Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Sonata vs Toyota Camry
How the Hyundai Sonata 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 Sonata vs Toyota Camry: Over 10 years, the Sonata had 1,858 complaints and 19 recalls, while the Camry had 2,056 complaints and 31 recalls. The Sonata averaged 185.8 complaints per year, versus 205.6 for the Camry. Both have reported engine and electrical issues, but patterns differ. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Sonata or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Sonata
The Hyundai Sonata is a mid-size sedan that has averaged about 186 complaints per year over the past decade, with 19 recalls. The most common complaints involve the engine, electrical system, and fuel/propulsion system, often describing sudden power loss or stalling while driving. These reports suggest that some owners experience serious drivability issues that could require immediate attention.
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. Complaints frequently mention power train issues like hesitation or shuddering, as well as brake problems such as the electronic parking brake failing to disengage. While the Camry has more complaints overall, the types of issues vary and may be less likely to involve sudden engine shutdown.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Sonata | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,858 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 19 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 82 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 185.8 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 63 Better | 158 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 | 1 Better |
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 Sonata
- 01ENGINE804
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER274
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM241
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM204
- 05POWER TRAIN202
Owners report the engine shutting off completely while driving, sometimes at highway speeds, with headlights going out first. This can be terrifying and dangerous, as it leaves the driver without power or lights in traffic.
Complaints describe the entire dash cluster and radio display cutting off and back on while driving, as if the car was turned off and restarted. This can distract the driver and may indicate a deeper electrical fault.
Some owners experience sudden loss of acceleration, such as when making a left turn, where the car will not accelerate beyond a low speed. This can leave the driver stranded in an intersection or unable to merge safely.
Reports include the panoramic sunroof spontaneously shattering while driving on the highway, with no apparent cause. This can cause unexpected glass breakage and potential injury.
“I purchased this vehicle brand new off of the lot February 2024. Since then, I have had two incidents where in the middle of driving my vehicle has completely shut off. The first experience, I was driving 50+ mph. First my headlights went out, my engine shut…”
“the car has two issues. brake issue (gas pedal is soft and sinks) and engine power ( gas pedal is soft and not responsive) Brakes are soft and spongy some times and sometimes hard. even you push the brake pedal twice or three time it takes long distance to st…”
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 battery disconnection. Others describe hesitation and shuddering while driving, which can affect acceleration and smoothness.
Complaints mention delayed throttle response, where pressing the gas pedal results in a several-second delay before the car moves. This can be dangerous when trying to accelerate into traffic or avoid a hazard.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer, and some owners hear a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area. These issues can prevent the car from being driven or indicate brake system problems.
Multiple systems such as stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring can malfunction simultaneously, according to one report. This suggests potential electronic 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 Sonata — 19 recalls
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024 Hyundai Sonata vehicles. The software for the brake lights may cause the brake lights to flash and not illuminate properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number…
The risk: Flashing brake lights may cause confusion for other drivers on the road, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the rear brake light software, free of charge. Additionally, Hyundai will release the software update over-the-air (OTA). Owner notification letters were mailed September 12, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer se…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Palisade Tucson, 2023 Sonata, Elantra, and Kona vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump controller to overheat.
The risk: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starti…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Sonata vehicles. A damaged check valve can allow air to enter the fuel tank, causing it to expand and contact hot exhaust components, melting the tank.
The risk: A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the check valve. The fuel tank assembly will be inspected for damage and replaced if necessary. Additionally, dealers will inspect and update the engine control unit software. All repairs will be performed…
The defect: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe, Sonata, Veloster N, 2022 Santa Cruz, Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete l…
The risk: Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2023. Owners…
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 Sonata or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Sonata has fewer complaints per year (about 186 vs. 206 for the Camry), but its complaints often involve severe issues like engine stalling and electrical shutdowns. The Camry has more complaints but many relate to power train hesitation and brake problems. In practice, the Sonata may pose a higher risk of sudden loss of power, while the Camry may have more frequent but less immediately dangerous issues.
Key differences
- The Hyundai Sonata has reports of engine shutting off while driving, which can be extremely dangerous, while the Toyota Camry's power train complaints often involve hesitation or shuddering rather than complete shutdown.
- Sonata owners report electrical system failures causing dash and radio displays to cut out, whereas Camry owners more often report brake issues like the electronic parking brake failing to disengage.
- The Camry has more recalls (31 vs. 19) and more crash-related complaints (171 vs. 82), but the Sonata has more deaths (2 vs. 1) and injuries (63 vs. 158) in the data provided.
- Sonata complaints include sunroof shattering, a unique issue not highlighted in Camry complaints, while Camry complaints include multiple system malfunctions like stability control and power steering.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any hesitation or sudden loss of power, and check if the engine stalls at idle or low speeds. Also, test all electrical components, including lights, dashboard displays, and infotainment, for flickering or shutdowns.
- Inspect the panoramic sunroof for any cracks or signs of stress, and ask if it has ever been replaced. Check for recalls related to fuel system and power train, and ensure they have been addressed.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park to ensure it does not stick, and listen for any clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area. Check that the electronic parking brake engages and disengages properly.
- During a test drive, watch for hesitation or shuddering during acceleration, and ensure all driver-assist systems (blind spot monitoring, lane keeping, etc.) function correctly without error messages.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both the Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Camry, and confirm they have been repaired.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on engine and transmission operation, electrical systems, and brakes.
- Test drive the vehicle in various conditions, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to detect any hesitation, stalling, or unusual noises.
- For the Sonata, specifically test the sunroof operation and inspect for cracks; for the Camry, test the electronic parking brake and key removal.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and inquire about any past issues with engine shutdown, electrical problems, or brake repairs.
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 Sonata | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 0 |
| 2025 | 16 | 163 |
| 2024 | 46 | 50 |
| 2023 | 87 | 64 |
| 2022 | 93 | 61 |
| 2021 | 134 | 157 |
| 2020 | 178 | 274 |
| 2019 | 161 | 395 |
| 2018 | 373 | 744 |
| 2017 | 764 | 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 Sonata or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Sonata vs Toyota Camry
- Hyundai Sonata total complaints
- 1,858
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Hyundai Sonata total recalls
- 19
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Hyundai Sonata avg complaints/year
- 185.8
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai Sonata
- Hyundai Sonata top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN