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 averaged 213.8 complaints per year over 6 years, with 732 engine complaints, while the Camry averaged 205.6 per year over 10 years, with 315 engine complaints. The Santa Fe Sport's engine issues are more often sudden failures, whereas the Camry's are varied. 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 is a compact SUV that, based on owner complaints, demands careful attention to engine health. Over six years, it averaged about 214 complaints per year, with the majority (732) concerning the engine. Many owners report sudden engine failure, sometimes multiple times, often linked to bearing defects. Brake and hydraulic issues also appear frequently, suggesting a pattern of costly repairs.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a long-standing reputation for reliability, but NHTSA data shows it is not trouble-free. Over ten years, it averaged about 206 complaints per year, with power train, engine, and brake issues among the most common. Owners describe problems like hesitation, shuddering, and electronic parking brake failures. While the overall rate is similar to the Santa Fe Sport, the Camry's issues are spread across more systems.
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 | 1,283 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 22 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 23 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 213.8 | 205.6 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 23 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 Santa FE Sport
- 01ENGINE732
- 02SERVICE BRAKES225
- 03HYDRAULIC157
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER143
- 05POWER TRAIN99
Owners frequently report sudden engine failure, often due to bearing defects, leaving them stranded. Some have had multiple engine replacements, and one complaint notes a replaced engine failing again after about 10,000 miles. This is a major safety and financial risk.
Complaints include ABS warning lights illuminating at highway speeds and brake pedal issues that trigger engine and oil lights. These symptoms can indicate hydraulic or electronic control unit problems, potentially affecting braking performance.
Hydraulic brake system complaints often overlap with ABS issues, such as warning lights and technical service bulletins. This suggests a recurring problem with the antilock braking system that owners should have inspected.
Some owners report engine failure due to bearing defects and lack of recall notification, as well as engine fires that led to replacements. These vague but serious issues highlight the need for a thorough recall history check.
“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 TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report intermittent key stuck in ignition even when in Park, requiring battery disconnect to remove. Others describe hesitation and shuddering with check engine light, indicating transmission or engine management issues.
Complaints include delayed throttle response, where pressing the accelerator results in several seconds of no movement. This can be dangerous when merging or crossing intersections, and may point to electronic throttle or sensor problems.
The electronic parking brake (EPB) may fail to disengage, requiring a tow. Owners also report clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which dealers attribute to the ABS system but owners find abnormal.
Multiple safety systems—smart stop, stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—can malfunction simultaneously. This suggests complex electronic integration issues that could compromise driver assistance features.
“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 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 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 Santa FE Sport or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Santa FE Sport has a slightly higher average annual complaint rate (213.8 vs. 205.6 for the Camry), but the bigger difference is the concentration of severe engine failures in the Santa Fe Sport. The Camry's issues are more varied and often electronic, but it has a lower rate of catastrophic engine complaints. In practice, the Santa Fe Sport may pose a higher risk of sudden breakdown, while the Camry may have more frequent but less immobilizing problems.
Key differences
- The Santa Fe Sport has 732 engine complaints, many about sudden failure, while the Camry has 315 engine complaints, often about hesitation or delayed throttle.
- Camry complaints include complex electronic malfunctions across multiple safety systems, whereas Santa Fe Sport issues are more focused on engine and brakes.
- The Santa Fe Sport has 22 recalls, including engine and brake-related, while the Camry has 31 recalls, covering seats, air bags, and wheels.
- Crash-related complaints are much higher for the Camry (171 vs. 23), but this may reflect its longer production span and higher sales volume.
- Check for any history of engine replacement or bearing defect repairs; listen for knocking noises and ask for oil change records.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including ABS operation, and look for warning lights; have a mechanic inspect the hydraulic control unit.
- Test the electronic parking brake repeatedly to ensure it engages and disengages smoothly; listen for unusual noises from the brake pedal area.
- Check for delayed throttle response during a test drive, especially from a stop; scan for stored check engine codes related to transmission or engine management.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all safety recalls have been completed, especially engine and brake recalls.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on engine compression, brake system function, and electronic diagnostics.
- During the test drive, pay attention to any hesitation, shuddering, or warning lights, and test all electronic features including parking brake and driver aids.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly oil changes and any engine or transmission repairs.
- Verify the vehicle's complaint history on NHTSA.gov using the VIN to see if it has been involved in any severe reported issues.
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 | 417 | 744 |
| 2017 | 352 | 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
- 1,283
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Hyundai Santa FE Sport total recalls
- 22
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Hyundai Santa FE Sport avg complaints/year
- 213.8
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- Hyundai Santa FE Sport top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN