Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Elantra GT vs Toyota Camry
How the Hyundai Elantra GT 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
Hyundai Elantra GT vs Toyota Camry: The Elantra GT averages 293 complaints per year with engine oil consumption and knocking, while the Camry averages 206 per year but has 31 recalls and brake issues. Both have injury reports. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Elantra GT or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Elantra GT
The Hyundai Elantra GT is a compact hatchback that averages about 293 NHTSA complaints per year over four years, with engine issues dominating the list. Owners frequently report internal engine defects that cause excessive oil consumption, leading to catalytic converter failure and, in some cases, loud knocking and stalling. Electrical gremlins, such as warning lights for ABS and cruise control, also appear, and there is one recall for an electrical system problem. With 42 injuries and 3 deaths reported in crash-related complaints, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection before purchase.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a much lower complaint rate of about 206 per year over ten years, but it has 31 recalls and a wide range of reported problems. Power train complaints include hesitation, shuddering, and a stuck ignition key, while brake issues like the electronic parking brake failing to disengage are also common. Engine complaints mention delayed throttle response, and electrical/unknown issues cover multiple system malfunctions. Despite the lower annual complaint rate, the high number of recalls and 158 injuries in crash-related complaints mean buyers should check for open recalls.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Elantra GT | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,172 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 1 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 65 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 293.0 | 205.6 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 42 Better | 158 |
| 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.
Hyundai Elantra GT
- 01ENGINE488
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER166
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM155
- 04STRUCTURE135
- 05POWER TRAIN114
Owners report excessive oil consumption from an internal defect, which can destroy the catalytic converter and cause the engine to tick, knock, and stall. This matters because it can lead to expensive repairs or sudden loss of power.
Complaints include ABS, cruise control, and auto hold warning lights staying on, as well as the infotainment system staying active after shutdown and draining the battery. These glitches can be annoying and may indicate deeper electrical faults.
With 135 complaints, structural issues are reported, though specific details are not provided in the sample. Buyers should inspect for rust, misaligned panels, or prior accident damage that could affect safety.
Power train complaints often relate to the engine's effect on speed control and transmission behavior, such as malfunctioning speed control and knocking noises. These can affect drivability and lead to costly repairs.
“Engine, power train, malfunction changing my speed control. No warning lights, first ticking noise from engine then knocking loud noise from engine. Noticed ticking about 4 days ago at first, today on freeway going 60-70 mph just changed to loud knocking, imm…”
“The vehicle is experiencing engine-related excessive oil consumption, which has led to failure of the catalytic converter and emissions system. The root issue appears to be an internal engine defect causing oil to burn during operation. Yes, the vehicle is av…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report intermittent ignition key sticking, hesitation, and shuddering while driving, sometimes with the check engine light on. These issues can leave you stranded or cause unsafe driving conditions.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow, and a clicking/vibrating noise from the brake pedal area is common. Brake problems are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, which can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic. This hesitation may be intermittent and hard to diagnose.
Multiple system malfunctions are reported, including smart stop, stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping assistance failing at once. Such widespread electrical failures can compromise 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.
Hyundai Elantra GT — 1 recall
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT vehicles. The panoramic sunroof motor may be incorrectly programmed, preventing the sunroof from detecting an obstacle while closing.
The risk: If the sunroof does not detect an obstacle while closing and then retract, there could be an increased risk of injury.
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the panoramic sunroof, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 5, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for t…
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
Hyundai Elantra GT or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has fewer complaints per year (about 206 vs. 293 for the Elantra GT), but it has far more recalls (31 vs. 1) and a wider variety of reported issues. In practice, the Elantra GT's problems are more concentrated in the engine, while the Camry's are spread across power train, brakes, and electrical systems. Both have injury and death reports, so neither should be considered problem-free.
Key differences
- The Elantra GT has a much higher complaint rate per year (293 vs. 206), but the Camry has 31 recalls compared to just 1 for the Elantra GT.
- Engine problems dominate Elantra GT complaints, especially excessive oil consumption and knocking, while Camry complaints are spread across power train, brakes, and electrical systems.
- Camry owners report safety-related issues like electronic parking brake failure and delayed throttle response, whereas Elantra GT owners report electrical glitches and structural concerns.
- The Camry has 158 injuries and 1 death in crash-related complaints, while the Elantra GT has 42 injuries and 3 deaths, indicating different crash patterns.
- Check for excessive oil consumption by asking for maintenance records and inspecting the oil level and condition; listen for ticking or knocking noises from the engine.
- Test all electrical systems, including ABS, cruise control, and infotainment, for warning lights or battery drain after shutdown.
- Test the electronic parking brake to ensure it disengages properly, and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area.
- Check for hesitation or shuddering during a test drive, and verify that the ignition key can be removed easily when the car is in Park.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on engine compression, oil consumption, and transmission behavior.
- During a test drive, accelerate firmly to check for hesitation or shuddering, and test all electrical features including brakes and warning lights.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for oil changes and any engine or transmission repairs.
- Verify that all safety recalls have been addressed and ask for proof of completion.
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 | Hyundai Elantra GT | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 191 | 274 |
| 2019 | 196 | 395 |
| 2018 | 51 | 744 |
| 2017 | 734 | 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 Hyundai Elantra GT or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Elantra GT vs Toyota Camry
- Hyundai Elantra GT total complaints
- 1,172
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Hyundai Elantra GT total recalls
- 1
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Hyundai Elantra GT avg complaints/year
- 293.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- Hyundai Elantra GT top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN