Head-to-head reliability
BMW I4 vs Toyota Camry
How the BMW I4 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 I4 vs Toyota Camry: The i4 has 92 complaints over 5 years (18.4/yr) vs Camry's 2143 over 10 years (214.3/yr). i4 issues include electrical surges and stalls; Camry has transmission failures and sudden acceleration. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW I4 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW I4
The BMW i4 is a relatively new electric vehicle, with complaints concentrated in its first few years. Owners report serious electrical and powertrain issues, including sudden surges, stalls at speed, and loss of braking or steering, which can be alarming. While the total complaint count is lower than the Camry's, the nature of these failures—often involving safety-critical systems—makes it a vehicle to scrutinize carefully.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry has a much longer history and higher complaint volume, but many issues are less severe, such as HVAC odors and transmission noises. However, there are also reports of sudden acceleration and brake failure, which are serious. The Camry's higher number of complaints partly reflects its larger sales volume and longer time on the road, but the variety of issues suggests a mixed reliability record.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW I4 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 92 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 20 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 22 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 18.4 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 8 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 I4
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM26
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER22
- 03POWER TRAIN20
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE13
- 05SERVICE BRAKES13
Owners report the car surging forward unexpectedly, steering on its own, and stalling at high speeds with drivetrain warnings. These are safety-critical failures that could lead to loss of control.
There are reports of complete loss of braking and steering while driving, along with multiple error warnings. This suggests potential issues with the electric drive system or software that can leave the driver without control.
The system may fail to decelerate when the brake is applied, and drivers report warnings that the assistance is permanently restricted, affecting adaptive cruise control and lane departure warnings.
Braking issues are reported, including the vehicle not slowing down as expected, which is critical for safety.
“The contact owns a 2022 BMW i4. The contact stated that while pulling into her apartment's parking garage, the vehicle surged forward as the steering wheel independently maneuvered to the left without warning. The vehicle initially hit the rear bumper of her…”
“I am reporting a serious and recurring safety issue with my 2024 BMW i4, which I leased new in December 2023. The vehicle currently has approximately 20,000 miles and has stalled multiple times at high speeds, displaying a drivetrain malfunction warning and i…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front end and transmission failures that require replacement. Some also describe sudden acceleration incidents, which are extremely dangerous.
There are reports of sudden, uncontrollable acceleration leading to crashes, as well as engine maintenance warnings related to coolant valve bypass recalls that may not cover all VINs.
Brake failure is reported, with the pedal not responding, especially on hills, which can lead to loss of control.
While not as prominent, electrical issues include problems with sensors and other components that can affect safety systems.
“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 I4 — 20 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2023 iX xDrive40, iX xDrive50, iX M60, 2022 i4 eDrive40, and i4 M50 vehicles equipped with hybrid electric powertrains. While in Valet Parking Mode, the Central Information Display (CID) may not display critical safety information, such as w…
The risk: A display that does not show critical information, such as warning messages and/or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the display's head unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 6, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2023 iX xDrive50, iX M60, 2022 i4 eDrive40, and i4 M50 vehicles. The high voltage battery may have internal damage, resulting in an electrical short-circuit.
The risk: A short-circuit in a high voltage battery increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive or charge their vehicles, and to park outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete. Dealers will replace the high voltage battery, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informi…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2023 iX xDrive40, iX xDrive50, iX M60, i4 eDrive35, i4 eDrive40, i4 M50, and 2023 i7 xDrive60 vehicles. The high voltage battery electronic control unit (ECU) software may cause an interruption of electrical power.
The risk: An interruption of electrical power may result in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the high voltage battery ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 10, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2023 i4 eDrive40 and iX xDrive50 electric vehicles. During vehicle start-up, the artificial sound generator control unit may experience a fault and fail to generate the external pedestrian warning sound. As such, these vehicles fail to compl…
The risk: Without external warning sounds, pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the external artificial sound generator software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 9, 2023. 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 I4 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW i4 has far fewer complaints per year (18.4 vs 214.3), but its issues are more concentrated in safety-critical systems like electrical and powertrain. The Camry's higher volume includes many minor annoyances, but also serious failures. In practice, the i4 may have a lower rate of reported problems, but the nature of those problems could be more severe.
Key differences
- The i4 has a much lower complaint rate per year (18.4) compared to the Camry (214.3), but the i4's complaints often involve sudden loss of control or braking, while the Camry's include both minor and major issues.
- The i4's top problem areas are electrical and powertrain, with reports of stalls and surges; the Camry's top areas are powertrain and engine, with transmission failures and sudden acceleration.
- The Camry has more recalls (31 vs 20) and more crash-related complaints (181 vs 22), but also a longer production history.
- The i4 is an EV, so its powertrain issues are unique to electric drive, while the Camry's are traditional engine/transmission problems.
- Check for any history of electrical system warnings or stalls, as these are common and can be dangerous.
- Inspect the forward collision avoidance system by testing it at low speeds, as owners report it failing to brake.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration, which may indicate a failing unit.
- Ask about any recalls for the engine coolant valve bypass, as some Camrys have this issue even if not covered.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full service history and check for open recalls on both vehicles.
- For the i4, test the brakes and steering at various speeds, and ask about any software updates for the electrical system.
- For the Camry, have a mechanic inspect the transmission and engine for any unusual noises or codes.
- Check the NHTSA website for the specific VIN to see if any complaints or recalls are outstanding.
- Take both cars for an extended test drive, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to feel for any hesitation or surging.
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 I4 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 119 |
| 2025 | 12 | 153 |
| 2024 | 26 | 48 |
| 2023 | 44 | 62 |
| 2022 | 9 | 59 |
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 I4 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW I4 vs Toyota Camry
- BMW I4 total complaints
- 92
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- BMW I4 total recalls
- 20
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- BMW I4 avg complaints/year
- 18.4
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- BMW I4
- BMW I4 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN