Head-to-head reliability
BMW 750li vs Toyota Camry
How the BMW 750li 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 750li vs Toyota Camry: The BMW 750li has 78 complaints over 10 years (7.8/year) and 13 recalls, while the Toyota Camry has 2,056 complaints (205.6/year) and 31 recalls. The Camry also reports 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries, versus none for the BMW. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW 750li or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW 750li
The BMW 750li is a large luxury sedan with complex systems, and its 78 complaints over 10 years (about 7.8 per year) suggest a pattern of serious engine and power train failures. Owners frequently report sudden power loss, violent vibration, and fuel leaks that can cause smoke, often requiring major repairs. With 13 recalls, including turbocharger issues, living with this car means staying on top of maintenance and being prepared for costly breakdowns.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream family sedan with a much higher complaint volume—2,056 over 10 years (about 206 per year)—but many are for less severe issues like brake noise or key stuck problems. However, the data also shows 171 crash-related complaints, 158 injuries, and 1 death, which is a serious concern. Recalls cover air bag sensors, seats, and wheel studs, so buyers should verify all recall work is done.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW 750li | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 78 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 13 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 7.8 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 750li
- 01ENGINE28
- 02POWER TRAIN19
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM13
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM10
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER8
Owners report the engine malfunctioning while driving, with sporadic full power loss and violent vibration during acceleration, sometimes leaving them stuck in traffic. This is a major safety and reliability concern because it can happen without warning.
Complaints describe the car vibrating violently and refusing to accelerate when merging onto highways, with warning messages appearing. This suggests transmission or drivetrain defects that can strand drivers in dangerous situations.
Owners report smoke after AC service, doors failing to open, and other electrical glitches. These issues can be unpredictable and expensive to diagnose, affecting basic functions like entry and climate control.
Fuel leaks into the engine causing smoke under the hood, plus oil leaks from seals producing white smoke from exhaust and rough idle. These leaks pose fire risks and indicate aging seals and fuel system defects.
“THE ENGINE MALFUNCTIONED IN MY CAR WHILE DRIVING AND IS A SAFETY HAZARD TO MYSELF AND OTHERS ON PUBLIC ROADS WITH MULTIPLE ENGINE PARTS IDENTIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER TO BE DEFECTIVE. THE CAR SPORADICALLY STOPS OPERATING WITH FULL POWER AND THERE HAVE BEEN SE…”
“WHEN ENTERING THE ON RAMP TO MERGE ONTO THE HIGHWAY. I ACCELERATED TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC AND CAR VIBRATED VIOLENTLY AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. I CONTINUED TO PRESS THE ACCELERATOR BUT NOTHING HAPPENED AND A MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE DISPLAY. NOW, I'M STUCK BETWE…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck and unable to be removed even in Park, requiring battery disconnection. Others note hesitation and shuddering with check engine lights, pointing to transmission or engine management issues.
Multiple systems like stability control, electric power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping malfunctioned simultaneously. This suggests electrical or software glitches that can disable safety aids without warning.
Complaints include delayed throttle response where pressing the accelerator results in several seconds of no movement. This lag can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic, and may indicate electronic throttle or engine control problems.
Owners report the electronic parking brake failing to disengage, requiring towing, and clicking/vibrating noises from the ABS system. These brake issues can affect vehicle operation and may be costly to repair.
“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 750li — 13 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 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 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…
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 750li or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW 750li has far fewer complaints per year (7.8 vs. 205.6), but its issues tend to be severe engine and power train failures that can cause sudden power loss. The Toyota Camry has many more complaints, including crash-related ones, but many are for less critical problems like brake noise. In practice, the BMW may leave you stranded more often, while the Camry may have more frequent but sometimes less dangerous annoyances.
Key differences
- The BMW 750li averages 7.8 complaints per year, while the Toyota Camry averages 205.6, but the BMW's complaints often involve sudden engine power loss and fuel leaks.
- The Camry has 171 crash-related complaints, 158 injuries, and 1 death, whereas the BMW has 0 in these categories, though the BMW's power loss could contribute to crashes not reported as such.
- BMW recalls focus on exterior lighting and turbocharger issues, while Camry recalls cover air bag sensors, seats, and wheel studs, indicating different safety priorities.
- Camry owners report electronic parking brake failures and throttle lag, while BMW owners report violent vibration and smoke from fuel leaks, showing distinct failure patterns.
- Check for any history of engine power loss or vibration during test drive, especially during acceleration; listen for unusual noises and watch for warning messages.
- Inspect for fuel or oil leaks under the hood and around the engine, and look for white smoke from the exhaust or underneath the car after starting.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park and ensure it releases smoothly; also check for hesitation or shuddering during acceleration.
- Verify that the electronic parking brake engages and disengages properly, and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area when braking.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been completed, especially for the BMW's turbocharger and the Camry's air bag sensors.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on engine, transmission, and electrical systems for the BMW, and brakes and power train for the Camry.
- During a test drive, accelerate hard to check for power loss or hesitation, and test all electronic features like door locks, windows, and safety systems.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and look for signs of oil or fuel leaks, smoke, or unusual noises.
- For the Camry, specifically check for any crash damage or repaired air bag systems, and verify the electronic parking brake operation.
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 750li | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 0 | 61 |
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 750li or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW 750li vs Toyota Camry
- BMW 750li total complaints
- 78
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- BMW 750li total recalls
- 13
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- BMW 750li avg complaints/year
- 7.8
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- BMW 750li
- BMW 750li top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN