Head-to-head reliability
BMW I3 vs Toyota Camry
How the BMW I3 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 I3 vs Toyota Camry: The BMW i3 averages 29.4 complaints per year with 16 recalls, while the Toyota Camry averages 205.6 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The i3's main issues are steering and roof problems, whereas the Camry suffers from power train and brake complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW I3 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW I3
The BMW i3 is a compact electric hatchback with an optional range extender. Over 8 years, it has averaged 29.4 complaints per year, with steering and structural issues being the most common. Owners report software bugs causing steering pull and roof delamination that can lead to leaks. These problems, while not extremely frequent, can be costly and affect safety.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a long history of reliability, but recent models have seen a surge in complaints. Over 10 years, it averages 205.6 complaints per year, with power train, engine, and brake issues frequently reported. Owners describe shuddering, delayed acceleration, and electronic parking brake failures. Despite the high complaint count, many issues are covered by recalls or warranties.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW I3 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 235 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 16 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 11 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 29.4 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 8 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 I3
- 01STEERING55
- 02STRUCTURE43
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM38
- 04POWER TRAIN31
- 05AIR BAGS26
Owners report the steering pulling hard to the left every few weeks, requiring constant correction. Some say a software bug causes the issue, and a dealer fix may be needed. This can make city driving tiring and potentially unsafe.
The carbon fiber roof can delaminate and separate, leading to leaks and reduced structural integrity. Owners worry the roof could fly off while driving. This is a known problem that BMW may not always fix.
Complaints include plastic particles blowing from vents and sudden shutdowns while driving. These electrical glitches can leave you stranded and require dealer diagnosis.
With the range extender, owners experience sudden loss of power at low state of charge, forcing them to pull over. This can happen in traffic and is not well documented in the manual.
“Previously reported a steering incident no. 11438343. Dealer indidicated that there was a "bug in the software" and that the car would be entitled to a one time fix under extended warranty. Dealership worked on the issue and completed the warranty repair on 1…”
“EVERY 3 TO 21 DAYS, MY STEERING PULLS HARD TO THE LEFT. THIS OCCURS ON FLAT ROADS ON DRY PAVEMENT. I HAVE TO PULL THE STEERING WHEEL HARD TO THE RIGHT TO KEEP THE VEHICLE GOING STRAIGHT AT CITY DRIVING SPEEDS (0-35 MPH). ON ONE OCCASION THIS OCCURRED WHILE ON…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove. Others experience hesitation and shuddering while driving, often with a check engine light.
Delayed throttle response is a common complaint, where pressing the gas pedal results in a several-second delay before the car moves. This can be dangerous when merging or crossing intersections.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow. Also, a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area is reported, which dealers say is normal but owners find concerning.
Multiple systems like stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring can malfunction simultaneously. This suggests complex electronic 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 I3 — 16 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2018 BMW i3 electric and hybrid electric vehicles. Unbelted, small adult, drivers may be at a higher risk of neck injury in the event of a frontal crash. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Sta…
The risk: During a frontal impact, unbelted, small adult, drivers could be at a higher risk of neck injury.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the Driver air bag control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at the dedicated i3 recall number 1-855-269-…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2017 i3 REx hybrid electric vehicles. The fuel tank vent line may rub against the ribbed wire protection sleeve of the battery positive (B+) cable, creating a hole in the vent line and causing a fuel vapor leak.
The risk: A fuel vapor leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel vent line, replacing it as necessary, and install a clip to prevent it from chafing, free of charge. The recall beganApril 3, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2018 BMW i3 electric and hybrid electric vehicles. Unbelted, small adult, drivers may be at a higher risk of neck injury in the event of a frontal crash. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Sta…
The risk: During a frontal impact, unbelted, small adult, drivers could be at a higher risk of neck injury.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the Driver air bag control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at the dedicated i3 recall number 1-855-269-…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2017 i3 REx hybrid electric vehicles. The fuel tank vent line may rub against the ribbed wire protection sleeve of the battery positive (B+) cable, creating a hole in the vent line and causing a fuel vapor leak.
The risk: A fuel vapor leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel vent line, replacing it as necessary, and install a clip to prevent it from chafing, free of charge. The recall beganApril 3, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-…
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 I3 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW i3 has far fewer complaints per year (29.4) compared to the Toyota Camry (205.6). However, the i3's issues often involve expensive structural and electrical repairs, while the Camry's higher volume includes many minor or warranty-covered problems. In practice, the i3 may have fewer but potentially more serious issues, whereas the Camry has more frequent but often less severe complaints.
Key differences
- The BMW i3 has 235 complaints over 8 years, while the Toyota Camry has 2056 over 10 years, meaning the Camry has about 7 times more complaints per year.
- The i3's top issues are steering pull and roof delamination, which can be safety-critical; the Camry's top issues are power train and engine problems like shuddering and delayed acceleration.
- The Camry has 31 recalls and 158 injuries reported, compared to the i3's 16 recalls and 8 injuries, indicating a higher absolute number of safety-related events for the Camry.
- The i3's electrical system complaints include sudden shutdowns, while the Camry's electrical issues often involve multiple system malfunctions at once.
- Check the roof for any signs of delamination, bubbling, or separation, especially around the edges and seams.
- Test drive at city speeds and note any steering pull to the left; ask if the steering software has been updated.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park; if it sticks, it may indicate a power train defect.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises when pressing the brake pedal, and check if the electronic parking brake engages and disengages smoothly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- For the BMW i3, have a pre-purchase inspection by a BMW specialist focusing on the roof, steering, and electrical system.
- For the Toyota Camry, test drive at various speeds to feel for hesitation or shuddering, and check all electronic systems.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for software updates or warranty repairs.
- Verify that the vehicle has passed any outstanding recalls before purchase.
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 I3 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 0 | 157 |
| 2020 | 0 | 274 |
| 2019 | 26 | 395 |
| 2018 | 28 | 744 |
| 2017 | 52 | 148 |
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 I3 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW I3 vs Toyota Camry
- BMW I3 total complaints
- 235
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- BMW I3 total recalls
- 16
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- BMW I3 avg complaints/year
- 29.4
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- BMW I3
- BMW I3 top complaint area
- STEERING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN