Head-to-head reliability
Volvo VN vs Toyota Camry
How the Volvo VN 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 VN vs Toyota Camry: The Volvo VN has 7 complaints and 38 recalls over 10 years, while the Camry has 2,143 complaints and 31 recalls. The Camry also reports 181 crash-related incidents and 163 injuries, versus 1 each for the Volvo VN. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo VN or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo VN
The Volvo VN is a heavy-duty commercial truck, so its 7 complaints over 10 years reflect a small, specialized owner base rather than a mass-market car. The pattern centers on water leaks around every window, electrical software glitches, and a 2019 recall for the leak issue, suggesting chronic cabin sealing problems. With 38 recalls but only 1 crash and 1 injury reported, the main day-to-day headache is water damage and electronic faults, not frequent crashes.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular family sedan with 2,143 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 214 per year. Owners report a wide range of issues, from transmission grinding and sudden acceleration to brake failure and AC odors. The high complaint volume and 181 crash-related reports indicate that while many issues are minor, some can be serious and affect safety.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo VN | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 7 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 38 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.7 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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 VN
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER4
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
- 03TIRES1
- 04STRUCTURE1
- 05SERVICE BRAKES1
Owners repeatedly report that every window leaks, staining upholstery and causing water damage. This is a known problem that led to a 2019 recall, so buyers should expect potential leaks even in later models.
Complaints include software issues and a recall for electrical and hydraulic brake problems. One owner also reported odometer fraud, so verifying mileage and software updates is critical.
The same window leak complaint appears under structure, indicating that water intrusion may weaken or damage interior components over time. This can lead to costly repairs and mold.
A recall covers hydraulic service brakes, and one complaint mentions brake-related electrical issues. Buyers should confirm that all brake recalls have been performed.
“Every window in this truck leaks. The upholstery is water stained around and underneath every window. This , I found out is a common problem for Volvo trucks. Volvo knows about this problem as they had a recall in 2019 for this very problem. Volvo Corp office…”
“This Person hit my SUV and would not Stop, USDOT # 923849 I had to chase him down for a mile before he stopped. He destroyed my New Car 2025 Subaru Forester. I would like this person NOT be able to drive a BIG RIG again.”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the transmission, sometimes requiring replacement, and sudden unintended acceleration. These are serious and can lead to crashes, as noted in the complaint about a totaled vehicle.
Complaints include sudden acceleration and a coolant bypass valve issue that may not be covered by recall for certain VINs. This can cause engine damage or safety risks if not addressed.
One owner described complete brake failure while driving downhill, with no response from the pedal. This is a critical safety concern that warrants immediate inspection.
Common issues include AC condenser damage from road debris and a persistent mildew or vinegar smell from the vents. These are annoying but less safety-critical than powertrain problems.
“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 VN — 38 recalls
The defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2019-2024 VN and VHD vehicles. The passenger side bench seat may be inadequately attached to the floor. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 207, "Seating Systems"…
The risk: The attachment points may fail, allowing the bench seat to shift and increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the weld nut with two nuts and a washer, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed February 29, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks number for this recall is RVXX2312.
The defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2020-2025 VN, VAH, VHD and VNRE trucks, equipped with Bendix EC80 Advanced Electronic Control Units (ECU). Electrical noise and low signal to the power line carrier may cause the ECU to incorrectly process commands or stop working.
The risk: Safety systems that depend on the ECU (Automatic Traction Control, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Active Cruise Control, and Collison Mitigation System) may have diminished or lost functionality, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Truck's number for this recall is RVXX2409.
The defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2019-2024 VN and VHD vehicles. The passenger side bench seat may be inadequately attached to the floor. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 207, "Seating Systems"…
The risk: The attachment points may fail, allowing the bench seat to shift and increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the weld nut with two nuts and a washer, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed February 29, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks number for this recall is RVXX2312.
The defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2020-2025 VN, VAH, VHD and VNRE trucks, equipped with Bendix EC80 Advanced Electronic Control Units (ECU). Electrical noise and low signal to the power line carrier may cause the ECU to incorrectly process commands or stop working.
The risk: Safety systems that depend on the ECU (Automatic Traction Control, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Active Cruise Control, and Collison Mitigation System) may have diminished or lost functionality, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Truck's number for this recall is RVXX2409.
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 VN or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Volvo VN has far fewer complaints per year (0.7 vs. 214.3), but it is a commercial truck with a narrower owner base. The Camry's higher volume means more reported problems, including serious ones like brake failure and sudden acceleration. In practice, the Volvo VN may have fewer overall issues, but the Camry's issues are more widely documented and can be more dangerous.
Key differences
- The Volvo VN has 7 complaints over 10 years, while the Camry has 2,143, but the VN is a commercial truck with a smaller owner pool.
- Volvo VN complaints focus on window leaks and electrical software, while Camry complaints include transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, and brake failure.
- The Camry has 181 crash-related reports and 163 injuries, compared to 1 crash and 1 injury for the Volvo VN.
- Both have recalls, but the Camry's recalls cover air bags, seats, and wheels, while the Volvo VN's recalls include seats, electrical software, and steering linkages.
- Check all windows and upholstery for water stains or leaks, as this is a recurring complaint and was subject to a 2019 recall.
- Verify that all electrical and brake recalls have been performed, and check for any software updates or odometer discrepancies.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration and test for any sudden acceleration or brake response issues.
- Inspect the AC system for condenser damage and check for persistent mildew or vinegar odors from the vents.
Before you buy
- Run a VIN check to see if all recalls have been completed for the specific vehicle.
- For the Volvo VN, inspect window seals and interior for water damage, and test all electrical functions.
- For the Camry, test drive at various speeds and braking conditions to check for transmission grinding or brake failure.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and brake repairs.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the known problem areas for each model.
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 VN | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 119 |
| 2025 | 0 | 153 |
| 2024 | 1 | 48 |
| 2023 | 0 | 62 |
| 2022 | 0 | 59 |
| 2021 | 3 | 155 |
| 2020 | 1 | 270 |
| 2019 | 0 | 393 |
| 2018 | 2 | 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 VN or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo VN vs Toyota Camry
- Volvo VN total complaints
- 7
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Volvo VN total recalls
- 38
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Volvo VN avg complaints/year
- 0.7
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Volvo VN
- Volvo VN top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN