Head-to-head reliability
Volvo EX30 vs Toyota Camry
How the Volvo EX30 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 EX30 vs Toyota Camry: The EX30 has 10 complaints over 2 years (5.0/yr) with no injuries, while the Camry has 2143 complaints over 10 years (214.3/yr) with 163 injuries. EX30 issues center on electrical and driver-assist, Camry on powertrain and brakes. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo EX30 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo EX30
The Volvo EX30 is a relatively new electric vehicle with a short ownership history, and its complaint pattern centers on electrical and driver-assistance systems. Owners report unexpected acceleration, issues with adaptive cruise control, and a recall for potential high-voltage battery overheating. Living with it may involve software glitches and safety-related warnings that require dealer attention.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a long-established sedan with a high volume of complaints over a decade, reflecting widespread use. The main issues span powertrain (including transmission grinding and sudden acceleration reports), engine problems (like coolant valve codes), and brake failures. While many Camrys are reliable, these reports indicate that some owners face serious mechanical and safety concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo EX30 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 10 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 5.0 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 EX30
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM5
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE4
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
- 05ENGINE1
Owners report the high-voltage battery can overheat, posing a fire risk, and the car may unexpectedly accelerate or display incorrect gear messages. These issues can lead to recalls and require software or hardware fixes.
The adaptive cruise control and Pilot Assist can activate independently or fail to respond properly, causing the car to accelerate or not brake as expected. This can be alarming and dangerous in traffic.
Complaints here overlap with the battery overheating recall and unexpected acceleration incidents, indicating potential issues with power delivery and thermal management.
“I am filing this complaint regarding NHTSA Recall 26V103 (Manufacturer Recall R10362) for my 2025 Volvo EX30, VIN [XXX] . The recall was issued February 18, 2026 for a fire, overheating, and smoke safety risk due to potential overheating of the High-Voltage b…”
“On July 28, 2026, at approximately 3:30 p.m., I was stopped in my 2025 Volvo EX30 at the intersection of Laurel Avenue and Mount Pleasant Avenue in Livingston, New Jersey. When the light turned green, I applied the accelerator normally. The vehicle unexpected…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission grinding noises and failures are reported, sometimes requiring full replacement. Some owners also describe sudden unintended acceleration, which can lead to crashes.
Engine maintenance lights and codes like P268115 point to coolant valve bypass issues, which may not be covered by recall for all VINs, leaving owners with repair costs and potential overheating.
Brake pedal can go unresponsive, especially on hills, leading to loss of braking power. This is a critical safety concern that has contributed to crashes.
“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 EX30 — 4 recalls
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2025 EX30 vehicles. The high-voltage battery may experience a short circuit and overheat.
The risk: A high-voltage battery that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures and limit their charge to a maximum of 70% until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the battery modules as necessary, free of charge. Owners may conta…
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2025 EX30 vehicles. The high voltage battery may experience a short circuit and overheat.
The risk: A high voltage battery that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Owners are advised to limit their charge to a maximum of 70% until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the battery modules as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed August 20, 2026. Owners may cont…
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2025-2026 EX30 and 2026 EX30CC vehicles. The seat belt warning system may not activate the audible warning chime as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupa…
The risk: An audible warning chime that does not properly alert of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the terminals at the audio module connector, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 26, 2026. Owners may contact Volvo Car’s customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car’s number for this recall…
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2025-2026 EX30 and 2026 EX30CC vehicles. The seat belt warning system may not activate the audible warning chime as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupa…
The risk: An audible warning chime that does not properly alert of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the terminals at the audio module connector, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 26, 2026. Owners may contact Volvo Car’s customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car’s number for this recall…
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 EX30 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Volvo EX30 has far fewer complaints per year (5.0 vs 214.3) and no reported injuries or deaths, while the Camry has many more issues and some serious safety events. In practice, the EX30 may have fewer problems overall, but its issues are still significant and involve advanced systems.
Key differences
- The EX30 has a recall for battery overheating that could cause fires, while the Camry has recalls for airbag sensors and wheel studs.
- Camry owners report transmission failures and sudden acceleration, whereas EX30 owners report similar acceleration issues but fewer overall.
- The EX30's complaints are mostly electrical and driver-assist related, while the Camry's span powertrain, engine, and brakes.
- The Camry has a much higher rate of crash-related complaints and injuries, indicating more severe outcomes.
- Check for open recalls, especially the battery overheating recall (26V103), and ensure it has been remedied.
- Test the adaptive cruise control and Pilot Assist to ensure they don't activate unexpectedly or fail to respond.
- Inspect the transmission for any grinding noises or hesitation, and ask for service records related to transmission issues.
- Test the brakes on a hill to ensure they respond properly, and check for any engine warning lights or codes.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA's website to check for open recalls on both vehicles.
- For the EX30, ask about the battery recall status and any software updates performed.
- For the Camry, request a transmission fluid check and a brake system inspection.
- Take both on a test drive that includes highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic to feel for any anomalies.
- Have a trusted mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the specific problem areas listed.
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 EX30 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 119 |
| 2025 | 9 | 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 Volvo EX30 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo EX30 vs Toyota Camry
- Volvo EX30 total complaints
- 10
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Volvo EX30 total recalls
- 4
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Volvo EX30 avg complaints/year
- 5.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Volvo EX30
- Volvo EX30 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN