Head-to-head reliability
Nissan Altra EV vs Toyota Camry
How the Nissan Altra EV 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 Altra EV vs Toyota Camry: The Altra EV has 16 complaints over 4 years (4.0/year) and 0 recalls, while the Camry has 2,143 complaints over 10 years (214.3/year) and 31 recalls. The Altra EV reports stalling and brake failure; the Camry reports transmission and acceleration issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Nissan Altra EV or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Nissan Altra EV
The Nissan Altra EV is a low-volume electric vehicle with only 16 complaints over 4 years, averaging 4 complaints per year. The most common issues involve the engine and engine cooling, service brakes, hydraulic system, air bags, and exterior lighting. Owners report stalling during operation and brake problems that can lead to accidents. With no recalls on record, buyers should be aware that repairs may not be covered by manufacturer campaigns.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a high-volume sedan with 2,143 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 214 complaints per year. It has 31 recalls covering air bags, seats, wheels, and labels. Common complaint areas include power train, unknown or other, engine, service brakes, and electrical system. Owners describe issues like transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, brake failure, and air conditioning problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Nissan Altra EV | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 16 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 4.0 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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.
Nissan Altra EV
- 01ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING5
- 02SERVICE BRAKES4
- 03HYDRAULIC4
- 04AIR BAGS3
- 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING3
Owners report the vehicle cutting off during operation, sometimes in driveways or on expressways. This stalling can be dangerous and leave a driver stranded.
Complaints include brake noise like metal-on-metal grinding and, in one case, brakes failing completely, leading to a crash. A buyer should have the brake system thoroughly inspected.
The hydraulic system complaints mirror brake issues, with reports of brake noise and total brake failure. This suggests potential problems with the brake hydraulic components.
Owners report the airbag light coming on without notice, and some mention a recall for a defect. However, no recalls are listed for this vehicle, so buyers should check if the airbag system has been repaired.
“MY NEW CAR WAS PERFORMING AS IT WAS SUPPOSED TO AND MAINTENANCE WAS BEING COMPLETED ON A REGULAR SCHEDULE. MY VEHICLE STARTED TO CUT OFF DURING OPERATION IN 2004/5. IT WOULD HAPPEN IN THE DRIVEWAY, EXPRESSWAYS, ETC. IT DIDN'T MATTER. I TOOK IT TO THE NISSAN D…”
“I HAVE A NISSAN ALTIMA WITH 88.000 MILES ON IT THIS CAR IT SHOULD BE JUST GETTING BROKEN IN JUST GOT DONE PAYING THIS CAR OFF IT COST ME AROUND 18,000 DOLLARS IN 2004 PAID IT OFF IN JUNE 2009 THINKING I COULD GET BACK ON MY FEET AGAIN BUT I SEE THAT WONT HAPP…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front upon acceleration, often diagnosed as transmission problems requiring replacement. Some mention recalls for the same issue, but parts may be backordered.
Complaints include uncontrollable sudden acceleration, sometimes resulting in crashes, and engine maintenance codes related to coolant valve bypass recalls. These issues can be serious and costly.
Owners describe brake pedal going to the floor with no response, especially on slopes, leading to accidents. This indicates potential brake system failures that need immediate attention.
Common complaints include AC condenser damage from road debris and persistent mildew odors from the HVAC system. These are comfort and reliability issues that may require repeated repairs.
“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 Altra EV
No recalls on record.
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 Altra EV or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Nissan Altra EV has far fewer complaints per year (4.0) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the Altra EV's low volume means each complaint represents a larger share of owners. The Camry's higher complaint count is partly due to its much larger sales volume, but the types of issues reported—such as sudden acceleration and brake failure—are serious. In practice, the Altra EV may have fewer reported problems overall, but the Camry has more recalls and a wider range of issues.
Key differences
- The Nissan Altra EV has 0 recalls, while the Toyota Camry has 31 recalls covering air bags, seats, wheels, and labels.
- Camry owners report sudden acceleration and transmission grinding, while Altra EV owners report stalling and brake failure.
- The Altra EV averages 4 complaints per year; the Camry averages 214.3 per year, but the Camry is far more common on the road.
- Air bag issues appear in both: Altra EV owners report airbag light and recall confusion, while Camry has recalls for occupant classification sensors.
- Check for any signs of stalling or engine cut-off during a test drive, especially at idle or low speeds.
- Inspect the brake system for noise, pedal feel, and fluid leaks, as owners report total brake failure.
- Test the transmission for grinding noises during acceleration and check for any delayed engagement.
- Verify that all recalls, especially for air bags and brakes, have been performed by checking the VIN with a dealer.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on brakes, transmission, and engine.
- For the Altra EV, ask about any stalling incidents and check for airbag light functionality.
- For the Camry, test drive at various speeds and check for sudden acceleration or brake response issues.
- Confirm that any recall repairs have been completed and ask for documentation.
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 Altra EV or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Nissan Altra EV vs Toyota Camry
- Nissan Altra EV total complaints
- 16
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Nissan Altra EV total recalls
- 0
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Nissan Altra EV avg complaints/year
- 4.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Nissan Altra EV
- Nissan Altra EV top complaint area
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN