Toyota Camry vs Volkswagen Beetle
For 2005–2019 models, the Toyota Camry has 17.8 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 24.8 for the Volkswagen Beetle. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2005–2019), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Toyota Camry
17.8 complaints per 10,000 sold
28% fewer than the Volkswagen Beetle
- Complaints
- 10,494
- Sold
- 5,907,904
- Recall campaigns
- 34
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 1
Most complaints: 2007–2009 and 2018. Fewest: 2006 and 2016–2017. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 64,000 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 37,700 mi
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 70,377 mi
-
Oil consumption and leaks
Typically around 98,191 mi
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 30,000 mi
Volkswagen Beetle
24.8 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.4× the Toyota Camry’s rate
- Complaints
- 876
- Sold
- 352,627
- Recall campaigns
- 17
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Most complaints: 2005 and 2015–2016. Fewest: 2011 and 2017–2019. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 73,525 mi
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 64,000 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 50,100 mi
-
Wiring harness, grounds and connectors
Typically around 75,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 47,364 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Toyota Camry or the Volkswagen Beetle?
For 2005–2019 models, the Toyota Camry has 17.8 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Volkswagen Beetle has 24.8, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Toyota Camry?
The most-reported problem on the Toyota Camry is doors, windows, latches, seats and trim, typically around 64,000 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Volkswagen Beetle?
The most-reported problem on the Volkswagen Beetle is harsh, delayed or erratic shifting, typically around 73,525 miles.
Which Toyota Camry and Volkswagen Beetle years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Toyota Camry: 2007–2009 and 2018; Volkswagen Beetle: 2005 and 2015–2016.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.