Head-to-head reliability
Volvo C40 vs Toyota Camry
How the Volvo C40 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
Volvo C40 vs Toyota Camry: The C40 averages 12.7 complaints per year over 3 years, while the Camry averages 214.3 per year over 10 years. The C40's issues are mostly electrical (backup camera, one-pedal drive), while the Camry's are mechanical (transmission, brakes). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo C40 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo C40
The Volvo C40 is a relatively new electric vehicle, with complaints concentrated in its first three years. Owners report recurring electronic gremlins, including keyless entry failures and drivability issues, as well as serious concerns with the backup camera and automatic braking. A few incidents involve smoke or fire, which are alarming, though rare. Overall, the C40 shows a pattern of advanced technology that can be unreliable, potentially leaving owners with frustrating and sometimes safety-relevant glitches.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a long-running sedan, has a much higher total complaint count but over a longer period, reflecting its popularity and age range. The complaints span many model years and highlight issues with the powertrain, including transmission problems and sudden acceleration reports, as well as engine and brake concerns. While the sheer number is large, it's important to note that many complaints may be from older models, and the Camry's overall reliability reputation remains strong, but buyers should be aware of potential transmission and brake issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo C40 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 38 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 12.7 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 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.
Volvo C40
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM9
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER7
- 03BACK OVER PREVENTION7
- 04VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL6
- 05SERVICE BRAKES5
Owners report multiple recurring electronic defects, including keyless entry failures and drivability issues. Some describe the car becoming unresponsive or displaying errors, which can be frustrating and potentially dangerous if it happens while driving.
The backup camera is a major sore point: it often fails to show an image, freezes, or displays 'camera temporarily unavailable.' This happens frequently, making reversing a gamble and reducing safety when backing up.
One-pedal drive (OPD) can malfunction, causing the car to lurch forward after stopping or fail at speed. Owners have logged multiple incidents, indicating a persistent issue that affects control and could lead to unexpected acceleration.
The automatic intervention rear brake can engage for no reason when backing up slowly, throwing occupants forward. This unexpected braking could cause a collision or injury, and it's a serious safety concern.
“Multiple recurring electronic, keyless entry, and drivability defects on my 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge, VIN [XXX]. The vehicle was purchased used through Vroom and financed by UACC. Serious problems existed prior to the factory warranty expiration in April 2026.…”
“I am writing to bring to your attention a potentially catastrophic accident involving our leased C40 vehicle that happened on [XXX], 3:30pm. (ID [XXX] ) On the above mentioned date, my husband, [XXX] , was parking the C40 in a school parking lot to pick up ou…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission problems are common, with owners reporting grinding noises, hesitation, and even the need for full transmission replacement. Some mention that recalls exist for similar issues, but parts may be on backorder, leaving owners waiting.
Sudden acceleration incidents are reported, where the car accelerates on its own, leading to crashes. Additionally, engine warning lights and coolant valve issues appear, sometimes not covered by recall despite similar problems in other VINs.
Brake failure is a critical complaint, with owners describing a complete lack of response when pressing the pedal, especially on hills. This can lead to loss of control and accidents, making it a top safety priority.
HVAC issues are frequent, including a strong vinegar or mildew smell from the vents, which is unpleasant and may indicate mold growth. Also, AC condensers can be easily damaged by rocks, leading to costly repairs.
“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.
Volvo C40 — 4 recalls
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Volvo C40 vehicles. The clamps may be improperly crimped on the driver's side inner far side air bag module (FSAB), which can cause the air bag to deploy improperly.
The risk: An air bag that deploys improperly may not protect the driver as intended during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the driver's side inner FSAB, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 24, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10296.
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023 S60, V60, V60CC, V90CC, XC60, XC90, XC40, and C40 vehicles. A diagnostic error in the Brake Control Module 2 (BCM2) may cause a loss of Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and traction control.
The risk: A reduction in brake support functions can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will release an over-the-air (OTA) BCM2 software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 15, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for thi…
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023 S60, V60CC, XC60, XC90, XC40, and C40 vehicles. A diagnostic trouble code (DTC) may be falsely detected for the emergency call system (e-call) and display "e-Call Service Required" in the driver information module (DIM).
The risk: The false warning message could prevent the detection of an actual e-call system failure, which could delay an emergency response during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the telematics and connectivity antenna module (TCAM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 16, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Ca…
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Volvo C40 vehicles. The clamps may be improperly crimped on the driver's side inner far side air bag module (FSAB), which can cause the air bag to deploy improperly.
The risk: An air bag that deploys improperly may not protect the driver as intended during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the driver's side inner FSAB, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 24, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10296.
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
Volvo C40 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Volvo C40 has far fewer complaints per year (12.7) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the C40's issues are concentrated in newer, high-tech systems. The Camry's higher number reflects its longer sales history and broader owner base, but the nature of its complaints—transmission, brakes, engine—are more traditional and potentially more severe. In practice, the C40 may offer a more modern driving experience with fewer reported problems, but the Camry's issues are well-documented and may be more predictable.
Key differences
- The C40's complaints are dominated by electrical and software issues (backup camera, one-pedal drive), while the Camry's are more mechanical (transmission, brakes).
- The C40 has a much lower complaint rate per year, but its issues are on a newer platform with less aftermarket support.
- The Camry has a higher incidence of crash-related complaints (181 vs 3) and injuries (163 vs 3), but that's partly due to its larger owner base and longer time on the road.
- The C40 has had recalls for airbags and brakes, while the Camry's recalls are for seats, wheels, and labels—less critical but still worth checking.
- Test the backup camera thoroughly: put the car in reverse multiple times and check for freezing or 'unavailable' messages.
- Try the one-pedal drive in stop-and-go traffic to see if it lurches or hesitates, and ask about any software updates.
- Listen for grinding noises during acceleration and have the transmission inspected by a trusted mechanic.
- Test the brakes on a hill to ensure they respond firmly, and ask about any pending recalls for the brake system.
Before you buy
- Check the vehicle's recall status on the NHTSA website using the VIN for both models.
- For the C40, ask for a detailed service history, especially any software updates or fixes for the backup camera and OPD.
- For the Camry, request a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the transmission, brakes, and engine, and ask if the transmission has been replaced or serviced.
- Take both cars for an extended test drive, including highway and city driving, to feel for any hesitation, lurching, or brake issues.
- Research common problems on owner forums for the specific model year you're considering to see if there are known patterns.
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 | Volvo C40 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 48 |
| 2023 | 23 | 62 |
| 2022 | 13 | 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 Volvo C40 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo C40 vs Toyota Camry
- Volvo C40 total complaints
- 38
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Volvo C40 total recalls
- 4
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Volvo C40 avg complaints/year
- 12.7
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Volvo C40
- Volvo C40 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN