Last updated: 2026-03-04

Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Tesla Model Y: Reliability Compared

Choosing between the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Tesla Model Y? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two compact suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Tesla Model Y currently leads with an average score of 55/100 compared to 52/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Tesla Model Y Generations Compare?

The Tesla Model Y is currently in its first generation, which began in 2020 and is expected to run until 2025. A significant facelift is planned for 2025, making the current iteration a mature platform that is generally well-sorted in terms of reliability. Vehicles late in their generation cycle, like the Model Y, often benefit from refinements and resolved early production issues. In contrast, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is in its first generation (NE), which started in 2022 and will continue until 2024, with a facelift occurring in 2024. As a relatively new platform, the Ioniq 5 may exhibit some first-year issues, but the upcoming facelift could address initial concerns, enhancing reliability.

Verdict

The Tesla Model Y is more reliable than the Hyundai Ioniq 5, scoring 55/100 vs 52/100.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 edges out the Tesla Model Y in terms of reliability, with a slightly higher reliability score of 44/100 compared to Tesla's 41/100. While the Ioniq 5 has a higher owner complaint rate per 10,000 sold at 63.4 versus the Model Y's 24.3, its recall history is significantly better, with only 18 recalls over five years compared to the Model Y's 83 over six years. Both vehicles face common issues with their electrical systems and forward collision avoidance, but the Ioniq 5's lower recall frequency suggests a more stable overall performance. Without detailed annual repair cost estimates, these factors become critical in assessing long-term reliability.

Key Differences

  1. 1Hyundai Ioniq 5 has 65 fewer total recalls
  2. 2Tesla Model Y has 39.1 fewer complaints per 10k sold
  3. 3Tesla Model Y scores 3 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

1Hyundai Ioniq 5
2Tesla Model Y
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Tesla Model Y: Which Is More Reliable?

Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Tesla Model Y at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricHyundai Ioniq 5Tesla Model Y
Reliability Score52/10055/100
Years Tracked56
Total Recalls1883
Complaints per 10k Sold63.424.3
Year Wins04

What Are the Common Problems With the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Tesla Model Y?

The Tesla Model Y registers a higher number of total complaints compared to the Hyundai Ioniq 5, with significant issues in forward collision avoidance, vehicle speed control, and the electrical system. Notably, the Model Y has a considerable number of crash-linked complaints in areas such as steering (60) and airbags (42), suggesting potential safety concerns. In contrast, the Hyundai Ioniq 5's most prevalent issue lies in the electrical system, accounting for over half of its complaints, yet with minimal crash linkage (5). While the Ioniq 5 shows fewer overall complaints, its power train and electrical system issues could indicate areas needing improvement, though they present less of a safety risk compared to the Model Y's profile.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Tesla Model Y common problem areas comparison
ComponentHyundai Ioniq 5Tesla Model Y
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM36.8High2.4Low
POWER TRAIN12.1Above Avg0.4Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE1.4Low6.3Average
UNKNOWN OR OTHER2.9Low2.3Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1.3Low3.1Average
STEERING0.9Very Low2.4Low
SERVICE BRAKES1.2Low1.9Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1.5LowNone
SUSPENSIONNone0.9Very Low
LANE DEPARTURE0.4Very Low0.2Very Low
AIR BAGSNone0.6Very Low
ENGINE0.4Very LowNone
TIRES0.4Very LowNone
EXTERIOR LIGHTING0.3Very LowNone
VISIBILITY/WIPER0.3Very LowNone
STRUCTURENone0.2Very Low
BACK OVER PREVENTIONNone0.2Very Low
PARKING BRAKE0.1Very LowNone
SEAT BELTSNone0.1Very Low

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

How Does Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Tesla Model Y Reliability Compare by Year?

Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Tesla Model Y year-by-year reliability scores
YearHyundai Ioniq 5Tesla Model YEdge
202553/1008R / 158C70/1002R / 69CTesla Model Y
202458/1002R / 134C63/1005R / 254CTesla Model Y
202350/1003R / 311C53/10015R / 997CTesla Model Y
202246/1003R / 349C50/10018R / 783CTesla Model Y

Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 scored 58/100 and the 2025 Tesla Model Y scored 70/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs the Tesla Model Y?

If you prioritize a car with fewer recalls and a lower likelihood of needing repairs, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 may be the better choice for you. With a reliability score of 44/100 and only 18 total recalls, it presents a slightly more dependable option, despite having a higher number of owner complaints per 10,000 sold at 63.4. This model addresses issues primarily with its electrical system and power train, which are common concerns in electric vehicles. On the other hand, if you're interested in a vehicle with fewer owner complaints, the Tesla Model Y might suit your needs better. It has a lower complaint rate at 24.3 per 10,000 sold, although it has faced more recalls, totaling 83. Key issues include forward collision avoidance and vehicle speed control, which might be a consideration if safety features are a priority for you.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Tesla Model Y: Common Questions

Is the Hyundai Ioniq 5 more reliable than the Tesla Model Y?
Based on our data, the Tesla Model Y is more reliable with an average score of 55/100 compared to 52/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or the Tesla Model Y?
The Tesla Model Y has more recalls (83) compared to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 (18). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or the Tesla Model Y?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Tesla Model Y has a lower complaint rate at 24.3 per 10,000 sold versus 63.4 for the Hyundai Ioniq 5. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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.

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