Head-to-head reliability
BMW F 650 GS vs Toyota Camry
How the BMW F 650 GS 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 F 650 GS vs Toyota Camry: The BMW has 9 complaints and 8 recalls over 10 years, with fuel system and lighting issues. The Camry has 2,056 complaints and 31 recalls, including 171 crash-related reports. The BMW's lower volume means fewer overall problems, but its fuel leaks and stalling are serious. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW F 650 GS or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW F 650 GS
The BMW F 650 GS is a midsize adventure-style motorcycle with a relatively low complaint rate of about 0.9 per year over the past decade. However, owner reports reveal a persistent pattern of fuel system problems, especially fuel pump controller failures and plastic fuel tank cracking. These issues can cause stalling, fuel odors, and leaks, which are serious on a motorcycle. With 8 recalls but no reported crashes or injuries in the data, it's a machine that demands regular attention to fuel-related parts.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular family sedan with a much higher complaint volume—about 206 per year—but that reflects its huge sales numbers. Owners report a wide range of issues, from transmission shuddering and delayed acceleration to brake noises and electronic glitches. There are also 171 crash-related complaints and one death in the data, though these are not necessarily caused by defects. With 31 recalls, it's clear that some model years have had significant safety campaigns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW F 650 GS | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 9 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 8 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.9 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 F 650 GS
- 01FUEL SYSTEM3
- 02GASOLINE3
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING2
- 05ENGINE2
Owners repeatedly report fuel pump controller failures, sometimes multiple times per year, causing stalling or no-start conditions. The controller is a small electronic device on the fuel tank that can leave you stranded.
Plastic fuel tanks develop hairline cracks on the sides, leading to gasoline odors and potential leaks. This is a known issue on owner forums and can be a fire hazard if fuel drips onto hot engine parts.
Complaints include engine stalling at speed, such as when decelerating or pulling in the clutch, which can be dangerous in traffic. The stalling is often linked to the fuel system issues above.
The headlight reflector coating peels or burns, dramatically reducing nighttime visibility. Owners say the headlight becomes very dark, making riding after dark risky.
“THIS COMPONENT HAD FAILED MULTIPLE TIMES ON THIS VEHICLE (ABOUT TWICE PER YEAR) SINCE NEW. THE COMPONENT THAT IS REPLACED EACH TIME HAS BEEN THE FUEL PUMP CONTROLLER (SMALL ELECTRONIC DEVICE MOUNTED ON TOP OF THE FUEL TANK). I AM ABOUT TO PURCHASE MY FOURTH O…”
“SMELLING GAS BEHIND ME WHEN I RIDE. I HAVE A BMW F650GS WITH UNDER SEAT TANK - I NOTICED BOTH RIDE AND LEFT SIDE OF THE SIDES OF THE TANK ARE CRACKING. TANK SEEMS TO BE PLASTIC AND THERE IS A U SHAPED CUT THAT RUNS DOWN BOTH SIDES. THERE SEEMS TO BE A SPLIT O…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report intermittent ignition key stuck in the ignition even when the car is in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove. Others describe hesitation and shuddering while driving, often with a check engine light.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, with the car taking several seconds to move. This can be a safety concern when merging or crossing traffic.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer. Some owners also hear a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area, which dealers say is normal but owners find concerning.
Multiple electronic systems—such as stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—can malfunction simultaneously. This suggests complex electrical issues that may be hard to diagnose.
“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 F 650 GS — 8 recalls
The defect: BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 AND 2009 F650 GS AND F 800 GS MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 27, 2007 THROUGH MARCH 30, 2009. THE DRIVE CHAINS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PRODUCED TO SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, OVER TIME THE DRIVE CHAIN COULD BREAK.
The risk: IF THE BROKEN CHAIN BECOMES TRAPPED BETWEEN THE REAR WHEEL AND THE FRAME, THE REAR WHEEL COULD LOCK UP, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
The fix: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVE CHAIN AND SPROCKETS ON THE AFFECTED MOTORCYCLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2010 F650 GS AND F800 GS MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 2008 AND DECEMBER 2009. DURING ENGINE OPERATION, A VACUUM IS CREATED IN ORDER TO DRAW FRESH AIR INTO THE CANISTER. THIS AIR THEN MIXES WITH THE FUEL VAPORS CAPTURED BY THE CANISTER, AN…
The risk: WATER COULD FLOW INTO THE CANISTER CAUSING A STALLING CONDITION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND ADD AN ADDITIONAL HOSE AND ROUTE IT SUCH THAT THE PRESENT DEFECT IS PREVENTED. THIS REMEDY WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 13, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
The defect: BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN 2008 THROUGH 2010 F 650 GS MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 11, 2008, THROUGH DECEMBER 8, 2009. A WASHER MAY INTERFERE WITH THE FRONT DISC BRAKE FASTENERS' TORQUE. AS A RESULT, OVER TIME, A FASTENER OR MUTIPLE FASTENERS COULD BECOME LOOSE, ALLOWING THE BRAKE DISC TO BE…
The risk: A LOOSE BRAKE DISC MAY INTERFERE WITH PROPER BRAKING PERFORMANCE AND MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 13, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW IS RECALLING 373 MY 2008 F650 GS MOTORCYCLES. DUE TO PRODUCTION AND ASSEMBLY TOLERANCES, THE LENGTH OF ONE OR MORE OF THE FRONT BRAKE DISC FASTENERS MAY BE INSUFFICIENT. IF THE LENGTH OF A FASTENER WAS INSUFFICIENT, THIS COULD RESULT IN THE FASTENER NOT BEING TIGHTENED ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATIO…
The risk: IF THIS HAPPENED, THE FASTENER COULD WORK LOOSE FROM ITS THREADS. IN SOME CASES INVOLVING MULTIPLE FASTENERS, THE BRAKE DISC COULD LOOSEN, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE BRAKE DISC FASTENERS AND REPLACE THEM WITH NEW LONGER FASTENERS. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2009. OWNERS MAY 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 F 650 GS or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW F 650 GS has far fewer complaints per year (0.9 vs. 205.6), but its issues are concentrated in critical fuel and lighting systems that can cause stalling or poor visibility. The Toyota Camry's higher complaint count reflects its massive sales volume, but the variety of problems means any given car may have different faults. In practice, the BMW demands more frequent fuel-system maintenance, while the Camry may have more electronic and brake-related quirks.
Key differences
- The BMW F 650 GS has repeated fuel pump controller failures and fuel tank cracking, while the Toyota Camry has a broader mix of transmission, engine, and brake complaints.
- BMW owners report stalling at speed due to fuel issues, whereas Camry owners report delayed acceleration and hesitation.
- The BMW has headlight reflector peeling that reduces night visibility; the Camry has electronic parking brake failures that can immobilize the car.
- The Camry has far more crash-related complaints (171) and one death in the data, but these are not necessarily defect-caused; the BMW has zero reported crashes or injuries.
- Inspect the fuel tank for hairline cracks, especially on the left and right sides, and check for gasoline odors after riding.
- Test the fuel pump controller by listening for the fuel pump prime and checking for any hesitation or stalling during a test ride.
- Check for any signs of transmission shuddering or delayed acceleration during a test drive, and ensure the check engine light is not on.
- Test the electronic parking brake to make sure it engages and disengages smoothly, and listen for unusual noises from the brake pedal area.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls using the VIN on the NHTSA website.
- For the BMW, have a mechanic inspect the fuel tank, fuel pump controller, and headlight reflector before purchase.
- For the Camry, test drive at various speeds to feel for transmission hesitation and brake noises, and check all electronic systems.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for fuel system repairs on the BMW and software updates on the Camry.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic familiar with the specific model's common 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 F 650 GS or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW F 650 GS vs Toyota Camry
- BMW F 650 GS total complaints
- 9
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- BMW F 650 GS total recalls
- 8
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- BMW F 650 GS avg complaints/year
- 0.9
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- BMW F 650 GS
- BMW F 650 GS top complaint area
- FUEL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN