Head-to-head reliability
BMW 740il vs Toyota Camry
How the BMW 740il 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 740il vs Toyota Camry: The BMW has 46 complaints over 2 years (23/yr) vs Camry's 2099 over 10 years (210/yr). BMW issues center on electrical and cooling, while Camry has serious brake and powertrain complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW 740il or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW 740il
The BMW 740il is a luxury sedan that, in ownership terms, demands attention and deep pockets. With 46 complaints over two years, the pattern shows a car that is electronically complex and prone to cooling system failures, which can lead to overheating and breakdowns. Owners report issues with the instrument cluster, engine shutdowns, and airbag warning lights, making it a vehicle that requires vigilant maintenance and potential for costly repairs.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream sedan that, despite a high total complaint count (2099 over 10 years), reflects its popularity and long production run. The complaints are spread across many areas, but powertrain and brake issues stand out, including reports of sudden acceleration and brake failure. While the Camry has more complaints per year, many are from a larger owner base, and the issues are often addressed through recalls, but buyers should still be aware of potential safety concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW 740il | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 46 Better | 2,099 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 26 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 177 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 23.0 Better | 209.9 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 Better | 161 |
| 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 740il
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM8
- 02ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING6
- 03AIR BAGS6
- 04POWER TRAIN5
- 05TIRES5
Owners report missing pixels in the instrument cluster, making it hard to read speed and warnings, and other electrical gremlins like window motors failing, GPS issues, and the car dying while driving. This suggests a complex electrical system that can be unreliable and expensive to fix.
Coolant leaks from cracked plastic reservoirs and tanks cause overheating, with owners adding coolant repeatedly. This is a common failure that can lead to engine damage if not addressed promptly.
Airbag warning lights come on due to suspected passenger seat sensor failure, and there's a report of a side airbag deploying unexpectedly after hitting debris. This indicates potential safety system malfunctions that could affect occupant protection.
Transmission issues include failure to accelerate, clicking noises, and difficulty shifting into reverse. These problems can leave the driver stranded and require costly transmission repairs or replacement.
“THE PROBLEM AREAS OF MISSING PIXELS ARE PRIMARILY LOCATED IN THE DRIVER'S INSTRUMENT CLUSTER THAT DISPLAYS ODOMETER & TRIP ODOMETER, OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE , AND CHECK CONTROL DISPLAY, SUCH AS WARNINGS/PARKING BRAKE/COOLANT TEMPERATURE /LEVEL/ KEY & SEAT BELT RE…”
“PURCHASED PRE-OWNED CERTIFIED CAR IN APRIL 06, STARTING HAVING PROBLEMS WITH ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS: WINDOW MOTORS, GPS SYSTEM/MONITOR, CAR KEPT DYEING WHILE STOPPED AND DRIVING, ENGINE SHUTDOWN/FAILSAFE MODE, BRAKE LIGHTS BLOWING ALL THE TIME, FUSES AND IGNITION…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN389
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER336
- 03ENGINE309
- 04SERVICE BRAKES288
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report grinding noises from the front end and transmission failure, with some needing full replacement. There are also reports of sudden acceleration, which is a serious safety concern that could lead to crashes.
Engine issues include sudden acceleration incidents and a coolant valve bypass problem that triggers a maintenance light. These can affect drivability and safety, and some may be covered by recalls but not for all VINs.
Brake failure is reported, with no response when pressing the pedal, leading to potential crashes. This is a critical safety issue that requires immediate attention.
Electrical problems include issues with the instrument cluster and other components, but the specific complaints are less detailed. However, electrical failures can affect various systems and cause inconvenience or safety risks.
“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 740il — 4 recalls
The defect: FCP GROTON IS RECALLING CERTAIN STEERING CENTER DRAG LINKS, P/N 32 21 1 096 057, SOLD FROM DECEMBER 1, 2009 THROUGH APRIL 9, 2010 AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR MODEL YEAR 1995 THROUGH 2001 BMW 740I, 740IL, AND 750IL PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SHAFT OF THE STEERING CENTER TIE ROD MAY SHEAR OFF.
The risk: THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT, WITHOUT WARNING, IN IMMEDIATE AND COMPLETE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
The fix: FCP GROTON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE TIE ROD WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT JUNE 1, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FCP GROTON TOLL-FREE AT 1-877-634-0063.
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BRAKE LAMPS IN THESE VEHICLES ARE CONTROLLED BY A SWITCH ACTIVATED BY THE MOVEMENT OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS SWITCH COULD FAIL INTERNALLY, CAUSING IT TO REMAIN EITHER IN THE "BRAKE LAMPS OFF" POSITION OR IN THE "BRAKE LAMPS ON" POSITION.
The risk: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LAMPS EITHER WILL NOT OPERATE OR WILL BE CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED, REGARDLESS OF BRAKE PEDAL POSITION.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE EXISTING BRAKE LAMP SWITCH WITH AN IMPROVED SWITCH.
The defect: FCP GROTON IS RECALLING CERTAIN STEERING CENTER DRAG LINKS, P/N 32 21 1 096 057, SOLD FROM DECEMBER 1, 2009 THROUGH APRIL 9, 2010 AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR MODEL YEAR 1995 THROUGH 2001 BMW 740I, 740IL, AND 750IL PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SHAFT OF THE STEERING CENTER TIE ROD MAY SHEAR OFF.
The risk: THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT, WITHOUT WARNING, IN IMMEDIATE AND COMPLETE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
The fix: FCP GROTON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE TIE ROD WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT JUNE 1, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FCP GROTON TOLL-FREE AT 1-877-634-0063.
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 18-INCH TIRES. (18-INCH TIRES ARE STANDARD EQUIPMENT ON THE M5 AND OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT ON THE 7-SERIES MODELS). THE MACHINE USED TO MOUNT AND INFLATE THE TIRES ON THE WHEELS AT THE ASSEMBLY PLANT MAY HAVE DAMAGED THE SIDEWALL OF ONE OR MORE TIRES…
The risk: HANDLING AND CONTROL WOULD BE DRASTICALLY AFFECTED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TIRES AND IF DAMAGE FROM THE MOUNTING MACHINE IS FOUND, THE TIRE WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 10, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND…
Toyota Camry — 26 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 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner…
The risk: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the instrument panel software over-the-air (OTA) for non-PHEV vehicles, free of charge. For PHEV vehicles, dealers will inspect the instrument panel assembly, and either replace it, or update the software, free of charg…
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…
Buyer analysis
BMW 740il or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW 740il has fewer complaints per year (23.0) compared to the Toyota Camry (209.9), but the Camry's higher number is partly due to its larger owner base and longer production. In practice, the BMW's issues are more concentrated in electrical and cooling systems, while the Camry's include serious safety concerns like sudden acceleration and brake failure. Neither is trouble-free, but the Camry's problems may be more alarming for a buyer.
Key differences
- The BMW 740il has far fewer complaints per year (23) than the Camry (210), but its issues are often complex and costly, like electrical failures and coolant leaks.
- The Camry has serious safety-related complaints, including sudden acceleration and brake failure, which are more alarming than the BMW's typical issues.
- The BMW's airbag system has reported sensor failures and unexpected deployments, while the Camry's airbag issues are less prominent in the sample.
- The Camry's powertrain problems include transmission grinding and failure, while the BMW's powertrain issues involve shifting and acceleration problems.
- Check the instrument cluster for missing pixels or flickering, as this is a common electrical issue.
- Inspect the coolant reservoir and tank for cracks or leaks, and look for signs of overheating.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially on hills, and listen for any grinding noises from the transmission.
- Check for any open recalls related to the engine or brakes, and verify the VIN is covered.
Before you buy
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with BMWs, focusing on electrical and cooling systems.
- For the Camry, check the transmission fluid and have a mechanic test drive to feel for any hesitation or grinding.
- Verify all recalls are performed for both vehicles, especially the Camry's brake and engine recalls.
- Ask for maintenance records to see if the BMW's cooling system has been updated or replaced.
- For the Camry, ask about any history of sudden acceleration or brake issues.
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 740il or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW 740il vs Toyota Camry
- BMW 740il total complaints
- 46
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,099
- BMW 740il total recalls
- 4
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 26
- BMW 740il avg complaints/year
- 23.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 209.9
- More reliable overall
- BMW 740il
- BMW 740il top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN