Head-to-head reliability
Volvo XC40 vs Toyota Camry
How the Volvo XC40 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 XC40 vs Toyota Camry: The XC40 has fewer complaints per year (58.8) than the Camry (214.3), but its issues are mostly electronic, like backup camera failures. The Camry has more serious powertrain and brake problems, with 181 crash-related complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo XC40 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo XC40
The Volvo XC40, a compact luxury SUV, shows a reliability profile dominated by electronic and driver-assistance system glitches. Owners frequently report failures in the electrical system, backup camera, and forward collision avoidance, often requiring multiple software reloads and module reprogramming. While the complaint volume is lower than the Camry's, the nature of these issues—such as blank screens and unintended seatbelt tightening—can be unsettling and may lead to frequent dealer visits.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a midsize sedan, has a higher total complaint count but spans a decade, reflecting its popularity. Its issues are more varied, with notable problems in the powertrain, engine, and brakes. Owners report transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, and brake failure, which are serious safety concerns. However, many complaints also involve less critical issues like HVAC odors and AC damage, indicating a mix of minor annoyances and potentially major mechanical failures.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo XC40 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 470 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 23 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 46 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 58.8 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 34 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 XC40
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM101
- 02BACK OVER PREVENTION95
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER83
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE61
- 05SERVICE BRAKES59
Owners report persistent electrical failures, including software glitches that require repeated module reprogramming and recall completion, yet issues persist, compromising safety and reliability.
The rear camera often fails, showing a blank or black screen when reversing, which is a critical safety feature for parking and avoiding obstacles behind the vehicle.
ADAS features, including automatic emergency braking and parking collision warnings, may not activate in certain situations, as seen in a low-speed parking lot collision, leaving drivers unprotected.
Some owners report unexpected seatbelt pretensioner activation, tightening and locking without a crash, which can be frightening and potentially cause injury.
“am writing to formally report a serious issue involving the sale of a Certified Pre-Owned Volvo by a franchised Volvo dealership in Pennsylvania that I believe violates consumer protection standards and certified vehicle regulations. On [XXX], I purchased a 2…”
“Despite multiple repair attempts by Volvo Cars Sugar Land — including software reloads, module reprogramming, and the completion of Recall R10333 — the vehicle continues to experience failures that directly compromise my safety and the safety of my wife. I no…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues are common, with grinding noises and the need for full replacement, especially in certain model years, leading to costly repairs and potential safety hazards.
Reports of sudden unintended acceleration, which can lead to crashes, and engine codes indicating coolant valve bypass recalls that may not be applied to all VINs, causing safety and performance concerns.
Brake failure incidents, such as no response when pressing the pedal on a hill, are reported, which are critical safety risks that could result in accidents.
HVAC issues like persistent vinegar/mildew odors and AC condenser damage from rocks are frequent, affecting comfort and requiring repairs.
“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 XC40 — 23 recalls
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023 Volvo C40 BEV, 2025 EC40, 2023-2024 XC40 BEV, 2020-2026 XC90 PHEV, 2022-2026 XC60 PHEV, 2023-2025 S60 PHEV, 2024-2025 V60 PHEV, and 2025-2026 EX40 and 2025 S90 PHEV vehicles. In certain driving scenarios while coasting down a hill and using "…
The risk: A loss of brake function increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to use "B" Mode (for plug-in hybrid vehicles) or "One Pedal Drive" (for pure electric vehicles) until the repair has been completed. The brake module software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free o…
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, 2022-2025 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 2024 XC40 vehicles. A diagnostic error in the Central Electronic Module (CEM) software may cause the left rear turn signal indicator to not function.
The risk: A nonfunctioning exterior turn signal may not notify other drivers of a turning vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The CEM software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 16, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's nu…
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 XC40 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Volvo XC40 has fewer complaints per year (58.8) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, the XC40's problems are more concentrated in safety-critical electronic systems, while the Camry's issues are more varied and include serious powertrain and brake failures. In practice, the XC40 may require more software-related fixes, but the Camry's issues could be more expensive and dangerous.
Key differences
- The XC40's top issues are electronic and driver-assist related, like backup camera failures and ADAS malfunctions, while the Camry's top issues include transmission and engine problems.
- The Camry has a higher rate of crash-related complaints (181 vs 46) and injuries (163 vs 34), suggesting more severe incidents.
- The XC40 has fewer complaints per year (58.8) than the Camry (214.3), but the Camry's complaints span more years and models.
- The Camry has one reported death, while the XC40 has none, though both have recalls.
- Check the backup camera and infotainment screen for any flickering or blank displays, especially when shifting into reverse.
- Verify that all software recalls (like R10333) have been performed and that the electrical system has no recurring issues.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration and check for any transmission-related recalls or service bulletins.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially on slopes, and be alert for any sudden acceleration incidents or engine warning lights.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full service history and check for open recalls on both vehicles.
- Test drive the XC40 and specifically test the backup camera and forward collision warning in a safe area.
- For the Camry, perform a thorough brake test and listen for any unusual transmission noises during acceleration.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the electrical system of the XC40 and the powertrain of the Camry.
- Check online forums and NHTSA data for any model-year-specific issues that might affect the specific units you're considering.
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 XC40 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 119 |
| 2025 | 11 | 153 |
| 2024 | 14 | 48 |
| 2023 | 129 | 62 |
| 2022 | 111 | 59 |
| 2021 | 120 | 155 |
| 2020 | 24 | 270 |
| 2019 | 60 | 393 |
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 XC40 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo XC40 vs Toyota Camry
- Volvo XC40 total complaints
- 470
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Volvo XC40 total recalls
- 23
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Volvo XC40 avg complaints/year
- 58.8
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Volvo XC40
- Volvo XC40 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN