Head-to-head reliability
BMW Activehybrid 5 vs Toyota Camry
How the BMW Activehybrid 5 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 Activehybrid 5 vs Toyota Camry: The Activehybrid 5 has zero owner complaints over six years, while the Camry averages 214.3 complaints per year. The Camry has 31 recalls and 181 crash-related complaints, whereas the Activehybrid 5 has only 2 recalls. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW Activehybrid 5 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW Activehybrid 5
The BMW Activehybrid 5 is a luxury hybrid sedan that, based on NHTSA data, has a very clean complaint record with zero owner complaints over six years. This suggests that owners have not reported significant issues with the vehicle's hybrid system, engine, or other components. However, it has two recalls, one for exterior lighting and one for the driver's frontal air bag inflator, which are important to address for safety. Overall, the Activehybrid 5 appears to be a low-maintenance vehicle in terms of owner-reported problems, but potential buyers should ensure recall repairs are completed.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular midsize sedan with a much higher volume of owner complaints, averaging over 214 per year over a decade. The complaints span multiple areas, with the most frequent being powertrain, unknown/other, engine, service brakes, and electrical system. Owners report issues such as transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, brake failure, and HVAC odors. With 31 recalls and 181 crash-related complaints, the Camry has a more complex reliability picture, but it's important to note that the high complaint numbers may reflect its large sales volume. Buyers should be aware of these patterns and check for any open recalls.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW Activehybrid 5 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 2 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 163 |
| 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 Activehybrid 5
No component data available.
The recall for exterior lighting indicates a potential issue with the headlights or other lights that could affect visibility. Owners should verify that the recall repair has been performed to ensure proper lighting function.
The recall for the driver's frontal air bag inflator module suggests a risk of improper deployment in a crash. This is a critical safety component, and buyers should confirm the recall fix is done to ensure the air bag works as intended.
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front end during acceleration, with dealerships confirming transmission issues that may require replacement. This suggests potential transmission durability problems that could be costly to repair.
Some owners describe sudden unintended acceleration, leading to crashes, while others report engine maintenance lights related to a coolant valve bypass recall. These issues point to possible engine control or cooling system concerns.
Complaints include brake pedal going to the floor with no response, especially on hills, indicating potential brake system failures that compromise stopping ability. This is a serious safety concern that requires immediate attention.
While specific electrical complaints are not detailed in the sample, the high number of electrical system complaints suggests issues with components like sensors or wiring that could affect various vehicle functions.
“I turned into a restaurant’s parking lot, found a spot and slowly drove into the lot, I eased off the gas pedal and gently applying the brake as the lot has a slight downward slope. When I reach the chunk (the parking block), I added more force to the brake,…”
“Grinding noise coming from front end upon acceleration. Brought to dealership who confirmed noises coming from transmission. Transmission needs to be replaced per dealer recommendation. Recalls on 2021 Toyota Camry for same issue. Transmissions on backorder a…”
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 Activehybrid 5 — 2 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, and ActiveHybrid 5 vehicles. The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect enough light. As such, the vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Saf…
The risk: The vehicle may be less visible to other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2015 6 Series Gran Coupe, 2014 5 Series Gran Turismo, 2014 5 Series Sedan, 2015 6 Series Convertible, 2015 6 Series Coupe, 2014 X5, 2013-2014 X3, 2014-2015 3 Series Sedan, 2014 4 Series Coupe, 2014 4 Series Convertible, 2014 3 Series Gran Turismo…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, increasing the risk of injury or death.
The fix: The driver's front air bag will be replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 6, 2024. 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 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…
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…
Buyer analysis
BMW Activehybrid 5 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW Activehybrid 5 has far fewer owner complaints per year (0.0) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), indicating a lower rate of reported problems. However, the Camry's higher numbers may be partly due to its larger sales volume. In practice, the Activehybrid 5 appears to have fewer owner-reported issues, but both vehicles have recalls that need attention.
Key differences
- The Activehybrid 5 has zero owner complaints, while the Camry has over 2,000, indicating a stark difference in reported issue frequency.
- The Camry has a significant number of complaints about sudden acceleration and brake failure, which are safety-critical, whereas the Activehybrid 5 has no such reports.
- The Activehybrid 5's recalls are limited to lighting and air bag inflator, while the Camry has recalls for occupant classification sensor, seats, and wheel lugs, among others.
- The Camry's powertrain complaints include transmission grinding and replacement, suggesting potential long-term durability concerns not seen in the Activehybrid 5.
- Check that both recalls (exterior lighting and air bag inflator) have been completed, as they affect safety and visibility.
- Inspect the hybrid battery and electrical system for any signs of wear, even though no complaints are on record, to ensure longevity.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially on hills, to ensure there is no loss of braking power, as reported by owners.
- Listen for grinding noises during acceleration and have the transmission inspected by a mechanic, as transmission failures are common.
Before you buy
- For the BMW Activehybrid 5, verify that all recalls are performed by checking the VIN on the NHTSA website.
- For the Toyota Camry, ask for service records to see if the transmission has been replaced or repaired.
- Take both vehicles for a test drive that includes acceleration and braking on an incline to check for issues.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the powertrain and brakes for the Camry, and the hybrid system and air bags for the Activehybrid 5.
- Check the NHTSA website for any open recalls on the specific VINs of the vehicles you are considering.
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 Activehybrid 5 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 0 | 736 |
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 Activehybrid 5 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW Activehybrid 5 vs Toyota Camry
- BMW Activehybrid 5 total complaints
- 0
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- BMW Activehybrid 5 total recalls
- 2
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- BMW Activehybrid 5 avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- BMW Activehybrid 5
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN