Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Elantra vs Toyota Camry
How the Hyundai Elantra 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 vs Toyota Camry: The Elantra has 1,962 complaints and 26 recalls over 10 years, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints and 31 recalls. The Camry has more crash-related complaints (171 vs. 113) but fewer deaths (1 vs. 5). Both show safety-related issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Elantra or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra is a compact sedan that has generated 1,962 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 196 per year. The most common trouble spots are the engine, electrical system, and power train, with owners reporting stalling, screen blackouts, and acceleration problems. There are also 26 recalls and 113 crash-related complaints, so a used Elantra needs a careful inspection of these systems.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with 2,056 complaints over 10 years, or roughly 206 per year. Power train, engine, and service brakes are the top complaint areas, with reports of shuddering, key stuck in ignition, and brake noises. It has 31 recalls and 171 crash-related complaints, so while it has a strong reputation, specific faults should be checked.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Elantra | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,962 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 26 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 113 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 196.2 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 79 Better | 158 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 5 | 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
- 01ENGINE725
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER330
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM306
- 04POWER TRAIN171
- 05STRUCTURE169
Owners report stalling at low speeds, such as while pulling into a driveway, and the vehicle rolling back even with the brake applied. This can lead to crashes, so a test drive should include low-speed maneuvers and a check for any stalling history.
Complaints include a radio/control panel that blacks out, smells like burning plastic, and then changes channels on its own. Another report says the tachometer, odometer, and power steering became inoperable while driving, which could cause loss of control.
Some owners describe the car becoming unstable and bouncy, not steering straight or coasting smoothly. This suggests potential issues with the transmission or drivetrain that affect basic driving stability.
A gas pedal that goes all the way down without accelerating, forcing the driver to pull over, is one reported issue. Another complaint is about fragile VIN stickers, which is a minor annoyance but not a safety defect.
“The control panel /radio panel has had a glitch or blacked out screen where it wouldn't come back on for a few hours and I could smell electrical or plastic burning after it did come back on after that the radio started changing channel on its own while scree…”
“The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while his wife was pulling into a customer's driveway at 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled and rolled back and crashed into a parked Ford F-150. The brake pedal was applied, but the vehicle failed to r…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck and not coming out even when the car is in Park, requiring a battery disconnect. Others describe hesitation and shuddering with the check engine light on, which could mean transmission or engine trouble.
A delayed throttle response of several seconds after pressing the gas pedal is reported, which can be dangerous when merging. Hesitation and shuddering at various speeds are also common, often linked to the check engine light.
The electronic parking brake may not disengage, requiring a tow, and a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area is common. These issues can affect stopping reliability and add repair costs.
Multiple systems like stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping can malfunction at once. This suggests electrical or sensor problems that could 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 — 26 recalls
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025 Elantra N, 2026 Tucson, Tucson Hybrid, Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), and Elantra vehicles. The B-pillar impact sensors may have been misassembled, which can delay air bag deployment.
The risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the impact sensor(s), as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 11, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai's customer service at 855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 2…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Elantra Hybrid vehicles. The hybrid power control unit (HPCU) assembly may overheat.
The risk: Overheating in the HPCU increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will update the HPCU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 301. Vehicle Identification Numb…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024 Elantra, Venue, and Kona vehicles. An electrical short circuit may occur in the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve assembly, which can result in a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the exhaust gas recirculation valve assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 28, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 260.
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2022 Elantra and Elantra HEV vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front passenger-side seat belt pretensioner may explode upon deployment.
The risk: An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, striking vehicle occupants and resulting in injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat belt pretensioners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 19, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 220. This recall is a…
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 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Elantra has slightly fewer complaints per year (196.2 vs. 205.6) and fewer crash-related complaints (113 vs. 171), but more deaths (5 vs. 1). The Camry has more recalls (31 vs. 26) and injuries (158 vs. 79). In practice, both have notable safety-related complaints, so neither stands out as clearly more reliable.
Key differences
- The Elantra has more engine complaints (725 vs. 315) and electrical complaints (306 vs. 237), while the Camry has more power train complaints (385 vs. 171) and service brake complaints (285 vs. not in top five).
- The Camry has more crash-related complaints (171 vs. 113) and injuries (158 vs. 79), but fewer deaths (1 vs. 5).
- The Elantra has 26 recalls and the Camry has 31, but the Camry's recalls include seat and air bag sensor issues, while the Elantra's include air bag sensor and seat belt issues.
- Owner reports for the Elantra include stalling and electrical blackouts, while Camry owners report key stuck and brake noise, showing different failure patterns.
- Check for any history of stalling at low speeds and test the brakes during a slow roll; listen for engine hesitation.
- Inspect the electrical system: turn on the radio, check for screen blackouts, burning smells, and ensure all gauges and power steering work.
- Test the ignition key: ensure it can be removed easily when in Park, and check for any hesitation or shuddering during acceleration.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal and verify the electronic parking brake engages and disengages properly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, focusing on engine, transmission, electrical, and brake systems.
- During a test drive, simulate low-speed maneuvers, highway merging, and braking to feel for stalling, hesitation, or unusual noises.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and specifically inquire about any past repairs related to stalling, electrical glitches, or brake issues.
- Check that all safety features (air bags, seat belts, backup camera) are functional and that no warning lights are on.
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 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 0 |
| 2025 | 22 | 163 |
| 2024 | 54 | 50 |
| 2023 | 98 | 64 |
| 2022 | 101 | 61 |
| 2021 | 131 | 157 |
| 2020 | 252 | 274 |
| 2019 | 251 | 395 |
| 2018 | 283 | 744 |
| 2017 | 767 | 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 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Elantra vs Toyota Camry
- Hyundai Elantra total complaints
- 1,962
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Hyundai Elantra total recalls
- 26
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Hyundai Elantra avg complaints/year
- 196.2
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai Elantra
- Hyundai Elantra top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN