Head-to-head reliability
Infiniti QX4 vs Toyota Camry
How the Infiniti QX4 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 QX4 vs Toyota Camry: The QX4 averages 42 complaints per year, with severe frame rust causing steering loss, while the Camry averages 214 per year, with issues like transmission and brake failures. The QX4 has 17 recalls, the Camry 31. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Infiniti QX4 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Infiniti QX4
The Infiniti QX4, a compact luxury SUV from the early 2000s, shows a troubling pattern in owner complaints: severe corrosion in the front frame and suspension mounting points. Owners report dangerous vibrations and loss of steering control at speed due to rusted-out areas where control arms attach. This is not just a nuisance; it's a structural integrity issue that can lead to sudden loss of control. With 167 complaints over 4 years, averaging about 42 per year, and 17 recalls, the QX4 demands careful inspection for rust before purchase.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a popular midsize sedan, has a much higher total number of complaints (2143 over 10 years, averaging 214 per year), but this is partly due to its high sales volume. The complaints span many areas, with the most frequent being powertrain, engine, and brakes. Owners report issues like transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, and brake failure, which are serious but not as consistently tied to a single root cause as the QX4's rust problems. The Camry also has 31 recalls, but its issues are more varied and often related to specific components rather than widespread corrosion.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Infiniti QX4 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 167 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 17 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 15 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 41.8 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 11 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 QX4
- 01SUSPENSION44
- 02STRUCTURE36
- 03STEERING20
- 04EQUIPMENT20
- 05AIR BAGS10
Owners report severe vibrations at highway speeds caused by the front frame rotting away at the lower control arm connection point. This can lead to loss of control and is a critical safety concern.
Corrosion of the inner apron and frame is a common finding, with some owners told the vehicle is not repairable. This structural weakness can compromise the vehicle's integrity in a crash.
Steering issues include complete loss of steering control due to frame corrosion and a seized steering shaft. These problems can occur suddenly, making the vehicle unsafe to drive.
The jack provided with the vehicle may be too tall to fit under a flat tire, making it impossible to change a tire safely. This is a practical inconvenience that can leave owners stranded.
“DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN SEVERE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION BEGAN. CHECKED FRONT SUSPENSION AND DISCOVERED THAT THE RIGHT SIDE (PASSENGER SIDE) FRAME WAS COMPLETELY ROTTED AWAY AT THE CONNECTION POINT OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. THIS RESULTED IN…”
“WHILE DRIVING MY 2003 INFINITI QX4 ON THE HIGHWAY, I NOTICED A SEVERE VIBRATION COMING FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF MY VEHICLE AND TIRE. I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL SERVICE REPAIR SHOP AND THEY TOOK OFF MY LEFT FRONT TIRE AND SAW WHERE MY INNER APRON WAS SEVERELY CORRODED,…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission problems are reported, including grinding noises and the need for replacement. Some owners note that recalls exist for similar issues, but not all VINs are covered.
Sudden unintended acceleration is a serious complaint, with one owner reporting the car crashed and was totaled. Also, engine codes related to coolant valve bypass may not be covered by recall for all vehicles.
Brake failure is reported, with one owner experiencing no response when pressing the pedal on a downhill curve. This is a critical safety issue that requires immediate attention.
While not detailed in the sample, electrical issues are common, potentially affecting various systems. Owners should be aware of potential intermittent problems.
“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 QX4 — 17 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: NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1996-2004 PATHFINDER AND MODEL YEAR 1997-2003 INFINITI QX4 VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK,…
The risk: THE STRUT HOUSING MAY CRACK AND PULL AWAY FROM THE INNER HOOD LEDGE ASSEMBLY. THIS MAY LEAD TO GRINDING NOISES, INCREASED STEERING EFFORT, AND POSSIBLY THE STEERING COLUMN TO BREAK, RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, WHICH COULD RE…
The fix: NISSAN WILL INSPECT THE STRUT HOUSING AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. AN INTERIM NOTIFICATION LETTER WAS SENT OUT IN MAY 2011. THE SECOND NOTICE WAS MAILED ON JULY 25, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain air bag inflator replacement service parts that may have been installed as part of a theft or collision repair. The parts include certain passenger-side air bag inflators designed to fit Infiniti 2002-2003 QX4, 2006-2010 M35 and M45; Nissan 2…
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: Dealers will inspect and replace the inflators as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 14, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
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 QX4 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Infiniti QX4 has fewer complaints per year (about 42) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 214), but the QX4's issues are more severe and concentrated on structural rust. The Camry's higher number is partly due to its popularity, but its problems are more varied. In practice, the QX4 may pose a greater safety risk due to potential frame failure, while the Camry's issues, though numerous, are often less catastrophic.
Key differences
- The QX4 suffers from severe frame corrosion that can lead to loss of control, while the Camry's issues are more diverse, including transmission and brake problems.
- The QX4 has fewer complaints per year, but its complaints are often critical safety issues, whereas the Camry's complaints, while more frequent, are less likely to be life-threatening.
- The QX4's recalls focus on airbags and steering column, while the Camry's recalls include airbag sensors and seats, indicating different problem areas.
- The Camry has a higher number of injuries and crashes reported, but this is likely due to its higher sales volume and longer reporting period.
- Inspect the front frame and suspension mounting points for rust, especially where the lower control arm attaches. Look for severe corrosion or holes.
- Check the steering column for any signs of seizure or unusual play, and be alert for vibrations at highway speeds.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including on a hill, to ensure there is no loss of pressure or response.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration and check for any warning lights related to the engine or coolant system.
Before you buy
- Have a mechanic inspect the QX4's frame and suspension for rust, and the Camry's brakes and transmission.
- Check for open recalls on both vehicles using the VIN and ensure they are addressed.
- Test drive both vehicles at highway speeds to feel for vibrations or unusual noises.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for the Camry's transmission and the QX4's suspension.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic who can look for hidden corrosion or prior accident damage.
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 QX4 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Infiniti QX4 vs Toyota Camry
- Infiniti QX4 total complaints
- 167
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Infiniti QX4 total recalls
- 17
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Infiniti QX4 avg complaints/year
- 41.8
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Infiniti QX4
- Infiniti QX4 top complaint area
- SUSPENSION
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN