Vehicle 1

Hyundai Elantra

1,883 complaints · 26 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Toyota Camry

2,003 complaints · 27 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

Hyundai Elantra vs Toyota Camry: The Elantra has 1883 complaints over 10 years (188.3/year) and 26 recalls, while the Camry has 2003 complaints (200.3/year) and 27 recalls. The Elantra has more engine complaints (689 vs 305), but the Camry has more brake complaints (284 vs not listed). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

4
Hyundai Elantra
wins all 4 categories
0
Toyota Camry
no category wins
CategoryHyundai ElantraToyota Camry
Total Complaints
All years combined
1,883
✓ lower
2,003
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
26
✓ lower
27
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
107
✓ lower
174
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
188.3
✓ lower
200.3

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Hyundai Elantra

1. ENGINE689
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER319
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM294
4. POWER TRAIN163
5. STRUCTURE163

Toyota Camry

1. POWER TRAIN365
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER316
3. ENGINE305
4. SERVICE BRAKES284
5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM222
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Hyundai Elantra has slightly fewer complaints per year (188.3 vs 200.3), but the difference is small. This means both vehicles have similar overall complaint rates, so neither is clearly better based on complaint volume alone.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you are concerned about engine reliability, the Camry has fewer engine complaints (305 vs 689), so choose the Camry. If you want fewer brake issues, the Elantra has far fewer service brake complaints (not listed vs 284), so choose the Elantra.

Key Differences
  • Hyundai Elantra has 689 engine complaints vs Toyota Camry's 305.
  • Toyota Camry has 284 service brake complaints vs Elantra's not listed.
  • Camry has 174 crash complaints vs Elantra's 107.
  • Elantra has 26 recalls vs Camry's 27.
⚠ Watch on Hyundai Elantra
  • Watch for engine problems, as engine complaints are the top issue with 689 reports.
  • Electrical system issues are also common, with 294 complaints.
⚠ Watch on Toyota Camry
  • Watch for power train issues, which top the list with 365 complaints.
  • Service brake problems are notable, with 284 complaints.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check the vehicle's recall history and ensure all recalls have been performed.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the engine and transmission for any signs of trouble.
  • Test the brakes thoroughly, especially on the Camry.
  • Review the vehicle's service records for any repeated repairs.
  • Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Hyundai ElantraToyota Camry
2026
0
68
2025
17
126
2024
52
44
2023
90
56
2022
93
55
2021
126
151
2020
237
260
2019
239
374
2018
273
721
2017
756
148
Hyundai Elantra vs Toyota Camry — comparison facts
Comparison
Hyundai Elantra vs Toyota Camry
Hyundai Elantra total complaints
1,883
Toyota Camry total complaints
2,003
Hyundai Elantra total recalls
26
Toyota Camry total recalls
27
Hyundai Elantra avg complaints/year
188.3
Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
200.3
More reliable overall
Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai Elantra top complaint area
ENGINE
Toyota Camry top complaint area
POWER TRAIN
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Hyundai Elantra Reliability & Problems

1,883 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Toyota Camry Reliability & Problems

2,003 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Hyundai Elantra or Toyota Camry?

Run a free VIN check to see that exact car's accident history, open recalls, and title records.