Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Santa FE vs Toyota Camry
How the Hyundai Santa FE 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 vs Toyota Camry: The Santa Fe has 2401 complaints and 41 recalls over 10 years, while the Camry has 2056 complaints and 31 recalls. The Santa Fe's complaints often involve engine power loss, whereas the Camry's include brake and power train issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Santa FE or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Santa FE
The Hyundai Santa FE is a mid-size SUV that has averaged about 240 complaints per year over the last decade, with 41 recalls. The most common owner complaints involve the engine losing power or stalling, along with transmission and electrical problems. These issues can leave you stranded or require costly repairs, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mid-size sedan with an average of about 206 complaints per year and 31 recalls over the same period. Owners frequently report power train issues like hesitation and shuddering, as well as brake problems such as the electronic parking brake failing to disengage. While the Camry has a strong reputation, these complaints show that not every car is trouble-free.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Santa FE | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,401 | 2,056 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 41 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 88 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 240.1 | 205.6 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 86 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
- 01ENGINE1,011
- 02POWER TRAIN455
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER411
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM287
- 05SERVICE BRAKES161
Owners report the engine losing motive power at highway speeds, with the vehicle slowing even when the accelerator is pressed to the floor. Some also experience total engine stalling without warning, which can be dangerous in traffic.
Complaints include a bad factory seal on the high voltage harness in hybrid models, allowing water to intrude and potentially short the battery. Others report intermittent stalling and propulsion failure, leaving the car unable to move.
Owners describe sudden, complete electrical power loss that prevents the vehicle from starting. In hybrids, the same high voltage harness seal issue can cause electrical shorts, posing a safety risk.
Some drivers report brake problems, though specific details are limited in the sample. Given the engine and power train issues, brake performance should be checked carefully during a test drive.
“The vehicle repeatedly loses motive power while being driven at highway speed. It slows even with the accelerator pressed to the floor, does not shift into higher gears, and drops to 40 to 50 mph. On [XXX], the vehicle lost power at highway speed while I was…”
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle suffers from an intermittent, total engine stalling and propulsion failure. Without warning, the engine completely shuts down while driving and auto…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key becoming stuck and unable to be removed even when the car is in Park, sometimes requiring a battery disconnect. Others experience hesitation and shuddering while driving, often with the check engine light on.
Complaints include delayed throttle response, where pressing the accelerator results in a several-second delay before the car moves. This hesitation can be frustrating and potentially unsafe when merging or crossing traffic.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer. Owners also report a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area, which the manufacturer says is common but still bothers many drivers.
Multiple systems—including stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—can malfunction simultaneously. This suggests potential electrical or sensor issues that could affect safety 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 — 41 recalls
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Tucson and Santa Fe vehicles. The connecting rod bolts in the engine may have been improperly tightened, which can cause a loss of drive power and engine damage, possibly resulting in an oil leak.
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. An oil leak in the presence of hot engine components can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2025. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 281.
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Santa Fe vehicles. The B+ positive terminal cover on the starter motor assembly may be improperly installed, which can cause an electrical short during a crash.
The risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and reinstall the starter motor terminal cover, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning October 22, 2025. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Hybrid vehicles. The rearview camera may not have been installed properly, which can damage the wiring harness and cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the req…
The risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the camera wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning January 15, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 288. Vehi…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025 Tucson, 2025-2026 Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Hybrid, and 2026 Genesis GV70 vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not have been installed properly, which can cause the air bags not to deploy as intended.
The risk: Side curtain air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reinstall the side curtain air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning December 29, 2025. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's numbers for this recall are 289…
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 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has fewer complaints per year (about 206 vs. 240 for the Santa Fe) and fewer recalls (31 vs. 41). However, the Camry has more reported crashes (171 vs. 88) and injuries (158 vs. 86), though these numbers don't necessarily mean it's less safe. In practice, the Santa Fe's engine and power train complaints are more likely to leave you stranded, while the Camry's issues often involve drivability and brake problems.
Key differences
- The Santa Fe has more engine complaints (1011 vs. 315 for the Camry), often involving power loss and stalling, which can be dangerous.
- The Camry has more crash-related complaints (171 vs. 88) and injuries (158 vs. 86), though the reasons aren't detailed in the data.
- The Santa Fe has more recalls (41 vs. 31), including engine and electrical system recalls, while the Camry's recalls involve wheels, seats, and air bag sensors.
- Camry owners report brake issues like the electronic parking brake failing to disengage, while Santa Fe owners report electrical failures that can cause total power loss.
- During a test drive, accelerate hard to check for any hesitation, power loss, or stalling, especially at highway speeds.
- Ask for a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine, transmission, and high voltage harness (on hybrids) for signs of water intrusion or seal failure.
- Test the ignition key to ensure it can be removed easily when the car is in Park; if it sticks, that's a known issue.
- Check the electronic parking brake by engaging and disengaging it several times; listen for unusual noises and ensure it releases properly.
Before you buy
- Check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN for either vehicle.
- Obtain a vehicle history report to see if the car has been in accidents or had repeated repairs.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- During the test drive, pay attention to acceleration, shifting, brake feel, and any warning lights.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for oil changes and any engine or transmission work.
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 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 50 | 0 |
| 2025 | 135 | 163 |
| 2024 | 151 | 50 |
| 2023 | 210 | 64 |
| 2022 | 199 | 61 |
| 2021 | 166 | 157 |
| 2020 | 213 | 274 |
| 2019 | 200 | 395 |
| 2018 | 109 | 744 |
| 2017 | 968 | 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 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Santa FE vs Toyota Camry
- Hyundai Santa FE total complaints
- 2,401
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Hyundai Santa FE total recalls
- 41
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Hyundai Santa FE avg complaints/year
- 240.1
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- Hyundai Santa FE top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN