Head-to-head reliability
BMW 535I vs Toyota Camry
How the BMW 535I 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 535I vs Toyota Camry: The BMW 535I averaged 41.9 complaints per year with 14 recalls, while the Toyota Camry averaged 205.6 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The BMW had 14 crash-related reports and 14 injuries; the Camry had 171 crash-related reports and 158 injuries. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW 535I or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW 535I
The BMW 535I is a luxury sedan that can be costly to maintain as it ages. Over 10 years, owners filed 419 complaints, averaging about 42 per year, with 14 recalls and 14 crash-related reports. The most common trouble spots are the engine, tires, electrical system, fuel system, and power train. Living with one means staying on top of maintenance and being prepared for potentially expensive repairs.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream family sedan with a strong reputation for dependability, but it is not trouble-free. In 10 years, owners filed 2,056 complaints, averaging about 206 per year, along with 31 recalls and 171 crash-related reports. The most frequent issues involve the power train, engine, brakes, and electrical system. While many owners report smooth ownership, the volume of complaints shows that some cars develop recurring problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW 535I | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 419 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 14 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 14 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 41.9 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 14 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 535I
- 01ENGINE86
- 02TIRES71
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM63
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM59
- 05POWER TRAIN53
Owners report engine problems such as stalling shortly after start-up and failed emissions inspections. Some complaints mention engine issues appearing soon after purchase, even on low-mileage cars. These can lead to expensive diagnostics and repairs.
Several owners describe sidewall bubbles and repeated flat-tire warnings on original equipment tires, sometimes with very low mileage. This can force premature tire replacement and create safety concerns at highway speeds.
Complaints include angle sensor errors, irregular communication between modules, and false coolant-level warnings. These electrical gremlins can be hard to trace and may require dealer-level tools to fix.
Some owners report the engine dying out seconds after starting, requiring a tow to the dealer. Others mention failed emissions inspections tied to fuel-system faults. These issues can leave a driver stranded.
“Ken Cook <kenecee2021@gmail.com> Sun, Jun 19, 4:10 PM (3 days ago) to nhtsa.webmaster i found car online cr gurus and it was certified and car fax no problems, i used my savings of 5000 for down payment closed the deal and was coming down on weekend to get ve…”
“Recently purchase this vehicle from BMW of Greenwich. Drive it less than 200 miles - the odometer at the time of purchase had 55,000 miles, the engine looked perfect upon visual inspection. The fax report had a failed emissions inspection in the record and a…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report intermittent problems such as the ignition key getting stuck in Park, requiring a battery disconnect to remove. Others describe hesitation and shuddering while driving, often with the check engine light on. These can affect daily drivability and may need dealer diagnosis.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, with the car taking several seconds to move. Some owners also report hesitation and shuddering at various speeds. This can be frustrating and potentially risky in traffic.
Owners describe the electronic parking brake failing to disengage, requiring a tow. Others hear a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area, which the manufacturer attributes to the ABS system. Brake issues can be both annoying and safety-relevant.
Multiple systems—smart stop, stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—can malfunction at once. This suggests possible electrical or software faults that may be difficult to pinpoint.
“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 535I — 14 recalls
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.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, and ActiveHybrid 5 vehicles. The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect enough light. As such, the vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Saf…
The risk: The vehicle may be less visible to other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2015 6 Series Gran Coupe, 2014 5 Series Gran Turismo, 2014 5 Series Sedan, 2015 6 Series Convertible, 2015 6 Series Coupe, 2014 X5, 2013-2014 X3, 2014-2015 3 Series Sedan, 2014 4 Series Coupe, 2014 4 Series Convertible, 2014 3 Series Gran Turismo…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, increasing the risk of injury or death.
The fix: The driver's front air bag will be replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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.
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 535I or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW 535I has far fewer complaints per year (about 42) than the Toyota Camry (about 206), but the Camry sells in much higher volumes, so the raw counts are not directly comparable. In practice, the BMW may have fewer reported issues overall, but its repairs tend to be more expensive. The Camry’s higher complaint volume still reflects a generally reliable car, but buyers should be aware of the specific recurring problems.
Key differences
- The BMW 535I averages about 42 complaints per year, while the Toyota Camry averages about 206 per year, though the Camry is sold in much higher numbers.
- BMW 535I owners frequently report tire sidewall bubbles and electrical sensor errors, while Camry owners more often report power train hesitation and electronic parking brake failures.
- The BMW 535I has 14 recalls and 14 crash-related reports; the Toyota Camry has 31 recalls and 171 crash-related reports.
- Camry complaints include multiple advanced safety systems malfunctioning at once, while BMW complaints are more focused on engine, tire, and electrical issues.
- Check for engine stalling or rough running shortly after start-up, and look for any stored emissions-related fault codes.
- Inspect all tires for sidewall bubbles or uneven wear, especially on low-mileage original equipment tires.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park and listen for any hesitation or shuddering during a test drive.
- Check that the electronic parking brake engages and disengages smoothly, and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all open recalls have been addressed.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- For the BMW 535I, specifically check tire condition and ask about any prior electrical or fuel-system repairs.
- For the Toyota Camry, test the ignition key, electronic parking brake, and advanced safety features during the test drive.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and be wary of any car with a recent failed emissions inspection.
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 535I | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 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 535I 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 535I 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 535I vs Toyota Camry
- BMW 535I total complaints
- 419
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- BMW 535I total recalls
- 14
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- BMW 535I avg complaints/year
- 41.9
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- BMW 535I
- BMW 535I top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN