Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Ioniq vs Toyota Camry
How the Hyundai Ioniq 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 vs Toyota Camry: The Ioniq averages 94 complaints per year with 13 recalls, while the Camry averages 206 complaints per year with 31 recalls. Both have electrical and brake issues, but the Camry's higher volume suggests more frequent problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Ioniq or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Ioniq
The Hyundai Ioniq is a compact hybrid or electric hatchback that has been on the road for about six years in this data. Owners file roughly 94 complaints per year, with the electrical system being the most common trouble spot, often involving warning lights and auto-hold or parking brake faults. Power train complaints include sudden acceleration or loss of power, and some high-voltage isolation faults have been reported. With 13 recalls and 15 injuries reported, it's a car that demands attention to electrical and brake warnings.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a long-running reputation, but this 10-year data set shows about 206 complaints per year, more than double the Ioniq's rate. Power train issues like hesitation, shuddering, and key-stuck problems are frequent, along with engine and brake complaints. There are 31 recalls and 171 crash-related reports, with one death noted. While many Camrys serve reliably, the volume of complaints suggests that some model years have recurring problems owners should check.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Ioniq | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 566 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 13 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 25 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 94.3 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 15 Better | 158 |
| 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
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM369
- 02POWER TRAIN102
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM100
- 04SERVICE BRAKES58
- 05ENGINE57
Owners report warning lights for auto hold and electronic parking brake (EPB) appearing shortly after purchase, and some say the auto hold feature randomly deactivates while driving. These electrical glitches can be annoying and may signal deeper issues with the brake control system.
Complaints include unexpected reverse acceleration when parking and loss of power with bucking motions, often tied to trouble codes like P090A01. Such behavior can be frightening and may indicate transmission or control module faults that are costly to fix.
Some owners report sudden deceleration or high-voltage isolation faults (DTC P0AA6) in electric models, which can lead to reduced power or shutdown. These issues are serious because they affect the car's ability to move safely and may require dealer diagnostics.
The auto hold feature may display 'conditions not met' and deactivate the electronic parking brake, and some drivers note the car continued to move after braking. Brake-related complaints are concerning because they directly impact stopping ability.
“06/08/21 first day I brought my new car Hyundai Ioniq 2021 model at Hyundai Lincolnwood. After use the car about 2 months, the engine light has been showing up that something wrong about the auto hold and EPB. So I made an appointment for inspect in the next…”
“06/08/21 first day I brought my new car Hyundai Ioniq 2021 model at Hyundai Lincolnwood. After use the car about 2 months, the engine light has been showing up that something wrong about the auto hold and EPB. So I made an appointment for inspect in the next…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners describe intermittent key-stuck problems where the key cannot be removed even in Park, requiring battery disconnection, and hesitation or shuddering while driving with check engine lights. These issues can leave you stranded or cause unsafe driving conditions.
Complaints include delayed throttle response where the car takes several seconds to move after pressing the accelerator, and repeated hesitation with shuddering. Such delays can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic.
The electronic parking brake (EPB) may fail to disengage, requiring a tow, and some owners hear clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area that dealers call 'normal.' Brake problems are safety-critical and should be addressed promptly.
Multiple systems like stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping can malfunction simultaneously, often with warning lights. These electrical gremlins can be hard to diagnose and may affect overall vehicle safety.
“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 Ioniq — 13 recalls
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Ioniq electric vehicles. An unstable electrical ground may cause the vehicle to enter a fail-safe mode with reduced acceleration and power. In certain conditions while in fail-safe mode, the vehicle may accelerate after the gas pedal is…
The risk: Unexpected acceleration following gas pedal release can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the EPCU (Electric Power Control Unit) software and repair the ground wiring, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyund…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Ioniq electric vehicles. An unstable electrical ground may cause the vehicle to enter a fail-safe mode with reduced acceleration and power. In certain conditions while in fail-safe mode, the vehicle may accelerate after the gas pedal is…
The risk: Unexpected acceleration following gas pedal release can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the EPCU (Electric Power Control Unit) software and repair the ground wiring, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyund…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Kona Electric and 2020 Ioniq Electric vehicles. The lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery may short-circuit.
The risk: An electrical short in the Li-ion battery increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the interim action is complete. Hyundai will notify owners, and as an interim action, owners have the option to follow provided instructions to perform a batt…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019 Ioniq Hybrid and 2020 Elantra vehicles. The right-side rear wheel lug nuts may have been insufficiently tightened, allowing the wheel to detach from the vehicle.
The risk: A wheel detaching from the vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, tighten the lug nuts, free of charge. The recall began November 15, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-251-0871. Hyundai's number for this reca…
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 Ioniq or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Ioniq has far fewer complaints per year (about 94) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 206), and fewer recalls (13 vs. 31). In practice, this means the Ioniq may have a lower rate of reported problems, but both vehicles have serious issues that owners should inspect. The Camry's higher complaint volume suggests that some model years have more frequent or widespread defects.
Key differences
- The Ioniq has about 94 complaints per year, while the Camry has about 206 per year, indicating a higher reported problem rate for the Camry.
- Electrical system issues dominate Ioniq complaints (369 total), often involving auto hold and EPB warnings, whereas Camry complaints are more spread across power train, engine, and brakes.
- The Camry has more crash-related reports (171) and injuries (158) than the Ioniq (25 crashes, 15 injuries), though these numbers don't prove cause.
- Recalls are more numerous for the Camry (31) than the Ioniq (13), covering areas like air bags and seats, which may require more owner attention.
- Check for any history of electrical warnings related to auto hold or electronic parking brake, and test that these systems engage and disengage properly.
- Listen for unusual noises or hesitation during acceleration and reverse, and ask if any power train trouble codes (like P090A01) have been stored.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park multiple times, and check for any delay or shuddering during acceleration that could indicate power train issues.
- Verify that the electronic parking brake disengages smoothly and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both the Ioniq and Camry using the NHTSA VIN lookup.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, specifically scanning for stored trouble codes in the electrical, power train, and brake systems.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, delayed acceleration, or brake pedal vibrations.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially any repairs related to the complaints noted for each model.
- For the Ioniq, confirm the high-voltage battery health if it's an EV or plug-in hybrid; for the Camry, check for any transmission or engine software updates.
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 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 433 | 61 |
| 2021 | 33 | 157 |
| 2020 | 1 | 274 |
| 2019 | 32 | 395 |
| 2018 | 17 | 744 |
| 2017 | 50 | 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 Ioniq or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Ioniq vs Toyota Camry
- Hyundai Ioniq total complaints
- 566
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Hyundai Ioniq total recalls
- 13
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Hyundai Ioniq avg complaints/year
- 94.3
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai Ioniq
- Hyundai Ioniq top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN