Head-to-head reliability
BMW 528I vs Toyota Camry
How the BMW 528I 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 528I vs Toyota Camry: Over 10 years, the BMW 528i had 538 complaints (54/year) and 27 recalls, while the Toyota Camry had 2,056 complaints (206/year) and 31 recalls. The BMW's issues often involve engine and transmission failures, while the Camry's include brake and electrical problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW 528I or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW 528I
The BMW 528i is a luxury sedan that can be costly to maintain as it ages. Over 10 years, owners filed 538 complaints, averaging about 54 per year, with engine and cooling issues being the most common. Many complaints involve sudden dashboard warnings, bucking, and transmission problems, often leading to expensive repairs. Recalls for engine and electrical system problems have left some owners waiting months for parts.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular family sedan known for reliability, but it still has its share of problems. With 2,056 complaints over 10 years (about 206 per year), it has more reported issues than the BMW, but many are for newer models. Common complaints include transmission hesitation, brake noise, and electrical glitches. While the Camry has more complaints overall, the severity and cost of repairs may differ.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW 528I | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 538 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 27 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 7 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 53.8 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 19 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 528I
- 01ENGINE148
- 02ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING115
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM105
- 04POWER TRAIN79
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM52
Owners report sudden dashboard light illumination, bucking, and transmission malfunction, often requiring towing and costly repairs. These issues can leave you stranded and facing high repair bills.
Complaints include recall 24V608 for engine and cooling problems, with parts unavailable for months, causing hardship and loss of vehicle use. This means even if a recall is issued, you might wait a long time for a fix.
Owners complain about lack of navigation system support and unresolved recall status, leading to outdated maps and frustration. Electrical glitches can affect multiple systems and are often expensive to diagnose.
Reports of loud bangs from the front end, drive train malfunction warnings, and transmission issues that cause bucking and require towing. These problems can compromise safety and lead to major repairs.
“Subject: Complaint Regarding Transmission Malfunction and Potential Safety Hazard To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding a recurring issue with the transmission system of my vehicle. The vehicle has been displaying a tran…”
“I purchased the used BMW from a very reputable dealership May 2021. Last week, I was driving the car and all of the dashboard lights went on suddenly. The car began to buck and I pulled over immediately. I had the car towed to the local BMW dealership. The se…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report intermittent ignition key stuck in Park, requiring battery disconnect to remove, and transmission hesitation or shuddering with check engine light. These issues can leave you unable to start or drive the car reliably.
Multiple system malfunctions including smart stop, stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping, often occurring simultaneously. This can be disorienting and potentially dangerous while driving.
Delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, with several seconds of hesitation before the car moves. This lag can be a safety concern when merging or crossing traffic.
Electronic parking brake fails to disengage, requiring towing and switch replacement, and clicking/vibrating noises from the brake pedal area due to ABS system. These brake issues can affect stopping reliability and be costly to fix.
“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 528I — 27 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may sho…
The risk: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer…
The defect: BMW is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 528i, 535i, 550i, and M5 passenger cars manufactured from March 1, 2007, through December 31, 2009. Over time, increased resistance at the taillight electrical contact points may cause damage to the ground terminal and housing of the connector r…
The risk: Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lamp bulb carriers free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, MINI Hardtop 4 Door Cooper, Mini Hardtop 4 Door Cooper S, MINI Cooper Clubman, and Cooper S Clubman, 2017 Rolls-Royce Ghost, and 2016 528i vehicles. The vehicle-sensitive locking mechanism of the s…
The risk: In the event of a crash where heavy braking is applied, the Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) may activate when the occupant is more forward in the seat, possibly increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat belt assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 3, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2017 BMW 640i, 640i xDrive, 650i, 650i xDrive, M6, 535i, 535i xDrive, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, M4, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, i3, i8, Rolls-Royce Dawn, Mini Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Cooper All4, Cooper S All4, Mi…
The risk: If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the seat-mounted air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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 528I or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW 528i has far fewer complaints per year (about 54) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 206), but the BMW's issues often involve major engine and transmission failures that are expensive to repair. The Camry's higher complaint count includes many for newer models, but its problems tend to be less severe on average. In practice, the BMW may cost more to maintain, while the Camry may have more frequent but less costly issues.
Key differences
- The BMW 528i averages about 54 complaints per year, while the Toyota Camry averages about 206, but the BMW's issues often involve major engine and transmission failures.
- BMW owners report sudden dashboard warnings, bucking, and transmission problems, while Camry owners report key stuck in Park, transmission hesitation, and brake noise.
- The BMW has 27 recalls over 10 years, including engine and cooling issues with parts delays, while the Camry has 31 recalls, including air bag and seat issues.
- The BMW has 7 crash-related complaints and 19 injuries, while the Camry has 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries, though these numbers are not adjusted for the number of vehicles on the road.
- Check for any outstanding recalls, especially 24V608 for engine and cooling, and confirm the remedy has been performed.
- Test drive at various speeds and listen for loud bangs from the front end, and watch for dashboard warnings or bucking that could indicate transmission or drive train issues.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park and ensure it releases smoothly without needing to disconnect the battery.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area and check that the electronic parking brake engages and disengages properly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model to check for engine, transmission, and electrical issues.
- For the BMW, specifically ask about recall 24V608 and whether the remedy was completed.
- For the Camry, test the ignition key removal, brake pedal feel, and electronic parking brake operation.
- Review the owner's manual for maintenance schedules and ensure all scheduled services are up to date.
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 528I or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
No VIN yet? Ask the seller.
A genuine seller should be happy to share it. Send this, then paste the VIN into the box above when it comes back.
Going to see one?
Get the BMW 528I inspection checklist by email, so you know what to look for when you're standing next to it.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW 528I vs Toyota Camry
- BMW 528I total complaints
- 538
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- BMW 528I total recalls
- 27
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- BMW 528I avg complaints/year
- 53.8
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- BMW 528I
- BMW 528I top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN