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 over 5 years, while the Camry averages 214.3 per year over 10 years. V90 owners report taillight moisture and hybrid battery failures, while Camry owners report transmission grinding and sudden acceleration. The Camry has 181 crash-related complaints and 163 injuries, versus none for the V90. 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 premium wagon that, in ownership terms, offers a comfortable and refined ride, but its reliability record shows a pattern of niggling electrical and lighting issues rather than major mechanical failures. With an average of only 3.4 complaints per year over five years, it's a low-volume complainer, but the complaints that do surface often involve moisture in taillights, hybrid battery failures, and sensor glitches that can affect safety systems. Owners also report windshield glare that can be distracting. Overall, it's a vehicle that may require attention to specific electrical components but doesn't show a high frequency of serious problems.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular midsize sedan with a much higher complaint volume—averaging 214.3 per year over ten years—reflecting its widespread use. The complaints cluster around powertrain issues like transmission grinding and sudden acceleration, engine problems such as coolant valve failures, and brake issues where pedal response can be lost. There are also reports of HVAC odors and AC condenser damage. While the sheer number of complaints is large, it's important to consider that many Camrys are on the road, and the issues range from minor annoyances to serious safety concerns, including crashes and injuries.
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 | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 9 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 3.4 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 V90
- 01EXTERIOR LIGHTING7
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
- 03VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL3
- 04VISIBILITY/WIPER3
- 05AIR BAGS2
Owners report rear taillight failures caused by moisture getting inside the housing. This can lead to lights not working, which is a safety hazard and can cause a vehicle to fail inspection, requiring costly replacement.
There are reports of hybrid battery failure in Volvo models, with the car displaying a 'Hybrid System Failure' message and needing a full battery replacement. This is a major expense and can leave you stranded.
Wheel sensors can fail, causing a chain reaction that disables ABS, ESC, and tire pressure monitoring while driving. Also, some owners report hesitation and sudden surges when accelerating from a stop, which can be unnerving and potentially dangerous.
Excessive windshield glare from the dashboard and heads-up display has been reported, causing distraction and even vertigo for some drivers. This is a comfort and safety concern, especially in bright conditions.
“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 TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues are common, with owners reporting grinding noises on acceleration and the need for complete transmission replacement. There are also reports of sudden acceleration when trying to brake, which can lead to crashes.
Engine problems include sudden, uncontrollable acceleration that has caused accidents, as well as coolant valve bypass issues that trigger maintenance lights and can affect engine cooling. Some of these issues may be covered by recalls, but not always for every VIN.
Brake failure is a serious concern, with reports of the brake pedal not responding when pressed, especially on hills. This can lead to loss of control and crashes.
While not as prominent as other issues, electrical problems can include sensor failures and other glitches that affect various systems, adding to the overall reliability concerns.
“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 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 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 V90 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Volvo V90 has far fewer complaints per year (3.4) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, the Camry's higher numbers are partly due to its popularity and longer production run. In practice, the V90 may offer a more trouble-free ownership experience in terms of complaint frequency, but the Camry's issues are more varied and include serious safety concerns like sudden acceleration and brake failure.
Key differences
- The Volvo V90 has significantly fewer complaints per year (3.4) than the Camry (214.3), suggesting a lower rate of reported issues.
- Volvo owners report electrical and lighting issues like taillight moisture and hybrid battery failure, while Camry owners report more mechanical problems like transmission grinding and sudden acceleration.
- The Camry has a much higher number of crash-related complaints (181) and injuries (163) compared to the V90's zero, indicating more severe safety incidents.
- The V90's complaints are often about comfort and convenience (glare, sensor glitches), while the Camry's include critical safety systems like brakes and engine control.
- Check the rear taillights for any signs of moisture or condensation, as this is a common failure point that can lead to expensive replacements.
- If the car is a hybrid, ask about the battery health and any history of 'Hybrid System Failure' messages, as battery replacement is costly.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration, and check for any service records indicating transmission work or replacement.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially on a hill, to ensure there is no loss of pedal response, and ask about any recalls related to brakes or engine.
Before you buy
- For the Volvo V90: inspect the taillights for moisture, check the hybrid battery if applicable, and test the windshield for glare by driving in bright sunlight.
- For the Toyota Camry: have a mechanic inspect the transmission and brakes, and verify that all recalls have been performed by checking the VIN on the NHTSA website.
- Ask for service records for both vehicles to see if any of the common issues have already been addressed.
- Take both cars for a test drive that includes acceleration from a stop and braking on a slope to feel for any hesitation or loss of response.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic who is familiar with these models.
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 | 155 |
| 2020 | 3 | 270 |
| 2019 | 4 | 393 |
| 2018 | 5 | 736 |
| 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
- 2,143
- Volvo V90 total recalls
- 9
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Volvo V90 avg complaints/year
- 3.4
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Volvo V90
- Volvo V90 top complaint area
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN