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: BMW averages 42 complaints per year over 10 years, while Camry averages 214. BMW owners report engine stalling and tire bubbles; Camry owners report transmission failures and brake loss. 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, a luxury sport sedan, shows a moderate complaint rate of about 42 per year over the last decade. Owners report a mix of engine issues, tire failures, electrical gremlins, and fuel system problems, suggesting that while the car offers performance and comfort, it demands attention to maintenance and potential repairs. The complaints highlight real-world frustrations that could affect ownership costs and reliability.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a popular midsize sedan, has a much higher complaint volume, averaging over 214 per year, but this is partly due to its larger sales base. Complaints focus on powertrain issues, including transmission problems and sudden acceleration reports, as well as brake failures and electrical glitches. Despite the higher number, many Camrys are reliable, but the patterns indicate some models may have significant issues that buyers should investigate.
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 | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 14 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 14 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 41.9 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 14 Better | 163 |
| 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 stalling and dying shortly after starting, as well as failed emissions inspections and engine issues even on low-mileage vehicles. This suggests potential fuel or ignition system problems that could leave you stranded.
Several complaints mention sidewall bubbles and premature failure on low-mileage tires, leading to frequent replacements and high costs. This could be a safety concern and a financial burden.
Electrical issues include sensor errors, module communication failures, and false warnings about coolant level and other systems. These can be intermittent and difficult to diagnose, potentially leading to multiple shop visits.
The engine dying out repeatedly after starting is a common theme, pointing to fuel delivery or control module problems. This can be dangerous if it happens in traffic and requires immediate attention.
“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 TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues are prominent, with grinding noises and the need for full replacement reported. Some owners mention recalls for similar problems, but not all vehicles are covered, leading to out-of-pocket costs.
Sudden unintended acceleration is a serious complaint, with one owner reporting a crash. Also, engine maintenance lights and coolant valve bypass codes appear, indicating potential engine management or cooling system faults.
Brake failure, including a complete loss of response on a downhill curve, is reported. This is a critical safety issue that demands immediate investigation and could be linked to the powertrain complaints.
Electrical problems include issues with sensors and modules, similar to the BMW, but also contribute to the overall reliability concerns. These can cause warning lights and system malfunctions.
“I turned into a restaurant’s parking lot, found a spot and slowly drove into the lot, I eased off the gas pedal and gently applying the brake as the lot has a slight downward slope. When I reach the chunk (the parking block), I added more force to the brake,…”
“Grinding noise coming from front end upon acceleration. Brought to dealership who confirmed noises coming from transmission. Transmission needs to be replaced per dealer recommendation. Recalls on 2021 Toyota Camry for same issue. Transmissions on backorder a…”
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 2016 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 535d xDrive, M5, 550i, 550i xDrive, and 535d sedans. The affected vehicles have an inboard lower anchor for child restraints on the left rear seat that may have been bent downwards, preventing…
The risk: If the child seat is not properly attached to the lower anchors, it can increase the child's risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair the inboard lower anchor on the left rear seat, free of charge. The recall began on December 28, 2015. 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.
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 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 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…
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…
Buyer analysis
BMW 535I or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW 535I has fewer complaints per year (about 42) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 214), but the Camry's higher volume is partly due to its popularity. In practice, the BMW shows a more concentrated set of issues, while the Camry's complaints are spread across more vehicles, but the severity of Camry's brake and acceleration issues is more alarming.
Key differences
- BMW owners report tire sidewall bubbles and premature failure, while Camry owners report transmission grinding and replacement needs.
- BMW has electrical sensor and module communication issues, while Camry has sudden acceleration and brake failure complaints.
- BMW's fuel system problems cause engine stalling, while Camry's engine issues include coolant valve bypass codes.
- Camry has a higher number of crash-related complaints (181) compared to BMW (14), suggesting more severe incidents.
- Check for any engine stalling or rough idle, especially on a test drive, and ask for service records related to fuel system repairs.
- Inspect tires for sidewall bubbles or uneven wear, and verify the age and condition of all four tires.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including on a hill, and listen for any grinding or unusual noises from the transmission during acceleration.
- Ask if the vehicle has had any recalls performed, especially for airbag sensors or transmission issues, and get the VIN checked.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical systems.
- Test drive both vehicles under various conditions, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to feel for any hesitation or unusual behavior.
- Ask for maintenance records and verify that recommended services were performed on time.
- Check the NHTSA website for the specific model year and VIN to see if any complaints or recalls match the vehicle you're considering.
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.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW 535I vs Toyota Camry
- BMW 535I total complaints
- 419
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- BMW 535I total recalls
- 14
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- BMW 535I avg complaints/year
- 41.9
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- BMW 535I
- BMW 535I top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN