Head-to-head reliability
BMW 335xi vs Toyota Camry
How the BMW 335xi 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 335xi vs Toyota Camry: The 335xi has 0 complaints over 2 years and 7 recalls, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints over 10 years, 31 recalls, and 171 crash-related reports. The 335xi shows no reported injuries or deaths; the Camry shows 158 injuries and 1 death. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW 335xi or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW 335xi
The BMW 335xi is a performance-oriented all-wheel-drive sedan that, in this two-year data set, has zero owner complaints filed with NHTSA. That clean complaint record suggests owners may not be reporting common failures, but it does not mean the car is trouble-free. Seven recalls—mostly for air bag inflators and occupant sensors—show that safety-related fixes are part of ownership. For a used buyer, the 335xi demands attention to open recalls and potential electrical gremlins, even if the complaint count is low.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream family sedan with a much larger data footprint: 2,056 complaints over ten years, averaging about 206 per year. Owners report a wide range of issues, from power train hesitation and stuck ignition keys to brake noises and electrical malfunctions. The high complaint volume and 171 crash-related reports mean buyers should expect to encounter documented problems. Still, the Camry's issues are well-known and often addressed by dealers, which can make them easier to manage.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW 335xi | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 7 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 335xi
No component data available.
Recalls cover driver-side frontal air bag inflator modules and occupant classification sensors. A faulty inflator can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin during deployment, while a bad occupant sensor may misclassify a passenger and suppress or misdeploy the air bag. Buyers should verify these recalls are completed.
One recall involves electrical system wiring. While no owner complaints describe the exact symptom, wiring faults can cause intermittent no-starts, lighting failures, or sensor errors. For a used 335xi, inspect for aftermarket wiring or signs of rodent damage.
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key becoming stuck and unable to be removed even when the dashboard shows Park; the only workaround is disconnecting the battery. Others describe hesitation and shuddering while driving with the check engine light on. These issues can leave you stranded or cause delayed acceleration.
Complaints include a several-second delay in throttle response when pressing the accelerator from a stop, and repeated hesitation/shuddering with the check engine light. This can make merging or pulling out into traffic feel unpredictable.
Owners report the electronic parking brake failing to disengage, requiring a tow and manual release. Another common complaint is a clicking or vibrating sound from the brake pedal area, which dealers attribute to the ABS system. These symptoms can affect confidence in stopping and parking.
One complaint describes multiple systems—smart stop, stability control, electric power steering, blind spot monitoring, secondary collision brake, and lane keeping—all malfunctioning at once. Such a cascade suggests a shared electrical or gateway fault that could disable several safety aids simultaneously.
“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 335xi — 7 recalls
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…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a spor…
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: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. 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…
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 335xi or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW 335xi has far fewer complaints per year (0 vs. about 206 for the Camry) and no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in this data. The Camry, by contrast, has 171 crash-related reports and 158 injuries over ten years. In practice, the 335xi appears less likely to generate owner-reported problems, but its seven recalls still require attention.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: BMW 335xi has 0 complaints over 2 years; Toyota Camry has 2,056 over 10 years (about 206 per year).
- Safety outcomes: Camry data includes 171 crash-related reports, 158 injuries, and 1 death; 335xi shows 0 in all three categories.
- Recall focus: 335xi recalls center on air bag inflators and occupant sensors; Camry recalls include wheels/lugs, seats, and occupant sensors.
- Reported symptoms: Camry owners describe stuck ignition keys, hesitation/shuddering, EPB failure, and brake pedal noise; 335xi has no owner complaint text, so only recall subjects are known.
- Check for open air bag inflator and occupant classification sensor recalls—uncompleted recalls mean a potential safety risk.
- Inspect electrical wiring for signs of chafing, corrosion, or aftermarket modifications that could cause intermittent faults.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park—if it sticks, you may need to disconnect the battery to shut off the car.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating from the brake pedal area and test the electronic parking brake engagement/disengagement; both are common complaint points.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are completed, especially air bag and occupant sensor recalls on both vehicles.
- For the Camry, test drive at various speeds to feel for hesitation or shuddering, and check for a check engine light.
- For the Camry, operate the electronic parking brake multiple times and listen for abnormal brake pedal noises.
- For the 335xi, have a mechanic inspect the electrical system and wiring for any signs of damage or prior repairs.
- Obtain a pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on the reported complaint areas.
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 335xi or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW 335xi vs Toyota Camry
- BMW 335xi total complaints
- 0
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- BMW 335xi total recalls
- 7
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- BMW 335xi avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- BMW 335xi
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN