Head-to-head reliability
Volvo XC70 vs Toyota Camry
How the Volvo XC70 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 XC70 vs Toyota Camry: The XC70 averages about 15 complaints per year with 4 crash-related reports, while the Camry averages about 206 complaints per year with 171 crash-related reports. Both have recalls, but owner-reported issues differ in type and frequency. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo XC70 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo XC70
The Volvo XC70 is a wagon that averages about 15 complaints per year, with 32 recalls over a decade. Owners frequently report leaks from the windshield seal that can damage interior electronics, excessive oil consumption from piston defects, and seat belt buckles that won't latch or release. These issues can be annoying and costly, but the XC70 has only 4 crash-related complaints and no deaths in the data.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a sedan with a much higher complaint rate—about 206 per year—and 31 recalls. Common owner reports include transmission shuddering, delayed acceleration, electronic parking brake failures, and multiple warning lights flashing at once. The Camry also has 171 crash-related complaints and 1 death, so it demands careful attention to safety-related systems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo XC70 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 146 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 32 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 4 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 14.6 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 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 XC70
- 01VISIBILITY/WIPER17
- 02ENGINE14
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM14
- 04SEAT BELTS13
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER13
Owners report the windshield seal failing, letting water leak into the overhead lights and cabin. This can ruin interior electronics and may weaken the windshield's role in crash protection.
Some owners find excessive oil consumption due to defective pistons, rings, and heads, requiring major engine work. Another complaint describes smoke and flames from the air vents while driving, which is a serious fire risk.
The driver's instrument panel can black out intermittently, leaving you without speed or warning lights. Trailer lighting control module defects are also reported, affecting towing safety.
Front seat belt buckles may refuse to latch or release, especially on the passenger side. This is a daily frustration and a potential safety issue if the belt won't secure you in a crash.
“The windscreen seal has failed. Water leaking into the overhead lighting fixture and main cabin. This will ruin the car, and shouldn't happen to any car. The windscreen, when properly attached to the body, contributes to the structural integrity and crashwort…”
“THE BACKUP CAMERA IS MALFUNCTIONING NOW BECAUSE THE VIEW FIELD IS PARTIALLY BLOCKED BY THE VEHICLE BODY. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE'RE SOME OTHER CARS (INCLUDING SOME NEW CARS AT DEALER) HAVE SIMILAR PROBLEMS. I VISITED THE RETAILER AND THEN CONTACTED THE CUSTOM C…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck even when the car is in Park, sometimes requiring a battery disconnect. Others describe hesitation and shuddering with the check engine light on, pointing to transmission or engine control problems.
Multiple systems—stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—can malfunction at once. This suggests complex electronic integration issues that are hard to diagnose and fix.
A delayed throttle response is reported, where pressing the gas pedal does nothing for several seconds. This can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow. Owners also hear clicking or vibrating from the brake pedal area, which the manufacturer calls normal but owners find concerning.
“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 XC70 — 32 recalls
The defect: Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2008-2016 V70 and XC70, 2007-2016 S80, 2011-2018 S60 and V60, 2016-2018 S60 Cross Country, 2014-2020 S60L, 2009-2015 S80L, 2009-2016 XC60 and 2015-2018 V60 Cross Country vehicles. The flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the front…
The risk: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt anchor cable for both front seats. The recall began December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10029.
The defect: Volvo Cars of North America, LLC. (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016 Volvo S60, V60, V60CC, XC60, XC70, and S80 vehicles manufactured April 8, 2015 to August 19, 2015. In certain driving conditions when using the automatic engine stop/start function, the starter motor fuse may blow, preve…
The risk: If the vehicle is unexpectedly unable to be started in the middle of traffic, such as when stopped at an intersection, there is an increased risk of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing starter motor fuse with a higher amperage fuse, free of charge. The recall began on October 26, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552 or by visitin…
The defect: Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2008-2016 V70 and XC70, 2007-2016 S80, 2011-2018 S60 and V60, 2016-2018 S60 Cross Country, 2014-2020 S60L, 2009-2015 S80L, 2009-2016 XC60 and 2015-2018 V60 Cross Country vehicles. The flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the front…
The risk: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt anchor cable for both front seats. The recall began December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10029.
The defect: Volvo is recalling certain model year 2014 S60, S80, XC60 and XC70 vehicles equipped with keyless ignition. In the affected vehicles, the Central Electronic Module (CEM) will not perform as intended. As a result, the front windshield wipers might run continuously when the ignition is on. Also, the…
The risk: Malfunctioning head lamps and/or turn signals increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will upgrade the CEM software, free of charge. The recall began on October 3, 2013. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
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 XC70 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Volvo XC70 has far fewer complaints per year (about 15) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 206). In practice, that means you'll likely see fewer recurring problems with the XC70, but both have recalls and safety-related complaints. The Camry's higher crash and injury counts suggest its issues may more often lead to collisions.
Key differences
- The Volvo XC70 averages about 15 complaints per year, while the Toyota Camry averages about 206—a huge difference in reported problem frequency.
- Volvo XC70 owners report windshield leaks, oil consumption, and seat belt latch failures; Camry owners report transmission shuddering, stuck keys, and electronic parking brake failures.
- The Camry has 171 crash-related complaints and 1 death, versus 4 crash-related complaints and 0 deaths for the XC70, suggesting different safety risk profiles.
- Both have recalls, but the XC70's recalls include seat belts and electrical fuses, while the Camry's include wheels, seats, and air bag sensors.
- Check for water stains or musty smells in the overhead console and cabin, which could indicate a failed windshield seal.
- Test the front seat belts by buckling and unbuckling several times—if they stick or won't latch, that's a known issue.
- Test the electronic parking brake by engaging and disengaging it multiple times; if it hesitates or fails, it may need an expensive repair.
- During a test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop to check for delayed throttle response or transmission shuddering.
Before you buy
- Ask for a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model—Volvo XC70 for leaks and belts, Toyota Camry for transmission and brakes.
- Run a VIN check to see if all recalls have been performed, especially seat belt and electrical recalls on the XC70 and air bag sensor recalls on the Camry.
- For the XC70, inspect the windshield seal and overhead lights for water damage; for the Camry, test all electronic systems including parking brake and warning lights.
- Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust on the XC70, which could indicate excessive oil consumption.
- On the Camry, listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area and test the key removal in Park.
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 XC70 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo XC70 vs Toyota Camry
- Volvo XC70 total complaints
- 146
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Volvo XC70 total recalls
- 32
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Volvo XC70 avg complaints/year
- 14.6
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Volvo XC70
- Volvo XC70 top complaint area
- VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN