Last updated: 2026-10-10
GMC vs Hyundai: Reliability Compared
GMC
5 models tracked
Hyundai
10 models tracked
GMC edges out Hyundai on reliability, though the two are effectively tied. GMC has fewer recalls and fewer complaints per vehicle sold, while Hyundai is cheaper to repair each year. Both brands stand at good, and both are improving.
Is GMC More Reliable Than Hyundai?
| Metric | GMC | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 71/100 | 70/100 |
| Models Tracked | 5 | 10 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 29 | 23 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 1164 | 1001 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $647/yr | $492/yr |
GMC Models
5 models ranked by reliability
GMC vs Hyundai: The Verdict
On reliability, GMC comes out slightly ahead, but it is effectively a tie. Both brands land at a good standing, and both show an improving recent trend. Crash, fire, and injury complaints weigh about the same on each side, and problems spread across systems in a similar way.
The deciding differences are recalls and cost. GMC has fewer federal recalls and fewer complaints per 1,000 sold. Hyundai wins on upkeep, with yearly repair costs well below GMC's. Engine trouble tops the complaint list for GMC, while electrical problems lead for Hyundai.
Where GMC and Hyundai Differ Most
| Component | Weight | GMC | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 61/100Good | 61/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 66/100Good | 68/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 81/100Excellent | 76/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 82/100Excellent |
GMC's advantage in recall impact (+5 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
GMC vs Hyundai: Strengths and Weaknesses
GMC
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (71/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($647/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 5 of 5 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 34 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Hyundai
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (70/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Very affordable maintenance ($492/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 9 of 10 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 126 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are GMC and Hyundai Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
GMC
Hyundai
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: GMC or Hyundai?
Based on independent repair cost data, Hyundai is cheaper to maintain at an average of $492/year compared to $647/year for GMC. That's a difference of $155/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
GMC Repair Cost Range
$548 – $747/yr
Average: $647/yr
Hyundai Repair Cost Range
$426 – $573/yr
Average: $492/yr
GMC vs Hyundai Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | GMC | Hyundai | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(3 vs 6 models) | 70/100 | 67/100 | GMC |
| Trucks(2 vs 1 models) | 71/100 | 68/100 | GMC |
GMC wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: GMC vs Hyundai
| Component | GMC | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 27%1,443 | 18%1,597 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 14%742 | 20%1,751 |
| POWER TRAIN | 22%1,163 | 15%1,289 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 7%388 | 12%1,095 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 8%408 | 8%745 |
| STEERING | 5%280 | 3%226 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 3%174 | 2%180 |
| SEAT BELTS | 0%18 | 4%330 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 1%29 | 3%272 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 4%241 | 1%55 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
GMC vs Hyundai Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
GMC
129
Crash reports
34
Fire reports
144
Injury reports
Hyundai
407
Crash reports
126
Fire reports
342
Injury reports
Every GMC and Hyundai Model Ranked
GMC Models
Hyundai Models
GMC vs Hyundai Reliability Trend by Year
GMC's reliability is improving — recent model years average 78/100, up from earlier years. Hyundai's reliability is improving — recent model years average 75/100.
Interestingly, both GMC and Hyundai show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | GMC | Hyundai | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 80/100(5) | 76/100(10) | GMC |
| 2025 | 76/100(5) | 74/100(10) | GMC |
| 2024 | 75/100(5) | 72/100(10) | GMC |
| 2023 | 67/100(5) | 67/100(10) | Tie |
| 2022 | 67/100(5) | 64/100(9) | GMC |
| 2021 | 66/100(5) | 69/100(7) | Hyundai |
| 2020 | 68/100(5) | 66/100(7) | GMC |
| 2019 | 69/100(4) | 68/100(5) | GMC |
| 2018 | 68/100(5) | 67/100(5) | GMC |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
GMC vs Hyundai: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between GMC and Hyundai. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy GMC vs Hyundai?
If you want a truck or a full-size SUV, lean toward GMC. The Canyon is the strongest of its models, and the 2024 is the pick. Skip the 2023, where the forward collision system brakes hard with nothing ahead. For the Yukon, target the 2020 and avoid the 2021, because engine lifter and camshaft failure can strike with no warning light.
If you want a low-cost commuter, lean toward Hyundai. The Elantra is the best bet, and the 2024 is the year to favor. Skip the 2020 and 2022, where sudden engine failure is the main worry. Be careful with the Ioniq 5, the weakest Hyundai in the data. Owners report sudden loss of drive power tied to the charging control unit, and the 2022 and 2023 years collect the most complaints. The 2024 is the better used pick.
The Bottom Line: GMC or Hyundai?
Choose GMC if you need a truck or big SUV and want fewer recalls. Choose Hyundai if low running costs matter most. The single strongest model across both lineups is the Hyundai Elantra, rated excellent, with the 2024 as the year to favor. Hyundai's lower repair costs add up to roughly $775 over five years compared with GMC.
GMC vs Hyundai: Common Questions
Is GMC more reliable than Hyundai?
Which brand has more recalls, GMC or Hyundai?
Which is cheaper to repair, GMC or Hyundai?
What is the most common GMC problem?
What is the most common Hyundai problem?
Comparing GMC vs Hyundai? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Related Make Comparisons
More GMC comparisons
How we score GMC and Hyundai models
Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.