while accelerating and would shut off. However the 3rd incident was the most dangerous. On [XXX], I was driving southbound o…”
“Incident 1: Noticed hard starting one morning. After stopping for gas various engine warning lights illuminated (including EPC light). Took to VW dealer few days later, found trouble codes stored (P0148). Fuel pump replaced few days after diagnosis. Incident…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues include grinding noises on acceleration and, in some cases, the need for full transmission replacement. Owners also report sudden unintended acceleration, which is a critical safety concern.
Engine complaints range from warning lights and coolant valve bypass issues to sudden acceleration incidents that led to crashes. Some owners mention recalls that don't cover their VIN, leaving them with unresolved problems.
Brake failures include a complete lack of response when pressing the pedal, as well as noises and vibrations. These are serious safety issues that could 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 TAOS — 9 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2025 Jetta and Taos vehicles. The instrument panel may fail to display warning lights or gauges. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Display…
The risk: An instrument panel that does not display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the instrument panel software and replace the instrument panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswa…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Taos vehicles. In the event of a rear-end crash, the fuel pressure sensor may dislodge or separate from the fuel tank. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard…
The risk: A fuel tank with a dislodged or separated fuel pressure sensor can leak fuel after a rollover crash, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will install a fuel pressure sensor wiring harness extension, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recal…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Taos vehicles. In the event of a rear-end crash, the fuel pressure sensor may dislodge or separate from the fuel tank. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard…
The risk: A fuel tank with a dislodged or separated fuel pressure sensor can leak fuel after a rollover crash, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will install a fuel pressure sensor wiring harness extension, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recal…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Taos vehicles. The underhood fuel supply quick-connector may detach from the fuel supply line causing a fuel leak in the engine compartment.
The risk: A fuel leak may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A fuel leak also increases the risk of fire in the presence of an ignition source.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the connection and replace the fuel supply line and connector as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 31, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volk…
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 TAOS or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has fewer complaints per year (214.3) compared to the Volkswagen Taos (94.6 per year, but over only 5 years). However, the Taos's issues are more concentrated in engine and brakes, which are critical for safety. The Camry's higher total is spread over more years and models, so a buyer might find the Taos riskier in the short term.
Key differences
- The Taos has a higher annual complaint rate (94.6/yr) than the Camry (214.3/yr) but over fewer years, indicating a more intense problem profile.
- Taos complaints are dominated by engine stalls and brake issues, while Camry complaints are more varied, including transmission and sudden acceleration.
- The Taos has had 9 recalls in 5 years, while the Camry has had 31 recalls in 10 years, suggesting more frequent safety campaigns for the Camry.
- The Camry has more crash-related complaints (181) and injuries (163) than the Taos (8 and 2), but that's partly due to higher sales and longer period.
- Inspect the engine for any signs of stalling or hard starting, and check for stored trouble codes related to fuel pressure.
- Test the brakes for unusual noises, grinding, or a burning smell, and ask for service records showing repeated brake repairs.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration, and check for any recalls or service bulletins on the transmission.
- Ask about any history of sudden acceleration or brake failure, and verify that all recalls have been performed.
Before you buy
- Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles and ensure all recalls are completed.
- For the Taos, ask for a detailed service history focusing on engine and brake repairs.
- For the Camry, ask about transmission condition and any prior replacements.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, including a test drive to feel for brake and engine issues.
- Research the specific model year and trim for known issues, as both vehicles have model-specific 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 TAOS | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 119 |
| 2025 | 9 | 153 |
| 2024 | 51 | 48 |
| 2023 | 102 | 62 |
| 2022 | 310 | 59 |
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 TAOS or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volkswagen TAOS vs Toyota Camry
- Volkswagen TAOS total complaints
- 473
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Volkswagen TAOS total recalls
- 9
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Volkswagen TAOS avg complaints/year
- 94.6
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Volkswagen TAOS
- Volkswagen TAOS top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN