Head-to-head reliability
Volvo S90 vs Toyota Camry
How the Volvo S90 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 S90 vs Toyota Camry: The S90 has 62 complaints over 10 years (6.2/yr) with no injuries, while the Camry has 2,143 complaints (214.3/yr) with 163 injuries. The S90 shows fewer reported issues, but the Camry's higher volume reflects its popularity. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo S90 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo S90
The Volvo S90 is a low-volume luxury sedan with a modest complaint rate of about 6 per year over the past decade. Owners report a mix of electrical glitches, brake shudder, and door lock failures, but no deaths or injuries are recorded. Living with an S90 means dealing with occasional electronic quirks and brake rotor issues, but serious safety events are rare.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a high-volume family sedan with a much higher complaint rate, averaging over 200 per year. Complaints span many systems, including powertrain, engine, and brakes, with some reports of sudden acceleration and brake failure. The Camry also has more crash-related complaints and injuries, reflecting both its popularity and the severity of some reported issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo S90 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 62 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 26 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 6.2 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 S90
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER22
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM9
- 03SERVICE BRAKES8
- 04LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES6
- 05VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL5
Owners report vibrations and tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) malfunctions, which can lead to driving instability and potential tire damage.
The fuel door may fail to release, preventing refueling, and other electrical gremlins can occur, causing inconvenience and potential stranding.
Brake pedal application can cause violent steering wheel shake, often requiring multiple rotor replacements, indicating a persistent brake pulsation issue.
Rear doors may become stuck closed due to faulty lock actuators, posing a safety risk if occupants need to exit quickly in an emergency.
“I PERSONALLY, BACK IN AUGUST OF 2016 ORDERED A NEW 2017 VOLVO S90 T5 INSCRIPTION, AND TOOK DELIVER IN NOVEMBER 2016. I BEGAN NOTICING A LITTLE VIBRATION AROUND JULY TIME FRAME BUT AFTER THE VEHICLE FIRST MANUFACTURE RECOMMENDED SERVICE DIDN'T FEEL IT AS MUCH.…”
“TPMS system total malfunction. Wife started out of our garage for work and noticed that the vehicle wasnt driving right and fortunately stopped and back down our driveway back toward the garage. Called me out and I went around the vehicle and witnessed the ri…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues include grinding noises and the need for full replacement, with some owners noting backorders on parts, leading to extended downtime.
Air conditioning problems range from condenser damage by rocks to recurring mildew odors, affecting comfort and requiring frequent repairs.
Reports of sudden unintended acceleration, including a crash, and engine codes related to coolant valve recalls that may not cover all VINs, raising safety concerns.
Brake failure incidents include a complete loss of braking on a downhill curve, and another where the brake pedal did not respond, leading to a collision.
“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 S90 — 26 recalls
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021 S90L, 2020-2021 XC60, and XC90 vehicles. An improperly welded rotor and shaft may separate within the integrated brake system.
The risk: Separation of the rotor and shaft may cause a reduction in braking assistance and a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the hydraulic unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 22, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10120.
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2020-2021 S90, 2020-2022 S60, V60, XC60, XC90, and 2022 V90 plug-in hybrid vehicles. The high-voltage battery may experience a short circuit within the battery module when the battery is fully charged and the vehicle is parked.
The risk: A short circuit in a high-voltage battery increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles until the remedy has been completed. Dealers will inspect and replace the high-voltage battery module as necessary. In addition, dealers will update the software to monitor the battery. All r…
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2025 S90 vehicles. The windows may be improperly secured and detach.
The risk: Windows that detach can create a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash or injury. In addition, the front windshield may not properly support a passenger air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will remove and reinstall the windows, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 24, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo's customer service at 800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10307.
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…
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 S90 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Volvo S90 has far fewer complaints per year (6.2 vs 214.3), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the Camry's higher numbers partly reflect its much larger sales volume. In practice, the S90 may offer a more trouble-free ownership experience based on complaint frequency, but both have notable problem areas.
Key differences
- The S90 has a much lower complaint rate (6.2/yr) compared to the Camry (214.3/yr), but the Camry's numbers are inflated by its higher sales.
- S90 owners report brake rotor shudder and door lock actuator failures, while Camry owners report transmission failures and sudden acceleration incidents.
- The Camry has more crash-related complaints (181 vs 2) and injuries (163 vs 0), suggesting more severe incidents.
- Both have recalls, but the S90's recalls focus on software and brakes, while the Camry's include airbag sensors and seats.
- Test the brakes at highway speeds for any vibration or shaking, as rotor issues are common.
- Check that all doors, especially rear ones, open and close properly from both inside and outside.
- Listen for grinding noises during acceleration and have the transmission inspected, as failures are reported.
- Test the brakes on a downhill slope to ensure they respond firmly without delay or loss of pressure.
Before you buy
- Ask for service records to see if brake rotors were replaced on the S90 or transmission work was done on the Camry.
- Check for open recalls on both vehicles and ensure they are completed.
- Inspect the fuel door operation on the S90 and the air conditioning system on the Camry for odors or damage.
- Take a test drive that includes highway speeds and braking to feel for vibrations or unusual noises.
- Verify the door locks work on all doors for the S90, and check for any warning lights on the Camry.
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 S90 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 119 |
| 2025 | 0 | 153 |
| 2024 | 2 | 48 |
| 2023 | 2 | 62 |
| 2022 | 4 | 59 |
| 2021 | 0 | 155 |
| 2020 | 2 | 270 |
| 2019 | 0 | 393 |
| 2018 | 36 | 736 |
| 2017 | 16 | 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 Volvo S90 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo S90 vs Toyota Camry
- Volvo S90 total complaints
- 62
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Volvo S90 total recalls
- 26
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Volvo S90 avg complaints/year
- 6.2
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Volvo S90
- Volvo S90 top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN