Head-to-head reliability
Volvo XC90 vs Toyota Camry
How the Volvo XC90 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 XC90 vs Toyota Camry: The XC90 has 103.8 complaints per year and 44 recalls, with electrical issues causing sudden power loss. The Camry has 214.3 complaints per year and 31 recalls, with transmission and brake problems. Choose based on your tolerance for electrical vs. powertrain risks. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo XC90 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo XC90
The Volvo XC90, a luxury SUV, shows a high complaint rate of about 104 per year over the past decade, with electrical issues dominating. Owners report sudden loss of propulsion, repeated warning messages, and brake noises, suggesting potential reliability concerns that could affect daily driving and ownership satisfaction.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a popular sedan, has a higher complaint volume (about 214 per year) but a lower recall count. Complaints highlight transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, brake failure, and HVAC odors, indicating a mix of powertrain and brake issues that could impact safety and comfort.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo XC90 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,038 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 44 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 47 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 103.8 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 75 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 XC90
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM312
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER223
- 03ENGINE183
- 04SERVICE BRAKES132
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM97
Owners report sudden loss of propulsion and repeated 'Propulsion Service Required' messages, often requiring computer resets. This suggests potential issues with the hybrid or engine control systems that could leave you stranded.
There are reports of the engine shutting off abruptly at highway speeds, leading to a complete loss of power. This is a critical safety concern that could cause accidents.
In cold weather, some owners hear a loud knocking noise when backing up, possibly related to the auto-hold brake feature. While not a brake failure, it indicates a component that may need attention.
“My car is a 2022 Volvo hybrid T8, 6-passenger XC90. I purchased the SUV in August of 2023 as a "certified pre-owned" vehicle with only 17,923 miles on it at the time of purchase. This SUV has been fine until within the last two to three months (July-Sept. 202…”
“My car is a 2022 Volvo hybrid T8, 6-passenger XC90. I purchased the SUV in August of 2023 as a "certified pre-owned" vehicle with only 17,923 miles on it at the time of purchase. This SUV has been fine until within the last two to three months (July-Sept. 202…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues are common, with grinding noises on acceleration and some requiring full transmission replacement. This is a costly repair that could occur within the vehicle's lifetime.
Some owners report uncontrollable sudden acceleration, leading to crashes. Others mention engine maintenance lights and coolant valve bypass codes, indicating potential engine management problems.
There are reports of brake pedal failure with no response, especially on hills, which is a serious safety risk. This could be due to brake system defects.
“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 XC90 — 44 recalls
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2022-2023 S60, V60, S90L, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. An electronic control module (ECM) software error may prevent the combustion engine from starting, causing a loss of drive power.
The risk: The vehicle may lose drive power as the high voltage battery is depleted, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the ECM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 8, 2022. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10198.
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 2015-2024 XC90 vehicles. The second-row seat belt buckle and lower belt anchor bolts may not be tightened properly.
The risk: An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing their risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the second-row seat belt buckle anchorage bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 19, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo…
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2015-2024 XC90 vehicles. The second-row seat belt buckle and lower belt anchor bolts may not be tightened properly.
The risk: An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing their risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the second-row seat belt buckle anchorage bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 19, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo…
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 XC90 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Volvo XC90 has fewer complaints per year (103.8) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but its issues are more safety-critical, like sudden power loss. The Camry's higher volume includes many non-safety issues like HVAC odors, but also serious brake and acceleration problems. In practice, the XC90 may have a lower frequency of issues, but the nature of its problems could be more alarming.
Key differences
- Volvo XC90: Electrical system issues dominate, with reports of sudden power loss and warning messages; Camry: Powertrain issues are top, including transmission grinding and replacement needs.
- Volvo XC90: Brake noise in cold weather; Camry: Brake pedal failure reports, which are more dangerous.
- Volvo XC90: 44 recalls over 10 years; Camry: 31 recalls, but higher complaint volume.
- Volvo XC90: No deaths reported; Camry: 1 death reported in complaints.
- Check for any history of 'Propulsion Service Required' messages or engine shutdowns, as these indicate electrical or engine control issues.
- Inspect the auto-hold brake system for unusual noises, especially in cold weather, as owners report loud knocking when backing up.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration, as this could signal a need for costly replacement.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially on slopes, and ask about any history of brake pedal failure or sudden acceleration incidents.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the electrical system for the Volvo and the transmission for the Toyota.
- Test drive at highway speeds to check for any loss of power or unusual noises.
- Ask the seller for service records, especially any repairs related to the engine, brakes, or transmission.
- Check the NHTSA website for the specific VIN to see if any complaints or recalls match the vehicle.
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 XC90 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 119 |
| 2025 | 54 | 153 |
| 2024 | 102 | 48 |
| 2023 | 117 | 62 |
| 2022 | 116 | 59 |
| 2021 | 51 | 155 |
| 2020 | 90 | 270 |
| 2019 | 123 | 393 |
| 2018 | 150 | 736 |
| 2017 | 228 | 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 XC90 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo XC90 vs Toyota Camry
- Volvo XC90 total complaints
- 1,038
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Volvo XC90 total recalls
- 44
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Volvo XC90 avg complaints/year
- 103.8
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Volvo XC90
- Volvo XC90 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN