Head-to-head reliability
Nissan Rogue Sport vs Toyota Camry
How the Nissan Rogue Sport 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 Rogue Sport vs Toyota Camry: The Rogue Sport averages 62 complaints per year over 6 years, while the Camry averages 214 per year over 10 years. Both have safety-related issues, but the Rogue Sport's engine and brake problems are more frequent relative to its total. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Nissan Rogue Sport or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Nissan Rogue Sport
The Nissan Rogue Sport, a compact crossover, shows a moderate complaint rate of about 62 per year over six years. Owners report issues that can affect daily driving, including engine-related problems that sometimes lead to loss of control, electrical glitches, and forward collision avoidance system anomalies. While not the most problematic, these reports suggest potential reliability concerns that could impact safety and ownership satisfaction.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a midsize sedan, has a higher complaint volume, averaging over 214 per year over a decade, but this is partly due to its larger sales base. Complaints center on powertrain issues, including transmission failures and sudden acceleration reports, as well as brake problems. Despite the higher count, the Camry's issues are typical of high-mileage vehicles, but the severity of some reports warrants attention.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Nissan Rogue Sport | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 370 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 10 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 28 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 61.7 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 28 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 Rogue Sport
- 01ENGINE86
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM75
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER73
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE67
- 05SERVICE BRAKES56
Owners report engine-related issues such as intermittent air conditioning tied to engine performance, and in severe cases, steering and brake lock-up leading to loss of control and crashes. This suggests potential engine or related system failures that could compromise safety.
Electrical problems include air conditioning cutting out and, in some reports, suspected hacking or unauthorized access to vehicle systems, causing erratic behavior in infotainment and safety features. These issues can be distracting and may affect vehicle control.
The system may malfunction, causing unintended steering or acceleration, as reported by owners. This can be alarming and dangerous, especially at highway speeds, and may lead to crashes if not addressed.
Brake-related complaints include instances where the brake pedal becomes hard or unresponsive, contributing to loss of control. This is a critical safety concern that requires immediate attention.
“The vehicle’s air conditioning began turning on and off intermittently while driving. I initially had the issue inspected by an independent mechanic, who checked the refrigerant and confirmed that the freon level was normal. After further inspection, the mech…”
“The steering wheel and brake peddle locked (unable to steer or pump brakes) causing me to lose control of the car. I ended up sideswiping a tree and rear-ending a parked pickup truck, totaling my car. This malfunction was an ongoing issue that I initially rep…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues are prominent, with owners reporting grinding noises, hesitation, and the need for complete transmission replacement. Some models have recalls for similar problems, indicating a systemic issue that can be costly to repair.
Sudden unintended acceleration is a serious reported problem, leading to crashes and total loss of the vehicle. Additionally, engine maintenance warnings and coolant valve issues have been noted, which can affect performance and safety.
Brake failure reports include a complete lack of response when pressing the pedal, especially on hills, which can lead to accidents. This is a critical safety defect that demands immediate investigation.
Electrical issues range from air conditioning condenser damage to recurring odors, but more concerning are reports of potential hacking affecting vehicle controls. These can distract drivers and compromise safety.
“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 Rogue Sport — 10 recalls
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Rogue and 2017-2022 Rogue Sport vehicles equipped with a jackknife style ignition key. The jackknife key may collapse into a folded position while driving.
The risk: Driver contact with a key in the collapsed position could inadvertently shut off the vehicle while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, if the vehicle shuts off while driving, the air bags may not deploy in a crash as int…
The fix: Dealers will insert a spacer into the key slot of the jackknife key, free of charge. Interim notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed March 29, 2023. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 3…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Rogue Sport vehicles. The seat belt automatic locking retractor (ALR) may deactivate early, reducing the protection offered to an installed child seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A seat belt retractor that does not function as intended can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front passenger seat belt and as necessary both outer rear seat belts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 14, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nis…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Rogue Sport vehicles. The liftgate hinges can separate from the vehicle during a rear end crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 206, "Door Locks and Door Reten…
The risk: Separated hinges compromise the protection offered by the liftgate, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the left and right liftgate hinges, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 7, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R21A7.
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Rogue and 2017-2022 Rogue Sport vehicles equipped with a jackknife style ignition key. The jackknife key may collapse into a folded position while driving.
The risk: Driver contact with a key in the collapsed position could inadvertently shut off the vehicle while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, if the vehicle shuts off while driving, the air bags may not deploy in a crash as int…
The fix: Dealers will insert a spacer into the key slot of the jackknife key, free of charge. Interim notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed March 29, 2023. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 3…
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 Rogue Sport or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Nissan Rogue Sport has fewer complaints per year (about 62) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 214), but the Rogue Sport's issues are more concentrated in safety-critical systems like engine and brakes. The Camry's higher volume may reflect its popularity, but the nature of its powertrain and brake complaints suggests similar or greater risk. In practice, both vehicles have notable reliability concerns, but the Rogue Sport's lower frequency may be less daunting for some buyers.
Key differences
- The Rogue Sport has fewer complaints per year but a higher proportion of safety-related issues like engine stall and brake lock-up.
- The Camry has more complaints overall, with a significant number of transmission failures and sudden acceleration reports.
- The Rogue Sport's forward collision avoidance system has been reported to malfunction, causing unintended steering, while the Camry's issues are more traditional powertrain and brake problems.
- Both vehicles have recalls, but the Rogue Sport's recalls focus on anti-theft and seat belts, while the Camry's include airbag sensors and wheels.
- Check for any engine-related recalls or service bulletins, and test the air conditioning to ensure it doesn't cut out.
- Inspect the forward collision avoidance system by having a mechanic verify its operation, and be alert for any unintended steering or acceleration.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration, and check for any pending transmission recalls.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially on slopes, to ensure there is no loss of braking power.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to check for open recalls and past accident damage.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on engine, transmission, and brakes.
- Test drive both vehicles on varied roads, including hills, to assess braking and acceleration behavior.
- Check for any signs of electrical issues, such as intermittent dashboard warnings or infotainment glitches.
- Verify that all recalls have been addressed by the dealer before purchase.
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 Rogue Sport | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 12 | 59 |
| 2021 | 35 | 155 |
| 2020 | 58 | 270 |
| 2019 | 99 | 393 |
| 2018 | 93 | 736 |
| 2017 | 73 | 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 Rogue Sport or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Nissan Rogue Sport vs Toyota Camry
- Nissan Rogue Sport total complaints
- 370
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Nissan Rogue Sport total recalls
- 10
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Nissan Rogue Sport avg complaints/year
- 61.7
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Nissan Rogue Sport
- Nissan Rogue Sport top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN