Head-to-head reliability
Volvo EX40 vs Toyota Camry
How the Volvo EX40 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 EX40 vs Toyota Camry: The EX40 has 3 complaints over 2 years (1.5/year) and 4 recalls, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints over 10 years (205.6/year) and 31 recalls. The EX40's few complaints involve sudden brake, steering, and power loss; the Camry's many complaints include hesitation, stuck keys, and brake noise. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo EX40 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo EX40
The Volvo EX40 is a compact electric SUV with very few complaints—only 3 over 2 years—but those complaints describe serious sudden failures. Owners report brakes failing completely, power steering loss, and the vehicle shutting down while driving, often with multiple warning lights. Four recalls, including two for brake software and two for backup prevention software, suggest ongoing electronic issues. For a buyer, this means low frequency but high severity events that could leave you stranded or unable to stop.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a huge complaint volume—2,056 over 10 years—but that reflects its massive sales. Owners report a wide range of issues: transmission hesitation, engine shuddering, brake noises, and electrical glitches. With 171 crash-related complaints, 158 injuries, and 1 death, plus 31 recalls, the data shows many problems but most are less immediately disabling than the Volvo's. For a buyer, this means many potential trouble spots, but also a well-known history and likely more repair options.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo EX40 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.5 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 158 |
| 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 EX40
- 01SERVICE BRAKES2
- 02POWER TRAIN2
- 03STEERING1
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
- 05ENGINE1
Owners report that tapping the brakes can cause complete brake failure, with all warning lights flashing and messages like 'Stop Safely Brake Failure.' This is a critical safety issue because it happens suddenly at low speeds and can prevent the car from stopping.
Complaints describe the vehicle losing power while driving, with steering and control going dead and wipers turning on continuously. This can leave you unable to steer or accelerate, especially dangerous on a highway.
Along with brake failure, owners report losing power steering, making the car hard to control. This often occurs simultaneously with brake issues, compounding the risk.
The electrical system can fail, causing a total loss of power, hazard lights, and steering control. This suggests a serious software or wiring fault that can disable multiple systems at once.
“I was driving on the freeway in traffic, thankfully going about +/- 25 mph and had to stop/slow down. When I tapped the breaks, they completely failed. All warning lights in the car immediately came on including the warning 'Stop Safely Break Failure'. I pres…”
“Applied the brake while approaching a crosswalk and suddenly multiple warning notifications appeared on dashboard (brake failure, collision avoidance system not functioning, etc) and every warning light started flashing. Lost power steering and brakes. Had to…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove, and transmission hesitation or shuddering with the check engine light on. These issues can leave you unable to secure or drive the car reliably.
Complaints include delayed throttle response—pressing the gas and waiting several seconds for the car to move—and engine shuddering. This hesitation can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic.
The electronic parking brake may not disengage, requiring a tow, and owners hear clicking or vibrating noises from the ABS system. These problems can prevent the car from moving or indicate brake system faults.
Multiple systems—stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—can malfunction at once. This suggests complex electronic issues that may be hard to diagnose and repair.
“My 2023 Toyota Camry has developed an intermittent defect where the ignition key becomes stuck and cannot be removed even though the dashboard shows the vehicle is in Park. The only way to remove the key is to disconnect the vehicle's battery, which is not a…”
“The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitating and shuddering, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle…”
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 EX40 — 4 recalls
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023 Volvo C40 BEV, 2025 EC40, 2023-2024 XC40 BEV, 2020-2026 XC90 PHEV, 2022-2026 XC60 PHEV, 2023-2025 S60 PHEV, 2024-2025 V60 PHEV, and 2025-2026 EX40 and 2025 S90 PHEV vehicles. In certain driving scenarios while coasting down a hill and using "…
The risk: A loss of brake function increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to use "B" Mode (for plug-in hybrid vehicles) or "One Pedal Drive" (for pure electric vehicles) until the repair has been completed. The brake module software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free o…
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023 Volvo C40 BEV, 2025 EC40, 2023-2024 XC40 BEV, 2020-2026 XC90 PHEV, 2022-2026 XC60 PHEV, 2023-2025 S60 PHEV, 2024-2025 V60 PHEV, and 2025-2026 EX40 and 2025 S90 PHEV vehicles. In certain driving scenarios while coasting down a hill and using "…
The risk: A loss of brake function increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to use "B" Mode (for plug-in hybrid vehicles) or "One Pedal Drive" (for pure electric vehicles) until the repair has been completed. The brake module software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free o…
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, C40, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40 and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply wi…
The risk: A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for…
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2024 C40BEV, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40, and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fai…
The risk: A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 24, 2026. Owners may contact Volvo Car’s customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's numb…
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
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…
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…
Buyer analysis
Volvo EX40 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Volvo EX40 has far fewer complaints per year (1.5 vs. 205.6), but its issues are sudden and severe, often involving brakes, steering, and power loss. The Toyota Camry has many more complaints, but most are less immediately disabling, such as hesitation or brake noise. In practice, the Volvo may be more reliable on paper but riskier when something goes wrong, while the Camry may need more frequent attention but rarely leaves you completely helpless.
Key differences
- Volvo EX40 complaints are few but often involve total loss of brakes, steering, and power; Toyota Camry complaints are numerous but typically involve hesitation, noise, or stuck keys.
- The Volvo has 4 recalls, all for software (brake assist and backup prevention); the Camry has 31 recalls covering airbags, seats, wheels, and more.
- Camry data includes 171 crash-related complaints, 158 injuries, and 1 death; Volvo data shows 0 crashes, injuries, or deaths, though low volume may understate risk.
- Volvo issues often occur suddenly at low speeds with multiple warnings; Camry issues like transmission shudder or brake noise may develop gradually.
- During a test drive, gently tap the brakes at low speed and watch for any warning lights or loss of brake feel—owners report sudden failure with 'Stop Safely Brake Failure' messages.
- Check for any history of power loss or steering failure; ask if the brake and backup prevention software recalls have been performed, as these are the only recalls listed.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park—if it sticks, it may require battery disconnection, a reported power train defect.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating from the brake pedal area and check if the electronic parking brake disengages smoothly; these are common service brake complaints.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been completed, especially the Volvo's brake and backup software recalls and the Camry's airbag and seat recalls.
- During a test drive, deliberately test low-speed braking and steering for any warning lights or loss of assist, as both vehicles have reports of sudden failures.
- For the Camry, test the ignition key removal, throttle response from a stop, and listen for brake noises; for the Volvo, test all electrical functions and watch for multiple warning lights.
- Ask the seller for any repair invoices related to brakes, steering, power train, or electrical systems, as these are the most complained-about areas.
- Have a mechanic inspect the brake system, steering components, and electronic control modules, and scan for any stored fault codes.
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 EX40 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 | 2 | 163 |
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 EX40 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo EX40 vs Toyota Camry
- Volvo EX40 total complaints
- 3
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Volvo EX40 total recalls
- 4
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Volvo EX40 avg complaints/year
- 1.5
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Volvo EX40
- Volvo EX40 top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN