Head-to-head reliability
Nissan Versa NOTE vs Toyota Camry
How the Nissan Versa NOTE 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 Versa NOTE vs Toyota Camry: The Versa NOTE has 773 complaints over 7 years (110.4/year) and 3 deaths, while the Camry has 2,143 complaints over 10 years (214.3/year) and 1 death. The Versa NOTE's complaints are more concentrated in power train and air bag issues, whereas the Camry's are spread across more components. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Nissan Versa NOTE or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Nissan Versa NOTE
The Nissan Versa NOTE is a subcompact hatchback that owners often buy for its low price and fuel economy. However, NHTSA data shows 773 complaints over 7 years, with a heavy concentration in power train issues—especially transmission problems that can cause sudden deceleration or loss of acceleration. There are also notable complaints about air bags not deploying in crashes and electrical gremlins like door locks freezing. While not the most complaint-heavy vehicle per year, the severity of some issues (3 deaths, 78 injuries) means buyers should be diligent about maintenance and recall checks.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan known for reliability, but NHTSA data shows 2,143 complaints over 10 years, averaging 214.3 per year. The most common issues involve the power train, engine, and brakes, with reports of transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, and brake failure. There are also many complaints about HVAC odors and air conditioning problems. Despite the higher complaint count, the Camry has only 1 death reported, suggesting that while issues are frequent, they may be less severe on average.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Nissan Versa NOTE | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 773 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 11 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 89 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 110.4 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 78 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 3 | 1 Better |
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 Versa NOTE
- 01POWER TRAIN248
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER140
- 03AIR BAGS119
- 04ENGINE117
- 05SERVICE BRAKES102
Owners report the transmission downshifting unexpectedly at highway speeds, causing the vehicle to decelerate rapidly, or the engine revving without acceleration. This can be dangerous if it happens in traffic and may require a costly transmission replacement.
Several complaints describe air bags failing to deploy in frontal or side impacts, even when the car is totaled. This raises serious safety concerns and suggests that the air bag system may not function as expected in a crash.
Some owners report hydrocarbon leaks into the cabin, which can cause health issues, and check engine lights with codes like P0705 indicating transmission range sensor problems. These issues can lead to failed emissions tests and expensive repairs.
While not the top complaint, brake issues appear, though specific patterns are less clear from the sample. Buyers should still have the brakes inspected, as any brake problem is a safety risk.
“The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Versa. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the transmission downshifted, and the vehicle decelerated to 5 MPH. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the roadway. The vehicle was…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 NISSAN VERSA NOTE. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STOPPED ACCELERATING. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO THE FLOORBOARD AND THE ENGINE REVVED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD. THE CONTACT COASTED TO THE…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners describe grinding noises from the transmission upon acceleration, often leading to transmission replacement. Some also report sudden acceleration incidents, which can cause loss of control and crashes.
Complaints include sudden unintended acceleration and coolant valve bypass issues (code P268115) that may not be covered by recalls for certain VINs. These can lead to engine damage or safety hazards.
Reports of brake pedal going to the floor with no response, especially on slopes or hills, indicate potential brake system failures. This is a critical safety issue that requires immediate attention.
While not detailed in the sample, electrical system complaints are common, often related to sensors or infotainment. These can be frustrating and costly to diagnose.
“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 Versa NOTE — 11 recalls
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-…
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 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-…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018 Nissan Versa Note vehicles. During deployment of the side curtain air bag, a component of the air bag inflator may detach. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) num…
The risk: If the component detaches during deployment, it may enter the passenger compartment and be a projectile within the vehicle cabin, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
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 Versa NOTE or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Nissan Versa NOTE has fewer complaints per year (110.4) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the Versa NOTE's issues tend to be more severe, with higher fatalities and injuries relative to its complaint volume. The Camry's higher complaint count suggests more frequent but potentially less catastrophic problems. In practice, a buyer prioritizing lower overall complaint frequency might lean toward the Versa NOTE, but should be aware of its serious safety-related complaints.
Key differences
- The Versa NOTE has a much higher proportion of power train complaints (248 out of 773) compared to the Camry (395 out of 2143), indicating a more concentrated transmission issue.
- Air bag non-deployment is a recurring complaint for the Versa NOTE, while the Camry's air bag complaints are less prominent in the sample.
- The Camry has more than double the annual complaint rate, but the Versa NOTE has a higher fatality count (3 vs. 1) despite fewer total complaints.
- The Camry has 31 recalls over 10 years, while the Versa NOTE has 11 over 7 years, suggesting the Camry has more frequent recall campaigns.
- Transmission behavior: test drive at highway speeds and during acceleration to check for hesitation, downshifting, or loss of power.
- Air bag warning light: ensure it illuminates briefly when starting and then turns off; if it stays on, there may be a fault.
- Brake pedal feel: press the brake pedal firmly; it should not sink to the floor. Any sponginess or lack of response is a red flag.
- Transmission noises: listen for grinding or whining during acceleration, which could indicate internal damage.
Before you buy
- Check for open recalls by VIN on the NHTSA website and ensure all recall work has been completed.
- Obtain a vehicle history report to see if the car has been in accidents or had major repairs.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the model, focusing on transmission, brakes, and air bag systems.
- Test drive in various conditions: highway, stop-and-go, and hills to replicate common complaint scenarios.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and brake service.
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 Versa NOTE | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 0 | 270 |
| 2019 | 1 | 393 |
| 2018 | 3 | 736 |
| 2017 | 69 | 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 Versa NOTE or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Nissan Versa NOTE vs Toyota Camry
- Nissan Versa NOTE total complaints
- 773
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Nissan Versa NOTE total recalls
- 11
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Nissan Versa NOTE avg complaints/year
- 110.4
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Nissan Versa NOTE
- Nissan Versa NOTE top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN