Head-to-head reliability
Nissan 350Z vs Toyota Camry
How the Nissan 350Z 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
Nissan 350Z vs Toyota Camry: The 350Z averages 93.9 complaints per year with 12 recalls, while the Camry averages 214.3 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The 350Z has 28 crash-related complaints and 20 injuries; the Camry has 181 crash-related and 163 injuries. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Nissan 350Z or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Nissan 350Z
The Nissan 350Z is a two-seat sports car that can be demanding to own, with an average of about 94 complaints per year over seven years. Owners frequently report suspension, power train, and tire problems, including clutch failure and tire blowouts. Air bag and engine complaints also appear, sometimes after accidents. This suggests a car that needs careful maintenance and a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream family sedan with a much higher total complaint count—about 2,143 over ten years, averaging 214 per year. The most common issues involve the power train, engine, brakes, and electrical system. Owners describe problems like transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, brake failure, and air conditioning odors. While the Camry is generally considered reliable, these reports show that specific model years can have serious safety-related defects.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Nissan 350Z | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 657 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 12 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 28 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 93.9 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 20 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 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.
Nissan 350Z
- 01SUSPENSION148
- 02POWER TRAIN133
- 03TIRES123
- 04AIR BAGS87
- 05ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING76
With 148 complaints, suspension issues are the most common. Owners may experience worn components that affect handling and ride comfort, which is critical for a sports car.
133 complaints include clutch problems where the pedal stays on the floor and the car won't go into gear, as one owner reported after buying a used 350Z. This can leave you stranded.
123 complaints include sidewall blowouts at highway speeds, like one owner whose tire 'blew out' and looked 'cut open with a can opener.' This is a serious safety concern.
87 complaints include missing or faulty air bags, such as a used 350Z missing the passenger air bag. This means the car may not protect you in a crash.
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
395 complaints include transmission grinding noises and sudden acceleration, with one owner reporting the car 'suddenly and rapidly accelerated' and crashed. These are serious drivability and safety issues.
315 complaints include sudden acceleration and coolant valve issues, like one owner who got a code for a recall but was told their VIN wasn't covered. This can lead to costly repairs or safety risks.
290 complaints include brake pedal going to the floor with no response, as one owner experienced on a steep hill. This is a critical safety failure.
246 complaints include various electrical glitches, though specific examples in the sample focus on HVAC odors and AC condenser damage. These can be annoying and expensive to fix.
“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.
Nissan 350Z — 12 recalls
The defect: NISSAN IS RECALLING 204,361 MY 2007-2008 ALTIMA, ALTIMA HYBRID, 350Z, 350Z ROADSTER, MY 2008 ALTIMA COUPE, ROGUE, MY 2009 MURANO, AND INFINITI MY 2007-2008 G35 SEDAN, MY 2008 G37 COUPE AND EX35 PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS' OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) CON…
The risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN THE PASSENGER AIR BAG BEING SUPPRESSED WHICH COULD FAIL TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL TEST THE SIGNAL BETWEEN THE OCS AND ACU SYSTEMS USING A SPECIAL TOOL TO CHECK THAT IT IS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. IF NECESSARY, THE SEAT CUSHION (CONTAINING OCS HARDWARE) WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE MANUFACTURED TO SPECIFI…
The defect: ZF SERVICE IS RECALL CERTAIN CLUTCH KIT ASSEMBLIES, PART NUMBER SX: K70358-01, SHIPPED TO WHOLESALERS AS SERVICE PARTS BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2010, AND MARCH 8, 2011. THESE SERVICE PARTS ARE INTENDED FOR USE ON MODEL YEAR 2003-2006 NISSAN 350Z AND INFINITI G35 VEHICLES. THE SX: K70358-01 CLUTCH KIT C…
