Head-to-head reliability
Volvo V60 vs Toyota Camry
How the Volvo V60 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 V60 vs Toyota Camry: The V60 has 57 complaints (5.7/yr) and 32 recalls, with owners reporting sudden power loss and brake failure from sunroof drain clogs. The Camry has 2081 complaints (208.1/yr) and 28 recalls, with issues like engine-off-in-drive and unintended braking. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo V60 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo V60
The Volvo V60, with 57 complaints over 10 years (5.7/yr), shows a low complaint rate but serious failure patterns. Owners report sudden power loss from high-pressure fuel pump failure, brake loss due to sunroof drain clogs flooding electronics, and exploding sunroofs. These issues suggest a vehicle that can become unexpectedly undrivable or unsafe, despite low overall complaint volume.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, with 2081 complaints over 10 years (208.1/yr), has a much higher complaint rate but also higher sales volume. Owners report the engine can be turned off while in drive, allowing rollaway, spontaneous moonroof shattering, and unintended braking activation. The pattern indicates persistent quality issues across multiple systems, though crash and injury rates are relatively low given the complaint count.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo V60 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 57 Better | 2,081 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 32 | 28 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 177 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 5.7 Better | 208.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 Better | 161 |
| 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 V60
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM19
- 02SERVICE BRAKES12
- 03VISIBILITY/WIPER7
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER7
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM6
Owners report sudden engine shutdown due to high-pressure fuel pump failure, leaving the car stranded in traffic and unable to shift into neutral. This is a critical safety risk as it can cause loss of propulsion without warning.
Sunroof drain clogs can flood internal electronics, causing simultaneous brake loss, airbag failure, and disabled traction control. This is a cascading failure that can lead to complete loss of stopping power.
The sunroof can explode spontaneously while driving, even in moderate temperatures, showering the cabin with glass. Additionally, the backup camera system struggles with exposure at night, reducing visibility.
“Me and my partners safety was put at risk when the vehicle’s high pressure fuel pump went out, shut the car down, and left us stranded in the middle of two lane traffic. What was scarier was how the vehicle couldn’t be manually overridden to shift into neutra…”
“Me and my partners safety was put at risk when the vehicle’s high pressure fuel pump went out, shut the car down, and left us stranded in the middle of two lane traffic. What was scarier was how the vehicle couldn’t be manually overridden to shift into neutra…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN384
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER332
- 03ENGINE309
- 04SERVICE BRAKES288
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM233
The engine can be turned off and key removed while the car is still in drive, with no warning, allowing the vehicle to roll away. This is a dangerous defect that can lead to unintended movement.
The moonroof can spontaneously shatter while driving, sounding like a gunshot, with no external cause. This poses a risk of injury from falling glass.
The braking system can erroneously activate, causing sudden unintended deceleration. Owners also report grinding noises and thumping sounds from the brakes, indicating potential mechanical issues.
“The vehicle allows the engine to be turned off, key removed, while the vehicle is still in drive with no warning lights or sounds. I have tested and the vehicle can roll away. Complained to the toyota dealership and they said the service tech consulted with t…”
“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…”
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 V60 — 32 recalls
The defect: Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Volvo XC90, S90, V60, V60 Cross Country, V90, XC40, XC60, and V90 Cross Country vehicles. The software installed in the Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) may have an error causing the Telematics and Driver Support Systems to function improper…
The risk: If the GPS location is not provided to emergency personnel it can inhibit emergency response in the event of a crash or injury.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R39917.
The defect: Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2008-2016 V70 and XC70, 2007-2016 S80, 2011-2018 S60 and V60, 2016-2018 S60 Cross Country, 2014-2020 S60L, 2009-2015 S80L, 2009-2016 XC60 and 2015-2018 V60 Cross Country vehicles. The flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the front…
The risk: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt anchor cable for both front seats. The recall began December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10029.
The defect: Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Volvo XC90, S90, V60, V60 Cross Country, V90, XC40, XC60, and V90 Cross Country vehicles. The software installed in the Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) may have an error causing the Telematics and Driver Support Systems to function improper…
The risk: If the GPS location is not provided to emergency personnel it can inhibit emergency response in the event of a crash or injury.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R39917.
The defect: Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2017 S60 and S60 Cross Country, V60 and V60 Cross Country, and XC60 vehicles manufactured August 16, 2016, through October 21, 2016. The affected vehicles have driver and front passenger seat side mounted side air bags (SAB) with inflator in…
The risk: If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the front seat side air bags, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on February 13, 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552.…
Toyota Camry — 28 recalls
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…
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…
Buyer analysis
Volvo V60 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Volvo V60 has far fewer complaints per year (5.7 vs 208.1), but its issues are more severe, involving sudden loss of power or brakes. The Camry's higher complaint rate reflects more frequent but less catastrophic problems. In practice, the V60 may be more reliable day-to-day but carries a risk of rare, serious failures.
Key differences
- Volvo V60 has 5.7 complaints per year vs Camry's 208.1, but V60's complaints include sudden power loss and brake failure, while Camry's include rollaway risk and unintended braking.
- Volvo V60 has 32 recalls vs Camry's 28, but V60's recalls focus on software and airbags, while Camry's include seats and wheel lugs.
- Volvo V60 owners report exploding sunroofs and camera issues; Camry owners report spontaneous moonroof shattering and engine-off-in-drive defects.
- Volvo V60 has 1 crash and 1 injury; Camry has 177 crashes and 161 injuries, though this may reflect higher sales volume.
- Inspect the sunroof drains for clogs and check for any water damage in the footwells or electronics, as clogged drains can cause brake and airbag failure.
- Test the high-pressure fuel pump by monitoring for hesitation or stalling; a failing pump can cause sudden engine shutdown.
- Check that the key cannot be removed when the car is in drive; test by shifting to drive and attempting to remove the key.
- Inspect the moonroof for cracks or stress marks, and listen for unusual noises that might precede shattering.
Before you buy
- Test drive both vehicles and check for any warning lights, especially brake and electrical system alerts.
- For the V60, pour water over the sunroof and check for leaks into the cabin; for the Camry, test the key removal in all gear positions.
- Review the vehicle's recall history using the NHTSA website and ensure all recalls have been performed.
- Ask the seller for service records, particularly for fuel pump and brake system repairs on the V60, and transmission or brake work on the Camry.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on electrical systems and sunroof integrity.
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 V60 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 0 | 140 |
| 2024 | 6 | 46 |
| 2023 | 3 | 60 |
| 2022 | 1 | 57 |
| 2021 | 6 | 154 |
| 2020 | 18 | 264 |
| 2019 | 3 | 387 |
| 2018 | 1 | 728 |
| 2017 | 6 | 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 V60 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo V60 vs Toyota Camry
- Volvo V60 total complaints
- 57
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,081
- Volvo V60 total recalls
- 32
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 28
- Volvo V60 avg complaints/year
- 5.7
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 208.1
- More reliable overall
- Volvo V60
- Volvo V60 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN