Head-to-head reliability
Nissan Xterra vs Toyota Camry
How the Nissan Xterra 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 Xterra vs Toyota Camry: The Xterra averages 158 complaints per year with 30 recalls, while the Camry averages 214 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The Xterra's top issues include power train and engine problems, while the Camry sees more brake and acceleration complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Nissan Xterra or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Nissan Xterra
The Nissan Xterra is a body-on-frame SUV that owners often use for commuting and occasional off-road driving. Over 10 years, it averaged about 158 complaints per year, with the most common issues in the power train, fuel system, and engine. Owners frequently report problems like clutch pedal stoppers failing, coolant leaking into transmission fluid, and engine oil leaks that can lead to seizure. These are not just minor annoyances—they can leave you stranded or require major repairs.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan known for its comfortable ride and fuel efficiency, but it has its own set of reported problems. With about 214 complaints per year over a decade, it sees more complaints annually than the Xterra, though many are for less severe issues. Common trouble spots include the power train, engine, and brakes, with owners describing transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, and brake pedal failures. Some of these, like unintended acceleration, are serious safety concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Nissan Xterra | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,577 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 30 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 29 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 157.7 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 34 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 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 Xterra
- 01POWER TRAIN578
- 02FUEL SYSTEM457
- 03GASOLINE383
- 04ENGINE231
- 05ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING192
Owners report a rubber stopper under the clutch pedal failing, which prevents the vehicle from starting, often in parking lots after dark. Another common issue is a coolant leak into the transmission fluid, causing power loss around 40 mph and requiring expensive transmission repairs.
Many complaints involve fuel system problems, though specific symptoms are not detailed in the sample. This area is a frequent source of owner frustration and can lead to poor engine performance or stalling.
Engine oil leaks are a recurring complaint, sometimes with no warning light before the engine seizes. Owners have experienced sudden engine failure, leaving them with costly repairs or replacement.
Cooling system issues, such as leaks, are reported and can contribute to overheating or transmission problems if coolant mixes with transmission fluid. This can lead to major mechanical damage if not addressed.
“1) Rubber stopper under clutch pedal has failed multiple times, preventing vehicle from starting in various locations, usually parking lots and mostly after dark which presents potential safety concerns. This is a rubber part that allows vehicle to start only…”
“I PURCHASED THIS 1 OWNER TRADE IN 4/11/19. AS OF 5/9/19 I STARTED TO EXPERIENCE PRONOUNCED ISSUES WITH LOSING POWER AROUND 40 MPH . DIAGNOSTICS CONFIRMED THAT IT WAS DUE TO A LEAK IN THE COOLING COIL WHICH RESULTED IN COOLANT IN MY TRANSMISSION FLUID WHICH DA…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners describe grinding noises from the front end during acceleration, often diagnosed as transmission failure requiring replacement. Some also report sudden unintended acceleration, which has led to crashes.
Complaints include sudden acceleration incidents and coolant valve bypass issues that trigger maintenance warnings. These can be dangerous and may not always be covered by recalls for specific VINs.
Some owners report a complete loss of brake response when pressing the pedal, such as while driving downhill. This is a critical safety issue that could lead to accidents.
Electrical problems are among the top complaints, though specific symptoms are not detailed in the sample. These can cause a range of issues from battery drain to malfunctioning accessories.
“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 Xterra — 30 recalls
The defect: NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 INFINITI FX, MODEL YEAR 2012 INFINITI M, MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 NISSAN FRONTIER, MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 NISSAN XTERRA, MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 NISSAN PATHFINDER, AND MODEL YEAR 2012 NISSAN NV VEHICLES. SOME OF THE BOLTS THAT CONNECT THE ENGINE OIL COOLER AND THE…
The risk: IF THERE IS AN ENGINE OIL LEAK, THE ENGINE OIL PRESSURE WOULD DROP AND THE ENGINE COULD SEIZE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CONNECTOR BOLTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 30, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
The defect: Nissan is recalling certain model year 2012 Frontier, Pathfinder, and Xterra two-wheel drive vehicles manufactured from June 19, 2012, through July 12, 2012. These vehicles may have been equipped with front wheel hubs that may not meet the design hardness specifications. A wheel hub that was manufa…
The risk: If the vehicle is driven in this condition, the wheel hub may break, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replaced the left and right side front wheel hub assemblies free of charge. The safety recall began on October 22, 2012. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-647-7261.
The defect: NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT AND REAR LOWER LINKS, P/NOS. 54501ZQ00A, 54500ZQ00A, 551A1ZQ00A, 551A0ZQ00A , 54501EA00A, 54500EA00A, 551A1EA500, 551A0EA500, 54501ZR00A, AND 54500ZR00A, SOLD BETWEEN NOVEMBER 25, 2009 AND MAY 14, 2010 AS REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2010 TITAN, AR…
The risk: IF THE COLLAR WELD SEPARATES, THE VEHICLE HANDLING WILL DETERIORATE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY AFFECTED LOWER LINK FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
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.
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 Xterra or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Nissan Xterra has fewer complaints per year (about 158) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 214), but the Xterra's issues often involve major mechanical failures like engine seizure or transmission damage. The Camry's higher complaint rate includes more brake and acceleration problems, which can be immediately dangerous. In practice, the Xterra may require more costly repairs, while the Camry may have more frequent but sometimes less severe issues.
Key differences
- The Xterra has fewer complaints per year (158 vs. 214), but its top issues include engine oil leaks leading to seizure and coolant mixing with transmission fluid, which are severe.
- The Camry has more crash-related complaints (181 vs. 29) and injuries (163 vs. 34), with reports of sudden acceleration and brake failure.
- The Xterra's power train complaints often involve clutch pedal stoppers and transmission coolant leaks, while the Camry's power train issues include transmission grinding and unintended acceleration.
- The Camry has more recalls (31 vs. 30) but similar totals; however, the Xterra's recalls include suspension and air bag issues, while the Camry's include seat and wheel defects.
- Check for any signs of coolant in the transmission fluid, which can indicate a leaking cooling coil and lead to transmission failure.
- Inspect for engine oil leaks, especially around the oil connector, and verify that the oil warning light functions properly, as some owners reported no warning before engine seizure.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including on a downhill slope, to ensure there is no loss of brake response, as some owners reported complete brake failure.
- Listen for grinding noises from the front end during acceleration, which could signal transmission problems requiring replacement.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to see if any recalls are outstanding and have them addressed before purchase.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and cooling system for the Xterra, and the brakes and transmission for the Camry.
- Test drive the vehicle in various conditions, including parking lot maneuvers and highway acceleration, to check for unusual noises or hesitation.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for oil changes and transmission fluid services.
- Verify that all safety recalls have been performed by checking the NHTSA website with the VIN.
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 Xterra or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Nissan Xterra vs Toyota Camry
- Nissan Xterra total complaints
- 1,577
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Nissan Xterra total recalls
- 30
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Nissan Xterra avg complaints/year
- 157.7
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Nissan Xterra
- Nissan Xterra top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN