Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Veloster vs Toyota Camry
How the Hyundai Veloster 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 Veloster vs Toyota Camry: The Veloster averages 129 complaints per year with 530 engine complaints, while the Camry averages 206 per year with 385 power train complaints. The Camry has 171 crash-related complaints and 1 death, versus 42 and 0 for the Veloster. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Veloster or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Veloster
The Hyundai Veloster is a compact hatchback that averages about 129 complaints per year over the past decade, with 18 recalls. The most common complaint area is the engine, which accounts for 530 of 1,292 total complaints, often involving stalling or failure after knock sensor software updates. Electrical and power train issues also appear frequently, with owners reporting stalling, rough shifting, and sudden loss of acceleration. While there are zero reported deaths in this dataset, the volume of engine-related complaints suggests a pattern of serious mechanical problems that can leave owners stranded.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with about 206 complaints per year over the same period, along with 31 recalls. Complaints are spread across power train, engine, brakes, and electrical systems, with owners describing hesitation, shuddering, stuck ignition keys, and brake noises. The Camry has 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries, plus one death, which is higher than the Veloster in absolute terms. However, given the Camry's much larger sales volume, the per-vehicle complaint rate may be lower, but the data shows a wide range of issues that buyers should be aware of.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Veloster | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,292 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 18 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 42 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 129.2 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 57 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 Veloster
- 01ENGINE530
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM210
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER179
- 04POWER TRAIN142
- 05STEERING126
Owners report engine stalling, failure, and abnormal bearing noise, often after a knock sensor software update. Some say the car stopped accelerating or died shortly after the recall work, leaving them in dangerous situations.
Complaints include black smoke from the exhaust, burnt smells, and stalling when taking your foot off the brake. These symptoms can point to serious engine or sensor failures that affect drivability.
Drivers describe clicking noises when shifting, shuddering, and sudden revving with loss of traction control. One owner reported the car slowing down in a snowstorm with no warning lights.
Although not detailed in the sample complaints, steering is a top component with 126 complaints. Buyers should be alert to any unusual steering feel or noises, as this can be a safety concern.
“I took my vehicle in to get the initial KSDS recall campaign updated (knock sensor). The car failed on my way home from the dealership and they scheduled me the next day to fix the problem (the acknowledged the knock sensor update caused the failure and is th…”
“I own a 2017 hyundai veloster with roughly 122,000 miles on it, recently I got in my car to go to work, started the vehicle and exited my apartment complex onto a local road drove roughly a half mile to the on ramp for the highway, the car was just about up t…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report intermittent ignition key sticking, hesitation, and shuddering while driving. The key can get stuck even when the car is in Park, requiring a battery disconnect to remove.
Complaints include delayed throttle response, where pressing the gas pedal results in a several-second delay before the car moves. This can be dangerous when merging or pulling out into traffic.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow. Owners also hear clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which dealers say is common but still concerning.
Multiple systems like stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring can malfunction at once. One owner reported all these failing while driving home at night, which is a serious safety issue.
“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 Veloster — 18 recalls
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.
The risk: A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Hyund…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019 Veloster vehicles. In certain side impact crashes, the driver's door latch housing and locking cable can become damaged, allowing the driver's side door to open.
The risk: The door opening could result in occupant ejection or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's side door latch assembly and lower channel, free of charge. The recall began June 17, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number f…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.
The risk: A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Hyund…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.
The risk: A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Hyund…
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 Veloster or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Veloster has fewer complaints per year (about 129) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 206), but the Veloster's complaints are heavily concentrated in engine failures, which can be catastrophic. The Camry's issues are more varied and include brake and electrical problems, but its higher sales volume means the per-car rate might be lower. In practice, the Veloster may have a higher risk of sudden engine failure, while the Camry has a broader range of annoyances and safety-related glitches.
Key differences
- The Veloster's top complaint is engine failure (530 complaints), often after knock sensor recalls, while the Camry's top complaint is power train issues like stuck keys and hesitation (385 complaints).
- The Camry has more crash-related complaints (171) and injuries (158) than the Veloster (42 crashes, 57 injuries), but the Camry also sells in much higher numbers.
- Veloster owners report sudden stalling and loss of acceleration, whereas Camry owners report delayed throttle response and brake problems.
- The Camry has 31 recalls versus 18 for the Veloster, covering areas like air bags, seats, and wheels, indicating a wider range of potential safety fixes.
- Check for any history of engine stalling or failure, especially if the knock sensor recall was performed. Ask for service records and test drive at highway speeds to feel for hesitation or sudden loss of power.
- Listen for clicking or shuddering noises when shifting gears, and test the steering for any unusual resistance or noise, as power train and steering complaints are common.
- Test the ignition key removal multiple times to ensure it doesn't stick, and check for any hesitation or shuddering during acceleration, which could indicate power train or engine issues.
- Try the electronic parking brake and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal. Also, test all electrical systems like blind spot monitoring and lane keeping to ensure they function properly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on engine health, transmission operation, and electrical systems.
- During the test drive, accelerate hard to check for hesitation or stalling, and test all brakes, including the electronic parking brake.
- Ask the seller for all maintenance records, especially any engine or transmission repairs, and verify that recall work was completed.
- For the Veloster, specifically ask about the knock sensor recall and whether the engine has been replaced or repaired; for the Camry, check for stuck ignition key and brake noise issues.
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 Veloster | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 11 | 157 |
| 2020 | 24 | 274 |
| 2019 | 42 | 395 |
| 2018 | 0 | 744 |
| 2017 | 50 | 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 Veloster or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Veloster vs Toyota Camry
- Hyundai Veloster total complaints
- 1,292
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Hyundai Veloster total recalls
- 18
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Hyundai Veloster avg complaints/year
- 129.2
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai Veloster
- Hyundai Veloster top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN