Head-to-head reliability
Infiniti QX56 vs Toyota Camry
How the Infiniti QX56 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 QX56 vs Toyota Camry: The QX56 has 461 complaints over 10 years (46.1/yr) with brake issues dominating, while the Camry has 2143 complaints (214.3/yr) with powertrain problems leading. The QX56 has 30 recalls, the Camry 31. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Infiniti QX56 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Infiniti QX56
The Infiniti QX56 is a large luxury SUV that, in ownership terms, demands attention to its braking system. Owner complaints over the past decade are dominated by service brake issues, with many reports describing sudden loss of braking power or delayed response, which can be alarming in daily driving. Electrical gremlins also surface, including starting failures and dashboard warning lights, while some owners report engine-related concerns like timing chain problems. Overall, the QX56 shows a pattern of serious, safety-critical failures that require vigilance.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular midsize sedan that, while having a higher total number of complaints, reflects its much larger sales volume. The most frequent issues involve the powertrain, with owners reporting transmission grinding and replacement needs, as well as engine problems like sudden acceleration and coolant valve faults. Brake complaints also appear, including instances of brake failure on hills. Despite these issues, the Camry's complaints are spread across many areas, and its recall count is similar to the QX56, but the nature of the problems suggests a mix of mechanical and electronic concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Infiniti QX56 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 461 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 30 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 18 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 46.1 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 14 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 QX56
- 01SERVICE BRAKES200
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM59
- 03HYDRAULIC59
- 04ENGINE59
- 05AIR BAGS34
Owners report sudden loss of braking power, delayed brake response, and warning lights like 'Slip' and 'VDC Off' illuminating while driving. Some describe needing increased stopping distance, which can be dangerous in traffic.
Frequent starting failures requiring jumps, even after battery replacement, and instances where all instrument panel lights come on and the vehicle stalls. These issues can leave owners stranded and point to parasitic drains or faulty modules.
Complaints include timing belt/chain failures that were recalled, and subsequent catalytic converter problems. Owners also report acceleration issues, though some may be related to brake problems.
“DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY 421 IN WILKESBORO, NC ON A 45 MPH SECTION OF THE HIGHWAY, MERGED OVER INTO THE TURNING LANE TO TURN LEFT ACROSS TWO LANES OF TRAFFIC. WAITED FOR A BREAK IN TRAFFIC, UPON A BREAK IN TRAFFIC TRIED TO ACCELERATE TO CROSS TRAFFIC, AS VEHICLE…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 INFINITI QX56. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL OFF SLIP ON WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND STAYED ON UNTIL THE VEHICLE STOPPED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE O…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues are prominent, with grinding noises on acceleration and dealer recommendations for full transmission replacement. Some owners note recalls for similar problems on other Camry years, indicating a known weakness.
Reports of uncontrollable sudden acceleration leading to crashes, as well as engine maintenance lights tied to coolant valve bypass codes. These are serious safety concerns that require immediate attention.
Brake failure on steep hills, where the pedal goes to the floor with no response, forcing drivers to use emergency measures. 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 QX56 — 30 recalls
The defect: NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT AND REAR LOWER LINKS, P/NOS. 54501ZQ00A, 54500ZQ00A, 551A1ZQ00A, 551A0ZQ00A , 54501EA00A, 54500EA00A, 551A1EA500, 551A0EA500, 54501ZR00A, AND 54500ZR00A, SOLD BETWEEN NOVEMBER 25, 2009 AND MAY 14, 2010 AS REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2010 TITAN, AR…
The risk: IF THE COLLAR WELD SEPARATES, THE VEHICLE HANDLING WILL DETERIORATE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY AFFECTED LOWER LINK FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
The defect: NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 TITAN, ARMADA, QX56, FRONTIER, XTERRA, AND PATHFINDER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 19, 2009 THROUGH MARCH 3, 2010. THE LOWER CONTROL LINK ASSEMBLY HAS TWO CYLINDRICAL COLLARS FORMING THE INBOARD ATTACHMENT POINTS TO THE CHASSIS. DUE TO AN IMPROPER…
The risk: IF THE COLLAR WELD SEPARATES, THE VEHICLE HANDLING WILL DETERIORATE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 20, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
The defect: NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 TITAN, ARMADA, AND INFINITI QX56, AND MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 NISSAN QUEST VEHICLES. THE BRAKE PEDAL PIVOT PIN END WAS NOT SPIN-FORMED TO SPECIFICATION DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS OF THE BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY. THE PIVOT PIN COULD SLIDE AND CAUSE THE…
The risk: THE DRIVER WILL EXPERIENCE UNUSUAL AND NOTICEABLE LOOSENESS IN THE PEDAL AND A REDUCTION IN BRAKING FORCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT TO SEE IF THE PIVOT PIN HAD BEEN FORMED PROPERLY AND WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 22, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013 Infiniti QX56 vehicles manufactured September 1, 2012, to April 26, 2013, and 2014 Infiniti QX80 vehicles manufactured June 18, 2013, to February 11, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the driver's frontal air bag inflator may ha…
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's air bag, the incorrect part may block the flow of propellant to the air bag and the air bag's inflator may rupture. The rupture could cause metal fragments to strike and pote…
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2014. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
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 QX56 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Infiniti QX56 has fewer complaints per year (46.1) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the QX56's issues are more concentrated in brakes and electrical systems, which are safety-critical. The Camry's higher count is partly due to its popularity, but its problems are more varied. In practice, the QX56 may require more immediate attention to braking, while the Camry may have more frequent but less severe issues.
Key differences
- The QX56 has a much higher proportion of brake complaints (200 out of 461) compared to the Camry (290 out of 2143), indicating a more systemic brake problem.
- The Camry has more powertrain complaints (395) than the QX56 has total complaints, suggesting transmission issues are common.
- Electrical problems are significant in both, but the QX56's electrical issues often lead to stalling, while the Camry's are more about starting and AC.
- The QX56 has 30 recalls, the Camry 31, but the QX56's recalls include suspension and brake components, while the Camry's are mostly about airbags and seats.
- Inspect the brake system thoroughly: test for pedal feel, check for warning lights, and have a mechanic evaluate the brake booster and master cylinder.
- Check for electrical issues: look for signs of battery drain, have the charging system tested, and verify all dashboard lights function correctly.
- Listen for transmission noises during a test drive, especially grinding or whining on acceleration, and check for any transmission-related recalls.
- Test the brakes on a hill to ensure they respond firmly, and ask about any history of brake failure or sudden acceleration incidents.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to check for open recalls and prior accident damage.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic focusing on brakes, electrical system, and engine/transmission.
- Test drive both vehicles on varied roads, including hills and highways, to assess braking and acceleration behavior.
- Check for any pending warning lights and ensure they clear after a proper diagnostic scan.
- Review service records to see if common issues like timing belt or transmission problems have been addressed.
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 QX56 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Infiniti QX56 vs Toyota Camry
- Infiniti QX56 total complaints
- 461
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Infiniti QX56 total recalls
- 30
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Infiniti QX56 avg complaints/year
- 46.1
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Infiniti QX56
- Infiniti QX56 top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN