Head-to-head reliability
Nissan 370Z vs Toyota Camry
How the Nissan 370Z 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 370Z vs Toyota Camry: The 370Z averaged 4.1 complaints per year with 1 recall, while the Camry averaged 205.6 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The 370Z's main issue is clutch failure, while the Camry has more varied problems like key stuck and brake noise. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Nissan 370Z or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Nissan 370Z
The Nissan 370Z is a two-seat sports car with a strong focus on performance, but its low production numbers mean fewer complaints overall. Over 10 years, it averaged just 4.1 complaints per year, with most issues centered on the power train—specifically clutch and transmission failures. While the overall complaint count is low, the severity of some problems, like abrupt clutch failure, can leave drivers stranded.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream family sedan with high sales volumes, resulting in many more complaints—averaging 205.6 per year. The complaints span a wide range of systems, from power train and engine to brakes and electrical issues, but many are intermittent or less severe. With 31 recalls and 171 crash-related complaints, it's clear that the Camry has more frequent, varied problems, though not all are equally dangerous.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Nissan 370Z | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 41 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 1 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 4.1 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 4 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.
Nissan 370Z
- 01POWER TRAIN22
- 02AIR BAGS6
- 03SERVICE BRAKES4
- 04ENGINE4
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
Owners report sudden clutch pedal failure, often due to a failed concentric slave cylinder (CSC), leaving the car stuck in gear or unable to shift. This can happen without warning and may require costly transmission repairs.
Some owners describe airbags deploying with excessive force in low-speed impacts, such as rolling into a hitch, causing injuries. There is also a recall for side/window air bags, so buyers should verify recall repairs.
Complaints include brake failure after track use and false warnings from the front radar obstruction system, which can disable driver-assist features. These issues can affect both safety and driving enjoyment.
Reports include clutch pedal sticking to the floor and engine stalling with check engine light illumination, sometimes leading to loss of acceleration. These problems can be intermittent and hard to diagnose.
“SUMMARY: THE VEHICLE CONCENTRIC SLAVE CYLINDER (CSC), A COMPONENT OF THE TRANSMISSION AND CLUTCH, FAILED ABRUPTLY IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, LEAVING THE VEHICLE FORCED IN-GEAR AND UNABLE TO SHIFT OUT OF GEARS OR TO NEUTRAL WITHOUT DAMAGING THE TRANSMISSION. THIS IS A…”
“AS I BEGAN TO START MY VEHICLE ONE DAY, THE CLUTCH PEDAL WENT STRAIGHT TO THE GROUND BECAUSE IT HAD NO PRESSURE ON IT. I FOUND THAT THE CLUTCH FLUID WAS COMPLETELY EMPTY AND REFILLED IT. AFTER IT REBUILT PRESSURE, IT WAS OPERABLE AGAIN FOR SEVERAL MONTHS UNTI…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report intermittent issues like the ignition key getting stuck in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove, and hesitation or shuddering while driving with the check engine light on. These can be frustrating and may indicate electronic or transmission problems.
Complaints include delayed throttle response, where pressing the accelerator results in a several-second lag before the car moves. This can be a safety concern when merging or crossing intersections.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow, and some owners hear clicking or vibrating noises from the ABS system. These issues can lead to unexpected repair costs and inconvenience.
Multiple systems, such as stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring, have malfunctioned simultaneously in some cases. This suggests potential electrical gremlins that can be difficult to trace.
“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.
Nissan 370Z — 1 recall
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018 Nissan 370Z vehicles. The driver's side curtain air bag may have been installed incorrectly during production, possibly affecting its deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safet…
The risk: The incorrect curtain air bag installation can prevent the air bag from deploying correctly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the curtain air bag, correcting its installation as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 1, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
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
Nissan 370Z or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Nissan 370Z has far fewer complaints per year (4.1 vs. 205.6), but its issues tend to be more severe, like clutch failure that can strand you. The Toyota Camry has many more complaints, but they are often less critical, such as key stuck or brake noise. In practice, the 370Z may be more reliable overall but riskier when something breaks, while the Camry may need more frequent attention but rarely leaves you stranded.
Key differences
- The 370Z's most common complaint is clutch failure (CSC), which can leave you unable to shift, while the Camry's top complaint is key stuck in Park, which is annoying but less disabling.
- The Camry has 31 recalls versus 1 for the 370Z, indicating more widespread safety-related issues over the years.
- The 370Z has 3 crash-related complaints and 4 injuries; the Camry has 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries, though these numbers are influenced by sales volume.
- The 370Z's airbag complaints involve overly forceful deployment in low-speed impacts, while the Camry's recalls include occupant classification sensors and seat issues.
- Check for clutch pedal feel and any history of clutch fluid loss or CSC replacement; a soft or sticking pedal could indicate impending failure.
- Verify that the side/window airbag recall has been performed, and test all airbag warning lights.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park; if it sticks, it could be a sign of the reported defect.
- Check for delayed throttle response during a test drive, especially from a stop, and listen for ABS noises when braking.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been addressed, especially for the 370Z's airbags and the Camry's multiple recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the clutch system on the 370Z for wear or leaks, and the transmission/electronic systems on the Camry for stored codes.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any hesitation, shuddering, or warning lights, and test all driver-assist features.
- For the Camry, check the electronic parking brake operation and listen for unusual brake noises.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for transmission fluid changes and brake service.
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 | Nissan 370Z | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 0 | 61 |
| 2021 | 0 | 157 |
| 2020 | 0 | 274 |
| 2019 | 1 | 395 |
| 2018 | 2 | 744 |
| 2017 | 5 | 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 Nissan 370Z or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Nissan 370Z vs Toyota Camry
- Nissan 370Z total complaints
- 41
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Nissan 370Z total recalls
- 1
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Nissan 370Z avg complaints/year
- 4.1
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Nissan 370Z
- Nissan 370Z top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN