Last updated: 2026-10-10
Honda vs Hyundai: Reliability Compared
Honda
9 models tracked
Hyundai
10 models tracked
Honda edges out Hyundai on reliability, mainly because its cars cost less to keep running each year. Both brands hold a good standing and both are improving. Hyundai has fewer recalls and fewer complaints per car sold, so the gap is small.
Is Honda More Reliable Than Hyundai?
| Metric | Honda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 74/100 | 70/100 |
| Models Tracked | 9 | 10 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 38 | 23 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 2118 | 1001 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $441/yr | $492/yr |
Honda vs Hyundai: The Verdict
A slight edge goes to Honda, and upkeep is the clearest reason. Independent repair-cost data averages $441 a year for Honda against $492 for Hyundai. Honda also ranks stronger in sedans, SUVs, and trucks.
Hyundai wins on recall impact, with 232 recalls to Honda's 338, and owners file fewer complaints per 1,000 sold. Complaint severity and the spread of problems across systems come out even. Hyundai's weak spots are concentrated, though: sudden engine failure on the Elantra and loss of drive power on the Ioniq 5.
Where Honda and Hyundai Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Honda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 61/100Good | 61/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 84/100Excellent | 68/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 74/100Good | 76/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 82/100Excellent |
The biggest gap is in repair costs, where Honda scores 16 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Honda vs Hyundai: Strengths and Weaknesses
Honda
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (74/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Very affordable maintenance ($441/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 9 of 9 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 69 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 Honda and Hyundai Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Honda
Hyundai
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Honda or Hyundai?
Based on independent repair cost data, Honda is cheaper to maintain at an average of $441/year compared to $492/year for Hyundai. The difference is relatively small, so maintenance costs shouldn't be a major deciding factor between these makes.
Honda Repair Cost Range
$301 – $547/yr
Average: $441/yr
Hyundai Repair Cost Range
$426 – $573/yr
Average: $492/yr
Honda vs Hyundai Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Honda | Hyundai | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(2 vs 3 models) | 77/100 | 75/100 | Honda |
| SUVs(5 vs 6 models) | 73/100 | 67/100 | Honda |
| Trucks(1 vs 1 models) | 77/100 | 68/100 | Honda |
Honda wins 3 out of 3 shared categories.
Common Problems: Honda vs Hyundai
| Component | Honda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 18%2,940 | 20%1,751 |
| STEERING | 19%3,164 | 3%226 |
| ENGINE | 9%1,523 | 18%1,597 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 8%1,404 | 12%1,095 |
| POWER TRAIN | 7%1,149 | 15%1,289 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 10%1,664 | 3%254 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%876 | 8%745 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | 7%1,142 | 0%20 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 2%415 | 3%260 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 2%368 | 3%272 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Honda vs Hyundai Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Honda
584
Crash reports
69
Fire reports
520
Injury reports
Hyundai
407
Crash reports
126
Fire reports
342
Injury reports
Every Honda and Hyundai Model Ranked
Honda Models
Hyundai Models
Honda vs Hyundai Reliability Trend by Year
Honda's reliability is improving — recent model years average 82/100, up from earlier years. Hyundai's reliability is improving — recent model years average 75/100.
Both makes are trending improving in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | Honda | Hyundai | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 84/100(9) | 76/100(10) | Honda |
| 2025 | 79/100(9) | 74/100(10) | Honda |
| 2024 | 78/100(9) | 72/100(10) | Honda |
| 2023 | 74/100(8) | 67/100(10) | Honda |
| 2022 | 74/100(8) | 64/100(9) | Honda |
| 2021 | 75/100(8) | 69/100(7) | Honda |
| 2020 | 70/100(8) | 66/100(7) | Honda |
| 2019 | 65/100(8) | 68/100(5) | Hyundai |
| 2018 | 66/100(7) | 67/100(5) | Hyundai |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Honda vs Hyundai: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Honda and Hyundai. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Honda vs Hyundai?
If you want the lowest running costs, lean Honda. Target the HR-V, ideally a 2021, and avoid the 2019 and 2023. Steering and electrical complaints lead Honda's problem list, so test the steering and every screen on a drive. Skip a 2025 Prologue, since dealers often return those cars unrepaired. The 2024 is the one to favor.
Lean Hyundai if a low complaint rate and lighter recall impact matter more than yearly cost. The Elantra ranks best in the lineup, and a 2024 is the year to favor. Skip the 2020 and 2022, where heavy oil burning can end in a seized engine, often with no warning light. Electric shoppers should treat the Ioniq 5 with care. The 2022 and 2023 collect the most complaints about lost drive power, and the 2024 is the better used choice.
The Bottom Line: Honda or Hyundai?
Pick Honda if you want lower upkeep and the slightly stronger record. The HR-V is the strongest model across both lineups, and a 2021 is the year to favor. Hyundai costs about $51 more per year to repair, which is roughly $255 over five years. That is a modest gap, so a clean 2024 Elantra is still a sound buy. Avoid the Ioniq 5 from 2022 and 2023.
Honda vs Hyundai: Common Questions
Is Honda more reliable than Hyundai?
Which brand has more recalls, Honda or Hyundai?
Which is cheaper to repair, Honda or Hyundai?
What are the most common Honda problems?
What is the biggest risk with a used Hyundai?
Comparing Honda vs Hyundai? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Related Make Comparisons
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How we score Honda 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.