Head-to-head reliability
Infiniti QX50 vs Toyota Camry
How the Infiniti QX50 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 QX50 vs Toyota Camry: Over 10 years, the QX50 had 273 complaints and 11 recalls, while the Camry had 2056 complaints and 31 recalls. The QX50 averages 27.3 complaints per year versus 205.6 for the Camry, but the Camry sells in much higher volumes. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Infiniti QX50 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Infiniti QX50
The Infiniti QX50 is a compact luxury SUV that averages about 27 complaints per year over the past decade, with 11 recalls and 13 injuries reported. Owner complaints heavily focus on engine problems, including fires, stalling, and check engine codes, as well as electrical glitches like infotainment fires and blank displays. Recalls cover air bag inflators, door latches, engine internals, and rear axle spindles. For a used buyer, this means budgeting for potential engine repairs and electrical troubleshooting, and verifying that recall work has been completed.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a much higher complaint volume—about 206 per year—but it also sells in far greater numbers, so the rate per vehicle may be lower. Complaints span the power train, engine, brakes, and electrical systems, with reports of stuck ignition keys, hesitation, and brake noise. There are 31 recalls and 1 death reported, with 171 crash-related complaints. For a used buyer, this suggests a generally reliable car but one that still has notable recurring issues to check, especially in newer model years.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Infiniti QX50 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 273 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 11 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 10 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 27.3 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 13 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 QX50
- 01ENGINE101
- 02ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING44
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM41
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER38
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE35
Owners report engine fires, stalling, and trouble codes like P0720 and P0500, sometimes leading to costly used-engine replacements. A 2022 owner also noted sluggish performance while waiting for a recall part. These issues can strand you and lead to major repair bills.
Complaints include spontaneous fires starting in the infotainment system, screens going black, and sensor malfunctions. One owner reported a fire while the vehicle was parked and off. Electrical gremlins can be hard to diagnose and expensive to fix.
This system is among the top complaint areas, though specific owner text is not provided. Buyers should test the system and check for any warning lights or error messages.
Reports include panoramic sunroof glass shattering spontaneously and new vehicles with misfires and weak power. These unpredictable failures can be safety hazards and may not be covered after warranty.
“so after my initial report about my engine catching fire on the highway, I received an invoice for $5,000 for a used engine with 80k miles on it; plus another $2800 for the service fee. I already put down about $3900 for the engine repair. The mechanic sent m…”
“There are 2 check engine codes that came up as an issue for my vehicle, out of the blue: P0720 and P0500. I reached out to my mechanic and he couldn't fix it. So my plan was to take it to the dealership at the end of this month; however, while driving the veh…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report intermittent ignition key stuck in Park, hesitation, and shuddering with check engine lights. One owner had to disconnect the battery to remove the key. These issues can leave you unable to drive or park reliably.
Complaints include delayed throttle response and repeated hesitation and shuddering. A 2023 owner experienced several seconds of delay when pressing the accelerator. This can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic.
The electronic parking brake may not disengage, requiring a tow, and some owners hear clicking or vibrating from the ABS system. These problems can prevent the car from moving or indicate brake system faults.
Multiple systems like stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring can malfunction simultaneously. One owner reported several systems failing at once while driving. This can compromise safety and require complex repairs.
“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 QX50 — 11 recalls
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024 Titan, Frontier, Infiniti QX60, Pathfinder, 2023-2024 Sentra, Versa, Kicks, Infiniti QX50, and 2023 Rogue vehicles. Due to a manufacturing issue, the driver's air bag inflator may absorb moisture, and cause the air bag to deploy improper…
The risk: An air bag that deploys improperly may not protect the driver as intended during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front driver's air bag assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PD103, PD10…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024 Titan, Frontier, Infiniti QX60, Pathfinder, 2023-2024 Sentra, Versa, Kicks, Infiniti QX50, and 2023 Rogue vehicles. Due to a manufacturing issue, the driver's air bag inflator may absorb moisture, and cause the air bag to deploy improper…
The risk: An air bag that deploys improperly may not protect the driver as intended during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front driver's air bag assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PD103, PD10…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2023 INFINITI QX55 and 2022 INFINITI QX50 vehicles. The incorrect door latch may have been installed in the front right-side passenger door lock assembly, preventing the front right-side door lock from automatically locking.
The risk: An unlocked door may unlatch and open during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front right-side passenger door lock assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 14, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Rogue, 2019-2020 Altima, 2019-2022 Infiniti QX50, and 2022 Infiniti QX55 vehicles equipped with 3-cylinder 1.5L or 4-cylinder 2.0L variable compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engines. The engine bearings may have manufacturing defects tha…
The risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash. A bearing failure may cause a breach in the engine block, allowing hot oil to be discharged, increasing the risk of an engine fire.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the engine control module (ECM) software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 8, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261 or Infiniti's customer service at 1-800-662-6200. Nissan…
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 QX50 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Infiniti QX50 has far fewer complaints per year (27.3 vs. 205.6), but the Camry sells in much higher volumes, so the per-vehicle rate may be closer. In practice, the QX50's complaints often involve severe engine and electrical fires, while the Camry's issues are more widespread but sometimes less catastrophic. A buyer should weigh the lower frequency of QX50 complaints against the potential severity of its failures.
Key differences
- The Infiniti QX50 has 273 complaints over 10 years, while the Toyota Camry has 2056, but the Camry sells in far greater numbers, so the rate per vehicle is not directly comparable.
- QX50 complaints often involve engine fires and electrical fires, which are severe and can total the vehicle, whereas Camry complaints more often involve drivability issues like hesitation and stuck keys.
- The Camry has 31 recalls versus 11 for the QX50, but the QX50's recalls include critical safety items like air bag inflators and rear axle spindles.
- Owner reports for the QX50 include a panoramic sunroof shattering and infotainment fires, while Camry owners report brake noise and multiple system malfunctions at once.
- Check for any signs of engine overheating, oil leaks, or a history of engine replacement, as owners report fires and stalling.
- Test the infotainment system thoroughly for screen blackouts, time zone changes, and unusual smells that could indicate electrical issues.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park and listen for any hesitation or shuddering during a test drive, as these are common complaints.
- Check the electronic parking brake operation and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which may indicate ABS problems.
Before you buy
- Verify that all open recalls for the specific vehicle have been repaired by checking the NHTSA website with the VIN.
- Obtain a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic, focusing on engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for oil changes and any engine or transmission repairs.
- Test all electronic features, including infotainment, driver-assist systems, and power accessories, during a test drive.
- For the Camry, specifically test the ignition key removal, brake pedal feel, and acceleration response; for the QX50, check for engine noises and sunroof operation.
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 QX50 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 163 |
| 2024 | 4 | 50 |
| 2023 | 4 | 64 |
| 2022 | 16 | 61 |
| 2021 | 40 | 157 |
| 2020 | 33 | 274 |
| 2019 | 140 | 395 |
| 2017 | 13 | 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 QX50 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Infiniti QX50 vs Toyota Camry
- Infiniti QX50 total complaints
- 273
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Infiniti QX50 total recalls
- 11
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Infiniti QX50 avg complaints/year
- 27.3
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Infiniti QX50
- Infiniti QX50 top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN