Head-to-head reliability
BMW 760li vs Toyota Camry
How the BMW 760li 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 760li vs Toyota Camry: The BMW 760li has 3 complaints over 10 years (0.3 per year) and 19 recalls, while the Toyota Camry has 2,056 complaints (205.6 per year) and 31 recalls. The Camry also reports 171 crash-related complaints, 158 injuries, and 1 death; the BMW reports none. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW 760li or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW 760li
The BMW 760li is a high-end luxury sedan that can be costly to maintain as it ages. Over 10 years, it has only 3 complaints (0.3 per year) but 19 recalls, indicating that many issues are addressed through recalls rather than owner complaints. Owners report serious problems like excessive oil consumption, electric water pump failure, and fuel pump breakdowns, which can lead to expensive repairs and safety concerns. For a used buyer, this means low complaint volume but potentially high ownership costs and reliability headaches.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream family sedan with a strong reputation for reliability, but NHTSA data shows 2,056 complaints over 10 years (205.6 per year) and 31 recalls. Owners report a wide range of issues, from transmission shuddering and key removal problems to brake noise and multiple electronic system malfunctions. While many complaints may be minor, the high volume and 171 crash-related reports, 158 injuries, and 1 death suggest that some defects can have serious consequences. A used Camry buyer should be aware that even popular models can have recurring problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW 760li | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 19 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.3 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 760li
- 01ENGINE1
- 02POWER TRAIN1
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1
Owners report excessive engine oil consumption or burning, which can lead to low oil levels, potential engine damage, and even fire risk if oil leaks onto hot parts. This is a known issue with valve stem seals and can require costly repairs.
The electric auxiliary water pump can fail, causing overheating and potential breakdown. Some owners report that BMW refused to honor a recall for this part, leaving them with repair bills.
High-pressure fuel pump failures and plug issues can cause 'drive train malfunction' warnings, leading to breakdowns and expensive repairs. Owners report repeated breakdowns and thousands of dollars in repair costs.
“BMW 750 I XDRIVE 2011 --EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION AND OR BURNING. THE DESIGN OF THE VALVE STEM SEALS IS A MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM DUE TO EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. THE SAFETY CONCERNS ARE THE FOLLOWING: 1) FIRE HAZARD. 2) PROPERTY DAMAGE AND PERSONAL INJU…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report intermittent issues where the ignition key becomes stuck and cannot be removed even when the car is in Park, requiring battery disconnection. Others experience hesitation and shuddering while driving, often with a check engine light.
Multiple electronic systems can malfunction simultaneously, including stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping assistance. This can happen while driving and may affect vehicle control.
Some owners report 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 towing and manual release. Also, a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area is reported, which dealers attribute to the ABS system but owners find abnormal.
“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 760li — 19 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2015 BMW 760Li vehicles. The Engine Control Unit (ECU) may have been programmed with incompatible software during a service visit, possibly causing the engine to stall.
The risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: All affected vehicles have been repaired by programming the ECU with the correct software. Therefore, owner letters will not be sent. 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 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 2005-2007 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.
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 760li or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW 760li has far fewer complaints per year (0.3 vs. 205.6) and no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in the data, while the Toyota Camry has many more complaints and some serious outcomes. However, the BMW's low complaint count may reflect lower sales or that issues are handled through recalls. In practice, the BMW may have fewer reported problems but could still be expensive to maintain, whereas the Camry's high complaint volume suggests more frequent, though not always severe, issues.
Key differences
- The BMW 760li has only 3 complaints over 10 years, while the Toyota Camry has 2,056, but the BMW has 19 recalls versus 31 for the Camry.
- BMW owners report engine oil consumption and fuel pump failures, while Camry owners report transmission shuddering, key removal problems, and brake noise.
- The Camry has 171 crash-related complaints, 158 injuries, and 1 death in the data; the BMW has none of these reported.
- The BMW's issues often involve costly components like the engine and power train, whereas the Camry's complaints span many systems including electronics and brakes.
- Check for excessive oil consumption by asking about oil top-off frequency and inspecting for leaks or blue exhaust smoke, as owners report valve stem seal issues.
- Test the electric auxiliary water pump and fuel pump operation, and ask if any related recalls have been performed, since failures can cause breakdowns.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park and listen for transmission shuddering during a test drive, as owners report these power train issues.
- Check the electronic parking brake engagement and disengagement, and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which may indicate ABS problems.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models using the NHTSA VIN lookup tool.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, and electronic systems for the specific model.
- For the BMW, ask for maintenance records related to oil consumption, water pump, and fuel pump repairs.
- For the Camry, test all electronic features including stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring during a test drive.
- Verify that any outstanding recalls have been completed, especially for the BMW's power train and the Camry's air bag and seat 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 760li or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW 760li vs Toyota Camry
- BMW 760li total complaints
- 3
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- BMW 760li total recalls
- 19
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- BMW 760li avg complaints/year
- 0.3
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- BMW 760li
- BMW 760li top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN