Head-to-head reliability
Volvo V40 vs Toyota Camry
How the Volvo V40 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 V40 vs Toyota Camry: The V40 averaged 16 complaints per year with 9 recalls, while the Camry averaged 206 complaints per year with 31 recalls. V40 issues often involve brakes and suspension, whereas Camry complaints span power train and electronics. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo V40 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo V40
The Volvo V40 is a compact wagon that, based on owner complaints, demands attention to its brakes and suspension. Over five years, it averaged 16 complaints per year, with the majority tied to service brakes and hydraulic issues. Owners describe alarming brake failures, especially in cold weather, and broken rear coil springs. These are not just minor annoyances—they can affect your ability to stop and control the car.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream sedan with a much higher complaint volume—about 206 per year over ten years—but that reflects its huge popularity. The most common trouble spots are the power train, engine, and brakes, with reports of hesitation, shuddering, and electronic parking brake failures. While many complaints exist, the rate per vehicle is likely lower than the raw numbers suggest.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo V40 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 80 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 9 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 4 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 16.0 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 2 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 V40
- 01SERVICE BRAKES32
- 02HYDRAULIC31
- 03ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING14
- 04SUSPENSION7
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6
Owners report total brake failure when backing out of parking spaces, and weak brakes on cold winter mornings that require excessive pedal pressure. This is a critical safety concern because it can happen at low speeds in tight spots.
The same brake failures are often linked to hydraulic components, such as vacuum hoses or lines. A loss of power assist can make the pedal feel hard and stopping distances longer, especially when the engine is cold.
Complaints include surging RPMs at highway speeds with the A/C on, and stalling or rough idling that triggers the check engine light. These issues can leave you stranded or cause hesitation in traffic.
Broken rear coil springs are a recurring problem, often detected by a thumping or clunking sound. Owners report needing multiple replacements, suggesting a design flaw that can affect ride comfort and handling.
“ON APRIL 13, 2005 AT APPROXIMATELY 4 PM, I WAS BACKING MY V40 VOLVO 2004 WAGON OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AT THE KOSSMAN GARAGE, LIBERTY AVENUE,PITTSBURGH, PA, GOING SLOWLY BECAUSE IT WAS A TIGHT SPACE, WHEN MY BRAKES DID NOT WORK, AT ALL. DESPITE PUSHING MY BRAK…”
“"2003 VOLVO V40 COLD START BRAKE FAILURE" ON COLD WINTER MORNINGS, WHEN TEMPERATURE IS BELOW FREEZING, AFTER THE ENGINE IS STARTED AND AS I BACK OUT OF MY GARAGE, THE BRAKE IS SO WEAK THAT I CANNOT EFFECTIVELY STOP THE VEHICLE. I WOULD NEED TO PRESS THE BRAKE…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners describe intermittent key-stuck-in-ignition issues even when the car is in Park, and hesitation or shuddering while driving with the check engine light on. These problems can leave you unable to secure the vehicle or cause unpredictable acceleration.
A delayed throttle response—several seconds after pressing the gas pedal—is reported, along with hesitation and shuddering. This lag can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow, and some owners hear a clicking or vibrating noise from the ABS system. These issues can immobilize the car or indicate brake system faults.
Multiple driver-assist systems—stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—can malfunction simultaneously. This sudden loss of safety aids is alarming and may require costly diagnostics.
“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 V40 — 9 recalls
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER CARS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE SECOND ISOFIX GUIDE WAS NOT INSTALLED IN THESE VEHICLES AND, IN CERTAIN CASES, THE OWNER'S MANUAL ISOFIX INFORMATION IS INCORRECT.
The risk: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
The fix: OWNERS WILL RECEIVE A LETTER/PACKAGE CONSISTING OF THE SECOND ISOFIX GUIDE WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS, AND IN CERTAIN CASES, THE CORRECTED OWNER'S MANUAL MAY BE PROVIDED. IF THE OWNER WANTS TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLE TO A VOLVO DEALER FOR I…
The defect: ON CERTAIN SEDANS AND STATION WAGONS, THERE MAY BE A FUEL LEAK FROM THE FUEL RAIL DUE TO INADEQUATE WELDING.
The risk: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A V-CLAMP TO THE FUEL RAIL. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JANUARY 28, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE NON-RETURN VALVE MAY CRACK DUE TO A POOR WELD CAUSING A VACUUM LEAK.
The risk: IF THIS OCCURS, MORE BRAKE PEDAL FORCE MAY BE REQUIRED TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND/OR MAY EXPERIENCE A ROUGH ENGINE IDLE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE VACUUM HOSE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 29, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO CARS AT 1-800-458-1552.
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER CARS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE SECOND ISOFIX GUIDE WAS NOT INSTALLED IN THESE VEHICLES AND, IN CERTAIN CASES, THE OWNER'S MANUAL ISOFIX INFORMATION IS INCORRECT.
The risk: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
The fix: OWNERS WILL RECEIVE A LETTER/PACKAGE CONSISTING OF THE SECOND ISOFIX GUIDE WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS, AND IN CERTAIN CASES, THE CORRECTED OWNER'S MANUAL MAY BE PROVIDED. IF THE OWNER WANTS TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLE TO A VOLVO DEALER FOR I…
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 V40 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Volvo V40 has far fewer complaints per year (16 vs. 206), but its issues are concentrated in safety-critical areas like brakes and suspension. The Camry’s higher volume is partly due to its popularity, yet it still shows a broader range of problems. In practice, the V40 may need more urgent attention to brakes, while the Camry may have more frequent but varied electronic and powertrain quirks.
Key differences
- Volvo V40 complaints center on brake failure and broken suspension springs, while Camry complaints are spread across power train, engine, and electrical systems.
- The V40 has 9 recalls and 4 crash-related complaints; the Camry has 31 recalls and 171 crash-related complaints, though the Camry’s larger sales volume must be considered.
- V40 owners report cold-weather brake weakness and total brake loss; Camry owners report electronic parking brake failures and ABS noise.
- Camry complaints include modern driver-assist malfunctions, while V40 complaints focus on mechanical basics like brakes and springs.
- Test the brakes on a cold start, especially in freezing temperatures—press the pedal firmly and check for a hard pedal or weak stopping power.
- Listen for thumping or clunking from the rear suspension over bumps, which could indicate broken coil springs.
- Check that the ignition key can be removed easily when the car is in Park; if it sticks, it may require a costly repair.
- Test the electronic parking brake by engaging and disengaging it several times; if it fails to release, it could leave you stranded.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a mechanic inspect the brake system, including hydraulic lines and ABS components, on both cars.
- For the V40, specifically ask the mechanic to check rear coil springs and test brakes from a cold start.
- For the Camry, test all electronic features—parking brake, driver-assist systems, and key removal—during the test drive.
- Search NHTSA complaints for the specific model year you are considering to see if patterns persist.
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 V40 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo V40 vs Toyota Camry
- Volvo V40 total complaints
- 80
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Volvo V40 total recalls
- 9
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Volvo V40 avg complaints/year
- 16.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Volvo V40
- Volvo V40 top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN