Head-to-head reliability
Infiniti QX55 vs Toyota Camry
How the Infiniti QX55 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 QX55 vs Toyota Camry: The QX55 has 13 complaints over 4 years (3.3/year) and 2 recalls, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints over 10 years (205.6/year) and 31 recalls. The QX55 reports 0 crash-related complaints; the Camry reports 171. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Infiniti QX55 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Infiniti QX55
The Infiniti QX55 is a compact luxury SUV with a low complaint rate—only 13 complaints over four years, averaging 3.3 per year. However, the complaints that do exist point to serious engine issues, including white smoke from the exhaust and sudden power loss, as well as seat problems like movement and overheating. With two recalls covering engine internals and door locks, this vehicle demands careful inspection despite its low overall complaint count.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream midsize sedan with a much higher complaint volume—2,056 over ten years, averaging about 206 per year. Owners report a wide range of issues, from power train problems like stuck ignition keys and shuddering, to brake noises and electrical glitches. With 31 recalls and 171 crash-related complaints, the Camry's reliability picture is more complex than its reputation suggests.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Infiniti QX55 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 13 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 2 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 3.3 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 QX55
- 01ENGINE6
- 02SEATS2
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
- 04STRUCTURE1
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1
Owners report white smoke from the exhaust and sudden power loss, with one complaint noting grinding and loss of power at only 16,500 miles. These symptoms can indicate internal engine damage, potentially requiring costly repairs.
The driver's seat can move while driving or turning, and the rear seat heater has malfunctioned, causing overheating and burns to the seat cushions. These issues affect comfort and safety, and warranty coverage may be denied.
Complaints include Bluetooth and CarPlay disconnecting after 5–10 minutes, and a dashboard rattle at highway speeds that may be linked to an air bag issue. These annoyances can be persistent and difficult to diagnose.
Rear door locks can jam, trapping occupants inside and preventing first responders from opening the door from outside. This is a serious safety concern that could delay emergency access.
“The contact owned a 2022 Infinity QX55. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle in the garage, the contact noticed white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipes. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the white smoke increased significantly. T…”
“Every single one of these 2.0 litre engines should be recalled. My partner has a 2022 QX50 and the long engine should be replaced. On May 18, 2025, my QX55 with 16,500 miles that I was absolutely perfect in servicing suddenly started losing power, grinding, t…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck and unable to be removed even when the car is in Park, requiring battery disconnection. Others experience hesitation and shuddering with the check engine light on, pointing to transmission or engine management faults.
Multiple systems—smart stop, stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—can malfunction simultaneously. There are also reports of subframe, driveline, and sensor issues, indicating complex electronic and structural problems.
Some owners report a several-second delay in throttle response when pressing the accelerator, and others note hesitation and shuddering with the check engine light. These can affect drivability and may signal underlying engine or transmission issues.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow, and a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area is common. These issues can leave the car immobile or indicate ABS problems.
“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 QX55 — 2 recalls
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…
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…
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 QX55 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Infiniti QX55 has far fewer complaints per year (3.3 vs. 205.6 for the Camry), but its issues tend to be severe, such as engine failure and door lock jams. The Camry's higher volume means more frequent problems, though many are less critical. In practice, the QX55 may spend less time in the shop, but when it breaks, it can be costly.
Key differences
- The Infiniti QX55 has only 13 complaints over 4 years, while the Toyota Camry has 2,056 over 10 years—a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- QX55 complaints center on engine smoke/power loss and seat movement/overheating, whereas Camry complaints span power train, brakes, and electrical systems.
- The QX55 has 2 recalls (engine internals, door locks), while the Camry has 31 recalls (including air bags, seats, and wheels).
- Camry complaints include 171 crash-related and 158 injuries, while the QX55 has 0 crash-related and 0 injuries reported.
- Check for white smoke from the exhaust and any signs of power loss or grinding, especially at low mileage—this could indicate engine failure.
- Test the rear door locks to ensure they open from inside and outside, and inspect the driver's seat for movement and the rear seat heater for overheating or burn marks.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park and look for any hesitation or shuddering during a test drive, which could signal power train issues.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area and verify that the electronic parking brake engages and disengages properly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for the QX55's engine and door locks and the Camry's air bags and seats.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the engine for the QX55 (check for smoke, power loss) and the transmission/brakes for the Camry (check for shuddering, brake noise).
- During a test drive, test all electronic features: for the QX55, Bluetooth/CarPlay and seat adjustments; for the Camry, stability control, lane keeping, and parking brake.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and specifically inquire about any engine, transmission, or brake repairs.
- Check for open recalls by using the NHTSA VIN lookup tool before purchase.
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 QX55 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 0 | 163 |
| 2024 | 0 | 50 |
| 2023 | 4 | 64 |
| 2022 | 9 | 61 |
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 QX55 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Infiniti QX55 vs Toyota Camry
- Infiniti QX55 total complaints
- 13
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Infiniti QX55 total recalls
- 2
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Infiniti QX55 avg complaints/year
- 3.3
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Infiniti QX55
- Infiniti QX55 top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN