Head-to-head reliability
BMW 328D vs Toyota Camry
How the BMW 328D 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 328D vs Toyota Camry: The BMW 328D averaged 36 complaints per year over 5 years, while the Toyota Camry averaged 206 per year over 10 years. The BMW had 24 recalls and 1 injury; the Camry had 31 recalls and 158 injuries. Both have notable issues, but the BMW's are often more severe. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW 328D or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW 328D
The BMW 328D is a diesel sedan that demands attentive ownership. Over five years, it averaged 36 complaints per year, with most issues centered on the engine, fuel system, and emissions hardware. Owners frequently report smoke, fuel pump failures, and emissions-related faults, often after recall work. This suggests a car that can be rewarding but may require regular, potentially costly, maintenance.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream family sedan with a much higher annual complaint rate—about 206 per year over ten years. However, many complaints involve power train hesitation, brake noises, and electrical glitches rather than catastrophic failures. The Camry's issues are more numerous but often less severe, and it has a strong reputation for longevity. Still, the volume of reports means buyers should be aware of common annoyances.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW 328D | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 180 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 24 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 5 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 36.0 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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 328D
- 01ENGINE63
- 02FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM56
- 03FUEL SYSTEM32
- 04DIESEL30
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER20
Owners report smoke from the wheel wells and engine bay after the car sits, as well as emissions faults like DDE code 2BB300 shortly after EGR cooler recall work. These symptoms can indicate costly repairs and may affect emissions compliance.
The Bosch CP4 high-pressure fuel pump can fail catastrophically, sending debris through the fuel system. This can lead to sudden power loss and a very expensive repair bill.
Complaints include oil filter housing leaks and abnormal engine sounds with poor acceleration at low speeds. These issues can cause drivability problems and may require significant engine work.
Similar to fuel system complaints, owners report oil leaks and acceleration failures. These are often tied to the diesel-specific components and can be frustrating for daily driving.
“Vehicle is 100% BMW Serviced for it's history, showroom to present. Vehicle had been smoking after sitting 2-3 days and driving. We'd park and see wisps of smoke coming from the wheelwells and engine bay. Alarming! Never witnessed open flame, but as the sayin…”
“I am reporting an emissions-related malfunction that occurred a very short time after BMW performed the EGR cooler recall and updated the DDE software on my vehicle. Shortly after the recall work, the vehicle began showing DDE fault code 2BB300 – Particulate…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove, and hesitation/shuddering with check engine lights. These issues can leave you stranded or cause expensive diagnostic and repair bills.
Multiple systems—stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—can malfunction simultaneously. This can be alarming and may indicate electrical or software problems.
Delayed throttle response and hesitation when accelerating are reported, sometimes with check engine lights. This can be a safety concern when merging or crossing traffic.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow, and some owners hear clicking or vibrating from the brake pedal area due to the ABS system. These issues can prevent the car from moving or cause annoyance.
“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 328D — 24 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2018 BMW 328d and 328d xDrive, 2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon and 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, 2014-2016 535d and 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d SAV and 2014-2017 X5 xDrive35d SAV vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recir…
The risk: The melting intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the EGR cooler as necessary. If a leak has already occurred, the engine intake manifold will also be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began May 13,…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2016 328d xDrive sedans and 2013-2015 328d xDrive station wagon vehicles. The constant-velocity joint which transfers power between the transfer case and the rear drive shaft, may become damaged, possibly resulting in loss of power to the re…
The risk: A loss of power to the rear wheels can affect vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the vehicle is parked after a loss of power to the rear wheels and the parking brake is not engaged, unintended rollaway can…
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the constant-velocity joint and inspect the transfer case, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 22, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2018 328d, 328d xDrive, 2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon, 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, 2014-2016 535d, 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d SAV, and 2014-2017 X5 xDrive35d SAV diesel vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculat…
The risk: A melting intake manifold increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the EGR cooler and inspect the intake manifold, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 18V-755. Vehicles previously recalled under 18V-755 will need to ha…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2018 328d, 328d xDrive, X5 xDrive35d, 2014-2016 535d, 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, and 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d vehicles. The high-pressure fuel pump may fail.
The risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 14, 2022. 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 328D or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW 328D has far fewer complaints per year (36 vs. 206), but its issues often involve major components like the engine and fuel pump, which can be very costly. The Camry's higher complaint volume includes many minor or electrical problems, but also some serious power train and brake concerns. In practice, the BMW may need fewer visits but each could be more expensive, while the Camry may have more frequent but generally less severe issues.
Key differences
- The BMW 328D averages 36 complaints per year, while the Toyota Camry averages 206 per year, but the BMW's complaints often involve catastrophic fuel pump failures and engine smoke.
- The Camry has 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries reported, compared to the BMW's 5 crash-related and 1 injury, though these numbers don't necessarily indicate fault.
- BMW owners report diesel-specific issues like EGR cooler problems and high-pressure fuel pump failure, while Camry owners report electronic parking brake failures and key stuck in Park.
- The BMW has 24 recalls over 5 years, while the Camry has 31 recalls over 10 years, suggesting both have had significant recall activity.
- Check for any smoke from the engine bay or wheel wells after the car has been sitting, which could indicate oil leaks or emissions issues.
- Ask for service records related to the EGR cooler recall and DDE software update, and check for fault codes like 2BB300.
- Test the electronic parking brake to ensure it disengages properly, and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area.
- Check for hesitation or shuddering during acceleration and ensure the ignition key can be removed easily when in Park.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and all available service records, paying attention to recalls and major repairs.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a mechanic experienced with the specific model (diesel BMW or Toyota Camry).
- For the BMW, specifically ask the mechanic to check the high-pressure fuel pump, EGR system, and for any oil leaks.
- For the Camry, test all electronic systems including the parking brake, stability control, and key removal, and check for transmission hesitation.
- Verify that all outstanding recalls have been completed by checking the NHTSA website with the VIN.
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 328D | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 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 328D or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW 328D vs Toyota Camry
- BMW 328D total complaints
- 180
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- BMW 328D total recalls
- 24
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- BMW 328D avg complaints/year
- 36.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- BMW 328D
- BMW 328D top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN