Head-to-head reliability
BMW 5 Series vs Toyota Camry
How the BMW 5 Series 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 5 Series vs Toyota Camry: The BMW 5 Series had 198 complaints over 10 years (about 20 per year) and 1 recall, while the Toyota Camry had 2,056 complaints (about 206 per year) and 31 recalls. Both show safety-related issues, but the Camry's complaint rate is much higher. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW 5 Series or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW 5 Series
The BMW 5 Series is a luxury sedan that averaged about 20 complaints per year over the past decade, with 198 total complaints. Owner reports cluster around air bags, electrical system, engine, and seat belts, often involving costly repairs like air bag covers, smoke from electrical faults, and seat belt mechanisms that won't release. With only 1 recall in that period, many issues may not be covered by free fixes, so budget for potential out-of-pocket repairs.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream family sedan that averaged about 206 complaints per year, totaling 2,056 over ten years. Complaints frequently mention power train hesitation or key removal problems, engine shuddering, brake noises, and multiple electrical glitches. It has 31 recalls, which means more factory-issued fixes but also more frequent trips to the dealer for recall work.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW 5 Series | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 198 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 1 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 23 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 19.8 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 23 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 5 Series
- 01AIR BAGS46
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM44
- 03ENGINE33
- 04SEAT BELTS29
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER24
Owners report air bag covers splitting or folding, and in crashes, air bags may not provide expected protection. This matters because air bag issues can directly affect safety in a collision.
Complaints include heavy white smoke from electrical faults and remote starters failing. Such problems can lead to sudden breakdowns or fire risk, making electrical inspections important.
Owners describe loud noises from the air conditioning compressor and abnormal rattling from the engine, possibly indicating oil pump failure. These can signal expensive engine repairs if ignored.
Reports say seat belts fail to detach after being connected, and passenger restraint failure codes appear. This is a serious safety concern because occupants may be trapped or unprotected.
“We were involved in a car accident. We were traveling through a traffic circle. The other car that was entering the circle failed to yield or even slow down and hit my car. The rear passenger side door was hit. I was driving and thrown into the driver door an…”
“The contact owns a 2021 BMW 530I. The contact stated that the edge of the air bag leather cover was folding in, which enlarged the split between the air bag cover and the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where it was inspected, and…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck even when in Park, and vehicles hesitating or shuddering with the check engine light on. These issues can leave you stranded or cause delayed acceleration.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, and shuddering with warning lights. This affects drivability and may point to costly engine or transmission repairs.
Owners describe the electronic parking brake not disengaging and clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area. Brake problems are critical for safety and can be expensive to fix.
Multiple systems like stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring can malfunction at once. This can make the car unpredictable and hard to control, especially at night.
“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 5 Series — 1 recall
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota GR Supra, 3 Series Sedan (330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, M3), 5 Series Sedan (530i, 530i xDrive, M5), 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive), 4 Series Convertible (430i, 430i xDrive, M440…
The risk: Transmission oil that leaks into the control unit can lead to a seizure of the transmission gears, causing a sudden loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the transmission mechatronics module and the automatic transmission fluid, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 26, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-741…
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 5 Series or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW 5 Series has far fewer complaints per year (about 20 vs. 206 for the Camry), but both have serious reported issues. In practice, the BMW may need fewer visits for complaints, but when problems occur, they can be costly and safety-related. The Camry's higher complaint volume means more frequent owner-reported problems, though its many recalls may address some defects for free.
Key differences
- BMW 5 Series averages about 20 complaints per year; Toyota Camry averages about 206 per year, a tenfold difference.
- BMW complaints often involve air bags, seat belts, and electrical smoke; Camry complaints often involve power train hesitation, brake noises, and multiple electrical malfunctions.
- The Camry has 31 recalls versus 1 for the BMW, meaning more factory-issued fixes but also more potential dealer visits.
- Both have crash-related complaints and injuries, but the Camry also reports 1 death, while the BMW reports 0 deaths in the data.
- Check for air bag cover splitting or folding on the steering wheel, and ask if any air bag recalls or repairs were done.
- Test all seat belts to ensure they retract and release properly, and look for any passenger restraint warning lights.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park and listen for hesitation or shuddering during a test drive.
- Check the electronic parking brake operation and listen for clicking or vibrating noises when pressing the brake pedal.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls were performed, especially for the Camry's 31 recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the specific components mentioned in complaints: air bags and seat belts for BMW; power train and brakes for Camry.
- During a test drive, replicate conditions like accelerating, braking, and using electrical accessories to spot hesitation or malfunctions.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and whether any warning lights have appeared recently.
- Check for open recalls by VIN with a dealer or NHTSA before purchase.
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 5 Series | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 | 2 | 163 |
| 2024 | 0 | 50 |
| 2023 | 18 | 64 |
| 2022 | 17 | 61 |
| 2021 | 27 | 157 |
| 2020 | 15 | 274 |
| 2019 | 39 | 395 |
| 2018 | 79 | 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 5 Series or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW 5 Series vs Toyota Camry
- BMW 5 Series total complaints
- 198
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- BMW 5 Series total recalls
- 1
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- BMW 5 Series avg complaints/year
- 19.8
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- BMW 5 Series
- BMW 5 Series top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN