Head-to-head reliability
BMW 740I vs Toyota Camry
How the BMW 740I 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 740I vs Toyota Camry: The BMW 740I has 12 complaints and 0 crash-related reports over 10 years, while the Toyota Camry has 2,056 complaints and 171 crash-related reports. The BMW averages 1.2 complaints per year versus 205.6 for the Camry. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW 740I or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW 740I
The BMW 740I is a luxury sedan with a low complaint rate—only 12 over 10 years—but it has 22 recalls, suggesting many issues are addressed through recalls rather than owner complaints. Owners report electrical glitches like the park distance control activating randomly and the audio system freezing, plus seat belt false warnings and engine overheating from faulty radiator blinds. Living with it means dealing with frequent dealer visits for software updates and hardware replacements, though no crashes or injuries are reported in the data.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream sedan with a much higher complaint volume—2,056 over 10 years—including 171 crash-related reports and 158 injuries. Owners describe power train problems like the key getting stuck in Park, hesitation and shuddering, and brake issues such as the electronic parking brake not disengaging. Electrical and brake complaints are also common, indicating a broad range of reliability concerns that can affect daily driving.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW 740I | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 12 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 22 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.2 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 740I
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
- 02SEAT BELTS2
- 03ENGINE2
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
- 05VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL2
Owners report the automatic park distance control (PDC) activating when no obstacle is present and the audio system freezing or becoming unresponsive to volume controls. These glitches can be distracting and may require software updates or dealer repairs.
False seat belt warnings appear when the passenger seat is empty, sometimes due to loose wiring in the seat belt harness. This can lead to unnecessary warning lights and potential safety system confusion.
The upper and lower radiator blinds (active air flaps) fail, causing engine overheating and malfunction lights. Owners note that BMW extended warranty coverage for this issue on other models but not the 740I, leaving them with repair costs.
Complaints include issues with speed control systems, though specific details are limited in the sample. This could affect cruise control or adaptive features, requiring dealer diagnosis.
“2016 BMW 740I IS EQUIPMENT WITH AUTOMATIC PARK DISTANCE CONTROL SYSTEM (PDC) THAT AUTOMATICALLY ACTIVATES WHEN THE VEHICLE IS CLOSE TO AN OBSTACLE WHEN DRIVING AT VERY LOW SPEED. THE SYSTEM IS VERY FLAKY IN TERMS OF PERFORMANCE, SOMETIMES IT ACTIVATES WHEN IT…”
“AUDIO CONTROL SYSTEM FREEZES ON THE BMW 740I. IT HAPPENS THAT AUDIO IS GONE COMPLETELY, SYSTEM DOES NOT RESPOND TO ANY OF THE FOLLOWING TO RAISE VOLUME: 1. GESTURE COMMANDS TO RAISE VOLUME (THE SYSTEM DOES NOT EVEN SHOW GESTURE IS INVOLVED ON THE DASH DISPLAY…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key becoming stuck in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove, and hesitation or shuddering while driving with the check engine light on. These issues can leave drivers stranded or cause unsafe driving conditions.
Delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator is a recurring complaint, leading to slow acceleration from a stop. This can be a safety concern in traffic and may indicate a software or mechanical fault.
The electronic parking brake (EPB) may fail to disengage, requiring towing and manual release, and a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area is common. These problems can prevent the car from moving or indicate ABS issues.
Multiple systems such as smart stop, stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring can malfunction simultaneously. This widespread electrical failure can compromise safety and require extensive diagnostics.
“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 740I — 22 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2024 740i, 740i xDrive, 760i xDrive, i7 eDrive50, i7 xDrive60, i7 M70, 2024 750e xDrive, 530i, 530i xDrive, i5 eDrive40, and i5 M60 vehicles. The ground connection to the steering wheel may not have been attached correctly, resulting in an i…
The risk: An inoperative hands-on detection system may fail to detect when the driver's hands are not on the steering wheel and therefore not engage the emergency stopping assistant system, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and reattach the ground connection as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 8, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2025 BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The integrated brake (IB) system may malfunction and result in a loss of power brake assist or cause the Antilock Brake (A…
The risk: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed between June and December 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls Royce customer service at 1-877-877…
The defect: BMW of North America (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2024 X1, 2024-2025 X5, 2025 X6, 2023-2025 X7, 740i, 760i, 2024 XM, 530i, 540i, i7, 750e, X2, 2024-2025 i5, 2024 Rolls Royce Spectre, 2025 MINI Countryman S ALL4, JCW Countryman ALL4, and 2025 MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper, Cooper S) vehicles. Pleas…
The risk: A loss of brake power assist or rear brake function can result in extended stopping distance. A loss of ABS or DSC can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 13, 2024. Owners can contact BMW Customer Service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 Mini Cooper S, Mini Countryman S All4, X2, 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre, 2023-2025 i7, 7 Series, X7, 2024-2025 i5, 5 Series, 2023-2024 XM, X1, 2024-2025 X6, and X5 vehicles. The integrated brake (IB) system may malfunction and result in a loss o…
The risk: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: The Integrated brake system will be inspected and, if necessary, replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 21, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce custo…
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 740I or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW 740I has far fewer complaints per year (1.2 vs. 205.6) and no reported crashes or injuries, while the Toyota Camry has many more complaints and 171 crash-related reports. In practice, the BMW may have fewer owner-reported issues, but its recalls and electrical quirks still demand attention, whereas the Camry's higher volume suggests more frequent problems that could affect safety.
Key differences
- The BMW 740I has 12 complaints over 10 years with 0 crashes, while the Toyota Camry has 2,056 complaints with 171 crash-related reports.
- BMW owners report electrical glitches like PDC and audio freezes, whereas Camry owners report power train issues like stuck keys and hesitation.
- The BMW 740I has 22 recalls, often for electrical and brake systems, while the Camry has 31 recalls, including air bag and seat issues.
- Engine overheating from radiator blind failures is a specific BMW complaint, while Camry engine complaints involve delayed throttle response.
- Check for active air flap (radiator blind) faults that can cause engine overheating; listen for fan noise and look for warning lights.
- Test the park distance control and audio system for random activation or freezing, as these are common electrical complaints.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park; if it sticks, it may require battery disconnection to remove, indicating a power train defect.
- Check the electronic parking brake operation and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which may signal ABS issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for electrical and brake systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the BMW's radiator blinds and electrical systems, and the Camry's power train and brakes.
- Test drive both vehicles extensively, focusing on acceleration, braking, and any warning lights or unusual noises.
- For the Camry, verify the ignition key can be removed easily in Park and that the EPB engages and disengages smoothly.
- For the BMW, check that the PDC and audio system function without glitches and that no engine overheating signs are present.
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 740I | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 0 | 163 |
| 2024 | 0 | 50 |
| 2023 | 0 | 64 |
| 2021 | 0 | 157 |
| 2020 | 0 | 274 |
| 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 740I or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW 740I vs Toyota Camry
- BMW 740I total complaints
- 12
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- BMW 740I total recalls
- 22
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- BMW 740I avg complaints/year
- 1.2
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- BMW 740I
- BMW 740I top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN