Head-to-head reliability
BMW 440I vs Toyota Camry
How the BMW 440I 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 440I vs Toyota Camry: The BMW 440I has 0 complaints and 7 recalls over 4 years, while the Toyota Camry has 2056 complaints and 31 recalls over 10 years. The Camry averages 205.6 complaints per year, with 171 crash-related and 158 injuries. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW 440I or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW 440I
The BMW 440I is a sporty coupe that, based on NHTSA data, has no owner complaints filed over four years. However, it has seven recalls, including multiple air bag issues and an engine cooling recall. This suggests that while owners may not be reporting problems, there are known safety defects that require attention.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream sedan with a high volume of owner complaints—over 2,000 in ten years—and 31 recalls. The complaints cover a wide range of systems, from power train to brakes, and include reports of crashes and injuries. This indicates that many owners experience persistent issues that can affect safety and reliability.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW 440I | 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 440I
No component data available.
Recalls for knee bolster and passenger side inflator module mean the air bag system may not deploy correctly in a crash. Buyers should verify these recalls have been fixed.
A recall for engine cooling suggests potential overheating or coolant leaks. This could lead to costly repairs if not addressed.
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 shuddering/hesitation while driving with check engine light. These issues can leave you stranded or cause unsafe driving conditions.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when accelerating, which can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic. This hesitation may be a recurring defect.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow, and a clicking/vibrating noise from the brake pedal area is reported as common. Brake problems directly affect stopping ability.
Multiple systems like stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring can malfunction simultaneously, as reported by owners. This can compromise vehicle control and safety features.
“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 440I — 7 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive, M2 Competition Coupe, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, M4, and 2019 330i xDrive Sportswagon vehicles. The driver and passenger knee air bag assemblies may have been improperly folded and asse…
The risk: An improperly folded and assembled air bag may not deploy as intended, increasing risk of injury.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the knee air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began July 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive, M2 Competition Coupe, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, M4, and 2019 330i xDrive Sportswagon vehicles. The driver and passenger knee air bag assemblies may have been improperly folded and asse…
The risk: An improperly folded and assembled air bag may not deploy as intended, increasing risk of injury.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the knee air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began July 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 540d xDrive vehicles. The crankshaft sensor may be equipped with incorrect firmware, preventing the sensor from properly processing input from the crankshaft reluctor ring, possibly resulting in a vehicle stall. On September 12, 2018, BM…
The risk: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft sensor, free of charge. The recall began September 6, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling one each of 2019 BMW 430i xDrive Gran Coupe, 440i xDrive Gran Coupe and 430i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The front passenger air bag inflator may have been incorrectly manufactured, potentially affecting the air bag deployment performance in the event o…
The risk: If the front passenger air bag does not deploy properly in the event of a crash, the occupant has an increased risk of injury.
The fix: All affected vehicles are still in dealer inventory. Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag module, free of charge.
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 440I or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW 440I has far fewer complaints per year (0 vs. about 206 for the Camry), but it has more recalls relative to its complaint count. In practice, the Camry's high complaint volume means you're more likely to encounter reported problems, while the BMW's recalls indicate specific safety defects that should be checked.
Key differences
- The BMW 440I has zero owner complaints but seven recalls, including air bag and engine cooling issues, while the Camry has over 2,000 complaints and 31 recalls covering many systems.
- Camry owners report specific failures like stuck ignition keys, transmission shuddering, and brake noise, whereas the BMW has no complaint text to reveal such patterns.
- The Camry's complaints include 171 crash-related incidents and 158 injuries, highlighting potential safety consequences, while the BMW has no reported crashes or injuries.
- The BMW's recalls focus on air bags and engine cooling, while the Camry's recalls include wheels, seats, and air bag sensors, indicating different areas of concern.
- Check for open recalls on the air bag system, especially knee bolster and passenger side inflator, as these affect crash safety.
- Inspect the engine cooling system for leaks or overheating signs, as a recall exists for engine cooling.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park; if it sticks, it could be a recurring power train defect.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area and check if the electronic parking brake disengages properly, as these are reported brake issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, prioritizing air bag and engine recalls for the BMW and power train and brake recalls for the Camry.
- For the Camry, test drive at various speeds to feel for hesitation or shuddering, and try removing the key after parking to check for the stuck key issue.
- For the BMW, ask for proof that all recalls have been completed, especially those related to air bags and engine cooling.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Camry's brakes, including the electronic parking brake and ABS system, for unusual noises or failure to disengage.
- For the Camry, check that all electrical systems (stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring) function correctly during a test drive.
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 440I | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 0 | 274 |
| 2019 | 0 | 395 |
| 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 440I or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW 440I vs Toyota Camry
- BMW 440I total complaints
- 0
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- BMW 440I total recalls
- 7
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- BMW 440I avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- BMW 440I
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN