Vehicle 1

Hyundai Sonata

1,765 complaints · 19 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Toyota Camry

2,003 complaints · 27 recalls

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

Hyundai Sonata vs Toyota Camry: The Sonata averages 176.5 complaints per year (772 engine issues) while the Camry averages 200.3 (305 engine issues). Both have multiple recalls. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

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

4
Hyundai Sonata
wins all 4 categories
0
Toyota Camry
no category wins
CategoryHyundai SonataToyota Camry
Total Complaints
All years combined
1,765
✓ lower
2,003
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
19
✓ lower
27
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
79
✓ lower
174
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
176.5
✓ lower
200.3

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

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Hyundai Sonata

1. ENGINE772
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER265
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM225
4. STEERING200
5. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM190

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 Hyundai Sonata has fewer complaints per year (176.5) than the Toyota Camry (200.3), suggesting slightly lower reported issues on average. However, both have significant numbers, so neither is clearly superior based on complaints alone.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer engine-related complaints, the Camry has fewer engine issues (305 vs 772). If you want to avoid steering or fuel system problems, the Sonata has more of those. Check the specific model year's recall history before buying.

Key Differences
  • Sonata has 772 engine complaints vs Camry's 305.
  • Camry has 174 crash complaints vs Sonata's 79.
  • Sonata has 200 steering complaints; Camry has none in top 5.
  • Camry has 284 service brake complaints; Sonata has none in top 5.
⚠ Watch on Hyundai Sonata
  • Watch for engine issues (772 complaints) and steering problems (200 complaints).
  • Check if the vehicle has open recalls (19 total).
⚠ Watch on Toyota Camry
  • Watch for power train issues (365 complaints) and service brake problems (284 complaints).
  • Check if the vehicle has open recalls (27 total).
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check NHTSA recall status for the specific model year.
  • Review service history for engine or transmission repairs.
  • Test drive and listen for unusual engine or brake noises.
  • Inspect steering responsiveness and brake pedal feel.
  • Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Hyundai SonataToyota Camry
2026
1
68
2025
15
126
2024
40
44
2023
82
56
2022
85
55
2021
117
151
2020
162
260
2019
150
374
2018
359
721
2017
754
148
Hyundai Sonata vs Toyota Camry — comparison facts
Comparison
Hyundai Sonata vs Toyota Camry
Hyundai Sonata total complaints
1,765
Toyota Camry total complaints
2,003
Hyundai Sonata total recalls
19
Toyota Camry total recalls
27
Hyundai Sonata avg complaints/year
176.5
Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
200.3
More reliable overall
Hyundai Sonata
Hyundai Sonata top complaint area
ENGINE
Toyota Camry top complaint area
POWER TRAIN
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Hyundai Sonata Reliability & Problems

1,765 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Toyota Camry Reliability & Problems

2,003 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Hyundai Sonata or Toyota Camry?

Run a free VIN check to see that exact car's accident history, open recalls, and title records.