Head-to-head reliability
BMW 640I vs Toyota Camry
How the BMW 640I 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 640I vs Toyota Camry: The BMW 640I averages 2.9 complaints per year with 7 recalls, while the Toyota Camry averages 205.6 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The BMW's issues include stalling and door failures; the Camry's include key stuck and brake noises. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW 640I or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW 640I
The BMW 640I is a low-volume luxury coupe that averages just 2.9 complaints per year over eight years, but those complaints often describe serious issues like stalling, engine overheating, and doors that won't open. With 7 recalls and 3 crash-related reports, it demands vigilance. Owners report electrical and engine failures that can leave you stranded, plus structural problems that could trap you inside. It's a car that needs a thorough pre-purchase inspection and a healthy maintenance budget.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a high-volume family sedan with 205.6 complaints per year over ten years, but that's expected given how many are on the road. The complaints cover a wide range of systems, from power train shudders to brake noises and electrical glitches. With 31 recalls and 171 crash-related reports, it's not trouble-free, but the issues are often less severe than the BMW's. It's a mainstream car with mainstream problems, and parts and service are easy to find.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW 640I | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 23 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 7 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 2.9 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 2 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 640I
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM7
- 02ENGINE6
- 03STRUCTURE3
- 04WHEELS3
- 05SERVICE BRAKES2
Owners report the vehicle shutting off at stoplights and failing to restart, creating a hazard in traffic. One complaint also describes a vehicle fire that started while driving. These electrical faults can be unpredictable and dangerous.
A common complaint is the electronic auxiliary water pump failing, which triggers an 'Engine Temperature High' warning and can lead to overheating. Another owner reported the engine stalling at a red light and not restarting. These issues can cause sudden breakdowns.
Door locks and handles fail, sometimes preventing occupants from exiting the car without using the keyfob or central locking button. This is a safety concern, especially in an emergency.
Owners report cracked wheels causing tire leaks, and tires blowing out at low mileage due to separation under the rim. These defects can lead to loss of control and are expensive to fix.
“ON 9/27/19 I LEFT THE GAS STATION WITH FULL TANK OF GAS AND STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT ON A BUSY ROAD IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. THE LIGHT CHANGED GREEN MY VEHICLE SHUT OFF AND WOULD NOT RESTART CREATING A SAFETY HAZARD. I PUT THE GEAR IN NEUTRAL AND PUSHED OUT OF THE…”
“To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally report a vehicle fire that occurred on [XXX] at approximately [XXX] in Alabama State University. The vehicle involved is a 2012 BMW 640i Coupe (black) with the license plate number [XXX]. The fire started while…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck and unable to be removed even when the car is in Park, requiring a battery disconnect. Others describe hesitation and shuddering while driving, often with a check engine light. These issues can leave you stranded or cause unsafe driving conditions.
Multiple systems can malfunction at once, including stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping assist. One owner reported all these failing during a single drive. Such widespread failures are alarming and hard to diagnose.
Owners report delayed throttle response, where pressing the accelerator results in a several-second delay before the car moves. This can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic. The issue is often accompanied by hesitation and shuddering.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer. Others hear a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area, which the manufacturer says is normal for the ABS system, but owners find it concerning.
“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 640I — 7 recalls
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 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 certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Co…
The risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may c…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Co…
The risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may c…
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 640I or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW 640I has far fewer complaints per year (2.9 vs. 205.6), but the Camry's higher volume means more total reports. In practice, the BMW's issues tend to be more severe and expensive, while the Camry's are more frequent but often less critical. Neither is immune to problems, but the BMW demands more attention and budget.
Key differences
- The BMW 640I averages 2.9 complaints per year, while the Toyota Camry averages 205.6, but the Camry sells in much higher volumes.
- BMW owners report sudden stalling, engine overheating from water pump failure, and doors that won't open, which are serious safety concerns.
- Camry owners report key stuck in ignition, delayed acceleration, and multiple electronic system failures, but these are often less catastrophic.
- The BMW has 7 recalls and 3 crash-related reports; the Camry has 31 recalls and 171 crash-related reports, reflecting its larger fleet.
- Check for signs of electrical issues: ask if the car has ever stalled at a stop or failed to restart, and have the battery and charging system tested.
- Inspect the doors: ensure both doors unlock and open properly from inside and outside, as owners report handles failing and trapping occupants.
- Test the ignition key: make sure it can be removed easily when the car is in Park, as owners report it getting stuck.
- Listen for brake noises: a clicking or vibrating sound from the brake pedal area may indicate ABS issues, and check that the electronic parking brake engages and disengages smoothly.
Before you buy
- Run a VIN check for open recalls on both the BMW 640I and Toyota Camry, and confirm they have been repaired.
- Take a long test drive that includes stop-and-go traffic, highway merging, and parking, to feel for hesitation, stalling, or brake noises.
- Have a mechanic inspect the BMW's cooling system, especially the electronic water pump, and the Camry's transmission and brake system.
- Check all doors, locks, and windows on the BMW for proper operation, and test the Camry's key removal and electronic parking brake.
- Ask for maintenance records and a pre-purchase inspection from a shop that specializes in the respective brand.
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 640I | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2 | 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 640I or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW 640I vs Toyota Camry
- BMW 640I total complaints
- 23
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- BMW 640I total recalls
- 7
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- BMW 640I avg complaints/year
- 2.9
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- BMW 640I
- BMW 640I top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN