Head-to-head reliability
Nissan Murano vs Toyota Camry
How the Nissan Murano 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 Murano vs Toyota Camry: The Murano has 26.6 complaints per year vs the Camry's 214.3, but both have serious issues like unintended acceleration and brake failures. Murano's forward collision system can disable in sunlight, while Camry's transmission may need replacement. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Nissan Murano or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Nissan Murano
The Nissan Murano, a midsize crossover, shows a moderate complaint rate of about 27 per year over the last decade. Owners report issues with driver-assistance systems, especially forward collision avoidance, which can disable in sunlight, and electrical gremlins that sometimes cause unintended acceleration or brake failures. These problems can be unsettling and potentially dangerous, but they are not as frequent as those in some competitors.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a popular sedan, has a much higher complaint volume, averaging 214 per year, reflecting its larger sales base. Owners frequently report transmission issues, including grinding noises and failures, as well as engine problems like sudden acceleration and coolant valve defects. Brake failures are also a concern, with reports of complete loss of braking on hills. These issues are widespread and can be serious, but the Camry's overall reliability is still considered decent by many.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Nissan Murano | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 266 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 11 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 17 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 26.6 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 Murano
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER67
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE43
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM33
- 04SERVICE BRAKES31
- 05VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL25
Owners report the system disables with a 'Driving Aids temporarily disabled' warning when driving into sunlight, which can happen at any time of day. This means the automatic emergency braking may not work when needed, increasing collision risk.
Several complaints describe unintended acceleration after software updates, where the car surges forward when the brake is applied. Others mention the automatic collision notification system failing to activate after a crash, leaving occupants without emergency help.
Brake issues include the parking brake failing to release, preventing the car from restarting, and potential brake caliper problems that could affect stopping power. These are critical safety concerns that need immediate attention.
“My wife was victim to a hit and run driver on 30 Dec 22. Our 2022 Nissan Murano's AUTOMATIC COLLISION NOTIFICATION SYSTEM FAILED TO ACTIVATE UPON COLLISION. There were no warnings in the car prior. Additionally, the secondary system known as the "SOS BUTTON"…”
“I am reporting a serious safety issue involving my 2025 Nissan Murano SL, purchased on April 21, 2026. On May 9, 2026, while driving from [XXX] to [XXX] , the vehicle began experiencing repeated failures at stoplights and in traffic. While stopped at red ligh…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission problems are common, with owners reporting grinding noises from the front end and the need for complete transmission replacement. Some models have recalls for this, but parts may be on backorder, leaving owners with unreliable vehicles.
Sudden unintended acceleration has been reported multiple times, leading to crashes and total loss of the vehicle. Additionally, a coolant valve bypass code (P268115) indicates a known issue that may not be covered by recall for all VINs, causing engine overheating and potential damage.
Brake failure is reported, including a complete loss of braking response on a steep hill, forcing the driver to use other means to stop. This is a critical safety defect that could lead to serious accidents.
“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 Murano — 11 recalls
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024 Murano vehicles. The incorrect primer may have been used on the quarter glass, resulting in the left and right quarter glass detaching from the vehicle.
The risk: Detached glass panels can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace both side quarter glass panels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 7, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PD102.
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Murano, Pathfinder, and INFINITI QX60 vehicles. One or both front brake caliper assemblies may have reduced strength and could break. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard n…
The risk: A broken front brake caliper can cause a loss of front brake function, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the front brake caliper assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 9, 2025. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261 or INFINITI's customer servi…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Murano, 2025-2026 Armada, and Infiniti QX80 vehicles. A software error may occur in the In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) system at vehicle startup, resulting in the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is shifted into rever…
The risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The IVI system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 2, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261 or Infiniti…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additio…
The risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-…
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 Murano or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Nissan Murano has far fewer complaints per year (26.6) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the Murano's problems, such as unintended acceleration and brake failures, are just as serious. In practice, the Murano may offer a more trouble-free ownership experience, but both require careful inspection.
Key differences
- The Murano has a much lower complaint rate (26.6/yr) than the Camry (214.3/yr), suggesting fewer reported problems per vehicle.
- Murano owners frequently report issues with forward collision avoidance and electrical systems, while Camry owners report more transmission and engine failures.
- Both have brake complaints, but Murano's are more about parking brake and caliper issues, while Camry's include complete brake failure.
- The Camry has more recalls (31) than the Murano (11), but the Murano's recalls include brake and camera software, while Camry's include airbag sensors and seat issues.
- Check the forward collision warning system by driving toward the sun; if it disables, that's a known issue.
- Test the parking brake release and look for any signs of unintended acceleration during a test drive.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration and check for any transmission-related recalls.
- Test the brakes on a hill to ensure they respond properly, and ask about the coolant valve bypass issue.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and brakes on the Camry, and the electrical system and forward collision sensors on the Murano.
- Test drive both vehicles in various conditions, including direct sunlight for the Murano and hill driving for the Camry.
- Ask for service records and note any repeated repairs for the specific issues mentioned.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a certified technician familiar with these models.
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 Murano | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 119 |
| 2025 | 21 | 153 |
| 2024 | 4 | 48 |
| 2023 | 8 | 62 |
| 2022 | 6 | 59 |
| 2021 | 16 | 155 |
| 2020 | 45 | 270 |
| 2019 | 43 | 393 |
| 2018 | 15 | 736 |
| 2017 | 107 | 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 Murano or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Nissan Murano vs Toyota Camry
- Nissan Murano total complaints
- 266
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Nissan Murano total recalls
- 11
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Nissan Murano avg complaints/year
- 26.6
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Nissan Murano
- Nissan Murano top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN