Head-to-head reliability
Infiniti I30 vs Toyota Camry
How the Infiniti I30 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 I30 vs Toyota Camry: The I30 has 132 complaints over 2 years (66/year) and 3 recalls, while the Camry has 2,143 complaints over 10 years (214/year) and 31 recalls. The Camry also reports 163 injuries and 1 death, versus 7 injuries and 0 deaths for the I30. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Infiniti I30 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Infiniti I30
The Infiniti I30 is a luxury sedan that, based on owner complaints, can develop age-related issues in the suspension, electrical system, and structure. With 132 complaints over 2 years (66 per year), it has a lower complaint rate than the Camry, but the nature of the problems—like rusted frame components and unintended acceleration—can be serious. Buyers should expect to inspect for rust and electrical gremlins, especially on older models.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream family sedan with a much higher complaint volume: 2,143 complaints over 10 years (about 214 per year). The most common areas are the power train, engine, and brakes, with reports of transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, and brake failure. While many complaints may be minor, the sheer number and the presence of 163 injuries and 1 death in the data suggest that some issues can be severe.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Infiniti I30 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 132 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 12 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 66.0 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 7 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.
Infiniti I30
- 01SUSPENSION29
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM20
- 03VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL17
- 04STRUCTURE16
- 05SERVICE BRAKES16
Owners report front-end vibrations at highway speeds and repeated rotor resurfacing or replacement. One complaint notes that all four rotors were replaced at about 40,000 miles, and later the vehicle vibrated at 55 mph, indicating ongoing brake and suspension wear.
The service engine soon light illuminates frequently, often traced to sensors like the rear O2 sensor. Owners describe recurring warning lights and sensor replacements, which can be frustrating and costly to diagnose.
Several owners report unintended acceleration, such as the car surging forward when shifted into drive or racing while braking downhill. This is a serious safety concern that could lead to loss of control.
Rust is a major issue, particularly in the lower radiator support and front cross frame. Owners report the frame rusting through and sagging, which can compromise structural integrity and may be expensive to repair.
“TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 INFINITI I30. THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED THE CONTACT A SENSOR OR A COIL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALERSHIP MADE THE REPAIRS. THERE WAS ANOTHER OCCURRENCE APPROXIMATELY 3 YEARS LATER.…”
“CONSUMER HAD TO HAVE 2000 INFINITI I30 ROTORS RESURFACED. *MR ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE ROTORS WERE RESURFACED. ALL FOUR ROTORS WERE REPLACED AT 39,868. AT 62K MILES THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE AT 55 MPH. OTHER PROBLEMS: THE TRANSMISSION STAYED IN THE LOW GE…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners describe grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration, sometimes requiring a full transmission replacement. Some mention that recalls exist for similar issues on newer models, but their VIN may not be covered.
Sudden, uncontrollable acceleration is reported, with one owner stating it happened three times and led to a crash. Another complaint involves a coolant valve bypass issue that triggered a maintenance code, but the VIN was not included in the recall.
There are reports of brake pedal going to the floor with no response, such as while driving down a steep hill. This total brake failure is extremely dangerous and should be investigated immediately.
Many complaints involve HVAC problems, like a persistent mildew or vinegar smell from the vents, and AC condenser damage from road debris. These are comfort issues but can be costly to fix.
“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 I30 — 3 recalls
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2007-2011 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback, 2001-2004 Infiniti I30 and I35, 2002-2003 Inifiniti QX4, 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 and 2006-2010 M35 and M45 vehicles. The vehicles ar…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators with alternate desiccated inflators, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 888-737-9511 o…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2001-2003 Nissan Maxima, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4 and I35, 2003 FX35 and FX45, and 2001 I30 vehicles. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may caus…
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. Note: On December 18, 2015 Nissan informed…
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE PIN AT THE END OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION TRANSVERSE LINK (LOWER CONTROL ARM) COULD BREAK WHERE IT IS MOUNTED TO THE FRAME.
The risk: THIS CAN CAUSE A KNOCKING SOUND AND ABNORMAL STEERING. THIS COULD RESULT IN DIFFICULTY CONTROLLING THE VEHICLE AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSVERSE LINKS ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES WITH NEW ONES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 29, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE…
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 I30 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Infiniti I30 has far fewer complaints per year (66 vs. 214 for the Camry), but its issues often involve structural rust and unintended acceleration. The Camry's higher volume includes many power train and brake complaints, some leading to crashes and injuries. In practice, the I30 may have fewer overall problems, but the Camry's issues are more frequently reported and can be severe.
Key differences
- The Infiniti I30 has 132 complaints over 2 years, while the Toyota Camry has 2,143 over 10 years—far more per year.
- Infiniti I30 complaints often cite suspension vibrations and structural rust, whereas Camry complaints frequently mention transmission grinding and brake failure.
- The Camry has 163 injuries and 1 death in the data, compared to 7 injuries and 0 deaths for the I30, indicating more severe outcomes reported for the Camry.
- Both vehicles have unintended acceleration complaints, but the I30's are under vehicle speed control, while the Camry's appear under engine and power train.
- Check the lower radiator support and front cross frame for rust or sagging, as owners report these areas rusting through.
- Test drive at highway speeds to feel for vibrations that could indicate warped rotors or suspension issues.
- Listen for grinding noises during acceleration that may signal transmission problems requiring replacement.
- Test the brakes on a downhill slope to ensure they respond properly, as some owners report total brake failure.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls, especially for air bags and suspension on the Infiniti I30, and power train and brakes on the Toyota Camry.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Infiniti I30's frame and undercarriage for rust, and the Camry's transmission and brake system for wear or failure.
- During a test drive, simulate stop-and-go traffic and highway driving to check for unintended acceleration or transmission slipping.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for transmission fluid changes and brake repairs.
- Verify that any recall repairs have been completed by checking with a dealership using the VIN.
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 I30 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Infiniti I30 vs Toyota Camry
- Infiniti I30 total complaints
- 132
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Infiniti I30 total recalls
- 3
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Infiniti I30 avg complaints/year
- 66.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Infiniti I30
- Infiniti I30 top complaint area
- SUSPENSION
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN