Head-to-head reliability
Infiniti EX35 vs Toyota Camry
How the Infiniti EX35 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
Infiniti EX35 vs Toyota Camry: The EX35 averages 15.3 complaints per year with 6 recalls, while the Camry averages 205.6 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The EX35's issues often involve air bags and steering, whereas the Camry's involve power train and brakes. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Infiniti EX35 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Infiniti EX35
The Infiniti EX35 is a compact luxury SUV that averages about 15 complaints per year over six years, with 6 recalls and 3 reported injuries. Owners frequently report air bag warning lights, steering instability, and occasional engine shutdowns. While the overall complaint count is low, the nature of the issues—especially those affecting steering and air bags—means a thorough pre-purchase inspection is critical.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream midsize sedan with a much higher complaint volume: about 206 per year over ten years, 31 recalls, and 158 injuries. Common trouble spots include power train hesitation, brake noises, and electrical glitches. Its popularity means more data, but also a wider range of reported problems that a used-car buyer should be aware of.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Infiniti EX35 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 92 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 6 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 6 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 15.3 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 Better | 158 |
| 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.
Infiniti EX35
- 01AIR BAGS22
- 02STEERING16
- 03ENGINE15
- 04POWER TRAIN13
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM12
Owners report the passenger-side air bag warning light flashing due to a faulty occupant classification sensor. This can prevent the air bag from deploying correctly in a crash, and the repair often requires replacing the sensor and seat cushion.
Complaints describe the 4WAS and stability control warning lights coming on over rough roads, with the rear feeling unstable and the steering wheel off-center. Another owner had the electronic steering wheel tilt malfunction, leaving the wheel stuck in one position.
Some owners experienced sudden engine power loss and shutdown while driving, with temporary inability to restart. Another reported a faulty solenoid switch that caused a squealing noise even after dealership repair.
Owners report severe hesitation when accelerating after slowing or stopping, which can be dangerous in traffic. This suggests transmission or throttle response issues that may require costly diagnostics.
“I TOOK THE CAR TO JIM COLEMAN INFINITI SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO FIND OUT WHY THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS FLASHING NON-STOP. AFTER THE DIAGNOSTIC THEY CONCLUDED IT WAS DUE TO PASSENGER SIDE OCS SENSOR FAULTY, SO IN ORDER TO REPLACE THE SENSOR THEY NEED TO REPLAC…”
“I PURCHASED 2009 INFINITI EX 35 ONE MONTH AGO(SEPTEMBER 30, 2009). THERE IS A "PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG OFF" LIGHT. ACCORDING TO INFINITI SERVICE CENTER NEARBY, IT IS DESIGNED TO DETECT CHILD OR SMALL ADULT WHO IS LESS THAN 100 POUNDS SEATING ON PASSENGER SIDE A…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners of recent Camrys report the ignition key getting stuck in the ignition even when the car is in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove. Others describe hesitation and shuddering during acceleration with the check engine light on.
Complaints include delayed throttle response—pressing the gas pedal results in a several-second delay before the car moves. This intermittent issue can be alarming when merging or pulling out into traffic.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer. Owners also report a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area, which the manufacturer attributes to the ABS system but owners find abnormal.
Multiple safety systems—including stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—can malfunction simultaneously. This leaves the driver without key aids and can be disorienting.
“My 2023 Toyota Camry has developed an intermittent defect where the ignition key becomes stuck and cannot be removed even though the dashboard shows the vehicle is in Park. The only way to remove the key is to disconnect the vehicle's battery, which is not a…”
“The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitating and shuddering, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle…”
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.
Infiniti EX35 — 6 recalls
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2008 Infiniti EX35 vehicles equipped with the power tilt/telescope option included in the premium package, manufactured June 29, 2007, to April 25, 2008, 2009 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 vehicles manufactured October 31, 2007, to April…
The risk: Extra play in the steering wheel or a loss of steering may increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering shaft on the Infiniti EX35, FX35, and FX45 vehicles, and will replace the steering column assembly on the Nissan GT-R vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on March 9, 2…
The defect: CURT IS RECALLING CERTAIN CLASS 1 RECEIVER HITCHES, P/N 11500, MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MARCH 26, 2008 AND MARCH 12, 2009, SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2010 NISSAN INFINITI EX35 VEHICLES. WHEN THE HITCH IS LOADED TO THE MAXIMUM RATING, THE BUMPER STRUCTURE OF THE VEH…
The risk: A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR SHOULD THE TOWED VEHICLE SEPARATE FROM THE TOWING VEHICLE WHILE IN OPERATION.
The fix: CURT MFG WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HITCHES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 14, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CURT MFG TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-738-7213.
The defect: CURT IS RECALLING CERTAIN CLASS 1 RECEIVER HITCHES, P/N 11500, MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MARCH 26, 2008 AND MARCH 12, 2009, SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2010 NISSAN INFINITI EX35 VEHICLES. WHEN THE HITCH IS LOADED TO THE MAXIMUM RATING, THE BUMPER STRUCTURE OF THE VEH…
The risk: A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR SHOULD THE TOWED VEHICLE SEPARATE FROM THE TOWING VEHICLE WHILE IN OPERATION.
The fix: CURT MFG WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HITCHES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 14, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CURT MFG TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-738-7213.
The defect: CURT IS RECALLING CERTAIN CLASS 1 RECEIVER HITCHES, P/N 11500, MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MARCH 26, 2008 AND MARCH 12, 2009, SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2010 NISSAN INFINITI EX35 VEHICLES. WHEN THE HITCH IS LOADED TO THE MAXIMUM RATING, THE BUMPER STRUCTURE OF THE VEH…
The risk: A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR SHOULD THE TOWED VEHICLE SEPARATE FROM THE TOWING VEHICLE WHILE IN OPERATION.
The fix: CURT MFG WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HITCHES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 14, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CURT MFG TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-738-7213.
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
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…
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…
Buyer analysis
Infiniti EX35 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Infiniti EX35 has far fewer complaints per year (about 15) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 206), but the EX35's issues often involve safety-critical systems like air bags and steering. The Camry's higher volume reflects its larger sales base, yet its problems are more frequently related to power train and brakes. In practice, the EX35 may need fewer visits to the shop, but when something goes wrong it could be more serious.
Key differences
- The Infiniti EX35 has 92 complaints over 6 years, while the Toyota Camry has 2056 over 10 years—far more per year, but the Camry sells in much higher volumes.
- EX35 owners report air bag sensor failures and steering instability, whereas Camry owners more often report power train hesitation and brake noise.
- The Camry has 31 recalls versus 6 for the EX35, indicating more widespread safety campaigns over its longer production run.
- Both vehicles have reported crashes and injuries, but the Camry's higher counts (171 crashes, 158 injuries) reflect its larger fleet, not necessarily a higher per-vehicle risk.
- Check for a flashing or illuminated air bag warning light, especially on the passenger side—this often means a faulty occupant sensor that can cost over $1,000 to fix.
- Test drive over rough roads and listen for steering noises or warning lights related to the 4WAS system; also verify the steering wheel tilt function works smoothly.
- Try removing the key from the ignition after parking—if it sticks, it could indicate a power train defect that may require battery disconnection.
- Test the electronic parking brake and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal; these are common complaints that may signal ABS or brake switch issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially air bag and power train campaigns.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the air bag system, steering components, and transmission for the Infiniti EX35.
- For the Toyota Camry, test the ignition key removal, throttle response, and electronic parking brake during a test drive.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for any transmission or brake work.
- Budget for potential repairs: set aside at least $1,000 for unexpected issues on either vehicle.
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 Infiniti EX35 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Infiniti EX35 vs Toyota Camry
- Infiniti EX35 total complaints
- 92
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Infiniti EX35 total recalls
- 6
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Infiniti EX35 avg complaints/year
- 15.3
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Infiniti EX35
- Infiniti EX35 top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN