Head-to-head reliability
BMW 745I vs Toyota Camry
How the BMW 745I 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 745I vs Toyota Camry: The BMW 745I has 0 complaints and 7 recalls over 4 years, while the Toyota Camry has 2,056 complaints and 31 recalls over 10 years. The Camry also reports 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW 745I or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW 745I
The BMW 745I is a luxury sedan with no owner complaints filed over four years, but it has seven recalls covering door latches, transmission, and engine cooling. The lack of complaints may reflect low sales or limited data rather than flawless reliability. Buyers should note that recalls indicate potential safety defects even without reported failures. Living with this car means staying on top of recall notices and budgeting for possible repairs.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream sedan with 2,056 complaints over ten years, averaging about 206 per year. Owners report issues with the power train, engine, brakes, and electrical systems, including hesitation, shuddering, and brake noises. There are also 171 crash-related complaints, 158 injuries, and one death, plus 31 recalls. This suggests a higher volume of reported problems, though many may be minor or resolved under warranty.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW 745I | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 7 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 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 745I
No component data available.
Recalls for door latches mean the doors may not latch securely, potentially opening while driving. Buyers should check for open recalls and test each door's latch operation.
A recall for the automatic transmission suggests possible shifting problems or failure. No owner complaints are on record, but a transmission defect can be costly, so a pre-purchase inspection is wise.
Two recalls for engine and cooling issues indicate potential overheating or engine stalling risks. Buyers should verify these recalls were performed and check for coolant leaks or warning lights.
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck in Park, requiring battery disconnection, and hesitation/shuddering with the check engine light on. These can leave you stranded or cause delayed acceleration.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, with several seconds of no movement. This hesitation could be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic.
The electronic parking brake may not disengage, requiring a tow, and a clicking/vibrating noise from the brake pedal area is common. Brake issues affect stopping safety and can be expensive to fix.
Multiple systems like stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring can malfunction simultaneously. This could reduce driver awareness and vehicle control.
“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 745I — 7 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2005-2008 745i, 745Li, 750i, 750Li, 760i, 760Li, and B7 Alpina vehicles equipped with both the Comfort Access and Soft Close Automatic options. In these vehicles, the doors may appear to be closed and latched, but, in fact, may inadvertently open.
The risk: The door may unexpectedly open due to road or driving conditions or occupant contact with the door. The sudden opening may result in occupant ejection or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the door latch system, free of charge. The recall began February 8, 2018. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
The defect: BMW is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 7-Series vehicles, equipped with the Comfort Access option, and manufactured August 23, 2004, through July 24, 2008. The affected vehicles have an electronic key and an electronic connection between the gear shifter and the transmission (shift-by-wire)…
The risk: If the driver exits the vehicle with the transmission in Neutral and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may rollaway. Unattended rollaway incidents often result in a crash or cause injury to pedestrians attempting to stop or ent…
The fix: BMW will notify owners beginning in November 2012. The remedy became available in March 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
The defect: BMW is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 7-Series vehicles, equipped with both Comfort Access and Soft Close Automatic options, and manufactured August 23, 2004, through September 3, 2007. Due to a software problem, the doors may appear to be closed and latched, but, in fact, may inadvertently…
The risk: The door may unexpectedly open due to road or driving conditions or occupant contact with the door. The sudden opening may result in occupant ejection or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners and dealers will update software. The recall began on December 12, 2012. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DUE TO A SOFTWARE ERROR, A DESYNCHRONIZATION OF THE VALVETRONIC MOTORS FOR ENGINE BANKS I AND II MAY OCCUR. IF THIS OCCURS, THE ENGINE COULD STALL.
The risk: IN THOSE CASES, THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE. DEPENDING ON THE LEVEL OF ENGINE ROUGHNESS, OR STALLING, AS WELL AS TRAFFIC CONDITIONS AND THE DRIVER'S REACTIONS, THIS COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE DIGITAL ENGINE MANAGEMENT CONTROL UNIT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 8, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
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 745I or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW 745I has far fewer complaints per year (0 vs. about 206) and no reported crashes or injuries, while the Toyota Camry has many more complaints and some crash-related outcomes. In practice, the BMW may have fewer reported day-to-day problems, but its recalls still require attention. The Camry's higher complaint volume suggests more owners experience issues, though not all are severe.
Key differences
- The BMW 745I has 0 complaints and 7 recalls, while the Toyota Camry has 2,056 complaints and 31 recalls.
- Camry owners report specific power train issues like stuck ignition keys and hesitation, which are not reported for the BMW.
- The Camry has 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries, whereas the BMW has none reported.
- BMW recalls cover door latches, transmission, and engine cooling; Camry recalls include wheels, seats, and air bag sensors.
- Check for open recalls on door latches, transmission, and engine cooling, and confirm they were fixed.
- Test the automatic transmission for smooth shifting and look for any engine overheating signs or coolant leaks.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park and look for any hesitation or shuddering during a test drive.
- Check the electronic parking brake operation and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area.
Before you buy
- Run a VIN check for open recalls on both vehicles and ensure all recall work is completed.
- Take a lengthy test drive covering highway and city speeds to feel for transmission hesitation or brake noises.
- Have a mechanic inspect the BMW for door latch function, transmission health, and cooling system leaks.
- For the Camry, specifically test the key removal, throttle response, and electronic parking brake engagement.
- Ask for maintenance records and verify that any reported complaints or recalls were addressed.
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 745I or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW 745I vs Toyota Camry
- BMW 745I total complaints
- 0
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- BMW 745I total recalls
- 7
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- BMW 745I avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- BMW 745I
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN