Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Santa FE XL vs Toyota Camry
How the Hyundai Santa FE XL 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 XL vs Toyota Camry: The Santa FE XL averages 25 complaints per year with 1 recall, while the Camry averages 214.3 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The Santa FE XL's top issue is engine problems, while the Camry's is power train. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Santa FE XL or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Santa FE XL
The Hyundai Santa FE XL is a three-row SUV that, based on one year of NHTSA data, shows a relatively low complaint volume of 25 per year. The most common owner-reported issues involve the engine, with some reports of hesitation, oil consumption, and even complete engine failure at low mileage. There are also complaints about brakes, electrical problems, and a recall for the antilock brake control module. Overall, the complaint pattern suggests that while the Santa FE XL may have fewer reported problems than some rivals, the engine issues can be serious and costly if they occur.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a long-standing reputation for reliability, but NHTSA data over 10 years shows a much higher complaint volume—averaging 214 per year. The most frequent complaints involve the power train, including transmission grinding and sudden acceleration, as well as engine problems like coolant valve failures. There are also numerous reports about brakes, electrical glitches, and air conditioning odors. With 31 recalls and a significant number of crash-related complaints, the Camry's ownership experience can include a wide range of issues, though many are covered by recalls or warranties.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Santa FE XL | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 25 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 1 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 25.0 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 Santa FE XL
- 01ENGINE9
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER6
- 03SERVICE BRAKES5
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
- 05HYDRAULIC3
Owners report engine hesitation, oil consumption, and in one case, a complete engine failure at only 54,000 miles that was denied warranty coverage. These issues can lead to expensive repairs and leave buyers stranded.
Complaints include delays in getting recall repairs for the antilock brake control module, with owners waiting months for parts. This means a known safety defect may go unfixed for extended periods.
Reports range from dead batteries and starting problems to concerns about soy-based wiring harnesses being prone to rodent damage. Electrical gremlins can be frustrating and costly to diagnose.
Issues include a sunroof that exploded while the vehicle was parked, and difficulties getting recall work done for an auxiliary canister kit. These non-mechanical problems add to ownership hassle.
“On [XXX], 2024 I brought my car in for a recall that the dealership called me and advised me that I needed to get it done so I brought it in and mentioned that it was hesitating a little bit so they did the inspection and found out I needed oil They proceeded…”
“On [XXX], the check engine light came on in my 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL. The dealership diagnosed a complete engine failure requiring full replacement. The vehicle has only 54,000 miles. The dealer submitted a warranty claim to Hyundai, but Hyundai denied it…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the transmission, requiring replacement, and instances of sudden unintended acceleration that led to crashes. These are serious safety and reliability concerns.
Complaints include sudden acceleration, coolant valve bypass failures (with some VINs not covered by recall), and engine maintenance warnings. These can result in costly repairs and safety risks.
Reports of brake pedal going to the floor with no response, especially on slopes, and other brake failures. This is a critical safety issue that could lead to accidents.
Common complaints include air conditioning condenser damage from road debris and persistent mildew odors from the HVAC system. These are comfort and potential cost issues.
“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 XL — 1 recall
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Santa Fe, 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe XL, and 2014-2015 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.
The risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 31, 2022. Owners may contact…
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 XL or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Santa FE XL has far fewer complaints per year (25) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the Camry's higher volume is spread over 10 years and includes many recalls. In practice, the Santa FE XL may have fewer overall issues, but the Camry's problems are more frequently addressed through recalls, though some serious safety defects remain.
Key differences
- The Hyundai Santa FE XL has 25 complaints per year, while the Toyota Camry has 214.3 per year, indicating a much higher complaint volume for the Camry.
- The Santa FE XL's top issue is engine problems (9 complaints), whereas the Camry's top issue is power train (395 complaints), including transmission and acceleration issues.
- The Camry has 31 recalls and 181 crash-related complaints, while the Santa FE XL has 1 recall and 1 crash-related complaint, suggesting different levels of reported safety incidents.
- Owner reports for the Santa FE XL include sunroof explosion and brake recall delays, while Camry owners report transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, and brake failure.
- Check for engine hesitation, oil consumption, or check engine lights, as these may indicate the engine failure reported by some owners.
- Inspect the sunroof for cracks or signs of stress, and verify that the brake control module recall has been performed.
- Test drive for transmission grinding or hesitation, and ask about any transmission replacement history, as this is a common complaint.
- Check for sudden acceleration symptoms and ensure all recalls, especially for brakes and air bags, have been completed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been remedied, especially for the Santa FE XL's brake control module and the Camry's air bag and seat recalls.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, focusing on the engine and transmission for both vehicles.
- For the Santa FE XL, ask about oil consumption and any engine repairs; for the Camry, inquire about transmission service history and brake performance.
- Test drive on varied roads, including hills, to check for brake response and acceleration issues.
- Verify warranty coverage, as some owners reported denied claims for major repairs like engine failure.
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 XL | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 25 | 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 Santa FE XL or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Santa FE XL vs Toyota Camry
- Hyundai Santa FE XL total complaints
- 25
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Hyundai Santa FE XL total recalls
- 1
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Hyundai Santa FE XL avg complaints/year
- 25.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai Santa FE XL
- Hyundai Santa FE XL top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN