Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai NEXO vs Toyota Camry
How the Hyundai NEXO 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 NEXO vs Toyota Camry: The NEXO has 19 complaints over 8 years (2.4/year) and 13 recalls, while the Camry has 2,143 complaints over 10 years (214/year) and 31 recalls. NEXO owners report fuel cell power loss; Camry owners report transmission and brake issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai NEXO or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai NEXO
The Hyundai NEXO is a hydrogen fuel cell SUV, and its complaint pattern centers on the fuel cell stack and accelerator pedal control, with owners reporting sudden power loss, especially when overtaking or driving uphill. Over 8 years, it has 19 complaints (about 2.4 per year) and 13 recalls, with no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in the data. The main worry for a buyer is drivability and parts availability, as some owners say the vehicle becomes practically unusable due to technical problems and lack of service.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream sedan with a much higher complaint volume: 2,143 complaints over 10 years (about 214 per year) and 31 recalls. Owners report issues across the power train, engine, brakes, and electrical systems, including transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, and brake pedal failures. The data also shows 181 crash-related complaints, 163 injuries, and 1 death, so a buyer should take these reports seriously and check for open recalls.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai NEXO | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 19 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 13 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 2.4 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 NEXO
- 01FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM10
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER5
- 03ENGINE4
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE3
Owners report sudden power loss and failure to respond to the accelerator pedal, often diagnosed as fuel cell stack issues. This can leave you without power when overtaking or climbing a hill, which is a serious drivability and safety concern.
Complaints describe the same sudden power loss and also that the car does not automatically brake to avoid a collision. The hydrogen sensor may also malfunction, adding to worries about system reliability.
One owner reported that a recall part for the fuel system and electrical system was not yet available, leaving the repair incomplete. This means even recalled vehicles may have unresolved safety issues.
An owner tested the automatic braking by driving toward a large object and it did not brake. If you rely on this feature, the data suggests it may not work as expected.
“Hyundai sells Nexo Hydrogen Fuel Cell vehicles with known Fuel Cell stack issues, leading to severe safety issues from sudden power loss when driving, especially when overtaking and driving on highways and/or uphill. The power loss issue was diagnosed to orig…”
“PLEASE SEE ATTACH FOR DETAILS 1. Component or System Involved The Fuel Cell System and Accelerator Pedal Control System are suspected to have malfunctioned. The issue is characterized by the vehicle's failure to respond to input from the accelerator pedal, pa…”
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 problems that require replacement. Some also describe unintended acceleration or braking issues in parking situations.
Complaints include uncontrollable sudden acceleration that led to a crash, and a coolant valve bypass issue that may not be covered by recall for some VINs. This can mean expensive repairs and safety risks.
One owner reported no brake response while driving down a steep hill, and another had to press harder to stop in a parking lot. Brake failure is a critical safety concern.
The AC condenser can be damaged by a rock, and owners report a recurring mildew or vinegar smell from the vents. These are comfort and repair-cost issues rather than immediate safety risks.
“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 NEXO — 13 recalls
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Nexo vehicles. The thermally activated pressure relief device (TPRD) may break and cause a hydrogen gas leak, which can result in a fire while parked.
The risk: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall remedy is completed. Dealers will replace the TPRD, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 8, 202…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Nexo vehicles. The thermally activated pressure relief device (TPRD) may break and cause a hydrogen gas leak, which can result in a fire while parked.
The risk: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall remedy is completed. Dealers will replace the TPRD, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 8, 202…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Nexo vehicles. The thermally activated pressure relief device (TPRD) may break and cause a hydrogen gas leak, which can result in a fire while parked.
The risk: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall remedy is completed. Dealers will replace the TPRD, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 8, 202…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Nexo vehicles. The thermally activated pressure relief device (TPRD) may break and cause a hydrogen gas leak, which can result in a fire while parked.
The risk: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall remedy is completed. Dealers will replace the TPRD, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 8, 202…
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 NEXO or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Hyundai NEXO has far fewer complaints per year (about 2.4) than the Toyota Camry (about 214), but the NEXO's issues often involve sudden power loss and non-working automatic braking. The Camry's higher volume includes more crash, injury, and death reports, so the practical difference is that the NEXO may have fewer problems overall but each problem can be severe, while the Camry has many more reported problems across more systems.
Key differences
- The NEXO has 19 complaints over 8 years, while the Camry has 2,143 over 10 years, so the Camry generates far more owner reports.
- NEXO complaints focus on fuel cell power loss and accelerator pedal failure, while Camry complaints include transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, and brake failure.
- The Camry data includes 181 crash-related complaints, 163 injuries, and 1 death; the NEXO data shows 0 in each of those categories.
- The NEXO has 13 recalls, many for fuel tank pressure relief devices, while the Camry has 31 recalls covering air bags, seats, wheels, and labels.
- Test the accelerator response and ask if the fuel cell stack or accelerator pedal control has been replaced or repaired.
- Check for open recall 22V258000 and confirm the remedy part is available and installed, as one owner reported the part was not yet available.
- Listen for grinding noises from the front during acceleration and ask if the transmission has been replaced or serviced.
- Test the brakes on a slope and at low speed, and ask about any sudden acceleration incidents or coolant valve bypass repairs.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to see all open recalls for the specific NEXO or Camry you are considering.
- For the NEXO, ask for a fuel cell system health check and confirm the hydrogen sensor and automatic braking work.
- For the Camry, have a mechanic inspect the transmission, brakes, and engine for signs of the reported issues.
- Request full service records and ask if any owner-reported problems like power loss or sudden acceleration have occurred.
- Take a test drive that includes uphill driving, highway merging, and hard braking to feel for power loss or brake response.
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 NEXO | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 119 |
| 2025 | 0 | 153 |
| 2024 | 0 | 48 |
| 2023 | 6 | 62 |
| 2022 | 1 | 59 |
| 2021 | 2 | 155 |
| 2020 | 7 | 270 |
| 2019 | 3 | 393 |
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 NEXO or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai NEXO vs Toyota Camry
- Hyundai NEXO total complaints
- 19
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Hyundai NEXO total recalls
- 13
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Hyundai NEXO avg complaints/year
- 2.4
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai NEXO
- Hyundai NEXO top complaint area
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN