Head-to-head reliability
BMW 228I vs Toyota Camry
How the BMW 228I 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
BMW 228I vs Toyota Camry: The BMW 228I has 17 complaints and 13 recalls over 10 years, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints and 31 recalls. The BMW's issues include electrical failures and engine smoke; the Camry's include power train hesitation and brake problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW 228I or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW 228I
The BMW 228I is a small luxury coupe that sees low annual mileage in NHTSA data—about 1.7 complaints per year over a decade. Owners report serious electrical and engine cooling problems, including instrument panels going blank, smoke from the engine bay, and windshield wipers operating on their own. These are not minor annoyances; they can leave you stranded or create safety risks while driving.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream family sedan with a much higher complaint volume—about 206 per year—but that reflects its huge sales numbers. Owners describe power train hesitation, shuddering, stuck ignition keys, and brake noises, along with occasional failures of driver-assist systems. Many of these issues are drivability or convenience problems rather than sudden breakdowns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW 228I | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 17 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 13 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.7 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 Better | 158 |
| 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.
BMW 228I
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM8
- 02ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING5
- 03ENGINE3
- 04AIR BAGS2
- 05POWER TRAIN2
Owners report the instrument panel going blank while driving at 65 mph and smoke coming from the engine compartment. Another complaint describes windshield wipers running on their own, stopping mid-windshield, and the vehicle stalling. These electrical faults can distract or disable you in traffic.
Multiple complaints mention smoke from the engine compartment, sometimes with no warning light. One owner received a recall notice for a cooling system issue. Smoke and overheating can lead to costly engine damage if not addressed quickly.
One owner of a related BMW model reported the engine suddenly stopped working at 52 mph, nearly causing a crash. For the 228I, engine complaints often overlap with electrical and cooling symptoms. A sudden shutdown at speed is a serious safety concern.
One complaint describes unintended acceleration while parking, leading to a crash into a tree; another says the airbags failed to deploy in a multi-car pile-up. Airbag non-deployment in a crash is a critical safety issue that buyers should verify via recall history.
“The contact owns a 2015 BMW 228I. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the instrument panel went blank and there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BMW 228I. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STARTED TO FUNCTION INDEPENDENTLY AND THEN STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE WIPER MOTOR MALFUNCTION WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, THE VEHICLE STALLED, AND T…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck and not releasing even when the car is in Park, requiring a battery disconnect to remove it. Others describe hesitation and shuddering with the check engine light on. These issues can leave you unable to secure or start the car reliably.
Complaints include a several-second delay in throttle response when pressing the accelerator from a stop. This lag can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic. The problem appears intermittent, making it hard to diagnose.
Owners report the electronic parking brake failing to disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer. Another common complaint is a clicking or vibrating sound from the brake pedal area, which the manufacturer calls normal for the 2023 Camry. A parking brake that won't release can strand you.
One owner described multiple systems failing at once: smart stop, stability control, electric power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping assist. Another mentioned subframe, driveline, and traction control issues. Widespread electronic failures can make the car unpredictable.
“My 2023 Toyota Camry has developed an intermittent defect where the ignition key becomes stuck and cannot be removed even though the dashboard shows the vehicle is in Park. The only way to remove the key is to disconnect the vehicle's battery, which is not a…”
“The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitating and shuddering, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle…”
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.
BMW 228I — 13 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2024 228i, 228i xDrive, and 2025 MINI Countryman S ALL4 vehicles. The bolts that connect the front body structure to the vehicle chassis may not have been tightened properly.
The risk: A loose front body structure may not adequately protect occupants in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and if necessary, tighten the front structure bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2024. Owners may contact BMW Customer Service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 20…
The risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-52…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022 X1 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive30i, and 228i Gran Coupe vehicles. The high-pressure fuel rail may crack and result in a fuel leak within the engine compartment.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel rail, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 19, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2022 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, 2022 430i Coupe, 2021-2022 430i, M440i Convertible, and 2020-2022 228i xDrive Gran Coupe vehicles. The receiver audio module control unit software may fail to properly generate audible seat belt warnings to the…
The risk: An audible chime that does not properly alert the driver to fasten their seat belt increases the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the receiver audio module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 12, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
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…
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…
Buyer analysis
BMW 228I or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW 228I has far fewer complaints per year (1.7 vs. 205.6), but its problems tend to be severe—smoke, stalling, and airbag failures. The Camry's higher count reflects its much larger sales volume, and many issues are drivability or convenience related. In practice, the BMW may need fewer visits to the shop but each visit could be more expensive and safety-critical.
Key differences
- The BMW 228I has only 17 complaints over 10 years, but they include smoke from the engine bay, blank instrument panels, and airbags not deploying in a crash.
- The Toyota Camry has 2,056 complaints over 10 years, with common reports of hesitation, shuddering, stuck ignition keys, and electronic parking brake failures.
- The BMW 228I has 13 recalls, including cooling system and fuel rail issues; the Camry has 31 recalls, covering seats, airbag sensors, and wheel studs.
- Crash-related complaints are far higher for the Camry (171 vs. 2 for the BMW), but that likely reflects the Camry's much larger number of vehicles on the road.
- Check for any signs of electrical gremlins: test the instrument panel, wipers, and warning lights during a test drive, and ask if the battery or alternator has been replaced.
- Inspect the engine bay for smoke residue or coolant leaks, and confirm that all open recalls (especially for cooling system and fuel rail) have been performed.
- Test the ignition key removal multiple times, especially after shifting into Park, to see if it sticks; also listen for clicking or vibrating from the brake pedal area.
- Check that the electronic parking brake engages and disengages smoothly, and ask if any software updates or repairs have been done for the brake system.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all safety recalls have been completed for the specific VIN.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic who specializes in the brand—BMW electrical systems or Toyota power train and brakes.
- During the test drive, deliberately test all electronics: instrument panel, wipers, air conditioning, windows, and driver-assist features.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for oil changes, cooling system service, and any transmission or brake work.
- For the Camry, verify that the ignition key releases easily and that the electronic parking brake works without noise or delay.
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 | BMW 228I | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 0 | 163 |
| 2024 | 0 | 50 |
| 2023 | 0 | 64 |
| 2022 | 0 | 61 |
| 2021 | 0 | 157 |
| 2020 | 0 | 274 |
| 2018 | 0 | 744 |
| 2017 | 0 | 148 |
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 BMW 228I or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW 228I vs Toyota Camry
- BMW 228I total complaints
- 17
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- BMW 228I total recalls
- 13
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- BMW 228I avg complaints/year
- 1.7
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- BMW 228I
- BMW 228I top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN