Head-to-head reliability
BMW F 800 ST vs Toyota Camry
How the BMW F 800 ST 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 800 ST vs Toyota Camry: The BMW has 17 complaints over 10 years (1.7/year) and 4 recalls, with reported fuel pump stalling and rear wheel bearing noise. The Camry has 2,143 complaints (214.3/year), 31 recalls, and reports of transmission grinding and sudden acceleration. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW F 800 ST or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW F 800 ST
The BMW F 800 ST is a sport-touring motorcycle with a relatively low complaint rate—about 1.7 per year over a decade—but the pattern is concerning. Owners repeatedly report rear-wheel bearing noise and fuel pump failures that cause stalling or sudden shutdowns, sometimes at speed. These are not cosmetic issues; they can leave you stranded or worse. With only 4 recalls, the bike demands careful pre-purchase inspection of those specific systems.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a high-volume sedan with a much higher complaint rate—about 214 per year—and a broader range of issues. Owners describe transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, brake failure, and AC problems. The 31 recalls and 163 injuries reported reflect more frequent and varied safety-related complaints. While many Camrys are reliable, the data shows a wider set of potential problems to check.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW F 800 ST | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 17 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.7 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 F 800 ST
- 01WHEELS6
- 02FUEL SYSTEM6
- 03GASOLINE6
- 04ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING3
- 05POWER TRAIN2
Owners report a loud clicking or abnormal sound from the rear wheel bearing, sometimes with the ABS warning light on. This can indicate bearing or final drive failure, which could be catastrophic if ignored.
Complaints describe the fuel pump overheating, shorting out, and suddenly stopping, causing the engine to stall without warning. It may restart after cooling, but the sudden loss of power is a serious safety risk.
Riders report surging, stalling, and engine cut-out at highway speeds, especially in warm weather. The bike may restart after a minute, but the unpredictable loss of power is dangerous.
Some owners mention power train issues, though fewer details are given. Any drivetrain problem on a motorcycle can affect control and should be inspected.
“-There is a loud clicking sound from the rear wheel that could be caused by the rear wheel bearing/final drive. As a result, I am very worried about riding it because a failure could be catastrophic. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. -It i…”
“The contact owns a 2008 BMW F 800 ST. The contact stated that an abnormal sound was coming from the rear wheel bearing with the ABS warning light illuminated. The contact took the motorcycle to Max BMW Motorcycles (845 Hoosick Rd, Troy, NY 12180) where he was…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front during acceleration, often traced to transmission failure. Some say the transmission needs replacement, and parts may be on backorder.
Complaints include uncontrollable sudden acceleration that can lead to crashes, as well as coolant valve issues that trigger warning codes. These are serious safety concerns.
Drivers describe brake pedal failure—pressing the pedal with no response—especially on hills or when decelerating. This can lead to loss of control.
Electrical problems appear in the top components, though specific complaints in the sample focus on AC odor and condenser damage. Electrical gremlins can be hard to diagnose and costly.
“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 F 800 ST — 4 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 F 800 S and F 800 ST motorcycles manufactured August 2006 through January 2009. Due to incorrect tolerances, the rear wheel drive bearing and rear axle may wear.
The risk: Bearing and axle wear may affect handling and control of the motorcycle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wheel bearing, and if necessary, replace the bearing and rear axle, at no charge. The recall began on January 10, 2014. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRela…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 F 800 S and F 800 ST motorcycles manufactured August 2006 through January 2009. Due to incorrect tolerances, the rear wheel drive bearing and rear axle may wear.
The risk: Bearing and axle wear may affect handling and control of the motorcycle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wheel bearing, and if necessary, replace the bearing and rear axle, at no charge. The recall began on January 10, 2014. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRela…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 F 800 S and F 800 ST motorcycles manufactured August 2006 through January 2009. Due to incorrect tolerances, the rear wheel drive bearing and rear axle may wear.
The risk: Bearing and axle wear may affect handling and control of the motorcycle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wheel bearing, and if necessary, replace the bearing and rear axle, at no charge. The recall began on January 10, 2014. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRela…
The defect: BMW IS RECALLING 1,980 MY 2007-2008 F800 S AND F800 ST MOTORCYCLES. DUE TO THE ROUTING OF THE FUEL TANK BREATHER HOSE, PRESSURE EQUALIZATION INSIDE THE FUEL TANK IS POSSIBLE ONLY TO A LIMITED EXTENT. CONSEQUENTLY, AT HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES, THE FUEL TANK CAN DEFORM. IF THIS HAPPENED AT THE POINT…
The risk: IF THIS OCCURRED, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT A LEAK COULD DEVELOP IN THE TANK. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REROUTE THE FUEL TANK BREATHER HOSE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING AUGUST 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-331-1117.
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 F 800 ST or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW F 800 ST has far fewer complaints per year (1.7 vs. 214.3), but its issues—fuel pump stalling and wheel bearing noise—can be sudden and severe. The Camry’s higher volume means more reported problems overall, including crashes and injuries. In practice, the BMW may be less likely to have a complaint, but when it does, it can be critical; the Camry has more frequent but varied issues.
Key differences
- The BMW F 800 ST has 17 complaints over 10 years, while the Toyota Camry has 2,143—but the BMW’s issues often involve sudden stalling or wheel bearing failure, which can be catastrophic on a motorcycle.
- Camry owners report crashes (181) and injuries (163), with sudden acceleration and brake failure among the complaints; the BMW has 1 crash-related complaint and no injuries reported.
- The BMW’s top problems are fuel pump and rear wheel bearing; the Camry’s are power train (transmission grinding) and engine (sudden acceleration).
- Both have recalls, but the Camry has 31 versus 4 for the BMW, covering air bags, seats, wheels, and labels.
- Listen for any clicking or grinding from the rear wheel, and check for an illuminated ABS light—this could signal a failing wheel bearing or final drive.
- Ask if the fuel pump has been replaced or if the bike has ever stalled unexpectedly; a history of stalling, especially when hot, points to the known fuel pump issue.
- Test drive at low speeds and listen for grinding from the front end during acceleration—this may indicate transmission problems requiring replacement.
- Check for any history of sudden acceleration or brake pedal failure; ask for service records related to recalls on brakes, air bags, and seats.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models using the NHTSA VIN lookup.
- For the BMW, have a mechanic inspect the rear wheel bearing, final drive, and fuel pump operation, including a test ride to check for stalling.
- For the Camry, have a mechanic check transmission fluid and operation, brake system function, and any stored engine codes related to coolant valves.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially any repairs related to the reported problem areas.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any unusual noises, warning lights, or hesitation in acceleration or braking.
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 800 ST or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW F 800 ST vs Toyota Camry
- BMW F 800 ST total complaints
- 17
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- BMW F 800 ST total recalls
- 4
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- BMW F 800 ST avg complaints/year
- 1.7
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- BMW F 800 ST
- BMW F 800 ST top complaint area
- WHEELS
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN