Head-to-head reliability
Genesis G80 vs Toyota Camry
How the Genesis G80 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
Genesis G80 vs Toyota Camry: The G80 has 223 complaints over 10 years (22.3/yr) versus the Camry's 2,143 (214.3/yr). G80 issues often involve electrical failures and fire hazard recalls, while Camry reports include transmission problems and sudden acceleration. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Genesis G80 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Genesis G80
The Genesis G80, a luxury sedan, shows a reliability picture dominated by electrical gremlins and engine-related concerns. Owners report dashboard-wide warning light failures that knock out speedometers, turn signals, and even power steering, alongside recalls for fire hazards and fuel pump issues. While the average complaint count is relatively low, the nature of these problems—affecting safety-critical systems—makes them particularly concerning for a used-car buyer.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a mainstream sedan, has a much higher complaint volume, but many issues are less severe, such as HVAC odors and transmission noises. However, there are also reports of sudden unintended acceleration and brake failure, which are serious safety concerns. The high complaint rate suggests a larger owner base and more widespread issues, but the variety of problems means buyers should be vigilant about specific model years and conditions.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Genesis G80 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 223 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 30 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 16 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 22.3 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 13 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.
Genesis G80
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM60
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER36
- 03ENGINE35
- 04SERVICE BRAKES25
- 05STEERING22
Owners report sudden illumination of all warning lights and loss of gauges, including speedometer, turn signals, and tachometer, which can also disable power steering and airbag warnings. This suggests a systemic electrical failure that could compromise safety.
Complaints include rough idling and unusual noises after a recall repair involving a relay kit, indicating that engine performance can be negatively affected by fixes. Additionally, there are recalls for fire hazards related to the fuel system, which is a serious risk.
Brake issues are reported, such as problems when pressing the brake pedal, which could indicate a loss of braking power or increased stopping distances. This is critical for safety and should be inspected thoroughly.
“All lights warning lights illuminate and gauges stop working. Loss of functionality includes critical control and safety systems and features: •No Speedometer •No Turn Signals •No Tachometer •Odometer not recording miles •Airbag warning •Electric power steeri…”
“Recall number 1 from 2022 was just complete at Homer Skelton Hyundai in Olive Branch Mississippi on around [XXX]. Now this 2024 recall which is major involving over 30,000 vehicles as of today with the fire hazard is very very suspect. I received a letter 5 m…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission problems are common, with grinding noises on acceleration and the need for full transmission replacement. Some owners note that recalls exist for similar issues, but parts may be on backorder, leaving drivers with a broken vehicle.
Sudden unintended acceleration has been reported, leading to crashes and total loss of the vehicle. Additionally, engine maintenance lights can come on due to a coolant valve bypass issue that may not be covered by recall for all VINs, causing safety and repair concerns.
Brake failure is reported, such as no response when pressing the pedal on a downhill slope, which is extremely dangerous. This suggests potential issues with the braking system that require immediate attention.
“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.
Genesis G80 — 30 recalls
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain Genesis 2023-2024 G80, GV80, 2025 GV70 and 2023-2025 GV70 "Electrified" vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standar…
The risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and update the instrument panel display software, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 26, 2025. Owners may contact Genesis customer service at 844-340-9741. Hyundai's number for t…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Genesis) is recalling certain Genesis 2022-2026 GV70, 2023-2025 G90, 2021-2025 G80, and GV80 vehicles. Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the fuel pipe and fuel rail.
The risk: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the fuel pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning July 20, 2026. Owners may contact Genesis customer service at 844-340-9741. Genesis' number for this…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Genesis GV80, 2021-2023 Genesis G80, 2022-2023 Genesis GV70, and 2023 Genesis GV60 vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment.
The risk: An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, strike vehicle occupants, and result in injury.
The fix: Dealers will secure the seat belt pretensioners with a cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 14, 2023. For GV60 owners, Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed April 14, 20…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Genesis G80, GV80, and 2022 Genesis GV70 vehicles. The fuel pump may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 8, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 016G.
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
Genesis G80 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Genesis G80 has far fewer complaints per year (22.3) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the G80's problems are more concentrated in safety-critical electrical and engine systems, while the Camry's higher volume includes many less severe issues. In practice, the G80 may offer a more reliable experience overall, but the nature of its failures could be more alarming.
Key differences
- The G80 has a much lower complaint rate (22.3/yr) than the Camry (214.3/yr), but its issues often involve loss of critical systems like speedometer and power steering.
- The Camry has a higher number of crash-related complaints (181) and injuries (163) compared to the G80 (16 and 13), but the G80 has no deaths while the Camry has one.
- The G80's recalls focus on electrical and fuel system fire hazards, while the Camry's recalls are about airbag sensors and seat issues.
- Owners of the G80 report electrical failures that can disable safety features, whereas Camry owners report sudden unintended acceleration and brake failure, which are also severe but different in nature.
- Check for any signs of electrical system failures, such as flickering lights or intermittent gauge issues, and ensure all recalls, especially the fuel pump and fire hazard recalls, have been performed.
- Inspect the engine for rough idling or unusual noises, particularly if a relay kit was installed as part of a recall, as this has caused problems for some owners.
- Test the transmission for any grinding or hesitation during acceleration, and check if any transmission-related recalls have been addressed, as replacements may be on backorder.
- Verify the brake system thoroughly, including a test drive on a hill to ensure braking response is immediate and consistent, given reports of brake failure.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been completed for the specific VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the electrical system for the G80 and the transmission and brakes for the Camry.
- Test drive both vehicles under various conditions, including highway speeds and hill descents, to check for any warning lights or unusual behavior.
- Ask for maintenance records to see if any major components have been replaced or if there are recurring issues.
- Check for any open investigations or service bulletins related to the model year you are considering.
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 | Genesis G80 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 119 |
| 2025 | 3 | 153 |
| 2024 | 1 | 48 |
| 2023 | 9 | 62 |
| 2022 | 7 | 59 |
| 2021 | 9 | 155 |
| 2020 | 0 | 270 |
| 2019 | 27 | 393 |
| 2018 | 95 | 736 |
| 2017 | 65 | 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 Genesis G80 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Genesis G80 vs Toyota Camry
- Genesis G80 total complaints
- 223
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Genesis G80 total recalls
- 30
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Genesis G80 avg complaints/year
- 22.3
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Genesis G80
- Genesis G80 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN