Head-to-head reliability
BMW F 850 GS vs Toyota Camry
How the BMW F 850 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 850 GS vs Toyota Camry: The BMW had 3 complaints over 5 years (0.6/year) and 1 recall, while the Camry had 2,056 complaints over 10 years (205.6/year) and 31 recalls. The Camry also had 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries; the BMW had none. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW F 850 GS or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW F 850 GS
The BMW F 850 GS is a dual-sport motorcycle with very few reported problems: only 3 complaints over 5 years, averaging 0.6 per year. The complaints cover a clutch that sticks and causes lurching, a front brake that intermittently fails, and a dispute over service manuals. There is also one recall for brake lights. Overall, it appears to have a low complaint rate, but the brake and clutch issues are serious if they occur.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular family sedan with a much higher complaint volume: 2,056 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 206 per year. Owners report issues with the power train (hesitation, shuddering, stuck ignition key), engine (delayed throttle), brakes (electronic parking brake failure, ABS noise), and electrical system malfunctions. There are also 31 recalls and 171 crash-related complaints, with 158 injuries and 1 death reported. This suggests a wide range of potential problems, though many may be isolated.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW F 850 GS | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 1 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.6 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 850 GS
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
- 02POWER TRAIN1
- 03ENGINE1
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1
One owner reported that the clutch lever often sticks when engaging, causing the motorcycle to lurch forward from a stop. This could lead to loss of control or being hit from behind, as the owner nearly was.
The same clutch sticking issue was also filed under engine, indicating that the problem may affect engine engagement. A buyer should test the clutch for smooth operation.
An owner reported losing the ability to pull the front brake for a few seconds, with ABS and traction control error lights coming on. This is a serious safety concern because it reduces braking ability unexpectedly.
One complaint was about BMW not releasing service manuals, forcing owners to go to dealerships. This is not a mechanical failure but could increase ownership costs and limit DIY repairs.
“There are a lot of BMW owners filing complaints to force BMW Motorrad to releases service manuals to the public which they quite doing years ago which forces people to go to the dealership for any sort of service. Basically a monopoly which is illegal. I own…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report an intermittent defect where the ignition key becomes stuck and cannot be removed even though the car is in Park; the only fix is disconnecting the battery. Another owner reported hesitation and shuddering while driving, with the check engine light on.
A owner reported a several-second delay in throttle response when pressing the accelerator, which could cause hesitation when merging or crossing traffic. Another complaint described hesitation and shuddering with the check engine light illuminated.
One owner reported the electronic parking brake would not disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer; replacing the switch did not fix it. Another owner heard a clicking vibrating sound from the brake pedal area, which the manufacturer said was common for the 2023 Camry.
A owner reported multiple system malfunctions at once: smart stop, vehicle stability control, electric power steering, blind spot monitoring, secondary collision brake, and lane keeping assistance all failed during a drive. Another complaint involved front and rear subframe, driveline, and stability/traction control components.
“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 850 GS — 1 recall
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 F900R, F900XR, S1000RR, F750GS, F850GS, F850GS Adventure, R1250GS, R1250GS Adventure, R1250RS, R1250R, RnineT, RnineT Pure and RnineT Scrambler and 2019-2020 S1000R motorcycles. The brake light may flash instead of remain steady during emerg…
The risk: A flashing brake light can cause confusion to other drivers on the road, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owner, and dealers will reprogram the emergency stop signal function, free of charge. The recall began May 11, 2020. 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 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 850 GS or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW F 850 GS has far fewer complaints per year (0.6) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 206 per year). In practice, this means a buyer is much less likely to encounter a reported problem with the BMW, but the few issues reported are serious (brake loss, clutch sticking). The Camry's higher volume includes many different issues, some of which are widespread enough to generate recalls and crash reports.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: BMW F 850 GS has 3 complaints over 5 years; Toyota Camry has 2,056 over 10 years, a massive difference in reported problems.
- Safety outcomes: Camry has 171 crash-related complaints, 158 injuries, and 1 death; BMW has 0 in all these categories.
- Recalls: Camry has 31 recalls covering seats, air bags, wheels, etc.; BMW has 1 recall for brake lights.
- Reported failure types: BMW issues are clutch sticking and front brake loss; Camry issues include stuck ignition key, hesitation, parking brake failure, and multiple electrical malfunctions.
- Test the front brake lever for any intermittent loss of pressure or unusual feel, as one owner reported losing front brake ability for seconds.
- Check the clutch operation for sticking or lurching when engaging from a stop, as reported by an owner.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park; if it sticks, it could be a sign of the reported defect requiring battery disconnect.
- Check the electronic parking brake operation and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which owners reported.
Before you buy
- For the BMW F 850 GS: test ride and specifically check clutch engagement and front brake response at low speeds.
- For the Toyota Camry: test the ignition key removal, throttle response, and electronic parking brake function.
- Ask for service records and check if any recalls (BMW brake light, Camry seats/air bags) have been addressed.
- For the Camry, scan for stored error codes related to stability control, ABS, and engine hesitation.
- For both: take a test drive long enough to warm up the engine and replicate stop-and-go traffic conditions.
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 F 850 GS | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 64 |
| 2022 | 0 | 61 |
| 2021 | 1 | 157 |
| 2020 | 0 | 274 |
| 2019 | 0 | 395 |
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 850 GS or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW F 850 GS vs Toyota Camry
- BMW F 850 GS total complaints
- 3
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- BMW F 850 GS total recalls
- 1
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- BMW F 850 GS avg complaints/year
- 0.6
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- BMW F 850 GS
- BMW F 850 GS top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN