Head-to-head reliability
BMW 750I vs Toyota Camry
How the BMW 750I 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 750I vs Toyota Camry: The BMW averaged 3.2 complaints per year over 10 years, with 5 recalls, while the Camry averaged 205.6 complaints per year and had 31 recalls. The Camry also had 171 crash-related reports and 158 injuries, compared to the BMW's 1 each. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW 750I or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW 750I
The BMW 750I is a luxury sedan with a complex engine and electronics, and its complaint pattern suggests that when things go wrong, they can be expensive and recurring. Over 10 years, it averaged 3.2 complaints per year, with engine and power train issues dominating. Owners report problems like repeated VANOS solenoid and valve cover replacements, drivetrain malfunctions, and electrical gremlins such as water-damaged brake modulators. While the overall complaint count is low, the severity and cost of repairs can be high, making it a vehicle that demands careful maintenance and a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream sedan with a much higher complaint volume—205.6 per year—but that reflects its enormous sales volume rather than necessarily worse reliability. The complaints cover a wide range of systems, from power train hesitations and stuck ignition keys to brake noises and electrical glitches. Many issues appear to be intermittent and may be addressed under warranty, but the high number of crash-related and injury reports (171 and 158, respectively) is notable. Overall, the Camry's issues are more numerous but often less catastrophic than the BMW's, though buyers should still be vigilant.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW 750I | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 32 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 5 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 3.2 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 750I
- 01ENGINE11
- 02POWER TRAIN8
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER4
- 05WHEELS3
Owners report rough starts, drivetrain malfunctions, and repeated failures of VANOS solenoids and valve covers, sometimes multiple times within months. These can lead to costly repairs and may recur even after fixing.
Complaints include front differential carrier bearing failure, causing noise and potential drivability issues. This is a significant mechanical repair that can be expensive if not covered by warranty.
Water can enter the brake modulator enclosure, causing it to shut down and disable braking functions. Another report describes the engine shutting off and overheating, which could be dangerous.
Some owners report broken wheel rims and tire bulges, suggesting possible weakness in wheels or tires that could affect safety and require replacement.
“There are two grill shutter actuators. One for the upper and one for the lower. Different part numbers. NHTSA issued a TSB for N63R in 2019: MC-10160279-9999 (G12 (N63R)/G30 (B58M) RADIATOR GRILL UPPER AND LOWER ACTIVE AIR FLAPS: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO…”
“BMW 2013 750LI DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION RE-OCCURRING CAUSING ROUGH START AND WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY 485 VANOS SOLENOIDS & VALVE COVERS HAVE BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES WITHIN 7 MONTHS ON MY VEHICLE THAT HAS 22,000 MILES. MY FULL SERVICE WARRANTY IS GOING TO EXPIRE…”
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 experience hesitation and shuddering while driving, often accompanied by a check engine light.
Complaints include delayed throttle response, where pressing the accelerator results in a several-second delay before the car moves. This can be a safety concern when merging or crossing intersections.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow. Some owners also hear a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area, which dealers attribute to the ABS system but owners find abnormal.
Multiple systems—such as stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—can malfunction simultaneously. This suggests a potential electrical or software issue that could impair 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 750I — 5 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2015 740i, 740Li, 740Lxi, 750i, 750xi, 750Li and 750Lxi and 2014 ActiveHybrid 7 vehicles. The affected vehicles may have received incorrect replacement left rear taillight assemblies. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requireme…
The risk: Vehicles with the incorrect left rear lamp assemblies may be less conspicuous to other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace any incorrect left rear taillight assemblies, free of charge. The recall began August 11, 2017. 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 2013-2015 740i, 740Li, 740Lxi, 750i, 750xi, 750Li and 750Lxi and 2014 ActiveHybrid 7 vehicles. The affected vehicles may have received incorrect replacement left rear taillight assemblies. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requireme…
The risk: Vehicles with the incorrect left rear lamp assemblies may be less conspicuous to other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace any incorrect left rear taillight assemblies, free of charge. The recall began August 11, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 750i xDrive, 2019 M850i xDrive Coupe, M850i xDrive Convertible, X5 xDrive50i, X7 xDrive50i, and M5 vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may not have been properly attached to the engine, which may cause the fuel pump flange to crack, result…
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pumps, free of charge. The recall began August 27, 2019. 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 750I or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW 750I has far fewer complaints per year (3.2 vs. 205.6), but its issues tend to be more severe and expensive, often involving engine and drivetrain repairs. The Toyota Camry's higher complaint count reflects its massive sales volume, and while many issues are less catastrophic, the number of crash-related reports is higher. In practice, the BMW may cost more to maintain, while the Camry may have more frequent but generally less costly problems.
Key differences
- The BMW 750I averages 3.2 complaints per year, while the Toyota Camry averages 205.6, but the Camry sells in much higher volumes.
- BMW complaints often involve engine and power train failures like VANOS solenoids and differential bearings, which can be costly.
- Camry complaints include intermittent electrical glitches and brake issues, but many are covered under warranty and may be less severe.
- The Camry has 171 crash-related and 158 injury reports, compared to the BMW's 1 crash-related and 1 injury, though these numbers are not adjusted for sales volume.
- Check for rough starts, drivetrain malfunction warnings, and service records for VANOS solenoid or valve cover replacements.
- Inspect the brake modulator area for signs of water intrusion, and test all electrical functions, especially after rain.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park; if it sticks, it may require battery disconnection to remove.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal and ensure the electronic parking brake engages and disengages properly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and all service records, paying attention to recurring engine or electrical repairs.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic specializing in the respective brand (BMW or Toyota).
- For the BMW, specifically ask about the N63 engine's known issues and check for extended warranties on active air flaps.
- For the Camry, test drive at various speeds to feel for hesitation or shuddering, and check all electronic safety systems.
- Verify that all open recalls have been addressed by checking the NHTSA website with 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 750I | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 0 | 61 |
| 2021 | 2 | 157 |
| 2020 | 0 | 274 |
| 2019 | 0 | 395 |
| 2018 | 0 | 744 |
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 750I or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW 750I vs Toyota Camry
- BMW 750I total complaints
- 32
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- BMW 750I total recalls
- 5
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- BMW 750I avg complaints/year
- 3.2
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- BMW 750I
- BMW 750I top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN