Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Santa FE Sport vs Toyota Camry
How the Hyundai Santa FE Sport 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 Santa FE Sport vs Toyota Camry: The Santa FE Sport has 211 complaints per year, with 57% engine-related, while the Camry has 214 per year, with more varied issues. The Camry has more crashes and injuries. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Santa FE Sport or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Santa FE Sport
The Hyundai Santa FE Sport, a midsize SUV, shows a heavy concentration of engine-related complaints, with 721 of 1267 complaints tied to the engine. Owners describe engines stalling at intersections or failing due to bearing defects, sometimes repeatedly. Brake issues, including hydraulic and ABS problems, are also prominent, with some linked to recalls. This pattern suggests a vehicle that may require significant repairs, especially as it ages.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a midsize sedan, has a more spread-out complaint profile, with top areas being power train, engine, brakes, and electrical. Owners report transmission grinding and needing replacement, sudden acceleration incidents, and brake failures. While the total complaints are higher, the average per year is similar to the Santa FE Sport, but the Camry's issues span more systems, indicating a broader range of potential problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Santa FE Sport | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,267 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 22 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 22 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 211.2 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 22 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 Santa FE Sport
- 01ENGINE721
- 02SERVICE BRAKES225
- 03HYDRAULIC157
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER140
- 05POWER TRAIN98
Owners report engines stalling at intersections or on highways, sometimes for the second time, and failures due to bearing defects. Some mention lack of notification for relevant recalls, leaving them stranded.
Brake issues include ABS warning lights and hydraulic problems, with some owners noting that recall parts were unavailable. One owner reported engine and oil lights illuminating when the brake pedal was depressed, indicating a possible electrical or hydraulic interaction.
Hydraulic brake complaints often involve the ABS control unit/module, with owners experiencing warning lights and reduced braking performance. Some are tied to recall 22V056000, but parts were not always available.
“September 3rd, 2025, my engine failed, for the second time and left me stuck at a busy intersection, in the middle lane and can't move. The first time my engine failed (2022/same vehicle), I was about the get on the highway and it just stopped in the middle o…”
“Subject: Engine Failure Due to Bearing Defect – No KSDS Recall Notification Vehicle: 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport VIN: [XXX] Date of Purchase: April 2016 Complaint Summary: I am filing this complaint regarding my 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, which experienced…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues are common, with owners reporting grinding noises and the need for full transmission replacement. Some note that recalls exist for similar issues on other model years, but their VIN may not be covered.
Engine complaints include sudden acceleration incidents, which can lead to crashes, and coolant valve bypass codes that may not be covered by recall. These issues can pose safety risks.
Brake failures are reported, such as no response when pressing the pedal on a hill, and instances where the vehicle accelerates unexpectedly despite braking. These are critical safety concerns.
“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 Santa FE Sport — 22 recalls
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch actuating cable may corrode and bind, causing the secondary hood latch to remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.
The risk: If the hood is not securely closed or the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary latch cable, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for the recall is 163.
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch actuating cable may corrode and bind, causing the secondary hood latch to remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.
The risk: If the hood is not securely closed or the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary latch cable, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for the recall is 163.
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module, possibly resulting in an electrical short.
The risk: An electrical short in the ABS module can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse, and inspect and replace the ABS module, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notificat…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module, possibly resulting in an electrical short.
The risk: If the ABS module short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ABS module and replace it if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. The recall began December 22, 2020. No…
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 Santa FE Sport or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Santa FE Sport has fewer complaints per year (211.2) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the difference is minimal. However, the Santa FE Sport's issues are heavily concentrated in the engine, which can be costly, while the Camry's problems are more varied. In practice, the Santa FE Sport may be riskier for engine failure, but the Camry has a broader range of potential defects.
Key differences
- The Santa FE Sport has a much higher proportion of engine complaints (57% of all) compared to the Camry (15%), indicating a systemic engine issue.
- The Camry has more crash-related complaints (181 vs 22) and injuries (163 vs 22), suggesting more severe incidents, possibly linked to sudden acceleration.
- The Santa FE Sport has a recall for engine issues, while the Camry has recalls for air bags, seats, and wheels, but not for its engine or transmission problems.
- Brake complaints are significant in both, but the Santa FE Sport's are more hydraulic/ABS-related, while the Camry's include complete brake failure.
- Check for engine stalling or bearing defects: ask for service records and whether the engine has been replaced or if any KSDS recall was performed.
- Inspect the ABS and hydraulic brake system: look for warning lights and have a mechanic test the brakes, especially if the vehicle is from 2016.
- Listen for transmission grinding or slipping during a test drive, and check if the transmission has been replaced or if any TSBs apply.
- Test the brakes on a hill and at low speeds to ensure they respond properly, and ask about any sudden acceleration incidents.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both vehicles.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic, focusing on the engine and brakes for the Santa FE Sport, and transmission and brakes for the Camry.
- Test drive both vehicles in stop-and-go traffic and on a highway to feel for any stalling, hesitation, or brake issues.
- Ask for all service records, especially any engine or transmission work.
- Check the NHTSA website for the latest complaints and recalls for the specific model year you're considering.
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 Santa FE Sport | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 415 | 736 |
| 2017 | 346 | 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 Santa FE Sport or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Santa FE Sport vs Toyota Camry
- Hyundai Santa FE Sport total complaints
- 1,267
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Hyundai Santa FE Sport total recalls
- 22
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Hyundai Santa FE Sport avg complaints/year
- 211.2
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai Santa FE Sport
- Hyundai Santa FE Sport top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN