Head-to-head reliability
Nissan Quest vs Toyota Camry
How the Nissan Quest 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 Quest vs Toyota Camry: The Quest averaged 52.6 complaints per year with 8 recalls, while the Camry averaged 205.6 complaints per year with 31 recalls. Quest owners often report sudden power loss and transmission failure, whereas Camry owners report key-stuck and brake issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Nissan Quest or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Nissan Quest
The Nissan Quest is a minivan that averaged about 53 complaints per year over a decade, with 8 recalls. Owners frequently report fuel and propulsion problems, including jerking on acceleration and sudden power loss. Power train and electrical issues also appear, such as transmission failure without warning and complete electrical shutdowns. These patterns suggest that some Quest owners face unexpected breakdowns that can be stressful, especially with children in the car.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a much higher complaint volume—about 206 per year—and 31 recalls over the same period. Complaints span power train, engine, brakes, and electrical systems, with reports of hesitation, shuddering, and key removal problems. While the Camry is a popular choice, the data shows a wide range of reported issues, from minor annoyances to more serious brake and throttle concerns. Buyers should be aware that even well-known models can have recurring problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Nissan Quest | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 526 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 8 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 15 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 52.6 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 18 Better | 158 |
| 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 Quest
- 01FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM121
- 02POWER TRAIN85
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM83
- 04ENGINE65
- 05FUEL SYSTEM64
Owners describe jerking during acceleration after stops and instances where the vehicle powers off completely, losing steering, lights, and brakes. This can be dangerous if it happens in traffic, and the fuel gauge may still show fuel when the stall occurs.
Reports include the vehicle stopping on the road with no warning, transmission failure without a check engine light, and shaking while turning. These issues can lead to costly repairs and unexpected loss of propulsion.
Some owners experience repeated electrical problems that dealers cannot diagnose, including complete power loss while driving. This can leave the vehicle disabled and require specialist attention.
Complaints mention bad noises, hesitation, overheating, and smoke, sometimes with the check engine light on. These symptoms may indicate serious engine trouble that could strand the driver.
“I'VE NOTICED THAT IN 2016 AT ABOUT THE TIME I PURCHASED MY VAN IT HAD A JERKING WHENEVER YOU ACCELERATE AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP OR EVEN TO JUST ACCELERATE I TOOK IT BACK TO THE PLACE I GOT IT THEY TEST DRIVE THE VAN WHILE I SAT IN IT WITH THEM BUT EVE…”
“THE FOLLOWING HAS HAPPENED 5 TIMES. EVERYTHING ON THE VEHICLE POWERS OFF, WITHOUT WARNING ~ STEERING, LIGHT,S BRAKES, ETC. THE VEHICLE SLOWLY STOPS AND NOTHING CAN BE DONE. (IMMEDIATELY PRIOR, THE FUEL GAUGE SHOWS 1/4 A TANK AND THE TRIP COMPUTER SHOWS 60 MIL…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck even when the car is in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove. Others note hesitation and shuddering with the check engine light on, which can affect drivability.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, sometimes taking several seconds to move. This lag can be frustrating and potentially risky when merging or crossing traffic.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow, and some owners hear clicking or vibrating from the brake pedal area. These issues can prevent the car from being driven or indicate ABS problems.
Multiple systems—such as stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring—can malfunction simultaneously. This can overwhelm the driver with warnings and reduce safety features.
“My 2023 Toyota Camry has developed an intermittent defect where the ignition key becomes stuck and cannot be removed even though the dashboard shows the vehicle is in Park. The only way to remove the key is to disconnect the vehicle's battery, which is not a…”
“The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitating and shuddering, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle…”
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 Quest — 8 recalls
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2008-2011 Titan, Frontier, Xterra, Pathfinder, Armada, and 2008-2009 Quest vehicles. The resin emblem on the driver's air bag cover may develop cracks and detach during air bag deployment.
The risk: A detached emblem can become a projectile during air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
The fix: Dealers will replace the drivers airbag cover. Owner letters were mailed December 8, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall are PC944, PC945, and PC946.
The defect: NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 TITAN, ARMADA, AND INFINITI QX56, AND MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 NISSAN QUEST VEHICLES. THE BRAKE PEDAL PIVOT PIN END WAS NOT SPIN-FORMED TO SPECIFICATION DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS OF THE BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY. THE PIVOT PIN COULD SLIDE AND CAUSE THE…
The risk: THE DRIVER WILL EXPERIENCE UNUSUAL AND NOTICEABLE LOOSENESS IN THE PEDAL AND A REDUCTION IN BRAKING FORCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT TO SEE IF THE PIVOT PIN HAD BEEN FORMED PROPERLY AND WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 22, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
The defect: NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 NISSAN QUEST VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 29, 2010, THROUGH FEBRUARY 21, 2012. DUE TO SOFTWARE PROGRAMMING, WHILE DRIVING AT SLOW SPEEDS OR IDLING ON A DECLINE WITH ¼ TANK FUEL OR LESS, THERE MAY BE AN INSUFFICIENT SUPPLY OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE. A…
The risk: VEHICLE STALLING COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 2, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-647-7261.
The defect: NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 TITAN, ARMADA, AND INFINITI QX56, AND MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 NISSAN QUEST VEHICLES. THE BRAKE PEDAL PIVOT PIN END WAS NOT SPIN-FORMED TO SPECIFICATION DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS OF THE BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY. THE PIVOT PIN COULD SLIDE AND CAUSE THE…
The risk: THE DRIVER WILL EXPERIENCE UNUSUAL AND NOTICEABLE LOOSENESS IN THE PEDAL AND A REDUCTION IN BRAKING FORCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT TO SEE IF THE PIVOT PIN HAD BEEN FORMED PROPERLY AND WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 22, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
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…
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…
Buyer analysis
Nissan Quest or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Nissan Quest has far fewer complaints per year (about 53) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 206), but the Quest's issues often involve sudden power loss or stalling. The Camry's higher complaint count includes a broader mix of problems, some less severe. In practice, the Quest may have fewer reported problems overall, but the ones it has can be more alarming.
Key differences
- The Nissan Quest has about 53 complaints per year, while the Toyota Camry has about 206 per year, but the Quest's complaints often involve sudden power loss or stalling.
- Quest owners frequently report fuel/propulsion jerking and transmission failure without warning, whereas Camry owners report key-stuck issues and brake problems.
- The Camry has 31 recalls versus 8 for the Quest, indicating more manufacturer-identified issues over the decade.
- Both vehicles have crash-related complaints, but the Camry has 171 versus 15 for the Quest, though this may reflect higher sales volume.
- During a test drive, accelerate from a complete stop and listen for jerking or hesitation, which could indicate fuel/propulsion issues.
- Check for any signs of transmission slipping or shaking while turning, and ask if the transmission has ever been replaced or repaired.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park—if it sticks, it could be a recurring power train defect.
- Press the brake pedal and listen for clicking or vibrating, and ensure the electronic parking brake engages and disengages smoothly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to see if any recalls or major repairs were performed.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with Nissan or Toyota models, focusing on the specific complaint areas.
- During the test drive, simulate stop-and-go traffic and highway merging to check for hesitation, stalling, or transmission issues.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and brake system repairs.
- Verify that all open recalls have been addressed by checking the NHTSA website with the VIN.
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 Quest | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 6 | 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 Quest or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Nissan Quest vs Toyota Camry
- Nissan Quest total complaints
- 526
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Nissan Quest total recalls
- 8
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Nissan Quest avg complaints/year
- 52.6
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Nissan Quest
- Nissan Quest top complaint area
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN