Last updated: 2026-07-26
Hyundai vs Infiniti: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Hyundai
10 models tracked
Infiniti
1 models tracked
Comparing Hyundai and Infiniti on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Infiniti currently leads with an average score of 75/100 compared to 70/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Hyundai More Reliable Than Infiniti?
| Metric | Hyundai | Infiniti |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 70/100 | 75/100 |
| Models Tracked | 10 | 1 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 23 | 13 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 1001 | 182 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $492/yr | $639/yr |
Hyundai vs Infiniti: The Verdict
Infiniti edges out Hyundai on reliability, though both makes have solid options. Across 10 Hyundai and 1 Infiniti models, Infiniti averages 75/100 to 70/100 — a 5-point gap built from NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and independent repair cost data.
On the cost front, Hyundai is cheaper to maintain at $492/year versus $639/year. Over 5 years, that's roughly $735 in savings. That maintenance gap adds up — budget-conscious buyers should factor in that Hyundai advantage.
Where Hyundai and Infiniti Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Hyundai | Infiniti |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 61/100Good | 68/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 68/100Good | 70/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 76/100Good | 84/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 84/100Excellent |
The biggest gap is in recall impact, where Infiniti scores 8 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Hyundai vs Infiniti: Strengths and Weaknesses
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
Infiniti
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (75/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($639/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Hyundai or Infiniti?
Based on independent repair cost data, Hyundai is cheaper to maintain at an average of $492/year compared to $639/year for Infiniti. That's a difference of $147/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Hyundai Repair Cost Range
$426 – $573/yr
Average: $492/yr
Hyundai vs Infiniti Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Hyundai | Infiniti | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(6 vs 1 models) | 67/100 | 75/100 | Infiniti |
Infiniti wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Hyundai vs Infiniti
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Hyundai | Infiniti |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 20%1,751 | 20%27 |
| ENGINE | 18%1,626 | 13%18 |
| POWER TRAIN | 15%1,289 | 23%32 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 13%1,130 | 18%24 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 9%754 | 8%11 |
| SEAT BELTS | 4%329 | — |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 3%299 | 3%4 |
| STEERING | 3%278 | 1%2 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 2%207 | 3%4 |
| SEATS | 0%15 | 3%4 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Hyundai vs Infiniti Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Hyundai owners reported 396 crash-related, 126 fire-related, and 328 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Infiniti owners reported 5 crash-related, 1 fire-related, and 8 injury-related complaints. Infiniti has fewer severe incident reports overall. These counts reflect owner-reported incidents and don't establish causation — but they're a useful signal for comparing safety profiles.
Hyundai
396
Crash reports
126
Fire reports
328
Injury reports
Infiniti
5
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
8
Injury reports
Every Hyundai and Infiniti Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Hyundai Models
Infiniti Models
Hyundai vs Infiniti Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Hyundai's reliability is improving — recent model years average 75/100, up from earlier years. Infiniti's reliability is improving — recent model years average 79/100.
Both makes are trending improving in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | Hyundai | Infiniti | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 76/100(10) | 82/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2025 | 74/100(10) | 76/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2024 | 72/100(10) | 73/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2023 | 67/100(10) | 72/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2022 | 64/100(9) | 73/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2021 | 69/100(7) | 81/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2020 | 66/100(7) | 74/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2019 | 68/100(5) | 71/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2018 | 67/100(5) | 72/100(1) | Infiniti |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: Hyundai or Infiniti?
Infiniti has the edge, but don't let a modest score gap override other factors like price, features, and dealer experience.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Hyundai Elantra leads both lineups with a score of 80/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Hyundai costs less to maintain — $492/year vs $639/year.
All scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data combined with independent repair cost databases. Check individual model pages for year-specific reliability data before making a final decision.
Hyundai vs Infiniti: Common Questions
Is Hyundai more reliable than Infiniti?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Hyundai or Infiniti?
Which make has more recalls, Hyundai or Infiniti?
What are the most reliable models from Hyundai and Infiniti?
What are the most common problems with Hyundai and Infiniti vehicles?
How many Hyundai and Infiniti models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Hyundai or Infiniti?
Are Hyundai and Infiniti getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Hyundai or Infiniti?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Hyundai or Infiniti?
Comparing Hyundai vs Infiniti? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.