The risk: AN OVERSIZED CLUTCH DISC COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY ON THE INITIAL START-UP, IF THE DRIVER DOES NOT FOLLOW THE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS AND FAILS TO USE THE SERVICE BRAKES WHILE THE HAND BRAKE IS NOT APPLIED. UNINTENT…
The fix: ZF SERVICE NOTIFY WHOLESALERS TO RETURN ANY AFFECTED CLUTCH KIT ASSEMBLIES STILL IN INVENTORY FOR FREE REPLACEMENT KITS. THIS CONDITION WILL CORRECT ITSELF AFTER THE FIRST START-UP AND USAGE OF THE CLUTCH KIT. HOWEVER, IF AN OWNER IS NOT S…
The defect: ZF SERVICE IS RECALL CERTAIN CLUTCH KIT ASSEMBLIES, PART NUMBER SX: K70358-01, SHIPPED TO WHOLESALERS AS SERVICE PARTS BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2010, AND MARCH 8, 2011. THESE SERVICE PARTS ARE INTENDED FOR USE ON MODEL YEAR 2003-2006 NISSAN 350Z AND INFINITI G35 VEHICLES. THE SX: K70358-01 CLUTCH KIT C…
The risk: AN OVERSIZED CLUTCH DISC COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY ON THE INITIAL START-UP, IF THE DRIVER DOES NOT FOLLOW THE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS AND FAILS TO USE THE SERVICE BRAKES WHILE THE HAND BRAKE IS NOT APPLIED. UNINTENT…
The fix: ZF SERVICE NOTIFY WHOLESALERS TO RETURN ANY AFFECTED CLUTCH KIT ASSEMBLIES STILL IN INVENTORY FOR FREE REPLACEMENT KITS. THIS CONDITION WILL CORRECT ITSELF AFTER THE FIRST START-UP AND USAGE OF THE CLUTCH KIT. HOWEVER, IF AN OWNER IS NOT S…
The defect: CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO.…
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
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
Nissan 350Z or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Nissan 350Z has far fewer complaints per year (about 94) than the Toyota Camry (about 214), but the 350Z's issues often involve serious safety components like air bags and tires. The Camry's higher volume means more reported problems overall, but many are similar in severity. In practice, the 350Z may have fewer total issues, but each issue can be more critical.
Key differences
- The 350Z has about 94 complaints per year vs. the Camry's 214, but the 350Z's top issues include suspension, clutch, and tire blowouts, while the Camry's include transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, and brake failure.
- The 350Z has 28 crash-related complaints and 20 injuries; the Camry has 181 crash-related complaints and 163 injuries, indicating more reported crashes and injuries for the Camry.
- Both have 1 death reported, but the Camry's higher crash and injury counts suggest a greater volume of safety-related incidents.
- The 350Z has 12 recalls, including air bags and clutch assembly; the Camry has 31 recalls, including air bag sensors, seats, and wheels, showing more recall activity.
- Check the clutch operation: press the pedal and ensure it returns properly and the car engages gears smoothly, as owners report clutch failure leaving them stranded.
- Inspect tires for sidewall damage or uneven wear, and verify the air bag system is intact and functional, especially on the passenger side.
- Test the transmission for grinding noises during acceleration and be alert for any sudden acceleration, as owners report these issues.
- Check brake pedal feel for firmness and responsiveness, and have the brake system inspected for any signs of failure, especially on hills.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website for the specific VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the known problem areas for each model.
- For the 350Z, specifically test the clutch, suspension, and tires, and verify air bag functionality.
- For the Camry, test the transmission, brakes, and acceleration behavior, and check for any HVAC odors or AC issues.
- During the test drive, replicate common scenarios like highway driving, braking on hills, and accelerating from a stop to detect any symptoms.
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 Nissan 350Z or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Nissan 350Z vs Toyota Camry
- Nissan 350Z total complaints
- 657
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Nissan 350Z total recalls
- 12
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Nissan 350Z avg complaints/year
- 93.9
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Nissan 350Z
- Nissan 350Z top complaint area
- SUSPENSION
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN