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 740il had 46 complaints over 2 years (23 per year) and 4 recalls, while the Toyota Camry had 2,056 complaints over 10 years (about 206 per year) and 31 recalls. The BMW's issues often involve electrical and cooling systems; the Camry's include power train and brake problems. 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 large luxury sedan that can be costly to maintain as it ages. Over two years, owners filed 46 complaints, averaging 23 per year, with 4 recalls and 3 injuries reported. The most common trouble spots are electrical gremlins, engine cooling leaks, and air bag warnings, suggesting that living with this car means staying on top of multiple systems. It is not a low-maintenance choice, but the complaint pattern shows predictable areas to watch.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream family sedan with a much larger owner base, reflected in 2,056 complaints over ten years, or about 206 per year. That higher volume is partly due to far more vehicles on the road, but the data also shows 31 recalls and 171 crash-related reports. Owners frequently mention power train hesitation, brake noises, and electrical glitches. While no car is trouble-free, the Camry's issues appear more varied and sometimes involve safety systems.
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 | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 23.0 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 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 740il
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM8
- 02ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING6
- 03AIR BAGS6
- 04POWER TRAIN5
- 05TIRES5
Owners report missing pixels in the instrument cluster, making odometer and warning displays hard to read. Others describe window motors failing, GPS monitors dying, and repeated blown brake lights or fuses. These electrical faults can leave you without key information or basic conveniences.
A recurring complaint is a low coolant warning that leads to finding a cracked plastic radiator reservoir or coolant tank. Owners often add coolant multiple times before the real problem is diagnosed, and some report overheating. This can turn into expensive engine damage if ignored.
The air bag warning light coming on is a common defect, often linked to a passenger seat sensor failure. One owner even had a side airbag deploy unexpectedly when debris struck underneath the car. A warning light means the system may not work in a crash, so it is a safety concern.
Complaints include transmission failure where the car will not accelerate in reverse, and intermittent check engine lights with difficulty shifting. These issues can leave you stranded or facing a costly transmission repair.
“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 TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners of recent Camrys report the ignition key getting stuck and not releasing even when the car is in Park. Others describe hesitation and shuddering while driving, often with the check engine light on. These problems can affect daily drivability and may require dealer diagnosis.
A delayed throttle response is a repeated complaint: pressing the gas pedal results in a several-second lag before the car moves. This hesitation can be unsettling, especially when merging or pulling out into traffic.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer. Another common issue is a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area, which dealers attribute to the ABS system. Brake problems are safety-related and should be addressed promptly.
Multiple advanced systems—smart stop, stability control, electric power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—can malfunction at once. This suggests a broader electrical or software fault that could compromise safety features.
“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 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 — 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 740il or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW 740il has far fewer complaints per year (23) than the Toyota Camry (about 206), but the Camry's higher volume is partly due to many more vehicles on the road. In practice, the BMW's issues tend to cluster around aging electrical and cooling components, while the Camry's complaints span power train, brakes, and electronics. Neither is problem-free, but the BMW may demand more frequent attention to a narrower set of systems.
Key differences
- The BMW 740il averages 23 complaints per year, while the Toyota Camry averages about 206 per year, though the Camry's sales volume is much higher.
- BMW owners frequently report electrical display failures and coolant leaks, whereas Camry owners report power train hesitation and brake noises.
- The BMW has 4 recalls and 3 injuries over two years; the Camry has 31 recalls and 158 injuries over ten years.
- Air bag warning lights and sensor failures appear in both, but the BMW also has a report of unexpected side airbag deployment.
- Check the instrument cluster for missing pixels, especially in the odometer and warning displays, as this is a common electrical complaint.
- Inspect the radiator and coolant reservoir for cracks or signs of leaking, and ask if the coolant warning light has been an issue.
- Test the ignition key to ensure it releases smoothly from the ignition when the car is in Park, as sticking keys are reported.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area and confirm the electronic parking brake engages and disengages properly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models using the NHTSA VIN lookup.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on the systems mentioned in complaints.
- For the BMW, test all electrical components: windows, instrument cluster, lights, and infotainment.
- For the Camry, test the brakes, accelerator response, and all advanced driver-assistance features during a test drive.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for coolant flushes, transmission service, and brake repairs.
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
- 2,056
- BMW 740il total recalls
- 4
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- BMW 740il avg complaints/year
- 23.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- BMW 740il
- BMW 740il top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN