Head-to-head reliability
BMW I7 vs Toyota Camry
How the BMW I7 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 I7 vs Toyota Camry: The i7 has 25 complaints over 4 years (6.3/year) and 19 recalls, while the Camry has 2,143 complaints over 10 years (214/year) and 31 recalls. The i7's complaints often involve brakes and electronics, while the Camry's include power train and engine issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW I7 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW I7
The BMW i7 is a flagship electric luxury sedan, and its owner complaints over four years center on brakes and electronics rather than the drivetrain. With 25 complaints total (about 6.3 per year) and 19 recalls, the volume is low, but the reported symptoms are serious: sudden self-braking, brake pedal failure, and unintended acceleration in reverse. Buyers should expect a car that is comfortable and advanced but may require patience with software and brake-related recalls.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream midsize sedan with a long production history, and its 2,143 complaints over ten years (about 214 per year) reflect a much larger fleet. The most common owner-reported problems involve the power train, engine, and brakes, including transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, and brake pedal failure. While many Camrys are reliable, the sheer number of complaints and 31 recalls means buyers should check for open recalls and known issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW I7 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 25 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 19 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 4 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 6.3 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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 I7
- 01SERVICE BRAKES12
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM10
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE9
- 04HYDRAULIC4
- 05ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)4
Owners report the car suddenly braking on its own at normal speeds with no obstacle ahead, and some say the brake pedal occasionally fails to respond. These symptoms can be frightening and may indicate a problem with the brake control module or power assist.
Complaints include unintended acceleration in reverse when using parking assistance, as well as repeated software glitches. These issues can make low-speed maneuvering unpredictable and may require dealer software updates.
Owners describe software problems that cause the car to brake unexpectedly or fail to assist properly at low speeds. This matters because the system is meant to prevent crashes, not create new hazards.
Some drivers report the brake pedal going unresponsive or the vehicle becoming inoperable at speed, requiring the parking brake to stop. These are rare but potentially dangerous failures that should be checked immediately.
“I have now experienced multiple instances where the vehicle suddenly brakes on its own while driving at normal speeds, without any obstruction or hazard ahead. This is not only unacceptable — it's extremely dangerous, putting both myself and other drivers at…”
“I have contacted the BMW dealership in Henderson several times about the recall and they do not have a fix from the BMW. I contacted BMW about the issue and filed a complaint with them to offer a solution of replacing the vehicle or return the vehicle for a b…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front during acceleration, with dealers confirming transmission problems that may require replacement. Some 2021 Camrys have recalls for similar transmission issues, so buyers should verify recall status.
Complaints include sudden, uncontrollable acceleration that has led to crashes, as well as coolant valve bypass issues that may not be covered by recall for every VIN. These engine-related problems can be costly and dangerous.
Drivers describe the brake pedal going to the floor with no response, especially on hills or when decelerating. This is a serious safety concern that should be inspected before purchase.
Some owners report air conditioning malfunctions, including condenser damage from road debris and persistent mildew odors. While not safety-critical, these issues can be expensive to fix and unpleasant.
“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 I7 — 19 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 Mini Cooper S, Mini Countryman S All4, X2, 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre, 2023-2025 i7, 7 Series, X7, 2024-2025 i5, 5 Series, 2023-2024 XM, X1, 2024-2025 X6, and X5 vehicles. The integrated brake (IB) system may malfunction and result in a loss o…
The risk: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: The Integrated brake system will be inspected and, if necessary, replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 21, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce custo…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 Mini Cooper S, Mini Countryman S All4, X2, 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre, 2023-2025 i7, 7 Series, X7, 2024-2025 i5, 5 Series, 2023-2024 XM, X1, 2024-2025 X6, and X5 vehicles. The integrated brake (IB) system may malfunction and result in a loss o…
The risk: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: The Integrated brake system will be inspected and, if necessary, replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 21, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce custo…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2025 BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The integrated brake (IB) system may malfunction and result in a loss of power brake assist or cause the Antilock Brake (A…
The risk: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed between June and December 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls Royce customer service at 1-877-877…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2024 740i, 740i xDrive, 760i xDrive, i7 eDrive50, i7 xDrive60, i7 M70, 2024 750e xDrive, 530i, 530i xDrive, i5 eDrive40, and i5 M60 vehicles. The ground connection to the steering wheel may not have been attached correctly, resulting in an i…
The risk: An inoperative hands-on detection system may fail to detect when the driver's hands are not on the steering wheel and therefore not engage the emergency stopping assistant system, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and reattach the ground connection as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 8, 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 I7 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW i7 has far fewer complaints per year (about 6.3) than the Toyota Camry (about 214), but the i7's complaints often involve brakes and electronics that can be alarming. The Camry's higher volume reflects a much larger number of vehicles on the road, yet its reported issues include serious power train and brake failures. In practice, the i7 may need fewer visits for complaints, but the Camry has a broader support network and more predictable repair patterns.
Key differences
- The BMW i7 has 25 complaints over 4 years, while the Toyota Camry has 2,143 over 10 years, but the Camry sells in far greater numbers.
- BMW i7 owners most often report sudden self-braking and brake pedal failure, while Camry owners report transmission grinding and sudden acceleration.
- The i7 has 19 recalls, many for brake and electronic stability issues; the Camry has 31 recalls, including air bags, seats, and wheels.
- Camry complaints include 181 crash-related reports and 163 injuries, while the i7 has 4 crash-related and 1 injury, though these counts are not adjusted for sales volume.
- Check for any open recalls related to service brakes, hydraulic power assist, or electronic stability control, and confirm the fix has been applied.
- Test the forward collision avoidance and parking assistance systems at low speed to ensure they do not cause unexpected braking or acceleration.
- Listen for grinding noises from the front during acceleration, which may indicate transmission problems requiring replacement.
- Test the brakes on a downhill slope to ensure the pedal responds firmly and does not go to the floor.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to see if any open recalls apply to the specific vehicle.
- Ask for a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic who specializes in the model, focusing on brakes, transmission, and electronic systems.
- For the BMW i7, test all driver-assistance features and software updates during a test drive.
- For the Toyota Camry, check transmission service history and listen for unusual noises during acceleration.
- Review the owner's complaint history on NHTSA for the exact model year to see if common issues have been addressed.
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 I7 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 119 |
| 2025 | 1 | 153 |
| 2024 | 15 | 48 |
| 2023 | 8 | 62 |
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 I7 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW I7 vs Toyota Camry
- BMW I7 total complaints
- 25
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- BMW I7 total recalls
- 19
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- BMW I7 avg complaints/year
- 6.3
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- BMW I7
- BMW I7 top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN