Head-to-head reliability
Polestar Polestar 3 vs Toyota Camry
How the Polestar Polestar 3 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
Polestar Polestar 3 vs Toyota Camry: The Polestar 3 has 78 complaints over 2 years (39/yr) with 6 recalls, while the Camry has 2143 over 10 years (214/yr) with 31 recalls. Polestar owners report electrical and propulsion failures, while Camry owners report transmission and brake issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Polestar Polestar 3 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Polestar Polestar 3
The Polestar Polestar 3 is a relatively new electric SUV, and its complaint history over just two years shows a pattern of electrical and software-related issues that can leave owners stranded or without essential functions. Owners report repeated failures of the air conditioning, charging system, and even complete loss of propulsion at highway speeds, which is a serious safety concern. The high number of electrical complaints (49 out of 78) suggests that the vehicle's complex electronics are a weak point, and the multiple recalls for software and wiring reinforce this. For a first-time buyer, this means the Polestar 3 may offer a premium driving experience but comes with a higher risk of unexpected breakdowns and service visits.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, with a decade of data, shows a more mature but still concerning reliability picture. While it has a higher total number of complaints (2143), this is spread over 10 years and many more vehicles on the road. The top issues are spread across powertrain, engine, and brakes, with owners reporting transmission failures, sudden acceleration incidents, and brake failures. The Camry's recalls are less frequent per year (3.1/yr) compared to the Polestar (3/yr), but the sheer volume of complaints, especially regarding safety-critical systems like brakes and unintended acceleration, is a red flag. For a buyer, the Camry's long history means more data, but also more potential for serious issues, though many are likely isolated or addressed by recalls.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Polestar Polestar 3 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 78 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 6 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 4 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 39.0 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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.
Polestar Polestar 3
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM49
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE10
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM10
- 04BACK OVER PREVENTION8
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER7
Owners report repeated software and firmware failures that cause loss of essential functions and even vehicle immobilization. The air conditioning system also fails, which can be a comfort and safety issue in extreme weather.
There are reports of sudden unintended acceleration at low speeds and loss of propulsion at highway speeds, both of which are critical safety failures. These incidents often involve multiple safety system malfunctions.
The high-voltage charging system fails, preventing normal charging, and there are instances of 'turtle mode' where the car's speed is limited to 6 mph, making it unsafe on hills or highways.
Owners see persistent warning lights and messages that safety systems are unavailable, which could affect rear-view camera and parking sensors, increasing the risk of backing into obstacles.
“To Whom It May Concern, I am filing this complaint to formally alert the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to what I believe is a recurring and potentially dangerous defect in the Polestar 3 — specifically, a failure of the air conditioning syste…”
“My vehicle has experienced repeated and unresolved software/firmware failures that cause loss of essential vehicle functionality and repeated vehicle immobilization. Since purchase, the vehicle has been taken out of service multiple times for software-related…”
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. Some owners report unintended acceleration when braking, which is a serious safety concern.
Sudden acceleration incidents have led to crashes, and there are engine maintenance warnings related to coolant valve bypass recalls that may not cover all VINs, leaving some owners with unresolved issues.
Brake failure, such as no response when pressing the pedal, has been reported, particularly on hills, which can lead to loss of control. This is a critical safety issue.
Air conditioning condenser damage from rocks is noted as 'not uncommon' by dealers, and there are recurring HVAC odors that are unpleasant and may indicate mold or other issues.
“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.
Polestar Polestar 3 — 6 recalls
The defect: Polestar Automotive USA, Inc. (Polestar) is recalling certain 2025 Polestar 3 hybrid electric vehicles. Fluctuations in the 12-volt system may have damaged the High to Low Voltage Converter Module (HLCM).
The risk: A damaged HLCM reduces the system's ability to convert energy, causing a sudden loss in drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the High to Low Voltage Converter Module (HLCM), free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 17, 2025. Owners may contact Polestar customer service at 1-800-806-2504. Polestar's number for this recal…
The defect: Polestar Automotive USA, Inc. (Polestar) is recalling certain Polestar 3 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
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 are expected to be mailed June 24, 2025. Owners may contact Polestar's customer service at 1-800-806-2504. Polesta…
The defect: Polestar Automotive USA, Inc. (Polestar) is recalling certain 2025 Polestar 3 vehicles. The panoramic glass sunroof may not be properly secured and can detach.
The risk: A detached glass sunroof can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Polestar will replace the panoramic glass sunroof, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 28, 2025. Owners may contact Polestar's customer service at 1-800-806-2504. Polestar's number for this recall is RP1060.
The defect: Polestar Automotive USA, Inc. (Polestar) is recalling certain 2025 Polestar 3 vehicles. Water may damage the electrical connectors between the engine bay and front bumper cable harnesses.
The risk: Damage to harnesses can cause various electrical malfunctions, such as a loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Polestar will replace the bumper harness and the inline front bumper/engine bay connector on the engine bay harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 31, 2025. Owners may contact Polestar's customer service at 1-…
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
Polestar Polestar 3 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Polestar Polestar 3 has fewer complaints per year (39.0) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the Polestar's issues are concentrated in electrical and propulsion systems that can leave you stranded. The Camry has more complaints overall, but many are spread over a longer period and across more vehicles, so the per-vehicle risk may be lower. In practice, the Polestar 3 is riskier for sudden loss of power, while the Camry has more brake and transmission problems.
Key differences
- The Polestar 3 has a much higher rate of electrical system complaints (49 out of 78) compared to the Camry's 246 out of 2143, indicating a more systemic electronic issue.
- The Polestar 3 has had 6 recalls in just 2 years, while the Camry has had 31 over 10 years, but the Polestar's recalls are more recent and cover critical software and wiring.
- The Camry has more reports of sudden acceleration and brake failure, which are immediate safety hazards, whereas the Polestar's issues often lead to loss of propulsion or charging failures.
- The Polestar 3 is an EV, so its propulsion failures are tied to the high-voltage system, while the Camry's are traditional engine/transmission problems.
- Check for any pending software updates or recalls related to the electrical system, as many owners report immobilization and loss of propulsion.
- Test the air conditioning and charging system thoroughly, as these are common failure points.
- Inspect the transmission for any signs of grinding or slipping, and ask for service records related to transmission replacements.
- Test the brakes on a hill to ensure they respond properly, and check for any recall notices regarding brake issues.
Before you buy
- For the Polestar 3, verify that all recalls have been performed, especially those for the electrical system and software.
- For the Camry, check the VIN against open recalls for the engine and brakes, and ask about any transmission work.
- Take both vehicles for a test drive that includes highway speeds and sudden braking to feel for any hesitation or loss of power.
- Ask for the complete service history and look for repeated visits for the same issue.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic familiar with EVs (for Polestar) or Toyota transmissions (for Camry).
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 | Polestar Polestar 3 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 119 |
| 2025 | 78 | 153 |
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 Polestar Polestar 3 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Polestar Polestar 3 vs Toyota Camry
- Polestar Polestar 3 total complaints
- 78
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Polestar Polestar 3 total recalls
- 6
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Polestar Polestar 3 avg complaints/year
- 39.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Polestar Polestar 3
- Polestar Polestar 3 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN