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 and 3 recalls over 2 years, while the Camry has 2,143 complaints and 31 recalls over 10 years. The KONA N reports sudden power loss after car washes; the Camry reports transmission and brake 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 frequently report sudden power loss, limp mode, and warning lights, often after car washes or rain, pointing to moisture-related electrical and engine issues. With only 11 complaints and 3 recalls, the overall volume is low, but the severity of the symptoms—like losing power in traffic—makes these issues significant for daily driving.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream midsize sedan with a much larger complaint history over ten years, including 2,143 complaints and 31 recalls. Reports cover a wide range of problems, from transmission grinding and sudden acceleration to brake failure and air conditioning defects. While many Camrys are reliable, the sheer number of complaints and the presence of crash-related incidents (181) and one death indicate that some owners face 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 KONA N | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 11 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 5.5 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 KONA N
- 01ENGINE6
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM5
- 03POWER TRAIN3
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
- 05STEERING1
Owners report sudden, complete loss of power and flashing check engine lights, often immediately after a car wash or in rain. This can leave you stranded or unable to accelerate in traffic, which is a serious safety risk.
Complaints describe limp mode limiting engine RPM to 2000, multiple dashboard warnings, and error code P211800, typically triggered by moisture. These electrical glitches can disable power and require dealer inspection, potentially leaving you with a car that won't drive normally.
The same power-loss incidents are also filed under power train, with owners experiencing sudden loss of power and limp mode after washing the car. This suggests the transmission or drivetrain may be affected by moisture-related sensor failures, leading to unpredictable performance.
Owners report knock sensor code P1326 setting the car into limp mode after car washes or rainy drives, requiring repeated knock sensor replacements. Another complaint notes jerking and jumping when pulling out, which could indicate suspension or transmission issues that affect drivability.
“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 TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front upon acceleration, with dealers confirming transmission failure and recommending replacement. Some also describe sudden acceleration incidents, including one that led to a crash, which is a major safety concern.
Complaints include uncontrollable sudden acceleration, sometimes resulting in crashes, and engine codes like P268115 related to a coolant valve bypass recall. These issues can cause loss of control or engine damage, and some owners find their VIN not covered by recalls.
Owners report brake pedal going to the floor with no response, especially on slopes or when trying to stop. This can lead to collisions, as one owner had to take evasive action to avoid a crash, highlighting a critical safety risk.
Complaints include AC condenser damage from road debris and persistent mildew odors from the HVAC system. While not safety-critical, these issues can be costly to repair and affect comfort and air quality.
“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 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 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 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 (214.3), but the KONA N's issues often involve sudden power loss, which can be dangerous. The Camry's higher volume includes many less severe problems, but also serious ones like unintended acceleration and brake failure. In practice, the KONA N may have fewer overall problems, but the ones it has can be alarming; the Camry's issues are more varied and numerous.
Key differences
- The KONA N has only 11 complaints and 3 recalls, while the Camry has 2,143 complaints and 31 recalls, but the KONA N's complaints often involve sudden power loss after car washes, a unique and alarming pattern.
- The Camry has 181 crash-related complaints, 163 injuries, and 1 death, whereas the KONA N has zero in these categories, though the KONA N's power loss could still contribute to crashes.
- KONA N owners frequently report limp mode and electrical warnings triggered by moisture, while Camry owners report transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, and brake failure.
- The KONA N's recalls involve fuel pump control and transmission, while the Camry's recalls cover air bags, seats, wheels, and labels, indicating different safety priorities.
- Check for any history of power loss or limp mode, especially if the car was frequently washed or driven in rain; ask for service records related to knock sensor or electrical repairs.
- Inspect for aftermarket modifications or signs of moisture intrusion in electrical connectors, as these could trigger the reported issues.
- Test drive at various speeds and listen for grinding noises from the transmission, especially during acceleration; check for transmission replacement records.
- Inspect brake pedal feel and responsiveness, and ask about any sudden acceleration incidents or recalls related to unintended acceleration.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and all service records, focusing on any repeat repairs for power loss, limp mode, or transmission issues.
- Take a test drive that includes car wash or rain simulation if possible, and pay attention to any warning lights or power delivery changes.
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system and transmission for the KONA N, and the brakes and transmission for the Camry.
- Verify that all recalls have been performed, especially the fuel pump and transmission recalls for the KONA N and air bag/seat recalls for the Camry.
- Ask the seller directly about any incidents of sudden power loss, unintended acceleration, or brake failure, and check NHTSA complaints for the specific VIN.
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 | 62 |
| 2022 | 7 | 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 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
- 2,143
- Hyundai KONA N total recalls
- 3
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Hyundai KONA N avg complaints/year
- 5.5
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai KONA N
- Hyundai KONA N top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN