Head-to-head reliability
Volvo VNR vs Toyota Camry
How the Volvo VNR 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 VNR vs Toyota Camry: The VNR has 2 complaints over 10 years (0.2/year) and 36 recalls, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints (205.6/year) and 31 recalls. VNR complaints involve a sun visor and transmission neutral slip; Camry complaints include transmission shudder, key sticking, and brake noise. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo VNR or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo VNR
The Volvo VNR is a heavy-duty semi tractor, and in NHTSA data it shows very few owner complaints—just 2 over 10 years—but a high number of recalls (36). The complaints that do exist point to specific annoyances like a poorly replaced sun visor and a transmission that slips into neutral when slowing. For a buyer, this suggests low reported complaint volume but potential exposure to recall fixes, and the need to check that any modifications were done correctly.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular passenger car with a much larger complaint volume—2,056 over 10 years—and 31 recalls. Owners report a wide range of issues, from transmission shuddering and key removal problems to brake noises and multiple electronic system malfunctions. The higher complaint count means more documented problems, but it also reflects the Camry’s far larger presence on the road.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo VNR | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 36 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.2 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 VNR
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
- 02VISIBILITY/WIPER1
Owners report a sun visor that was replaced with an off-brand unit that is smaller and mounted incorrectly, making morning and evening driving difficult due to glare. Another complaint describes the truck going into neutral when slowing for a turn or stop light, and not re-engaging until fully stopped—a serious drivability concern.
The same sun visor complaint appears under visibility, highlighting that a poorly fitted visor can impair the driver’s view. For a buyer, check that the visor is original or correctly installed.
“This Is a volvo semi tractor 2021 the original sunvisor was removed from tractor. And an off brand replacement was installed which is substantially smaller by 4 inches on each side of visor + it's mounted in wrong direction making morning and evening's very d…”
“My truck is going to neutral When ever I slow down and about to make a turn or for a stop light , and will not ho back in gear . Until I fully stop and put it in gear again - causing big problems -”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report intermittent ignition key sticking (key cannot be removed even when in Park) and transmission shuddering or hesitation with the check engine light on. These issues can leave you stranded or cause unsafe driving conditions.
Complaints include multiple simultaneous failures of smart stop, stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping systems, as well as subframe and driveline concerns. Such widespread electronic glitches can be distracting and costly to diagnose.
Owners describe delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, sometimes taking several seconds before the car moves. This hesitation can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic.
Reports include the electronic parking brake failing to disengage (requiring a tow) and a clicking/vibrating noise from the brake pedal area that the manufacturer calls normal. Brake issues are safety-critical and should be inspected carefully.
“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 VNR — 36 recalls
The defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2020-2023 VNR Electric vehicles equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). When the adaptive cruise control braking activates under light load conditions, it can trigger an aggressive braking response.
The risk: Overly aggressive braking can result in the rear axle skidding, the brakes locking up, and/or a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will secure wiring and remove radar antennas and brackets from the vehicle. The anti-lock braking system will be reprogrammed to disable adaptive cruise control. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 2, 2023. Ow…
The defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2020-2024 VNR Electric vehicles. The coolant line in the high voltage battery pack may not be fully seated and locked, which can result in the loss of coolant and an electrical short circuit.
The risk: A battery short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Volvo Trucks will work with the battery manufacturer Akasol to inspect and replace the batteries, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 9, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks' customer service at 1-800-…
The defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2022-2024 VNR, VNL, VHD, and VAH trucks. The windshield wiper motor gears may wear prematurely, causing the motor to fail.
The risk: Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 1, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks number for this recall is R…
The defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2018-2021 VNL and VNR buses. The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the rear drive axles stated on the Federal Certification Label exceeds the rating of the wheel hubs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Pa…
The risk: If the rear axles are overloaded, over time the wheel hubs may fail prematurely, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners and send corrected replacement labels, free of charge. The recall began August 18, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX2002.
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 VNR or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Volvo VNR has far fewer complaints per year (0.2 vs. 205.6), but it is a commercial truck with a different use profile. The Camry’s higher complaint count means more documented problems, but many are reported by a much larger owner base; in practice, a used Camry buyer should expect to check for transmission, brake, and electronic issues, while a VNR buyer should focus on recalls and proper equipment installation.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: Volvo VNR has 2 complaints over 10 years vs. Toyota Camry’s 2,056, but the VNR is a low-volume commercial vehicle.
- Recalls: VNR has 36 recalls (more than its complaints), while Camry has 31 recalls—check both for open recalls.
- Reported failure types: VNR complaints center on a misinstalled sun visor and transmission slipping to neutral; Camry complaints cover transmission shuddering, key sticking, brake noise, and multiple electronic system failures.
- Safety outcomes: Camry data includes 171 crash-related complaints, 158 injuries, and 1 death; VNR data shows 0 in these categories, though the truck’s low volume limits comparison.
- Inspect the sun visor: ensure it is the original or correctly sized and mounted, as owners report poor replacement causing glare.
- Test drive at low speeds and during deceleration: check for any tendency to slip into neutral or hesitate when slowing for a turn or stop.
- Check ignition key operation: try removing the key in Park multiple times to ensure it does not stick.
- Test the brakes and electronic parking brake: listen for clicking or vibrating noises and confirm the EPB engages and disengages properly.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA’s recall site and confirm all open recalls are repaired before purchase.
- For the Volvo VNR, verify that all equipment (especially visors and other add-ons) is original or properly installed.
- For the Toyota Camry, perform a thorough test drive including slow-speed acceleration, braking, and parking brake operation.
- Ask for maintenance records and have a independent mechanic inspect the transmission, brakes, and electrical systems.
- Check for any warning lights or stored diagnostic trouble codes during the test drive.
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 VNR | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 0 | 163 |
| 2024 | 0 | 50 |
| 2023 | 1 | 64 |
| 2022 | 0 | 61 |
| 2021 | 1 | 157 |
| 2020 | 0 | 274 |
| 2019 | 0 | 395 |
| 2018 | 0 | 744 |
| 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 VNR or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo VNR vs Toyota Camry
- Volvo VNR total complaints
- 2
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Volvo VNR total recalls
- 36
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Volvo VNR avg complaints/year
- 0.2
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Volvo VNR
- Volvo VNR top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN