Head-to-head reliability
BMW 335D vs Toyota Camry
How the BMW 335D 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 335D vs Toyota Camry: The BMW has 58 complaints over 3 years (19.3/yr) with engine stalling and airbag sensor failures, while the Camry has 2,081 complaints over 10 years (208.1/yr) including rollaway risk and moonroof shattering. The BMW's issues are more severe but less frequent. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW 335D or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW 335D
The BMW 335D is a diesel-powered luxury sedan that, based on NHTSA data, presents a high-maintenance ownership experience. With 58 complaints over 3 years (19.3 per year) and 15 recalls, owners frequently report engine stalling, overheating, and electrical failures that can leave them stranded. The airbag system also has notable issues, including a Takata recall and faulty occupancy sensors.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream sedan with a much higher complaint volume—2,081 over 10 years (208.1 per year)—but this reflects its larger sales base. Owners report problems with the powertrain (key stuck in ignition, rollaway risk), spontaneous moonroof shattering, and unintended braking. Despite 28 recalls, the Camry's issues are less likely to cause sudden loss of power compared to the BMW.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW 335D | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 58 Better | 2,081 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 15 Better | 28 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 177 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 19.3 Better | 208.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 4 Better | 161 |
| 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 335D
- 01AIR BAGS18
- 02ENGINE16
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM15
- 04POWER TRAIN6
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM6
Owners report the front passenger seat occupancy sensor failing (fault code 93C3), which disables the airbag for that seat, compromising safety. Additionally, the Takata inflator recall leaves some waiting for repairs.
Frequent overheating and stalling, with owners replacing injectors, carbon blasting, NOx sensors, and EGR modules. The engine can suddenly die while driving, creating a crash risk.
Sudden stalling while driving, often traced to diesel pump or injector failures. Also, blower motor wiring can deteriorate, affecting HVAC function.
Overheating and stalling issues overlap with engine complaints, with dealers unable to diagnose after multiple part replacements.
“- The component that has failed is the front passenger seat occupancy sensor, as indicated by an OBDII scan showing fault code 93C3, seat-occupancy detector, passenger. - The safety of any person in the front passenger seat is compromised because the passenge…”
“TAKATA RECALL: I AM STILL WAITING FOR MY RECALL TO BE FIXED. I'VE READ THAT THEY ARE FIXING OLDER MODELS AND THOSE IN HIGH HUMIDITY FIRST, BUT FIND IT INTERESTING THAT I RECEIVED A NOTICE TO FIX THE RECALL ON THE 2013 LEASED BMW BEFORE MY 2011 OWNED BMW. I LI…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN384
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER332
- 03ENGINE309
- 04SERVICE BRAKES288
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM233
The ignition key can be removed while the vehicle is in Drive, allowing rollaway. Also, the key gets stuck in Park, requiring battery disconnect to remove.
The moonroof can spontaneously shatter while driving, sounding like a gunshot, with no external cause. This poses a sudden safety hazard.
Owners report excessive engine noise, musty smells in the trunk, and vibration sounds when braking, though dealers often cannot replicate the issues.
Unintended braking activation occurs at various speeds, causing sudden deceleration. Also, grinding noises from rear brakes and thumping from the driver's side.
“The vehicle allows the engine to be turned off, key removed, while the vehicle is still in drive with no warning lights or sounds. I have tested and the vehicle can roll away. Complained to the toyota dealership and they said the service tech consulted with t…”
“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…”
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 335D — 15 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009 328i and 328xi, 2009-2011 335d, 2008-2012 M3 Coupe and M3 Convertible, and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. The connection of the positive battery cable at the fuse box terminal may degrade, resulting in an intermittent loss of electrical power.
The risk: A loss of electrical power can cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and secure the positive battery cable connector, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansio…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2011 BMW 335d vehicles with diesel engines. The connection of the positive battery cable at the fuse box terminal may degrade over time, possibly resulting in an intermittent loss of electrical power.
The risk: A loss of electrical power to the vehicle can cause the vehicle to unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on June 29, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi,…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and ai…
The risk: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may cont…
Toyota Camry — 28 recalls
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 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…
Buyer analysis
BMW 335D or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW 335D has far fewer complaints per year (19.3 vs 208.1), but its issues—engine stalling and electrical failures—are more severe and can leave you stranded. The Camry's higher complaint count includes many minor or intermittent problems, but its powertrain and brake issues also pose safety risks. In practice, the BMW demands more frequent repairs, while the Camry has a broader range of less predictable faults.
Key differences
- BMW 335D: Engine stalling and overheating are common, often requiring multiple part replacements (injectors, EGR, NOx sensor).
- Toyota Camry: Key can be removed in Drive (rollaway risk) and moonroof may shatter spontaneously.
- BMW: Airbag occupancy sensor failures disable passenger airbag; Takata recall affects some.
- Toyota: Unintended braking activation and grinding brakes are reported, along with engine noise and vibration.
- Check for any history of engine stalling or overheating repairs; inspect service records for injector, EGR, and NOx sensor replacements.
- Verify that the passenger seat occupancy sensor is functioning (no airbag warning light) and that any Takata recall has been completed.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park and Drive to ensure it only releases in Park; check for any sticking.
- Inspect the moonroof for cracks or previous replacement; listen for unusual brake noises during test drive.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- For the BMW 335D, request a diesel compression test and inspect the EGR system for carbon buildup.
- For the Toyota Camry, test the ignition key operation multiple times and check brake function at low speeds.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- Review NHTSA complaint records for the specific model year you are considering.
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 335D or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW 335D vs Toyota Camry
- BMW 335D total complaints
- 58
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,081
- BMW 335D total recalls
- 15
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 28
- BMW 335D avg complaints/year
- 19.3
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 208.1
- More reliable overall
- BMW 335D
- BMW 335D top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN