Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai KONA N vs Toyota Camry
How the Hyundai KONA 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 KONA N vs Toyota Camry: The KONA N has 11 complaints over 2 years (5.5/year) and 3 recalls, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints over 10 years (205.6/year) and 31 recalls. The KONA N reports sudden power loss after water exposure; the Camry reports hesitation and key issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai KONA N or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai KONA N
The Hyundai KONA N is a sporty compact SUV with a small but notable complaint pattern. Over two years, owners filed 11 complaints, averaging 5.5 per year, with no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths. The most common issues involve the engine and electrical system, often triggered by water exposure from car washes or rain, leading to sudden power loss and limp mode. Recalls for fuel pump control and transmission add to ownership considerations.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream midsize sedan with a much larger complaint volume: 2,056 complaints over ten years, averaging about 206 per year. This includes 171 crash-related reports, 158 injuries, and one death, though these are not necessarily caused by defects. Common problem areas are the power train, engine, brakes, and electrical system, with symptoms like hesitation, shuddering, and key removal issues. Numerous recalls cover wheels, seats, and air bag sensors.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai KONA N | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 11 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 5.5 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 KONA N
- 01ENGINE6
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM5
- 03POWER TRAIN3
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
- 05STEERING1
Owners report sudden, complete loss of power after car washes or rain, often with a flashing check engine light. This can happen while pulling into traffic, nearly causing rear-end collisions. The issue appears tied to water exposure affecting engine sensors or electronics.
Complaints describe limp mode limiting engine to 2000 RPM, multiple warning lights, and error code P211800 after car washes. This electrical fault can leave drivers stranded or moving very slowly, which is dangerous on highways.
Similar to engine and electrical complaints, power train issues often manifest as sudden power loss and limp mode after water exposure. A recall for the automatic transmission also exists, so buyers should verify recall repairs were completed.
Owners report knock sensor code P1326 setting the car into limp mode after car washes or rainy drives, requiring knock sensor replacement. Another complaint notes jerking and jumping when pulling out, with suspension noise, suggesting possible drivability quirks.
“After washing my '23 Kona N in a hand car wash, I experienced a sudden, complete loss of power as I was pulling into traffic immediately afterwards, nearly resulting in a rear-end collision. There was a flashing check engine light (CEL or MIL) on the dash, an…”
“I took my vehicle through a touch free car wash. After the wash the vehicle sat for about 10 to 20 minutes while I dried off the exterior and cleaned out my interior. After leaving the car wash the car made it less than a mile down the road and illuminated a…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report intermittent issues like the ignition key getting stuck in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove. Others describe hesitation and shuddering at various speeds with the check engine light on, which can affect drivability and safety.
Complaints include multiple system malfunctions at once: smart stop, stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping. Another mentions subframe, driveline, and stability control components, indicating complex electronic and structural concerns.
Owners report delayed throttle response, where pressing the accelerator results in a several-second delay before the car moves. This hesitation can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic, and it may recur intermittently.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer. Another complaint describes a clicking vibrating sound from the brake pedal area, attributed to the ABS system, which owners find abnormal and concerning.
“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 KONA N — 3 recalls
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Veloster N, 2019-2023 Genesis G70, 2022-2023 Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The fuel pump may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update engine control module software. In addition, dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pump assembly, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning Septembe…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Veloster N, 2019-2023 Genesis G70, 2022-2023 Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The fuel pump may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update engine control module software. In addition, dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pump assembly, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning Septembe…
The defect: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe, Sonata, Veloster N, 2022 Santa Cruz, Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete l…
The risk: Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2023. Owners…
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 KONA N or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Hyundai KONA N has far fewer complaints per year (5.5) compared to the Toyota Camry (205.6), but the KONA N's issues often involve sudden power loss after water exposure, which can be alarming. The Camry's higher volume includes more crash and injury reports, though many complaints may not indicate defects. In practice, the KONA N may have fewer overall problems, but its specific failure pattern can be dangerous if it occurs in traffic.
Key differences
- The KONA N has 11 complaints over 2 years (5.5/year) with 0 crashes, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints over 10 years (205.6/year) with 171 crash-related reports.
- KONA N complaints often involve sudden power loss and limp mode after car washes or rain, tied to engine, electrical, and power train components.
- Camry complaints include key stuck in Park, hesitation, shuddering, and multiple system malfunctions, with recalls for wheels, seats, and air bag sensors.
- The KONA N has 3 recalls (fuel pump control, transmission), while the Camry has 31 recalls covering various safety systems.
- Check for any history of sudden power loss or limp mode, especially after car washes or rainy drives; ask if the knock sensor or related components have been replaced.
- Verify that all recalls, particularly for the fuel pump control module and automatic transmission, have been performed by a Hyundai dealer.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park to ensure it doesn't stick, and check for any hesitation or shuddering during a test drive.
- Inspect the electronic parking brake operation and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which may indicate ABS issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all open recalls are addressed for the specific vehicle.
- During a test drive, simulate conditions that trigger complaints: for the KONA N, drive after a car wash or in rain if possible; for the Camry, test acceleration and brake pedal feel.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially any related to engine, electrical, or transmission repairs.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the components listed in the complaints for each model.
- Check for technical service bulletins (TSBs) or extended warranties related to the reported issues, as these may indicate known problems.
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 KONA N | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 | 64 |
| 2022 | 7 | 61 |
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 KONA N or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai KONA N vs Toyota Camry
- Hyundai KONA N total complaints
- 11
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Hyundai KONA N total recalls
- 3
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Hyundai KONA N avg complaints/year
- 5.5
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai KONA N
- Hyundai KONA N top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN