Head-to-head reliability
BMW 650I vs Toyota Camry
How the BMW 650I 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 650I vs Toyota Camry: The 650I has 48 complaints over 10 years (4.8/year) and 4 recalls, while the Camry has 2056 complaints (205.6/year) and 31 recalls. The 650I's issues often involve costly engine and fuel system repairs, whereas the Camry's higher volume includes many minor problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW 650I or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW 650I
The BMW 650I is a high-performance luxury coupe that can be expensive to maintain as it ages. Over 10 years, it has 48 complaints (4.8 per year) and 4 recalls, with engine problems dominating. Owners frequently report drivetrain malfunctions, fuel odors, and injector failures, often leading to costly repairs. This suggests that living with a 650I requires a healthy budget for potential engine and fuel system issues.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream family sedan known for reliability, but data shows a high volume of complaints: 2056 over 10 years (205.6 per year) and 31 recalls. The most common issues involve the power train, brakes, and electrical systems, with some reports of stalling, hesitation, and brake problems. While many complaints may be for newer models, the sheer number indicates that even a Camry can have recurring problems that owners should be aware of.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW 650I | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 48 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 4.8 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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 650I
- 01ENGINE24
- 02POWER TRAIN8
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM8
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER5
- 05WHEELS4
Owners report 'Drive Train Malfunction' warnings, shaking, and fuel odors, often traced to failed fuel injectors. These repairs can cost thousands, and some owners have had BMW buy back their cars.
Complaints include intermittent vibrations felt at highway speeds and rough idling that can lead to stalling. One owner experienced a complete loss of engine power while driving, which is a serious safety concern.
The same fuel injector issues appear here, with owners reporting strong fuel smells and the need to replace all injectors. This is a known problem on the N63 engine and can be a recurring expense.
Some complaints mention a voluntary recall for an electronic auxiliary water pump failure, which can cause overheating warnings. This shows that even non-engine systems can fail and require attention.
“A FEW MONTHS AGO THE VEHICLE STARTED TO DISPLAY "DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION" ON THE SCREEN WHILE SHAKING WITH A HORRIBLE ODOR OF FUEL. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD ALL OF THE FUEL INJECTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED! WE ARE TALKING ABOUT A $100K+…”
“BMW 650 N63 ENGINE ISSUES AKA DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION (DTM) ERROR HAS BEEN A VERY COMMON ISSUE IN THESE CARS. IF YOU DO YOUR RESEARCH PEOPLE WITH BRAND NEW CARS WITH LESS THAN 100 MILES HAVE THESE ISSUES AS WELL. LONG STORY SHORT BMW, NA OFFERED TO BUY BACK MY…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report intermittent issues like the ignition key getting stuck in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove. Others describe hesitation and shuddering while driving, often accompanied by a check engine light.
Multiple system malfunctions are reported, including failures of stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring. One owner listed a long list of simultaneous failures, which could be dangerous if they occur while driving.
Complaints include delayed throttle response, where pressing the accelerator results in a several-second delay before the car moves. This can be a safety risk when merging or crossing traffic.
Owners report the electronic parking brake failing to disengage, requiring a tow. Others hear clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which dealers attribute to the ABS system but owners find abnormal.
“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 650I — 4 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 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Co…
The risk: If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time. Owners will be notif…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 BMW X5 3.0si, X5 4.8i, X5 M, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i and X5 xDrive50i, 2008-2011 X6 x Drive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 535i xDrive Gran Turismo, 535i Gran Turismo, 550i xDrive Gran…
The risk: The loose wires may cause the connector to melt, resulting in a fuel leak. Additionally, the fuel pump may stop working, possibly causing an engine stall and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. The recall began February 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 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 650I or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW 650I has far fewer complaints per year (4.8) compared to the Toyota Camry (205.6), but the 650I's issues tend to be severe and expensive, often involving the engine. The Camry's higher complaint volume includes many minor or intermittent problems, but also some serious safety-related issues. In practice, the 650I may need fewer visits to the shop, but when it does, the bills can be much higher.
Key differences
- The BMW 650I has 48 complaints over 10 years, while the Toyota Camry has 2056, but the 650I's complaints are heavily concentrated in engine and fuel system failures that can be very expensive.
- The Camry has 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries reported, whereas the 650I has 0 crash-related and 1 injury, though this does not necessarily mean the 650I is safer overall.
- The 650I's most common issue is fuel injector failure causing drivetrain malfunctions, while the Camry's top issues include power train hesitation and brake problems like the electronic parking brake failing to disengage.
- Both vehicles have recalls, but the Camry has 31 recalls versus 4 for the 650I, covering areas like air bags, seats, and wheels.
- Check for any history of fuel injector replacement or 'Drive Train Malfunction' warnings, as these are common and costly.
- Listen for unusual vibrations at highway speeds and test for rough idling or stalling, which could indicate power train issues.
- Test the electronic parking brake to ensure it disengages properly, as failures have required tows.
- Check for delayed throttle response and any hesitation or shuddering during a test drive, which could indicate power train problems.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to see if any recalls or major repairs have been performed.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic who specializes in the specific brand.
- For the 650I, ask for records of fuel injector and water pump replacements.
- For the Camry, test all electronic systems, including brakes, stability control, and driver-assist features.
- Check for any outstanding recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
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 650I | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 0 | 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 650I or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW 650I vs Toyota Camry
- BMW 650I total complaints
- 48
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- BMW 650I total recalls
- 4
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- BMW 650I avg complaints/year
- 4.8
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- BMW 650I
- BMW 650I top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN