Vehicle 1

Nissan Maxima

482 complaints · 16 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Toyota Camry

2,003 complaints · 27 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

Nissan Maxima vs Toyota Camry: The Maxima has 482 complaints over 10 years (48.2/year) and 16 recalls, while the Camry has 2003 complaints (200.3/year) and 27 recalls. The Maxima shows fewer reported issues per year, but the Camry's higher volume may reflect its popularity. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

4
Nissan Maxima
wins all 4 categories
0
Toyota Camry
no category wins
CategoryNissan MaximaToyota Camry
Total Complaints
All years combined
482
✓ lower
2,003
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
16
✓ lower
27
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
34
✓ lower
174
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
48.2
✓ lower
200.3

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Nissan Maxima

1. POWER TRAIN94
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER87
3. AIR BAGS75
4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM61
5. SERVICE BRAKES51

Toyota Camry

1. POWER TRAIN365
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER316
3. ENGINE305
4. SERVICE BRAKES284
5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM222
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Nissan Maxima has far fewer complaints per year (48.2 vs 200.3), suggesting a lower rate of reported issues. However, the Camry's higher volume may partly reflect its greater popularity, so the Maxima's lower complaint rate is still a positive sign for reliability.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer reported problems and lower complaint frequency, the Nissan Maxima is the better choice. If you prefer a model with more widespread parts availability and a proven track record despite higher complaint numbers, the Toyota Camry may still be a solid option.

Key Differences
  • Nissan Maxima has 482 total complaints over 10 years (48.2/year) vs Toyota Camry's 2003 (200.3/year).
  • Maxima has 16 recalls vs Camry's 27.
  • Maxima's top issue is Power Train (94 complaints); Camry's top is also Power Train (365).
  • Camry has significantly more Engine (305) and Air Bag (75 vs 174 crash complaints) issues.
⚠ Watch on Nissan Maxima
  • Watch for Power Train issues (94 complaints) and Air Bag problems (75 complaints).
  • Check for any unresolved recalls (16 total).
⚠ Watch on Toyota Camry
  • Be aware of high Power Train (365) and Engine (305) complaint counts.
  • Inspect for Service Brake issues (284 complaints) and Electrical System problems (222).
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles and ensure all recalls are completed.
  • Test drive and listen for unusual noises from the power train and brakes.
  • Inspect air bag system warning lights and service history.
  • Review maintenance records, especially for engine and electrical system repairs.
  • Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Nissan MaximaToyota Camry
2023
1
56
2022
5
55
2021
3
151
2020
21
260
2019
18
374
2018
36
721
2017
100
148
Nissan Maxima vs Toyota Camry — comparison facts
Comparison
Nissan Maxima vs Toyota Camry
Nissan Maxima total complaints
482
Toyota Camry total complaints
2,003
Nissan Maxima total recalls
16
Toyota Camry total recalls
27
Nissan Maxima avg complaints/year
48.2
Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
200.3
More reliable overall
Nissan Maxima
Nissan Maxima top complaint area
POWER TRAIN
Toyota Camry top complaint area
POWER TRAIN
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Nissan Maxima Reliability & Problems

482 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Toyota Camry Reliability & Problems

2,003 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Nissan Maxima or Toyota Camry?

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