Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N vs Toyota Camry
How the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N 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 Ioniq 5 N vs Toyota Camry: The Ioniq 5 N has 18 complaints over 2 years (9/yr) with no recalls, while the Camry has 2143 complaints over 10 years (214/yr) and 31 recalls. Owners report power loss and battery issues in the Ioniq 5 N, and transmission and brake problems in the Camry. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is a high-performance electric vehicle that owners report as having serious electrical and propulsion issues. Complaints center on unpredictable acceleration after software updates, especially in the N e-Shift mode, and sudden power loss with warning messages. The 12-volt battery has also died repeatedly, requiring roadside assistance. These issues suggest that while the car offers exciting performance, its software and electrical systems may not be fully reliable for daily use.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream sedan with a long history, but the complaint data shows a high volume of issues across many systems. Owners report transmission grinding and failures, sudden acceleration incidents, brake failures, and engine problems. The car also has numerous recalls, including for air bags and seats. While the Camry is popular, these reports indicate that reliability can vary, and some models may have serious safety concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Ioniq 5 N | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 18 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 9.0 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM10
- 02VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL6
- 03ENGINE4
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM3
- 05POWER TRAIN2
Owners report that after a software update, the car can accelerate unpredictably, especially in N e-Shift mode, making it feel unsafe. The 12-volt battery has also died twice in a few days, requiring jump starts, which could leave you stranded.
The N e-Shift mode, which simulates an 8-speed transmission, has been linked to unintended high acceleration after a software update. Owners say the car is only safe in automatic mode, indicating a software flaw that affects speed control.
Some owners report a sudden and complete power system failure, often preceded by a 'pop' sound, with dashboard warnings. This can happen while driving, causing a loss of power and leaving you unable to accelerate, which is dangerous in traffic.
There are reports of a 'pop' from the rear followed by immediate loss of power, with the car limited to 20 mph. This can occur on roads with higher speed limits, creating a hazard if you cannot pull over quickly.
“After recent software update on 17 March 2025, the vehicle demonstrated unpredictable high acceleration. Vehicle is unsafe in E-shift mode. Vehicle can only be driven safely in automatic mode. Per a Hyundai communication: "there have been complications report…”
“The 12 volt battery (which is less than 6 months old) died on two separate occasions in the span of 4 days. Each incident required a call to emergency roadside assistance for a jump start. This is a safety issue. If the 12 volt battery dies while driving, the…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front end on acceleration, with dealers confirming transmission issues that may require replacement. Some mention recalls for the same problem, but parts may be on backorder, leaving you without a car.
There are reports of uncontrollable sudden acceleration, leading to crashes and total loss of the vehicle. Additionally, some owners get an engine maintenance light with a code related to a coolant valve bypass, but their VIN is not covered by a recall, causing confusion.
Brake failure has been reported, such as no response when pressing the pedal on a downhill slope, which can lead to loss of control. Another owner describes a situation where the brake pedal required extra force, suggesting potential brake system issues.
While not detailed in the sample, the high number of electrical complaints suggests issues with various components, possibly including sensors and wiring, which can affect safety systems.
“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.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
No recalls on record.
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
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N has far fewer complaints per year (9.0) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the Ioniq 5 N's problems are concentrated in critical areas like electrical and speed control, which can be alarming. The Camry's higher volume includes many minor issues, but also serious ones like sudden acceleration and brake failure, so neither is without risk.
Key differences
- The Ioniq 5 N has a unique N e-Shift mode that can cause unpredictable acceleration after software updates, while the Camry has reports of sudden acceleration in normal driving.
- The Ioniq 5 N has had sudden power system failures with a 'pop' sound, while the Camry has transmission grinding and failures.
- The Ioniq 5 N has a 12-volt battery that dies repeatedly, while the Camry has brake failures and engine maintenance issues.
- The Ioniq 5 N has no recalls, while the Camry has 31 recalls, including for air bags and seats.
- Check if the software is up to date and ask about any known issues with N e-Shift mode causing unintended acceleration.
- Inspect the 12-volt battery and ask about its age and any prior jump-start incidents.
- Ask about transmission condition and whether any grinding or replacement has been reported.
- Check the brake system for any signs of failure, and verify that all recalls have been performed.
Before you buy
- For the Ioniq 5 N, test drive in both automatic and N e-Shift modes to see if acceleration is smooth.
- For the Camry, listen for transmission noises during acceleration and braking.
- Check the vehicle's recall status on the NHTSA website for both models.
- Ask for service records, especially for battery issues on the Ioniq 5 N and transmission work on the Camry.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the high-voltage system on the Ioniq 5 N and the brakes on the Camry.
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 Ioniq 5 N | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 119 |
| 2025 | 18 | 153 |
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 Ioniq 5 N or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 N vs Toyota Camry
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 N total complaints
- 18
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 N total recalls
- 0
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 N avg complaints/year
- 9.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 N top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN