Head-to-head reliability
Volvo V90 vs Toyota Camry
How the Volvo V90 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 V90 vs Toyota Camry: The V90 averages 3.4 complaints per year with 0 crash-related reports, while the Camry averages 205.6 complaints per year with 171 crash-related reports. The V90's issues often involve lighting and electrical glitches; the Camry's include power train hesitation and brake problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo V90 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo V90
The Volvo V90 is a low-volume luxury wagon with an average of 3.4 complaints per year over five years, suggesting relatively few reported problems. Owner complaints focus on exterior lighting failures from moisture, electrical glitches, and speed control issues like wheel sensor failures. There are no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in the data, but the pattern points to electrical and lighting annoyances that can be costly and affect safety inspections.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a high-volume sedan with an average of 205.6 complaints per year over ten years, indicating many more reported issues. Complaints span the power train, engine, brakes, and electrical systems, with 171 crash-related reports, 158 injuries, and 1 death. Common owner reports include hesitation, shuddering, stuck ignition keys, and brake noises, suggesting a wide range of potential problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo V90 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 17 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 9 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 3.4 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 V90
- 01EXTERIOR LIGHTING7
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
- 03VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL3
- 04VISIBILITY/WIPER3
- 05AIR BAGS2
Owners report rear taillight failure due to moisture getting inside, often without any warning message. This can cause the car to fail safety inspections and lead to expensive repairs.
Complaints include hybrid battery failure in related Volvo models, showing a 'Hybrid System Failure' message and requiring full battery replacement. Such failures can be costly and leave the car undrivable.
Owners describe wheel sensor failures that trigger a chain reaction disabling ABS, stability control, and tire pressure monitoring. Another report notes delayed acceleration followed by sudden surging, which could be dangerous in traffic.
One owner complained of excessive windshield glare from the dashboard and heads-up display, causing distraction and vertigo. This can make driving uncomfortable and potentially unsafe.
“Rear taillight failure due to moisture incursion. No message appeared, but light failure was observed less than a month ago. Car is in for regular service now and item is being replaced at great personal expense, since it will not pass required safety inspect…”
“Rear taillight failure due to moisture incursion. No message appeared, but light failure was observed less than a month ago. Car is in for regular service now and item is being replaced at great personal expense, since it will not pass required safety inspect…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report intermittent ignition key sticking even when the car is in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove the key. Others describe hesitation and shuddering while driving, often with the check engine light on.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, with the car taking several seconds to move. This hesitation can be frustrating and potentially hazardous when merging or crossing traffic.
Owners report the electronic parking brake failing to disengage, requiring a tow and manual release. Another common issue is a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area, attributed to the ABS system.
Multiple systems such as stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping can malfunction simultaneously. Such widespread electrical failures can compromise safety and require extensive 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 V90 — 9 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 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 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 USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021 Volvo V60, V60 Cross Country, V90, V90 Cross Country, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. The Supplementary Restraint System (SRS) control unit may not have been properly attached to the car body and may detach during a crash.
The risk: A detached SRS control unit can decrease the performance of occupant protection systems such as air bags, seat belts, and high voltage battery disconnect, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Volvo Car will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, tighten the SRS control unit mounting screws, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Vo…
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 V90 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Volvo V90 has far fewer issues per year (3.4 vs. 205.6), meaning owners report fewer problems overall. In practice, this suggests the V90 may be less likely to leave you stranded or require frequent repairs, though its issues can still be costly. The Camry's higher complaint rate reflects a larger owner base but also a wider variety of reported defects.
Key differences
- The Volvo V90 averages 3.4 complaints per year, while the Toyota Camry averages 205.6, indicating a much higher reported problem rate for the Camry.
- Volvo V90 complaints center on exterior lighting moisture and electrical glitches, whereas Camry complaints often involve power train hesitation, stuck keys, and brake noises.
- The Camry has 171 crash-related reports, 158 injuries, and 1 death in the data; the V90 has none of these, though this does not guarantee safety.
- Both have electrical system complaints, but the V90's are fewer and often tied to lighting, while the Camry's involve multiple safety systems failing at once.
- Check both rear taillights for moisture or condensation inside the lens, as this is a reported cause of failure.
- Test all electrical functions, especially hybrid battery health if equipped, and listen for any warning messages about system failures.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park; if it sticks, it could be a recurring power train issue.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area and check that the electronic parking brake engages and disengages smoothly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been addressed, especially for electrical and air bag systems.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on the components mentioned in complaints.
- For the Volvo V90, inspect taillights for moisture and test all lighting functions, including turn signals and brake lights.
- For the Toyota Camry, test the ignition key removal, accelerator response, and electronic parking brake operation during a test drive.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and check if any recurring issues (like wheel sensors or brake noises) have been repaired.
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 V90 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2 | 157 |
| 2020 | 3 | 274 |
| 2019 | 4 | 395 |
| 2018 | 5 | 744 |
| 2017 | 3 | 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 V90 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo V90 vs Toyota Camry
- Volvo V90 total complaints
- 17
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Volvo V90 total recalls
- 9
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Volvo V90 avg complaints/year
- 3.4
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Volvo V90
- Volvo V90 top complaint area
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN