Head-to-head reliability
Infiniti G35 vs Toyota Camry
How the Infiniti G35 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 G35 vs Toyota Camry: The G35 averages 260.6 complaints per year, with electrical and airbag issues common, while the Camry averages 214.3 per year, with powertrain and brake problems reported. Both have sudden acceleration reports. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Infiniti G35 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Infiniti G35
The Infiniti G35 is a sporty sedan that, in used form, shows a pattern of electrical gremlins and airbag sensor issues that can leave you stranded or with a disabled passenger airbag. Owners report stalling at low speeds with multiple warning lights, and intermittent no-start conditions, which are frustrating and potentially dangerous. The engine also has reports of sudden, unintended acceleration, though these are less frequent. Overall, it's a car that demands vigilance and possibly frequent trips to the shop.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a dependable family sedan, has a higher total complaint count but over a longer period, averaging fewer per year. Its issues center on the powertrain, with reports of transmission grinding and replacement needs, as well as brake problems that include a scary loss of braking on a hill. There are also reports of sudden acceleration, but the overall pattern suggests a car that, while generally reliable, has some serious safety-related concerns that a buyer should investigate.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Infiniti G35 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,824 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 17 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 91 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 260.6 | 214.3 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 62 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 5 | 1 Better |
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 G35
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM392
- 02AIR BAGS264
- 03ENGINE239
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING202
- 05ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING194
Owners report intermittent starting problems, stalling while driving at low speed, and multiple warning lights illuminating before the engine shuts down. This can be a major safety issue if it happens in traffic.
The front passenger seat airbag sensor frequently fails, causing the airbag to be deactivated even when a passenger is present. This means the airbag may not deploy in a crash, increasing injury risk.
There are reports of sudden, unintended acceleration where the RPMs spike to redline without pressing the gas pedal, and also stalling while driving. Both are alarming and can lead to loss of control.
“PURCHASED CAR, USED, 6/2011. WAS TOLD IT WAS A OWNER BUY BACK DUE TO IT NOT STARTING. FINANCE MANAGER GUARANTEED PROBLEM HAD BEEN FIXED. IN SEPTEMBER 2011 CAR STARTED HESITATING TO START-REQUIRING ME TO LET MY FOOT OFF BRAKE/CLUTCH. INSTRUMENT PANEL WOULD ILL…”
“MY CAR HAS BEEN STALLING WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEED. SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS COME UP (CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, SLIP LIGHT, BATTERY LIGHT) AND THEN THE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN COMPLETELY. UPON PLACING THE CAR IN PARK, I AM ABLE TO RE-START IT. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front end upon acceleration, with dealers confirming transmission issues that often require replacement. This is a costly repair and indicates a potential weakness in the transmission.
There are reports of brake failure, such as pressing the pedal with no response, especially on hills. This is a critical safety concern that could lead to accidents.
Similar to the G35, there are reports of sudden, unintended acceleration, which can cause crashes. Also, some owners mention engine maintenance lights related to coolant valve issues that may not be covered by recall for their specific VIN.
“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.
Infiniti G35 — 17 recalls
The defect: NISSAN IS RECALLING 204,361 MY 2007-2008 ALTIMA, ALTIMA HYBRID, 350Z, 350Z ROADSTER, MY 2008 ALTIMA COUPE, ROGUE, MY 2009 MURANO, AND INFINITI MY 2007-2008 G35 SEDAN, MY 2008 G37 COUPE AND EX35 PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS' OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) CON…
The risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN THE PASSENGER AIR BAG BEING SUPPRESSED WHICH COULD FAIL TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL TEST THE SIGNAL BETWEEN THE OCS AND ACU SYSTEMS USING A SPECIAL TOOL TO CHECK THAT IT IS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. IF NECESSARY, THE SEAT CUSHION (CONTAINING OCS HARDWARE) WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE MANUFACTURED TO SPECIFI…
The defect: NISSAN IS RECALLING 204,361 MY 2007-2008 ALTIMA, ALTIMA HYBRID, 350Z, 350Z ROADSTER, MY 2008 ALTIMA COUPE, ROGUE, MY 2009 MURANO, AND INFINITI MY 2007-2008 G35 SEDAN, MY 2008 G37 COUPE AND EX35 PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS' OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) CON…
The risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN THE PASSENGER AIR BAG BEING SUPPRESSED WHICH COULD FAIL TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL TEST THE SIGNAL BETWEEN THE OCS AND ACU SYSTEMS USING A SPECIAL TOOL TO CHECK THAT IT IS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. IF NECESSARY, THE SEAT CUSHION (CONTAINING OCS HARDWARE) WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE MANUFACTURED TO SPECIFI…
The defect: NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2007 INFINITI G35 SEDANS MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 29, 2004 THROUGH AUGUST 25, 2006 AND INFINITI G35 COUPES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 1, 2004 THROUGH MAY 30, 2007. THE WIRE HARNESS CONNECTING THE BELT TENSION SENSOR (BTS) AND THE OCCUPANT DETECTION SE…
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
The fix: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-662-6200.
The defect: CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE "VERTICAL GRADIENT" AND "HEADLAMP PHOTOMETRIC VALUES" REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, 'LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.'
The risk: THIS STANDARD IS TO REDUCE CRASHES, INJURIES AND DEATHS BY PROVIDING ADEQUATE ILLUMINATION OF THE ROADWAY, AND BY ENHANCING THE CONSPICUITY OF MOTOR VEHICLES ON THE PUBLIC ROADS SO THAT THEIR PRESENCE IS PERCEIVED AND THEIR SIGNALS UNDERST…
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT APRIL 16, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.
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
Infiniti G35 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has fewer complaints per year (214.3 vs 260.6) and a longer track record, but both have serious safety-related issues. The Camry's transmission and brake problems are costly and dangerous, while the G35's electrical and airbag issues are more frequent and annoying. In practice, the Camry may be more reliable overall, but neither is without significant concerns.
Key differences
- The G35 has more electrical system complaints (392) than the Camry (246), with issues like stalling and no-start conditions.
- The Camry has more powertrain complaints (395) than the G35 (239), with transmission grinding and replacement being a common theme.
- Airbag sensor failures are a notable problem on the G35 (264 complaints), while the Camry has fewer airbag complaints (not in top 5).
- The Camry has more brake complaints (290) than the G35 (not in top 5), including reports of brake failure.
- Check for any signs of electrical issues, such as intermittent starting problems or warning lights that come on unexpectedly. Ask for service records related to stalling or no-start conditions.
- Inspect the passenger airbag sensor by having a passenger sit in the seat and verifying the airbag status light indicates 'ON' when occupied. If it shows 'OFF' with a passenger, the sensor may be faulty.
- Listen for grinding noises during acceleration, which could indicate transmission problems. Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and check for any pending codes.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially on a hill, to ensure there is no loss of braking power. Ask for records of any brake-related repairs.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on the specific VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the electrical system, airbags, engine, and transmission.
- Test drive the car at various speeds, including low-speed maneuvers, to check for stalling or hesitation.
- Check the airbag warning light and ensure it goes off after starting, and test the passenger airbag sensor if possible.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for any repairs related to the issues mentioned in complaints.
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 G35 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Infiniti G35 vs Toyota Camry
- Infiniti G35 total complaints
- 1,824
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Infiniti G35 total recalls
- 17
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Infiniti G35 avg complaints/year
- 260.6
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- Infiniti G35 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN