Vehicle 1

Hyundai Santa FE

2,209 complaints · 41 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Toyota Camry

2,003 complaints · 27 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

Hyundai Santa Fe vs Toyota Camry: The Santa Fe has 220.9 complaints per year and 41 recalls, while the Camry has 200.3 complaints per year and 27 recalls. The Camry has more crash complaints (174 vs 86). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

1
Hyundai Santa FE
wins 1 of 4 categories
3
Toyota Camry
wins 3 of 4 categories
CategoryHyundai Santa FEToyota Camry
Total Complaints
All years combined
2,209
2,003
✓ lower
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
41
27
✓ lower
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
86
✓ lower
174
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
220.9
200.3
✓ lower

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Hyundai Santa FE

1. ENGINE948
2. POWER TRAIN400
3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER369
4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM257
5. SERVICE BRAKES154

Toyota Camry

1. POWER TRAIN365
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER316
3. ENGINE305
4. SERVICE BRAKES284
5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM222
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Toyota Camry has fewer complaints per year (200.3 vs 220.9) and fewer recalls (27 vs 41), suggesting it may have slightly better reliability. However, the Camry has more crash complaints (174 vs 86), so buyers should consider their priorities.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer overall complaints and recalls, choose the Toyota Camry. If you are concerned about crash-related issues, the Hyundai Santa Fe has fewer crash complaints. Both have engine and powertrain concerns, so a pre-purchase inspection is recommended.

Key Differences
  • Hyundai Santa Fe has 220.9 complaints/year vs Camry's 200.3.
  • Santa Fe has 41 recalls; Camry has 27.
  • Santa Fe has 86 crash complaints; Camry has 174.
  • Santa Fe's top issue is ENGINE (948); Camry's top is POWER TRAIN (365).
⚠ Watch on Hyundai Santa FE
  • High number of engine complaints (948) – check for engine stalling or failure.
  • Many electrical system complaints (257) – inspect battery and wiring.
⚠ Watch on Toyota Camry
  • Higher crash complaints (174) – review accident history.
  • Service brake complaints (284) – test brakes for unusual noise or fade.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Obtain a vehicle history report for accidents and title issues.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the engine and transmission.
  • Check for open recalls and ensure they were fixed.
  • Test drive and listen for unusual engine or brake noises.
  • Review NHTSA complaints for the specific model year.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Hyundai Santa FEToyota Camry
2026
24
68
2025
112
126
2024
121
44
2023
196
56
2022
182
55
2021
158
151
2020
190
260
2019
190
374
2018
107
721
2017
929
148
Hyundai Santa FE vs Toyota Camry — comparison facts
Comparison
Hyundai Santa FE vs Toyota Camry
Hyundai Santa FE total complaints
2,209
Toyota Camry total complaints
2,003
Hyundai Santa FE total recalls
41
Toyota Camry total recalls
27
Hyundai Santa FE avg complaints/year
220.9
Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
200.3
More reliable overall
Toyota Camry
Hyundai Santa FE top complaint area
ENGINE
Toyota Camry top complaint area
POWER TRAIN
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Hyundai Santa FE Reliability & Problems

2,209 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Toyota Camry Reliability & Problems

2,003 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Hyundai Santa FE or Toyota Camry?

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