Head-to-head reliability
Infiniti Q50 vs Toyota Camry
How the Infiniti Q50 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 Q50 vs Toyota Camry: The Q50 averages 31.8 complaints per year with 18 recalls, while the Camry averages 205.6 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The Q50 has fewer complaints but more severe issues like power loss and air bag failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Infiniti Q50 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Infiniti Q50
The Infiniti Q50 is a luxury sports sedan that averages about 32 complaints per year over the past decade, with 18 recalls. Owners frequently report sudden engine power loss, transmission problems, air bag warning lights, and steering issues. While the overall complaint count is lower than some rivals, the severity of these issues—especially power loss and air bag failures—can be alarming and costly.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream family sedan with a much higher complaint volume—about 206 per year—but that reflects its huge sales numbers. Common owner complaints include transmission shuddering, engine hesitation, brake noise, and electrical glitches. Despite the higher count, the rate per vehicle is likely lower, and the issues tend to be less severe than the Q50's.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Infiniti Q50 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 318 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 18 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 27 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 31.8 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 12 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 Q50
- 01ENGINE65
- 02POWER TRAIN60
- 03AIR BAGS47
- 04STEERING46
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM44
Owners report sudden loss of acceleration and engine power, often accompanied by the check engine light. Some say the vehicle shuts off while driving, requiring a restart to regain power, which is a serious safety concern.
Complaints include transmission problems such as the vehicle not accelerating properly or shutting off while in operation. One owner described the car losing power and only traveling at very slow speeds, indicating potential transmission or throttle issues.
Owners have experienced air bag warning lights and failures, sometimes with the passenger seatbelt warning activating when the seat is unoccupied. In some cases, the air bags were found not to be working, and repairs were costly after warranty expiration.
Reports include faulty steering assemblies, steering wheel locking or feeling stiff, and unresponsive brake and gas pedals. These issues can make the car difficult to control and increase crash risk.
“In August 2026, while driving, the vehicle suddenly lost acceleration and engine power and would only travel at a very slow speed. The check engine light came on. The driver had to safely stop, turn the engine off, and restart it. After restarting, the vehicl…”
“Shortly after purchasing the vehicle, I began experiencing serious performance issues. While driving, the vehicle suddenly lost power, would not accelerate properly, and warning lights appeared on the dashboard. The vehicle eventually shut off while in operat…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report intermittent issues like the ignition key getting stuck in Park, transmission hesitation and shuddering, and delayed throttle response. These problems can leave drivers stranded or cause unsafe driving conditions.
Complaints include engine hesitation, shuddering, and delayed acceleration when pressing the gas pedal. The check engine light often illuminates, and some owners experience multiple occurrences, suggesting a persistent defect.
Owners describe the electronic parking brake failing to disengage, requiring a tow, and clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area. These issues can affect braking performance and cost hundreds to fix.
Multiple system malfunctions are reported, including failures of stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping assistance. Such widespread electrical glitches can compromise safety and are frustrating to diagnose.
“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 Q50 — 18 recalls
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Nissan Murano, INFINITI QX60, 2021 Nissan GT-R, INFINITI QX50, and Q50 vehicles. The front steering knuckle or rear axle housing may have insufficient strength due to improper heat-treatment.
The risk: The steering knuckle or rear axle could deform upon impact, such as from hitting a curb, resulting in a loss of steering control, or possible wheel separation. Both of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the front steering knuckle and rear axle housing, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2021. Nissan owners may contact customer service at 1-800-867-7669. INFINITI o…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (INFINITI) is recalling certain 2021 INFINITI Q50 and Q60 vehicles. After detecting rapid acceleration, the Engine Control Module (ECM) may incorrectly reduce engine power and reduce fuel supply to the engine.
The risk: A lack of fuel may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: INFINITI will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ECM software, free of charge. The recall began on May 25, 2021. Owners may contact INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200. INFINITI's number for this recall is R20C5.
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Infinity Q50, Q60, and QX80 vehicles. A software error may deactivate the audio/video control unit screen, preventing the rear-view image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehi…
The risk: A rear-view camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 14, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R21A9.
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additio…
The risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-…
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 Q50 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Infiniti Q50 has far fewer complaints per year (about 32) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 206), but the Camry's higher volume is partly due to its much larger sales. In practice, the Q50's issues tend to be more severe, such as sudden power loss and air bag failures, while the Camry's problems are more frequent but often less critical.
Key differences
- The Infiniti Q50 has 318 complaints over 10 years, while the Toyota Camry has 2056—but the Camry sells in much higher numbers, so per-vehicle complaint rates may be closer.
- Q50 owners report sudden engine power loss and air bag failures, which are potentially life-threatening; Camry owners more often report transmission shuddering and brake noise, which are annoying but less immediately dangerous.
- The Q50 has 18 recalls, including steering and engine control software; the Camry has 31 recalls, covering seats, air bag sensors, and wheels.
- Crash-related complaints: Q50 has 27, Camry has 171, but again, sales volume differs greatly.
- Check for any history of engine power loss or stalling—test drive at various speeds and listen for hesitation or warning lights.
- Inspect the air bag system: ensure no warning lights are on and ask if the passenger seatbelt warning has ever activated without a passenger.
- Test the transmission for shuddering or hesitation during acceleration, and check if the ignition key can be removed easily when in Park.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area and verify the electronic parking brake engages and disengages properly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on both models.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on engine, transmission, and air bag systems.
- During a test drive, accelerate hard to check for hesitation or power loss, and test all electrical features including brakes and steering.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and software updates.
- Verify that all safety recalls have been addressed by checking the NHTSA website with the VIN.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Infiniti Q50 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 0 | 50 |
| 2023 | 8 | 64 |
| 2022 | 1 | 61 |
| 2021 | 6 | 157 |
| 2020 | 3 | 274 |
| 2019 | 30 | 395 |
| 2018 | 43 | 744 |
| 2017 | 62 | 148 |
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 Q50 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Infiniti Q50 vs Toyota Camry
- Infiniti Q50 total complaints
- 318
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Infiniti Q50 total recalls
- 18
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Infiniti Q50 avg complaints/year
- 31.8
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Infiniti Q50
- Infiniti Q50 top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN