Head-to-head reliability
Infiniti M56 vs Toyota Camry
How the Infiniti M56 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 M56 vs Toyota Camry: The M56 has 24 complaints over 3 years (8.0/yr) and 8 recalls, while the Camry has 2143 complaints over 10 years (214.3/yr) and 31 recalls. The M56's issues are mainly powertrain and engine, while the Camry has more brake and acceleration problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Infiniti M56 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Infiniti M56
The Infiniti M56 is a luxury performance sedan that, based on owner complaints, tends to have serious drivetrain and engine issues. Owners report hesitation during acceleration, which can be dangerous in traffic, and engine problems like faulty solenoid switches and oil loss that can lead to engine seizure. Electrical gremlins, such as a faulty passenger occupancy sensor, also appear. While the number of complaints is relatively low, the nature of the issues suggests potential for costly repairs and safety concerns.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular midsize sedan with a high volume of complaints, reflecting its widespread use. Owners report a range of issues, including transmission problems (grinding noises, need for replacement), sudden unintended acceleration, brake failures, and electrical problems. The high number of complaints and recalls, along with reports of crashes and injuries, indicate that while many Camrys are reliable, there are significant safety-related issues that buyers 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 M56 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 24 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 8 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 8.0 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.
Infiniti M56
- 01POWER TRAIN10
- 02ENGINE6
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM3
- 05STEERING3
Owners report severe hesitation when accelerating after slowing or stopping, which can be a safety hazard in traffic. Some also mention a recall for the propeller shaft that lacks sufficient strength, but parts were not always available.
Complaints include a faulty solenoid switch causing squealing noises and a recall for engine issues where low oil and a destroyed fusible link prevented engine seizure. This suggests potential for engine damage if not addressed.
A defective passenger occupancy sensor causes the seat belt light to stay on even when the seat is empty, requiring the belt to be buckled to turn it off. This is a minor but annoying issue.
“WE HAVE BEEN TRYING TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM THROUGH INFINITI SERVICE CENTER SINCE WE BOUGHT THE CAR 10 MONTHS AGO WITH ONLY 28K MILES. THE VEHICLE HAS SEVERE HESITATION WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE IMMEDIATELY AFTER SLOWING OR STOPPING. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS…”
“The contact owns a 2011 Infiniti M56. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V755000 (Power Train) however, the dealer informed the contact that the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that w…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front end upon acceleration, with dealerships confirming transmission issues and recommending replacement. Some mention recalls for the same issue, but parts may be on backorder.
There are reports of uncontrollable sudden acceleration, leading to crashes and total loss of the vehicle. Also, a coolant valve bypass recall may not cover all VINs, causing safety concerns.
Brake failure is reported, such as no response when pressing the pedal on a downhill slope, which can lead to accidents. This is a critical safety issue.
“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 M56 — 8 recalls
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Infiniti M56, 2012-2013 M35 Hybrid, and 2014 Q70 and Q70 Hybrid vehicles. These models, equipped with 2WD and with a hybrid or VK56 powertrain, have a driveshaft that may break.
The risk: A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash, or may disable the parking brake, increasing the risk of a rollaway and injury.
The fix: Infiniti will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began February 5, 2021. Owners may contact Infiniti customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Nissan Juke, 2012-2013 Infiniti M56, QX56, and 2014-2015 Infiniti Q70 (V8 engine vehicles only), and QX80 vehicles. The fuel pressure sensors may not have been sufficiently tightened during production. As a result, the fu…
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could cause a vehicle fire.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will re-torque the fuel pressure sensors free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (INFINITI) is recalling certain 2011-2013 M56, 2012-2013 M35 Hybrid, 2014-2018 Q50, Q70 Hybrid, 2014-2019 Q70, and 2015-2019 Q70L two-wheel drive vehicles. The driveshaft can fatigue and break.
The risk: A broken driveshaft can result in a loss of drive power, or a vehicle roll away when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake applied. Both scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 13, 2024. Owners may contact INFINITI's customer service at 1-800-662-6200. INFINITI's numbers for this recall are R24A5 and R24A7.
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Infiniti M56, 2012-2013 M35 Hybrid, and 2014 Q70 and Q70 Hybrid vehicles. These models, equipped with 2WD and with a hybrid or VK56 powertrain, have a driveshaft that may break.
The risk: A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash, or may disable the parking brake, increasing the risk of a rollaway and injury.
The fix: Infiniti will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began February 5, 2021. Owners may contact Infiniti customer service 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 M56 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Infiniti M56 has far fewer complaints per year (8.0) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, the M56's problems are serious and potentially costly, while the Camry's high volume reflects its popularity but also includes safety-critical failures. In practice, the M56 may offer a more trouble-free experience in terms of frequency, but the Camry's issues are more widespread and varied.
Key differences
- The Infiniti M56 has a much lower complaint rate (8.0 per year) compared to the Camry (214.3 per year), but its issues are concentrated in the powertrain and engine.
- The Camry has a higher number of crash-related complaints (181) and injuries (163), including reports of sudden acceleration and brake failure, which are critical safety concerns.
- The M56 has recalls for propeller shaft and fuel system issues, while the Camry has recalls for air bags, seats, and wheels, indicating different problem areas.
- Owners of the M56 report hesitation and engine noise, while Camry owners report transmission grinding and brake failure, suggesting distinct reliability profiles.
- Inspect the drivetrain for any signs of hesitation or shuddering during acceleration, especially after stops, as this is a common complaint.
- Check engine oil levels and listen for unusual noises from the engine, as solenoid and oil loss issues have been reported.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially on slopes, to ensure there is no loss of braking power, as brake failure has been reported.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration and check for any recall notices regarding the transmission.
Before you buy
- Check the vehicle's recall status on the NHTSA website and ensure all recalls have been addressed, especially for the M56's propeller shaft and the Camry's air bag sensor.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the transmission, engine, and brakes.
- For the M56, test acceleration from a stop to detect any hesitation; for the Camry, test brakes on a hill and listen for transmission noises.
- Review the vehicle's service history for any major repairs, especially related to the powertrain or engine.
- Consider the cost of potential repairs: the M56's engine and drivetrain issues can be expensive, while the Camry's transmission and brake issues are also costly.
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 M56 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Infiniti M56 vs Toyota Camry
- Infiniti M56 total complaints
- 24
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Infiniti M56 total recalls
- 8
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Infiniti M56 avg complaints/year
- 8.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Infiniti M56
- Infiniti M56 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN