Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Venue vs Toyota Camry
How the Hyundai Venue 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 Venue vs Toyota Camry: The Venue has 139 complaints over 7 years (about 20 per year), while the Camry has 2,143 over 10 years (about 214 per year). The Camry also has 31 recalls and 181 crash-related complaints, versus 5 and 9 for the Venue. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Venue or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Venue
The Hyundai Venue is a subcompact SUV with a relatively low complaint volume: 139 complaints over 7 years, averaging about 20 per year. The most common trouble spots are electrical gremlins and seat belt issues, with owners reporting backup cameras that stay on in drive and keyless entry or window malfunctions. Steering complaints include lane-keeping assist that jerks the wheel and an ignition failure that may have contributed to a theft. Overall, it appears to have fewer reported problems per year than the Camry, but the electrical and seat belt patterns are worth checking.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a much higher complaint volume: 2,143 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 214 per year. The most frequent issues involve the power train, engine, and service brakes, with owners describing transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, and brake pedal failures. There are also reports of air conditioning odors and condenser damage. While the Camry has more recalls and crash-related complaints, the severity of some power train and brake issues is notable.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Venue | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 139 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 5 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 9 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 19.9 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 Better | 163 |
| 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 Venue
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER45
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM42
- 03SEAT BELTS23
- 04STEERING12
- 05POWER TRAIN11
Owners report the backup camera staying on even when the vehicle is in drive or neutral, which can be distracting. Others mention persistent window malfunctions and keyless entry problems. These electrical quirks may require dealer visits and can affect daily usability.
Complaints include seat belt issues that owners describe as serious enough to notify the manufacturer. The high number of seat belt complaints (23) and four seat belt recalls suggest a pattern worth inspecting. A buyer should test all seat belts for proper latching and retraction.
Some owners report the lane-keeping assist system unexpectedly yanking the wheel and sounding alerts, which can be startling. Another complaint mentions an ignition failure that may have led to a theft. These steering-related issues could affect driver confidence and security.
With 11 complaints, power train issues are less frequent but still present. One owner reported engine challenges and a check engine light that persisted despite diagnostics. Buyers should check for any transmission or engine warning lights during a test drive.
“The backup camera stays on even in neutral and drive mode. In reverse the guide lines are present, however they are not present when in drive or neutral but the camera remains on. This is a safety hazard because it is very distracting to drive forward with li…”
“I was going to work, dropping my one year old off at his grandparents on the way. My purse (with my spare key) along with the rest of my belongings were dumped into the front passenger seat after I unlocked my car. Unfortunately, I also placed my main set in…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front end during acceleration, with dealers confirming transmission problems that may require replacement. Another complaint describes sudden acceleration that led to a crash. These power train issues can be costly and dangerous.
Complaints include uncontrollable sudden acceleration and engine maintenance codes related to a coolant valve bypass. Some owners note that their VIN was not covered by a recall for the same issue. This suggests potential gaps in recall coverage that buyers should verify.
Owners describe brake pedal failures, such as no response when braking on a steep hill or in a parking lot. These incidents can lead to crashes and injuries. A pre-purchase inspection should include a thorough brake system check.
Electrical complaints include air conditioning malfunctions, such as a condenser damaged by a rock and a persistent mildew odor from the vents. These issues affect comfort and may require costly repairs. Buyers should test the AC and check for unusual smells.
“I turned into a restaurant’s parking lot, found a spot and slowly drove into the lot, I eased off the gas pedal and gently applying the brake as the lot has a slight downward slope. When I reach the chunk (the parking block), I added more force to the brake,…”
“Grinding noise coming from front end upon acceleration. Brought to dealership who confirmed noises coming from transmission. Transmission needs to be replaced per dealer recommendation. Recalls on 2021 Toyota Camry for same issue. Transmissions on backorder a…”
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 Venue — 5 recalls
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021 Elantra, Elantra HEV, Venue, Genesis GV80 and 2022 Genesis GV70 vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioner(s) may explode upon deployment.
The risk: An exploding seat belt pretensioner could project metal fragments into the vehicle, striking vehicle occupants and resulting in injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat belt pretensioners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's numbers for this recall are 211 and 009G.…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Venue vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment.
The risk: An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, strike vehicle occupants, and result in injury.
The fix: Dealers will secure the seat belt pretensioners with a cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 231. Th…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024 Elantra, Venue, and Kona vehicles. An electrical short circuit may occur in the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve assembly, which can result in a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the exhaust gas recirculation valve assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 28, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 260.
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Venue vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment.
The risk: An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, strike vehicle occupants, and result in injury.
The fix: Dealers will secure the seat belt pretensioners with a cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 231. Th…
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
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…
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…
Buyer analysis
Hyundai Venue or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Venue has far fewer complaints per year (about 20) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 214), suggesting the Venue may have fewer reported problems overall. However, the Camry's higher volume also reflects its longer production span and larger sales. In practice, a buyer prioritizing lower complaint frequency might lean toward the Venue, but should still inspect for electrical and seat belt issues.
Key differences
- The Hyundai Venue averages about 20 complaints per year, while the Toyota Camry averages about 214 per year, indicating a much higher complaint rate for the Camry.
- Venue owners frequently report electrical issues like backup cameras staying on and window malfunctions, whereas Camry owners report power train grinding and sudden acceleration.
- The Camry has 31 recalls and 181 crash-related complaints, compared to the Venue's 5 recalls and 9 crash-related complaints.
- Seat belt complaints and recalls are prominent for the Venue, while brake failures and engine issues are more common for the Camry.
- Test the backup camera in all gears to ensure it turns off when not in reverse, as owners report it staying on in drive and neutral.
- Check all seat belts for proper latching and retraction, and ask if any seat belt recalls have been addressed, since there are multiple seat belt recalls.
- Listen for grinding noises during acceleration and test the transmission for smooth shifting, as owners report transmission replacement needs.
- Test the brakes on a slope or during a slow stop to check for any delay or failure, and have a mechanic inspect the brake system thoroughly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls using the VIN on the NHTSA website.
- Take a test drive that includes highway driving, braking on hills, and using the backup camera in different gears.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the electrical system, seat belts, and steering for the Venue; for the Camry, focus on power train, engine, and brakes.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and brake repairs.
- Verify that any recall repairs have been completed and ask for documentation.
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 Venue | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 119 |
| 2025 | 4 | 153 |
| 2024 | 18 | 48 |
| 2023 | 24 | 62 |
| 2022 | 22 | 59 |
| 2021 | 28 | 155 |
| 2020 | 42 | 270 |
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 Venue or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Venue vs Toyota Camry
- Hyundai Venue total complaints
- 139
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Hyundai Venue total recalls
- 5
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Hyundai Venue avg complaints/year
- 19.9
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai Venue
- Hyundai Venue top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN