Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Toyota Camry
How the Hyundai Ioniq 5 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 vs Toyota Camry: The Ioniq 5 averages 264.8 complaints per year over 5 years, with 983 electrical system issues, while the Camry averages 214.3 per year over 10 years, with 395 powertrain complaints. The Ioniq 5 has 21 recalls and 26 crashes, whereas the Camry has 31 recalls and 181 crashes. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is an electric crossover that, in ownership terms, promises modern tech and zero-emission driving, but the complaint data reveals a pattern of sudden, sometimes dangerous power losses. Owners frequently report the car becoming inoperable without warning, often tied to the Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) or 12V battery failures, which can leave you stranded. While the average of 264.8 complaints per year over five years is high, many are electrical in nature, suggesting a need for vigilance rather than a blanket condemnation.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a long-standing midsize sedan known for reliability, but the complaint data shows a mix of issues across powertrain, engine, and brakes, with a lower average of 214.3 complaints per year over ten years. Owners report transmission grinding, sudden acceleration incidents, and brake failures, though these are less frequent per year than the Ioniq 5's issues. The Camry's longer history and higher total complaints reflect its age and popularity, but the per-year rate is more moderate.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Ioniq 5 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,324 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 21 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 26 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 264.8 | 214.3 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 9 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
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM983
- 02FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM272
- 03POWER TRAIN248
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER118
- 05ENGINE115
Owners report sudden propulsion failures and complete shutdowns, often linked to the Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) failing, which can leave the car inoperable and require towing. The 12V battery also fails unexpectedly, cutting power to lights and warning indicators, creating dangerous situations.
The car can lose all power while driving, including acceleration and steering assist, sometimes after fast DC charging in hot weather, leading to stuttering or complete loss of drive. This is a critical safety concern as it happens without prior warning.
The 'Stop vehicle and check power supply' warning is common, often resulting in ICCU replacement. Some owners experience drivetrain issues after fast charging, with power loss during acceleration, making the car unsafe to drive in traffic.
“On June 13, 2026, my 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 experienced a sudden and dangerous propulsion failure while in active motion. The vehicle had approximately 9,447 miles on it and was at 58% battery charge at the time of the incident. The vehicle was leased in Januar…”
“On [XXX], my 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 experienced a sudden and complete failure of the Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU). The failure rendered the vehicle inoperable without warning, requiring it to be towed to a dealership. The vehicle is currently located…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues are reported, including grinding noises and the need for full replacement, which can be costly and leave you without a car. Some owners note that recalls exist for similar problems on other model years, but their VIN isn't covered.
Sudden acceleration incidents are reported, where the car accelerates on its own, leading to crashes. Additionally, engine maintenance lights come on due to coolant valve bypass issues, which may not be covered by recall for all VINs, posing safety risks.
Brake failure is reported, such as the pedal not responding when pressed, especially on hills, which can lead to loss of control. This is a critical safety issue that requires immediate attention.
“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 — 21 recalls
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2022-2024 IONIQ 5, 2023-2024 IONIQ 6, Genesis GV60, Genesis GV70 "Electrified," and Genesis G80 "Electrified" vehicles. The Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) may become damaged and stop charging the 12-Volt battery, which can result in a lo…
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: This recall is replaced by NHTSA recall number 24V-868. Vehicles already repaired under this recall will need to have the new remedy completed. Dealers will inspect and replace the ICCU and its fuse, as necessary. In addition, dealers will…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2022-2024 IONIQ 5, 2023-2025 IONIQ 6, Genesis GV60, Genesis GV70 "Electrified," and Genesis G80 "Electrified" vehicles. The Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) may become damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery, which can result in a lo…
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the ICCU and its fuse, as necessary. In addition, dealers will update the ICCU software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2024. Owners may co…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Ioniq 5 vehicles. The high voltage battery cells may contain misaligned electrodes, which can lead to a fire while parked or driving.
The risk: A fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures and limit their charge to a maximum of 80% until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the high voltage battery system assembly, free of charge. Owner notification l…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Tucson Hybrid, Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 IONIQ 5, Santa Cruz, Kona, Palisade, Palisade Hybrid, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Hybrid, Sonata, Sonata Hybrid, and Tucson vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel displa…
The risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 24, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai's customer service at 855-371-9460. Hyundai's number…
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 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has a higher complaint rate per year (264.8) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the Ioniq 5's issues are more concentrated in electrical and propulsion systems that can cause sudden loss of power. The Camry's issues are more varied but include serious safety concerns like sudden acceleration and brake failure. In practice, the Ioniq 5 may require more frequent dealer visits for electrical fixes, while the Camry's problems might be more sporadic but equally dangerous.
Key differences
- The Ioniq 5's complaints are dominated by electrical system failures (983) that can cause sudden loss of power, while the Camry's top issue is powertrain (395) with transmission problems.
- The Ioniq 5 has a higher complaint rate per year (264.8) than the Camry (214.3), but the Camry has more crash-related complaints (181 vs 26) and injuries (163 vs 9).
- The Ioniq 5's recalls focus on battery and electrical components, while the Camry's recalls involve airbags, seats, and wheels, indicating different safety concerns.
- Owners of the Ioniq 5 report the car becoming inoperable without warning, often due to ICCU failure, whereas Camry owners report more gradual issues like grinding noises and brake pedal failure.
- Check for any history of ICCU replacement or 12V battery issues; ask for service records and whether the latest recall for the ICCU was performed.
- Test the car's charging system, especially after a fast charge, to see if any power loss or warning messages appear.
- Inspect the transmission for any unusual noises or slipping during a test drive, and ask if the transmission has been replaced or if there are open recalls.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially on a hill, to ensure the pedal responds firmly and there are no soft or unresponsive moments.
Before you buy
- For the Ioniq 5, verify that all recalls are completed, especially the ICCU and 12V battery recalls, and ask for proof of any recent software updates.
- For the Camry, check the VIN against NHTSA recalls for transmission, engine, and brake issues, and ask if any repairs were done.
- Take both cars for an extended test drive that includes highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic to feel for any power loss or transmission issues.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the Ioniq 5's high-voltage battery and charging system, and the Camry's brakes and transmission.
- Ask for the vehicle's complete service history and any warranty remaining, as both may have costly repairs out of pocket.
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 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 23 | 119 |
| 2025 | 292 | 153 |
| 2024 | 222 | 48 |
| 2023 | 385 | 62 |
| 2022 | 402 | 59 |
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 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Toyota Camry
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 total complaints
- 1,324
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 total recalls
- 21
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 avg complaints/year
- 264.8
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN