Head-to-head reliability
Volvo V90cc vs Toyota Camry
How the Volvo V90cc 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 V90cc vs Toyota Camry: The Volvo V90cc has 13 complaints over 10 years (1.3/year) and 19 recalls, while the Toyota Camry has 2,143 complaints (214.3/year) and 31 recalls. The Camry also reports 181 crash-related complaints and 163 injuries, versus 1 crash and 3 injuries for the Volvo. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo V90cc or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo V90cc
The Volvo V90cc is a low-volume wagon with only 13 complaints over 10 years, averaging 1.3 per year. Owners report electrical gremlins like brake failure warnings, water leaks damaging electronics, and a tailgate that can close on its own. Recalls cover brakes and backup prevention software. Living with it means fewer reported issues overall, but when problems occur they can be serious and costly.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a high-volume sedan with 2,143 complaints over 10 years, averaging 214.3 per year. Owners report power train issues like transmission grinding, engine sudden acceleration, and brake failures. Recalls include air bag sensors, seats, and wheels. Living with it means many reported problems, but they are spread across a large number of vehicles.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo V90cc | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 13 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 19 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.3 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 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 V90cc
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER4
- 03STRUCTURE3
- 04SERVICE BRAKES2
- 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING2
Owners report brake failure warnings, parking brake setting unexpectedly, car not coming out of Park, engine not turning off, and rear liftgate not opening. Water leaks from sunroof can damage electrical panels and batteries, causing the car to die on the road.
The automatic tailgate can randomly come down and strike people, sometimes continuing downward without retracting. Also, rain can cause rear position lights to fail, leaving no signal or brake lamp until it dries.
Moisture in the tail light can trigger a 'brake malfunction' error and deactivate the passenger rear brake light. The same brake failure warning can set the parking brake and prevent the car from moving.
The Sensus navigation map can freeze or be covered by a blank window, requiring a stop and restart. The tailgate can also close unexpectedly, hitting owners on the shoulder or head.
“Sunday, May 14, 2023 - 2:30pm Car reports "Brake Failure - Stop Safely" Driver does so, and-- -Parking Brake Sets -Car will not come out of Park -Engine can not be turned off -Rear lift gate cannot be opened by any means First attempt at a tow fails – parking…”
“Gaps in the sunroof seal caused water to drain from the sunroof to the interior, electrical panel, firewall panel of the car and batteries. All electrical components are damaged because of the water. My car died on a very busy road on Dec. 31, 2024. It is an…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front upon acceleration, often diagnosed as transmission failure requiring replacement. Some also report sudden acceleration while driving, leading to crashes.
Sudden uncontrollable acceleration has been reported multiple times, sometimes resulting in a crash. A coolant valve bypass issue can trigger a maintenance required light and code P268115, but not all VINs are covered by the recall.
Owners report brake pedal going to the floor with no response, especially on steep hills or when braking gently. This can lead to loss of braking ability and potential crashes.
Air conditioning problems include condenser damage from rocks and a recurring mildew or vinegar smell from the vents. These are unpleasant but not safety-critical.
“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 V90cc — 19 recalls
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023 S60, V60, V60CC, V90CC, XC60, XC90, XC40, and C40 vehicles. A diagnostic error in the Brake Control Module 2 (BCM2) may cause a loss of Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and traction control.
The risk: A reduction in brake support functions can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will release an over-the-air (OTA) BCM2 software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 15, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for thi…
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, C40, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40 and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply wi…
The risk: A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for…
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2024 C40BEV, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40, and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fai…
The risk: A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 24, 2026. Owners may contact Volvo Car’s customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's numb…
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, C40, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40 and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply wi…
The risk: A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for…
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 V90cc or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Volvo V90cc has far fewer complaints per year (1.3 vs. 214.3), but the Camry's higher count reflects its much larger sales volume. In practice, the Volvo may have fewer reported issues overall, but the Camry's issues are more frequently related to crashes and injuries.
Key differences
- Volvo V90cc has 13 complaints over 10 years; Toyota Camry has 2,143, but Camry sells in far higher numbers.
- Volvo issues often involve electrical failures and tailgate injuries; Camry issues often involve transmission, engine acceleration, and brake failure.
- Volvo has 1 crash-related complaint and 3 injuries; Camry has 181 crash-related complaints and 163 injuries.
- Volvo recalls focus on brakes and backup prevention software; Camry recalls include air bags, seats, and wheels.
- Check for water leaks around the sunroof and electrical components, as owners report water damaging panels and batteries.
- Test the automatic tailgate multiple times to ensure it does not close unexpectedly or strike you.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration and test for any delayed or harsh shifting.
- Test the brakes on a slope or in a parking lot to ensure the pedal responds firmly and does not go to the floor.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed.
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system and battery for water damage (Volvo) or transmission and brake function (Camry).
- Test all tailgate and liftgate functions multiple times, including automatic closing (Volvo).
- Check for signs of sudden acceleration or brake issues during a test drive, including on hills (Camry).
- Verify that the air conditioning system works and does not have a mildew smell (Camry).
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 V90cc | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 119 |
| 2025 | 0 | 153 |
| 2024 | 0 | 48 |
| 2023 | 0 | 62 |
| 2022 | 2 | 59 |
| 2021 | 0 | 155 |
| 2020 | 4 | 270 |
| 2019 | 0 | 393 |
| 2018 | 7 | 736 |
| 2017 | 0 | 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 V90cc or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo V90cc vs Toyota Camry
- Volvo V90cc total complaints
- 13
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Volvo V90cc total recalls
- 19
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Volvo V90cc avg complaints/year
- 1.3
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Volvo V90cc
- Volvo V90cc top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN