Head-to-head reliability
Volvo V70 vs Toyota Camry
How the Volvo V70 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 V70 vs Toyota Camry: The V70 has 537 complaints over 10 years (54/yr) with transmission and stalling issues, while the Camry has 2143 complaints (214/yr) including sudden acceleration and brake failures. Both have recalls, but the V70's lower complaint rate may appeal to some buyers. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo V70 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo V70
The Volvo V70, with 537 complaints over 10 years (about 54 per year), shows a pattern of powertrain and speed control issues that can affect drivability. Owners report transmission jerking, stalling, and even a fire, indicating potential safety concerns. While not the most problematic, these issues suggest a need for careful inspection and maintenance.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, with 2143 complaints over 10 years (about 214 per year), has a higher complaint volume but also a larger sales base. Issues range from transmission noise to sudden acceleration and brake failure, which are serious but not universal. The Camry's reliability reputation is mixed, with some owners experiencing significant problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo V70 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 537 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 46 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 17 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 53.7 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 19 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 V70
- 01POWER TRAIN97
- 02VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL88
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM71
- 04ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING59
- 05FUEL SYSTEM59
Owners report transmission failures causing jerking and poor shifting, especially in lower gears. Some also experience rolling backward on hills if not aggressively accelerating, which can be a safety hazard.
Stalling at various speeds is reported, often due to a failed throttle body modulator. This can lead to sudden loss of power, increasing the risk of accidents.
There are reports of car fires, possibly electrical in origin, and SRS warning light issues. These electrical problems can be serious, affecting safety systems and posing fire risks.
Engine power loss and cooling system malfunctions are noted, with the engine entering 'limp home mode' due to sensor failures. This can leave drivers stranded or with reduced performance.
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLVO V70. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE GEARS WERE NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS IN A LOWER GEAR. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO JERK WHEN THE CONTACT TRIED TO ACCELERATE. THE DEALER STATE…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLVO V70. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IF HE DID NOT AGGRESSIVELY ACCELERATE WHILE DRIVING UP HILL, THE VEHICLE WOULD ROLL BACKWARDS. HE NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS ADVISED BY A REPRESENTATIVE THAT THE FAILURE WAS A NORMAL CHARACT…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues include grinding noises and the need for replacement, as well as sudden acceleration incidents. These can be alarming and dangerous, though not all owners experience them.
Air conditioning problems, such as condenser damage from rocks and recurring mildew odors, are common. While not safety-critical, they affect comfort and can be costly to fix.
Sudden acceleration and engine maintenance warnings are reported, with some linked to coolant valve bypass recalls. These issues can lead to loss of control or engine damage.
Brake failure, where the pedal does not respond, is a serious safety concern. Owners report incidents on hills and in parking lots, indicating potential brake system defects.
“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 V70 — 46 recalls
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 IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
The risk: AN OVERHEATED BATTERY COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.
The fix: VOLVO ADVISES OWNERS TO PLEASE STOP USING THE GARMIN PORTABLE GPS DEVICE IMMEDIATELY, AND VISIT THE GARMIN WEBSITE TO DETERMINE IF THEIR UNIT IS AFFECTED. THE UNIT'S BATTERY WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW BATTERY AND A SPACER WILL BE INSERTED…
The defect: VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 S80, XC70, MODEL YEAR 2011 XC60 AND MODEL YEAR 2010 V70 VEHICLES. THERE MAY BE AN INTERMITTENT FAULT IN THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG CLOCKSPRING WIRING CONNECTOR FOR THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM.
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVER'S FRONTAL AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY AS INTENDED OR AT ALL, AND THEREFORE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT THE DRIVER, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A METAL SHIM IN THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING WIRING CONNECTOR. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 20, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
The defect: Volvo Cars USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2001-2007 V70 and XC70 vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Dealers will replace the driver's air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 14, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10136.
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 V70 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Volvo V70 has fewer complaints per year (about 54) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 214), but the Camry's higher volume may reflect its larger market share. In practice, the V70 shows more consistent issues with transmission and speed control, while the Camry has sporadic but serious problems like sudden acceleration and brake failure.
Key differences
- Volvo V70 has more complaints about transmission jerking and hill-hold issues, while Camry has more reports of sudden acceleration and brake failure.
- Volvo V70 has a notable number of electrical fires and SRS light problems, whereas Camry has more AC and odor complaints.
- Camry's engine issues include coolant valve bypass recalls, while V70's engine problems involve cooling sensor failures and limp mode.
- Volvo V70 has fewer complaints per year, but the nature of its issues (stalling, fires) may be more severe.
- Inspect the transmission for smooth shifting and check for any jerking or hesitation, especially in lower gears.
- Check the throttle body and electrical system for signs of stalling or previous fire damage.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially on slopes, for any loss of pedal response.
- Look for any signs of sudden acceleration issues, such as unintended revving, and check for open recalls on engine components.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to check for any open recalls or previous complaints.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on transmission, brakes, and electrical systems.
- Test drive both vehicles on hills and highways to assess acceleration and braking behavior.
- Check for any warning lights, especially SRS and check engine, and have them diagnosed.
- Ask for service records to see if any known issues have been addressed.
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 V70 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo V70 vs Toyota Camry
- Volvo V70 total complaints
- 537
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Volvo V70 total recalls
- 46
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Volvo V70 avg complaints/year
- 53.7
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Volvo V70
- Volvo V70 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN