Head-to-head reliability
Infiniti QX30 vs Toyota Camry
How the Infiniti QX30 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 QX30 vs Toyota Camry: The QX30 has 58 complaints over 3 years (19.3/yr) with serious airbag and electrical failures, while the Camry has 2143 complaints over 10 years (214.3/yr) including transmission and brake issues. The QX30's problems are more safety-critical, but the Camry's higher volume reflects its popularity. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Infiniti QX30 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Infiniti QX30
The Infiniti QX30, a compact luxury crossover, shows a concerning reliability record in NHTSA data with 58 complaints over three years. Owners report serious issues like unexpected shifts into neutral while driving, airbag non-deployment in crashes, and steering sensor problems. These are not minor annoyances but safety-critical failures that could lead to accidents or leave occupants unprotected in a collision. The pattern suggests a vehicle that may be unreliable and potentially unsafe in certain situations.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a popular midsize sedan, has a much higher total complaint count (2143 over 10 years) but that's spread over a longer period and higher sales volume. The complaints cover a wide range of issues, including transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, brake failure, and engine problems. While some are serious, the sheer number and variety suggest that many Camrys are reliable, but there are notable trouble spots that buyers should be aware of, especially in certain model years.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Infiniti QX30 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 58 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 8 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 5 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 19.3 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 4 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 QX30
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM18
- 02AIR BAGS16
- 03STEERING11
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER9
- 05POWER TRAIN7
Owners report the QX30 unexpectedly slipping into neutral while driving at speed, accompanied by a vague 'Service required' message. This can happen without warning and has nearly caused accidents, indicating a serious safety defect.
There are reports of airbags not deploying in crashes, even in severe front-end collisions. One owner described a crash into a concrete barrier where no airbags deployed, despite significant frame damage. This suggests potential sensor or deployment system failures.
Complaints mention steering angle sensor issues and possible steering wheel problems, which can affect vehicle stability and safety systems. Owners also report difficulty getting recall repairs completed, adding to the frustration.
“Hello, My 2018 Infiniti QX30 slips into neutral while driving on the road at high speeds and without any warning. The message on the dash is vague “Service required. Do not shift gears. Visit Dealer.” I almost got into an accident more than once while driving…”
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I am not entirely sure what specific part of my car is causing this issue, but from the research I have done regarding other people with my make/model of the ca…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Camry owners report grinding noises from the front end upon acceleration, often diagnosed as transmission failure requiring replacement. Some mention recalls for the same issue, but parts may be on backorder, leaving owners with unreliable vehicles.
There are alarming reports of uncontrollable sudden acceleration, leading to crashes and total loss of the vehicle. Additionally, some owners receive engine maintenance required codes related to a coolant valve bypass recall, but their VINs are not included, causing safety concerns.
Brake failure is reported, such as no response when pressing the pedal while descending a hill, forcing drivers to take evasive action. This is a critical safety issue that could lead to accidents.
“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 QX30 — 8 recalls
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-…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018 Infiniti QX30 vehicles. The bolt securing the right-hand side lower seat belt anchorage may have been incorrectly installed during production. This can result in the lower seat belt anchorage detaching in a crash. As such, these vehicles…
The risk: If the lower seat belt anchorage detaches in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will weld in a new retaining plate and secure the seat belt anchorage with a new anchor bolt, free of charge. All vehicles were repaired July 17, 2018. Owners may contact Infiniti customer service at…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017 Infiniti QX30 vehicles. The steering shaft bore hole for the universal joint bearing may allow excessive movement that, over time, could result in the separation of the bearing and universal joint.
The risk: A separated universal joint bearing can cause a loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the lower steering shaft, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 30, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PG1CF.
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 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 QX30 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
Based on NHTSA data, the Infiniti QX30 has fewer complaints per year (19.3) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the QX30's issues are more concentrated on safety-critical systems like airbags and electrical failures. The Camry's higher volume reflects its popularity, but it also has serious problems like sudden acceleration and brake failure. In practice, the QX30 may pose a higher risk of catastrophic failure, while the Camry's issues are more varied but still concerning.
Key differences
- The QX30 has a higher rate of airbag non-deployment and unexpected neutral shifts, which are severe safety concerns.
- The Camry has more complaints about transmission grinding and sudden acceleration, but these are not as frequent per vehicle.
- The QX30's electrical system issues can cause the car to lose power while driving, while the Camry's brake failures are more intermittent.
- The Camry has a longer history and more data, but the QX30's problems are more concentrated in safety systems.
- Check for any history of unexpected neutral shifts or 'Service required' messages, and have the transmission control module inspected.
- Verify that all airbag recalls have been performed and ask about any airbag warning lights or sensor issues.
- Listen for grinding noises during acceleration and have the transmission checked by a mechanic.
- Ask about any brake system complaints and test the brakes thoroughly, especially on hills.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on transmission, brakes, and electrical systems.
- Test drive at highway speeds to check for unexpected gear shifts or acceleration issues.
- Ask the seller for service records and any documentation of previous repairs.
- Check the NHTSA website for the latest complaints and recalls for the specific model year you're considering.
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 QX30 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 3 | 393 |
| 2018 | 22 | 736 |
| 2017 | 33 | 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 QX30 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Infiniti QX30 vs Toyota Camry
- Infiniti QX30 total complaints
- 58
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Infiniti QX30 total recalls
- 8
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Infiniti QX30 avg complaints/year
- 19.3
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Infiniti QX30
- Infiniti QX30 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN