Head-to-head reliability
BMW IX vs Toyota Camry
How the BMW IX 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 IX vs Toyota Camry: The BMW iX has 114 complaints over 5 years (22.8/yr) with issues like sudden power loss, while the Toyota Camry has 2143 complaints over 10 years (214.3/yr) with transmission and brake problems. The iX has fewer complaints but more safety-critical failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW IX or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW IX
The BMW iX is a luxury electric SUV that, in owner reports, shows a pattern of sudden, sometimes dangerous loss of power and control. Complaints describe the car shutting down while driving, leaving drivers unable to steer, brake, or accelerate. There are also reports of the car's self-driving or cruise control engaging unexpectedly, causing unintended acceleration. These issues point to serious software and electrical gremlins that could affect safety and reliability.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular midsize sedan with a high volume of complaints, but many are about less critical issues like air conditioning odors and transmission noise. However, there are also reports of sudden unintended acceleration and brake failure, which are serious safety concerns. The Camry's complaints span many years and models, suggesting some persistent problems, but the overall picture is mixed with both minor and major issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW IX | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 114 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 28 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 34 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 22.8 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 19 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 IX
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM33
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE29
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER20
- 04VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL15
- 05AIR BAGS13
Owners report sudden loss of propulsion and power, with the car shutting down completely while driving. This can leave you without acceleration, braking, or steering, making it dangerous to pull over.
The system can engage on its own, causing the car to accelerate unexpectedly, even when parked. This has led to crashes into trees and other objects, posing a risk to occupants and bystanders.
Unintended acceleration has been reported, particularly during parking maneuvers. The car may lurch forward without driver input, making it hard to control in tight spaces.
Recalls related to the air bag control module software suggest potential issues with air bag deployment. This could affect occupant protection in a crash.
“On November 16, 2023, I was driving the vehicle in the far left lane of the freeway when, without any warning, the vehicle lost propulsion and would not accelerate. It also lost power assisted steering AND power assisted braking. I had to decelerate with no p…”
“The vehicle automatically lost power, shut down, and came to a complete stop in the middle of the road. During the shut down, I was unable to accelerate, brake, or steer the vehicle to the side of the road to a safe stopping location. The vehicle computer app…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission problems are common, with owners reporting grinding noises and the need for complete transmission replacement. This can be a costly repair and may leave you without a vehicle for an extended period.
Sudden unintended acceleration has been reported, leading to crashes. There are also issues with engine warning lights and coolant valve problems that may not be covered by recall for all VINs.
Brake failure has been reported, with the pedal going to the floor and no response. This is a critical safety issue that can lead to loss of control on hills or in traffic.
Various electrical issues, including problems with the air conditioning condenser being easily damaged by rocks, and recurring unpleasant odors from the HVAC system.
“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 IX — 28 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2023 iX xDrive40, iX XDrive50, and iX M60 vehicles. The air bag malfunction indicator light and display message may not illuminate in the event of a problem with the air bag control or pedestrian protection systems, due to incorrect software.
The risk: An air bag malfunction indicator light that fails to warn the driver of a problem increases the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the air bag control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 13, 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 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 one 2023 iX M60 hybrid electric vehicle. The transmission final drive gear in the electric drive unit may have an improperly manufactured weld seam.
The risk: The gear weld seam could break, resulting in a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied, and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: A dealer will replace the electric drive unit, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on November 30, 2022. The owner notification letter is expected to be mailed November 28, 202…
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 IX or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW iX has fewer complaints per year (22.8) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the nature of the iX's issues—sudden loss of power and unintended acceleration—may be more alarming. However, the Camry's higher volume suggests more widespread problems, though many are less severe. In practice, the iX may have fewer incidents but potentially more dangerous ones.
Key differences
- The BMW iX has a higher proportion of complaints related to electrical system and forward collision avoidance, leading to sudden loss of power or unintended acceleration.
- The Toyota Camry has more complaints about transmission and engine issues, including grinding noises and unintended acceleration, but also many about air conditioning and other non-safety items.
- The iX has fewer total complaints but they are concentrated in safety-critical areas, while the Camry's complaints are more spread out.
- The iX is an electric vehicle, so its propulsion system failures are unique to EVs, whereas the Camry's issues are typical of internal combustion engine vehicles.
- Check for any open recalls related to the electrical system or air bag control module, and ensure software updates are current.
- Test the forward collision avoidance and cruise control systems in a safe area to ensure they do not engage unexpectedly.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration, and check for any transmission fluid leaks.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially on a hill, to ensure they respond properly and do not lose pressure.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on the specific VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on the electrical system for the BMW iX and the transmission/brakes for the Camry.
- Test drive the vehicle in various conditions, including highway speeds and parking lots, to check for any unexpected behavior.
- Ask the seller for service records, especially for any repairs related to the issues mentioned.
- Consider purchasing an extended warranty that covers electrical components and major systems.
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 IX | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 119 |
| 2025 | 12 | 153 |
| 2024 | 32 | 48 |
| 2023 | 38 | 62 |
| 2022 | 29 | 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 IX or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW IX vs Toyota Camry
- BMW IX total complaints
- 114
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- BMW IX total recalls
- 28
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- BMW IX avg complaints/year
- 22.8
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- BMW IX
- BMW IX top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN