Head-to-head reliability
Infiniti M45 vs Toyota Camry
How the Infiniti M45 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 M45 vs Toyota Camry: The M45 averages 24.9 complaints per year with 0 crash-related reports, while the Camry averages 205.6 complaints per year with 171 crash-related reports. The M45 has 33 recalls versus 31 for the Camry. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Infiniti M45 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Infiniti M45
The Infiniti M45 is a luxury sedan with a relatively low complaint rate of about 25 per year over seven years. The most common owner complaints involve the fuel system, particularly fuel gauge and sending unit failures, as well as engine stalling that can occur at speed. While it has 33 recalls, none are linked to crashes, injuries, or deaths in the data, suggesting that the reported issues are mostly drivability and reliability annoyances rather than severe safety defects.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream sedan with a much higher complaint rate of about 206 per year over ten years. Owners report a wide range of issues, from transmission shuddering and delayed acceleration to brake problems and electrical glitches. The data also shows 171 crash-related complaints, 158 injuries, and one death, indicating that some reported problems may have more serious consequences.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Infiniti M45 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 174 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 33 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 24.9 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 M45
- 01FUEL SYSTEM107
- 02GASOLINE89
- 03ENGINE30
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM27
- 05ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING19
Owners frequently report fuel gauge inaccuracies, such as the gauge showing a full tank when it is not, often traced to a faulty fuel sending unit. This can lead to unexpected run-outs and stalling, leaving a buyer stranded.
Complaints describe sudden stalling while driving, sometimes at highway speeds, with the car dying and failing to restart. A faulty crankshaft position sensor is often cited, which can be dangerous if it happens in traffic.
Electrical gremlins include check engine lights for fuel sending unit issues and stalling that dealers cannot replicate. These intermittent faults can be frustrating and costly to diagnose.
“PURCHASED MY 2004 INFINITI M45 AT WILLOW GROVE INFINITI IN THE SUBURBS OF PHILADELPHIA WITH 22,160 MILES. I PERFORMED A THOROUGH TEST DRIVE AND FOUND NO PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR. THE CAR WAS BOUGHT TO BE MY "WEEKEND" CAR SINCE I'M ALREADY SUPPLIED WITH A COMPANY…”
“THIS COMPLAINT RELATES TO A 2004 INFINITY M45. IN THE SPRING OF 2010, I NOTICED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE WAS SHOWING NEARLY A FULL TANK OF GAS, BUT IT HAD BEEN A LONG PERIOD OF TIME BEFORE I HAD PUT GAS IN THE TANK. WHEN I FILLED UP THE TANK, I REALIZED THAT THE T…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report transmission shuddering, hesitation, and delayed acceleration, as well as ignition key getting stuck in Park. These issues can affect drivability and may require dealer visits for software updates or repairs.
Complaints include delayed throttle response where pressing the accelerator results in a several-second lag before the car moves. This can be a safety concern when merging or crossing intersections.
Problems with the electronic parking brake failing to disengage and abnormal clicking or vibrating noises from the ABS system are reported. These can lead to being unable to drive the car or annoying noises that may indicate brake system issues.
Multiple system malfunctions are reported, including failures of stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping assistance. Such widespread electrical issues can be distracting and potentially dangerous if safety systems fail.
“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 M45 — 33 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 2012 Nissan Versa hatchbacks originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan) and th…
The risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began on June 8, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Nissan…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45, 2003-2004 Infiniti I35, 2006-2010 Infiniti M35 and M45, and 2007-2011 Nissan Versa vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Missis…
The risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began December 21, 2017. All owners should receive a second notice by May 15, 2017. Owners may contact Nissan customer s…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 Infiniti M35 and M45 vehicles manufactured April 4, 2004, through October 5, 2010. Over time, the accelerator pedal sensor signal may deteriorate resulting in the output of an incorrect signal causing the engine to go int…
The risk: In this fail-safe mode, throttle valve deposits may cause the engine to stall when the vehicle is coming to a stop or at idle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the accelerator pedal assembly and reprogram the engine control module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during November 2013. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
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 M45 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Infiniti M45 has far fewer complaints per year (about 25) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 206), meaning you are less likely to encounter reported problems with the M45. However, the Camry's higher volume of complaints includes more crash-related incidents, so the M45 may be a better choice for those prioritizing fewer reported issues.
Key differences
- The Infiniti M45 has about 25 complaints per year, while the Toyota Camry has about 206 per year, indicating a much higher reported problem rate for the Camry.
- Infiniti M45 complaints often involve fuel gauge and stalling issues, whereas Toyota Camry complaints frequently involve transmission shuddering and brake problems.
- The Toyota Camry has 171 crash-related complaints, 158 injuries, and 1 death, while the Infiniti M45 has none of these in the provided data.
- Both have recalls, but the M45's recalls include airbag inflators and accelerator pedal, while the Camry's include wheels, seats, and airbag sensors.
- Check the fuel gauge operation: fill the tank and see if the gauge reads accurately, as faulty sending units are a common complaint.
- Test drive at highway speeds and listen for stalling or hesitation; a faulty crankshaft position sensor can cause sudden engine shutdown.
- Test the transmission for shuddering or hesitation during acceleration, especially from a stop or at low speeds.
- Check the electronic parking brake: ensure it engages and disengages properly, as failures can leave the car immobile.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to check for open recalls, especially airbag inflators on the Infiniti M45 and seat/airbag sensor recalls on the Toyota Camry.
- Have a mechanic inspect the fuel system and engine sensors on the Infiniti M45, focusing on the fuel sending unit and crankshaft position sensor.
- For the Toyota Camry, have a mechanic check the transmission software and brake system, including the electronic parking brake and ABS.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any delayed acceleration, shuddering, or unusual noises, and note any warning lights.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for any repairs related to the reported complaint areas.
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 M45 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Infiniti M45 vs Toyota Camry
- Infiniti M45 total complaints
- 174
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Infiniti M45 total recalls
- 33
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Infiniti M45 avg complaints/year
- 24.9
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Infiniti M45
- Infiniti M45 top complaint area
- FUEL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN