Toyota Camry vs Volkswagen Golf
For 2005–2021 models, the Toyota Camry has 16.8 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 35.7 for the Volkswagen Golf. 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 (2005–2021), 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
16.8 complaints per 10,000 sold
53% fewer than the Volkswagen Golf
- Complaints
- 10,936
- Sold
- 6,516,047
- Recall campaigns
- 36
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 1
Most complaints: 2007–2009 and 2018. Fewest: 2006, 2016–2017 and 2021. 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 Golf
35.7 complaints per 10,000 sold
2.1× the Toyota Camry’s rate
- Complaints
- 1,958
- Sold
- 547,879
- Recall campaigns
- 37
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 1
Most complaints: 2009, 2011, 2015 and 2019. Fewest: 2005–2006, 2014 and 2020. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Fuel pump and sending unit
Typically around 36,909 mi · repair $630–$1,700
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 54,000 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 1,150 mi
-
Tank, lines and filler
Typically around 37,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 18,546 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Toyota Camry or the Volkswagen Golf?
For 2005–2021 models, the Toyota Camry has 16.8 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Volkswagen Golf has 35.7, 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 Golf?
The most-reported problem on the Volkswagen Golf is fuel pump and sending unit, typically around 36,909 miles; the repair typically runs $630–$1,700.
Which Toyota Camry and Volkswagen Golf years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Toyota Camry: 2007–2009 and 2018; Volkswagen Golf: 2009, 2011, 2015 and 2019.
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.