Vehicle 1

Hyundai KONA

737 complaints · 12 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Toyota Camry

2,003 complaints · 27 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

Hyundai KONA vs Toyota Camry: The KONA has 81.9 complaints per year, far fewer than the Camry's 200.3. However, the KONA's engine issues (375 complaints) are a major concern, while the Camry's top issues are powertrain (365) and brakes (284). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

4
Hyundai KONA
wins all 4 categories
0
Toyota Camry
no category wins
CategoryHyundai KONAToyota Camry
Total Complaints
All years combined
737
✓ lower
2,003
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
12
✓ lower
27
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
44
✓ lower
174
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
81.9
✓ lower
200.3

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Hyundai KONA

1. ENGINE375
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER131
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM129
4. POWER TRAIN90
5. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE55

Toyota Camry

1. POWER TRAIN365
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER316
3. ENGINE305
4. SERVICE BRAKES284
5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM222
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Hyundai KONA has far fewer complaints per year (81.9) than the Toyota Camry (200.3), suggesting lower overall problem frequency. However, the KONA's complaints are heavily concentrated on engine issues, which could be a serious concern.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer overall complaints and lower annual complaint rates, the Hyundai KONA may be preferable. If you want a more established model with a broader distribution of issues and are willing to accept higher complaint volume, the Toyota Camry could be a safer bet. Check service history for engine problems on the KONA and brake/powertrain issues on the Camry.

Key Differences
  • Hyundai KONA averages 81.9 complaints per year vs Toyota Camry's 200.3.
  • KONA has 44 crash complaints; Camry has 174.
  • KONA's top issue is ENGINE (375 complaints); Camry's top is POWER TRAIN (365).
  • KONA has 12 recalls; Camry has 27.
⚠ Watch on Hyundai KONA
  • Engine issues dominate with 375 complaints; check for engine stalling or failure.
  • Forward collision avoidance complaints (55) suggest potential sensor or system glitches.
⚠ Watch on Toyota Camry
  • Service brakes complaints (284) indicate possible brake system problems.
  • Powertrain issues (365) could involve transmission or drivetrain failures.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Obtain a vehicle history report to check for past recalls and repairs.
  • Have a trusted mechanic inspect the engine and transmission.
  • Test drive to feel for any hesitation, vibration, or brake pulsation.
  • Check NHTSA website for any open recalls on the specific VIN.
  • Review service records for regular maintenance, especially oil changes and brake fluid flushes.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Hyundai KONAToyota Camry
2026
6
68
2025
24
126
2024
41
44
2023
61
56
2022
94
55
2021
108
151
2020
150
260
2019
181
374
2018
72
721
Hyundai KONA vs Toyota Camry — comparison facts
Comparison
Hyundai KONA vs Toyota Camry
Hyundai KONA total complaints
737
Toyota Camry total complaints
2,003
Hyundai KONA total recalls
12
Toyota Camry total recalls
27
Hyundai KONA avg complaints/year
81.9
Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
200.3
More reliable overall
Hyundai KONA
Hyundai KONA top complaint area
ENGINE
Toyota Camry top complaint area
POWER TRAIN
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Hyundai KONA Reliability & Problems

737 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Toyota Camry Reliability & Problems

2,003 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Hyundai KONA or Toyota Camry?

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