Vehicle 1

BMW 328I

1,375 complaints · 54 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Toyota Camry

1,900 complaints · 26 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

BMW 328i vs Toyota Camry: The BMW has 137.5 complaints per year and 54 recalls, while the Camry has 190 complaints per year and 26 recalls. The BMW's top issue is engine (428), and the Camry's is power train (340). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

3
BMW 328I
wins 3 of 4 categories
1
Toyota Camry
wins 1 of 4 categories
CategoryBMW 328IToyota Camry
Total Complaints
All years combined
1,375
✓ lower
1,900
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
54
26
✓ lower
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
83
✓ lower
165
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
137.5
✓ lower
190.0

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

BMW 328I

1. ENGINE428
2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM351
3. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING314
4. AIR BAGS206
5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER119

Toyota Camry

1. POWER TRAIN340
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER301
3. ENGINE295
4. SERVICE BRAKES278
5. AIR BAGS218
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Toyota Camry has more complaints per year (190) than the BMW 328i (137.5), but the BMW has more recalls (54 vs 26). This means the Camry may have more frequent issues, while the BMW's problems are more likely to be addressed through recalls.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer recalls and are willing to research common issues, choose the Camry. If you prefer a lower complaint rate and can check for recall completion, choose the BMW. Always get a pre-purchase inspection for either.

Key Differences
  • BMW has 54 recalls vs Camry's 26, indicating more safety-related campaigns.
  • Camry has 165 crash complaints vs BMW's 83, suggesting more reported collision incidents.
  • BMW's top issue is ENGINE (428 complaints), while Camry's top is POWER TRAIN (340).
  • Camry has 190 complaints/year vs BMW's 137.5, meaning higher annual complaint frequency.
⚠ Watch on BMW 328I
  • Check for unresolved engine and electrical system issues, as these are the top complaint categories.
  • Verify all 54 recalls have been performed, especially air bag recalls (206 complaints).
⚠ Watch on Toyota Camry
  • Inspect the power train and service brakes, as these are top complaint areas.
  • Look for signs of crash damage or unrepaired issues, given 165 crash complaints.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Obtain a vehicle history report to check for accidents and recall completion.
  • Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection.
  • Test drive and listen for unusual engine or transmission noises.
  • Check for any open recalls using the VIN on NHTSA.gov.
  • Review service records for regular maintenance, especially for engine and electrical systems.
BMW 328I vs Toyota Camry — comparison facts
Comparison
BMW 328I vs Toyota Camry
BMW 328I total complaints
1,375
Toyota Camry total complaints
1,900
BMW 328I total recalls
54
Toyota Camry total recalls
26
BMW 328I avg complaints/year
137.5
Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
190.0
More reliable overall
BMW 328I
BMW 328I top complaint area
ENGINE
Toyota Camry top complaint area
POWER TRAIN
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

BMW 328IReliability & Problems

1,375 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Toyota CamryReliability & Problems

1,900 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific BMW 328I or Toyota Camry?

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