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 averages 191 complaints/year with engine stalling and electrical fires; the Camry averages 208/year with key-sticking and brake issues. The Camry has 1 death vs Elantra's 5. 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, over a decade of data, shows a high complaint rate of about 191 per year, with the engine being the most-troubled component. Owners report stalling at low speeds, electrical burning smells, and infotainment glitches, suggesting that while the car may be affordable, it carries a risk of unexpected breakdowns and electrical gremlins. The 26 recalls and 5 deaths underscore that some issues have safety implications, though the overall crash-related count is moderate.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry averages 208 complaints per year, slightly higher than the Elantra, but its problems cluster in the powertrain, brakes, and engine. Owners describe key-sticking that can allow rollaway, unintended braking, and a shattering moonroof—issues that range from annoying to potentially dangerous. With 28 recalls and 1 death, the Camry's reliability picture is mixed: it's a popular sedan with some notable failure modes that buyers should investigate.
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 | 1,907 Better | 2,081 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 26 Better | 28 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 109 Better | 177 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 190.7 Better | 208.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 69 Better | 161 |
| 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
- 01ENGINE698
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM299
- 04POWER TRAIN167
- 05STRUCTURE165
Owners report the engine stalling at low speeds (e.g., 5 mph) causing crashes, and electrical burning smells from the radio panel. This suggests potential fuel or electrical system faults that could leave you stranded or cause a collision.
The horn fails on many 2024 models, and the radio/control panel glitches or blacks out, sometimes emitting a burning plastic smell. These electrical issues can affect safety (horn) and daily usability.
Some owners describe the car becoming unstable and bouncy, not steering straight, and failing to coast smoothly. This points to possible transmission or driveline problems that compromise control.
Complaints include a non-functional horn (widespread issue) and fragile VIN stickers on body panels that peel off, causing registration headaches. While not mechanical, these are practical ownership nuisances.
“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 TRAIN384
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER332
- 03ENGINE309
- 04SERVICE BRAKES288
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM233
The key can be removed while in Drive, allowing the car to roll away, and the ignition key sticks intermittently, requiring battery disconnect to remove. This is a safety hazard and a major inconvenience.
Owners report thumping noises from the driver's side, grinding rear brakes, and unintended braking activation at speed. These brake issues can reduce stopping confidence and increase crash risk.
Complaints include excessive engine noise, musty smells in the trunk (possibly from water leaks), and vibration when braking. These suggest engine or accessory problems that may require dealer visits.
The moonroof can shatter spontaneously while driving, and the adaptive cruise/lane-keep systems may malfunction. These are unexpected failures that can startle drivers and lead to costly repairs.
“The vehicle allows the engine to be turned off, key removed, while the vehicle is still in drive with no warning lights or sounds. I have tested and the vehicle can roll away. Complained to the toyota dealership and they said the service tech consulted with t…”
“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…”
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 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…
Toyota Camry — 28 recalls
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…
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…
Buyer analysis
Hyundai Elantra or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Elantra has a slightly lower complaint rate (190.7 vs 208.1 per year) but its engine stalling and electrical fires are more alarming. The Toyota Camry's issues, while numerous, are less likely to cause a sudden loss of power, making it arguably more predictable in daily use.
Key differences
- Elantra's engine stalling at low speeds can cause crashes; Camry's key-sticking allows rollaway but is less common.
- Elantra has electrical burning smells and radio glitches; Camry has unintended braking and moonroof shattering.
- Camry's brake issues (thumping, grinding) are more frequent than Elantra's powertrain instability.
- Elantra has 5 deaths vs Camry's 1, suggesting more severe outcomes from its failures.
- Test the horn and radio/infotainment system thoroughly—both are common failure points.
- Check for any signs of electrical burning smell or intermittent stalling during a test drive.
- Try removing the key in Park and Drive to ensure it doesn't stick or allow removal while in gear.
- Listen for brake thumping or grinding, and test the adaptive cruise/lane-keep on a safe road.
Before you buy
- Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles using the VIN.
- On the Elantra, verify the horn works and the radio doesn't glitch or smell burnt.
- On the Camry, test key removal in all gear positions and listen for brake noises.
- Inspect the Camry's moonroof for cracks or signs of stress.
- Ask for service records related to engine or transmission repairs on either car.
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 | 0 | 97 |
| 2025 | 21 | 140 |
| 2024 | 52 | 46 |
| 2023 | 90 | 60 |
| 2022 | 95 | 57 |
| 2021 | 128 | 154 |
| 2020 | 240 | 264 |
| 2019 | 245 | 387 |
| 2018 | 277 | 728 |
| 2017 | 759 | 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
- 1,907
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,081
- Hyundai Elantra total recalls
- 26
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 28
- Hyundai Elantra avg complaints/year
- 190.7
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 208.1
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai Elantra
- Hyundai Elantra top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN