Head-to-head reliability
Nissan JUKE vs Toyota Camry
How the Nissan JUKE 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 JUKE vs Toyota Camry: The JUKE averaged 59.8 complaints per year over 8 years, while the Camry averaged 214.3 over 10 years. The JUKE had 14 recalls and 27 crash-related complaints; the Camry had 31 recalls and 181 crash-related complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Nissan JUKE or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Nissan JUKE
The Nissan JUKE is a subcompact crossover that averaged about 60 complaints per year over eight years, with 14 recalls. The most common complaint areas are the engine, power train, fuel system, and electrical system. Owners frequently describe transmission problems that cause the car to lose power or fail to accelerate, sometimes on highways. These issues can make the JUKE feel unpredictable and may require costly repairs.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a much higher average of about 214 complaints per year over ten years and 31 recalls. The most frequent complaints involve the power train, unknown or other issues, engine, service brakes, and electrical system. Owners report problems such as transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, brake failure, and air conditioning odors. While the Camry is a popular choice, the volume of complaints suggests that some model years have notable reliability concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Nissan JUKE | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 478 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 14 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 27 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 59.8 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 18 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 JUKE
- 01ENGINE178
- 02POWER TRAIN75
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM73
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM72
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER55
Owners report transmission issues that prevent acceleration, even on the highway, and instances where the car jumps or loses power. These problems can be dangerous and often require transmission repairs.
Complaints describe transmission slipping and the car losing power, sometimes after stopping on the highway shoulder. This can lead to unexpected stalls and expensive fixes.
Owners mention a clog developing in the evaporative emission vapor vent tube, which can cause fuel system problems. This may lead to check engine lights and failed emissions tests.
Electrical complaints often relate to transmission failure symptoms, such as the car revving without accelerating. These electrical gremlins can be hard to diagnose and repair.
“2016 NISSAN JUKE SL AWD AUG 2017, I TRADED-IN A 2011 NISSAN JUKE SL FOR A NEW 2016 JUKE SL 1. TRANSMISSION CATCHES: 2016 JUKE HAS A TRANSMISSION ISSUE WHICH PREVENTS THE CAR FROM ACCELERATING EVEN WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, WHICH RESULTS IN DRIVER/PASSENGER…”
“APPROX 1:00 P.M. I PULLED INTO THE WENDY'S DRIVE THROUGH AND THE LINE WAS WRAPPED AROUND THE BUILDING. THERE WAS A LARGE LIKE FORD TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME. I SAT THERE MAYBE 1 MIN AND I THOUGHT FELT MY CAR JUMP (AND I THOUGHT 'WHAT WAS THAT'), THEN THE TRUCK PUL…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front end during acceleration, with dealers confirming transmission replacement is needed. Some also describe sudden acceleration incidents that led to crashes.
Complaints include air conditioning condenser damage from road debris and persistent mildew or vinegar odors from the vents. These issues affect comfort and can be costly to fix.
Reports include uncontrollable sudden acceleration and engine maintenance codes related to a coolant valve bypass. These can pose safety risks and may not always be covered by recalls.
Owners describe brake pedal failure, such as no response when braking on a steep hill or when parking. This is a serious safety concern that requires immediate attention.
“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 JUKE — 14 recalls
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Nissan Juke Nismo RS vehicles. Due to a problem within the brake master cylinder, brake fluid may leak into the brake booster, reducing brake performance.
The risk: If brake fluid leaks into the brake booster it can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Nissan Juke Nismo RS vehicles. Due to a problem within the brake master cylinder, brake fluid may leak into the brake booster, reducing brake performance.
The risk: If brake fluid leaks into the brake booster it can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2014 Versa Sedan vehicles manufactured July 16, 2013, to January 29, 2014, 2013-2014 Cube vehicles manufactured July 3, 2013, to October 21, 2013, and 2013-2014 Juke vehicles manufactured July 3, 2013, to October 22, 2013. When exp…
The risk: If the engine start/stop button gets stuck in the housing, road vibrations may cause the engine to shut off unexpectedly while the vehicle is being driven, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will modify the start/stop switch housing, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Nissan Juke, 2012-2013 Infiniti M56, QX56, and 2014-2015 Infiniti Q70 (V8 engine vehicles only), and QX80 vehicles. The fuel pressure sensors may not have been sufficiently tightened during production. As a result, the fu…
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could cause a vehicle fire.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will re-torque the fuel pressure sensors free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2015. 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
Nissan JUKE or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Nissan JUKE has far fewer complaints per year (about 60) than the Toyota Camry (about 214), but the JUKE's issues often center on transmission and power loss. The Camry's higher complaint volume includes more crashes and injuries, though it also sells in much larger numbers. In practice, the JUKE may have fewer reported problems overall, but the Camry's issues can be more severe.
Key differences
- The Nissan JUKE averages about 60 complaints per year, while the Toyota Camry averages about 214 per year, but the Camry sells in much higher numbers.
- JUKE owners frequently report transmission problems causing power loss, while Camry owners report transmission grinding and sudden acceleration.
- The Camry has more crash-related complaints (181) and injuries (163) than the JUKE (27 crashes, 18 injuries), though the Camry's larger sales volume may influence this.
- Both vehicles have recalls for fuel system and brake issues, but the JUKE also has recalls for ignition switch and master cylinder, while the Camry has recalls for air bags and seats.
- During a test drive, accelerate hard and listen for transmission slipping or hesitation, especially after highway driving.
- Check for any signs of fuel system issues, such as a check engine light or rough idling, and ask if the evaporative emission vent tube has been serviced.
- Test the brakes on a downhill slope to ensure they respond immediately; any sponginess or failure to stop is a major red flag.
- Listen for grinding noises from the front end during acceleration, which could indicate transmission problems requiring replacement.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the transmission, brakes, and electrical system.
- During the test drive, pay attention to acceleration, braking, and any unusual noises or smells.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and brake repairs.
- For the Camry, specifically test the air conditioning for odors and check for any signs of sudden acceleration.
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 JUKE | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 0 | 736 |
| 2017 | 14 | 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 JUKE or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Nissan JUKE vs Toyota Camry
- Nissan JUKE total complaints
- 478
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Nissan JUKE total recalls
- 14
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Nissan JUKE avg complaints/year
- 59.8
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Nissan JUKE
- Nissan JUKE top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN