Head-to-head reliability
Nissan NV vs Toyota Camry
How the Nissan NV 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 NV vs Toyota Camry: The NV has zero complaints over 10 years, while the Camry has 2,143, with 181 crash-related incidents. NV's recalls focus on airbags, but Camry owners report transmission and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Nissan NV or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Nissan NV
The Nissan NV is a workhorse van with a remarkably clean complaint record over the past decade—zero owner complaints on file. That silence suggests owners aren't reporting chronic mechanical or safety issues, which is a strong sign for a used commercial vehicle. However, it has had 15 recalls, mostly for airbag inflators and seat belts, so a buyer should verify all recall work is done. In everyday ownership, you'd expect fewer surprise breakdowns based on this data, but the lack of complaints also means less insight into long-term niggles.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a popular sedan, shows a much higher complaint volume—over 2,100 in ten years—with frequent reports of transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, brake failures, and HVAC odors. These are real, owner-described issues that can affect safety and comfort. While the Camry has more recalls (31), the complaints point to specific problem areas that a buyer should investigate. The high complaint rate doesn't necessarily mean every Camry is trouble, but it highlights patterns to check before buying.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Nissan NV | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 15 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 NV
No component data available.
Recalls focus on driver-side frontal inflator modules, which could deploy improperly in a crash. Owners haven't reported failures, but a buyer should ensure all airbag recalls are completed to avoid potential injury.
A recall for rear seat belts suggests possible malfunction in a crash. No complaints are on file, but verifying the fix is crucial for passenger safety.
A recall in this area hints at possible overheating or engine issues, but without complaints, it's unclear. Have a mechanic check the cooling system for leaks or prior repairs.
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front end on acceleration, with dealers confirming transmission failure and recommending replacement. This is a costly repair, so test drive and listen for unusual sounds.
Several complaints describe sudden, uncontrollable acceleration leading to crashes. Others mention engine warning lights and coolant valve bypass codes, indicating potential engine management issues. Have the engine and throttle system inspected.
Brake failure is reported, with one owner experiencing no response when pressing the pedal on a hill. Another describes difficulty stopping in a parking lot. Check brake fluid, pads, and have a professional brake inspection.
Recurring vinegar or mildew smells from air vents when using AC are common, caused by condenser damage or bacterial growth. This is a comfort issue but can be annoying; ask about any AC 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 NV — 15 recalls
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2012-2017 NV Cargo and NV Passenger Van, 2013-2015 Titan and Armada and 2011-2012 Infiniti QX56 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing issue, the air bag inflator may not function properly or may rupture during deployment.
The risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or Infiniti customer service at 1-800-662-62…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2012-2017 NV Cargo and NV Passenger Van, 2013-2015 Titan and Armada and 2011-2012 Infiniti QX56 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing issue, the air bag inflator may not function properly or may rupture during deployment.
The risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or Infiniti customer service at 1-800-662-62…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017 Nissan NV200, Sentra, NV3500 Van, NV3500 Bus, NV200 Taxi, NV1500, NV2500 Van, Chevrolet City Express, 2017-2018 Frontier, Versa Note, and Versa Sedan vehicles that have a mechanical (physical) key ignition system. In these models, over t…
The risk: If the vehicle stalls, it can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the production information on the ignition switch, and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2012-2017 NV Cargo and NV Passenger Van, 2013-2015 Titan and Armada and 2011-2012 Infiniti QX56 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing issue, the air bag inflator may not function properly or may rupture during deployment.
The risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or Infiniti customer service at 1-800-662-62…
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 NV or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Nissan NV has far fewer complaints per year (0.0) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), indicating a lower rate of owner-reported problems. In practice, the NV is likely to be more reliable in terms of avoiding major repairs, but the Camry's issues are more documented and varied. Choose the NV if you prioritize minimal complaints, but be aware of its recall history.
Key differences
- The NV has zero complaints over 10 years, while the Camry has over 2,100, showing a stark difference in owner-reported issues.
- Camry owners report dangerous sudden acceleration and brake failures, which are safety-critical, whereas NV has no such complaints.
- The Camry's transmission grinding and replacement needs are a major cost concern, not seen in NV data.
- NV recalls are mostly airbag and seat belt related, while Camry recalls include airbag sensors and wheels, but complaints highlight more systemic issues.
- Check that all 15 recalls, especially airbag inflator and seat belt recalls, have been performed; ask for service records.
- Inspect the engine cooling system for any signs of overheating or prior repairs, given the engine/cooling recall.
- Listen for grinding noises during acceleration and have the transmission inspected by a specialist; transmission failure is a common complaint.
- Test the brakes at various speeds and on slopes; any sponginess or lack of response is a red flag. Also check for engine warning lights and sudden acceleration history.
Before you buy
- Obtain the vehicle's VIN and check NHTSA recall status for both models; ensure all recalls are completed.
- For the Camry, get a transmission fluid analysis and have a mechanic test-drive to detect grinding or shifting issues.
- For the Camry, inspect the brake system thoroughly, including rotors, pads, and fluid, and ask about any brake-related repairs.
- For the NV, verify the airbag system has no outstanding recalls and ask for proof of recall completion.
- Check the NV's cooling system for leaks or corrosion, and review maintenance records for engine work.
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 NV | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 0 | 155 |
| 2020 | 0 | 270 |
| 2019 | 0 | 393 |
| 2018 | 0 | 736 |
| 2017 | 0 | 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 NV or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Nissan NV vs Toyota Camry
- Nissan NV total complaints
- 0
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Nissan NV total recalls
- 15
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Nissan NV avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Nissan NV
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN