Head-to-head reliability
BMW K 1300 GT vs Toyota Camry
How the BMW K 1300 GT 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 K 1300 GT vs Toyota Camry: The BMW has 11 complaints over 10 years (1.1/yr) with no crashes, while the Camry has 2,143 complaints (214.3/yr) including 181 crashes and 1 death. BMW issues center on stalling and switch failures; Camry issues include transmission and brake problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW K 1300 GT or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW K 1300 GT
The BMW K 1300 GT is a sport-touring motorcycle that, in ownership terms, demands attention to its mechanical and electrical systems. Over a decade, owners have filed 11 complaints, averaging just over one per year, with the engine and fuel system being the most frequent sources of trouble. The pattern suggests a machine that can be rewarding but may require vigilance for stalling and switchgear issues, especially in hot weather or during low-speed maneuvers.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a popular midsize sedan, shows a much higher complaint volume—2,143 over ten years, averaging over 214 per year—reflecting its widespread use and the breadth of reported issues. The top areas are the powertrain, engine, and brakes, with owners describing transmission noises, sudden acceleration concerns, and brake failures. While the Camry has a reputation for reliability, this data indicates that some model years have faced significant mechanical and safety-related problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW K 1300 GT | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 11 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 8 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.1 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 K 1300 GT
- 01ENGINE5
- 02FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM3
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
- 04VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
- 05POWER TRAIN1
Owners report frequent stalling during deceleration, especially when downshifting and pulling in the clutch, with RPM dipping below idle. This can be dangerous in traffic. Another complaint mentions stalling and power loss in hot weather (95-100°F) after steady cruising, sometimes refusing to restart.
The same stalling issues are often attributed to the fuel system, with episodes occurring in hot weather or after sustained riding. This suggests a possible vapor lock or fuel delivery problem that can leave riders stranded.
The left-hand multi-switch is a recurring failure point, causing loss of horn, turn signals, and windshield adjustment. Owners describe it as dangerous and illegal to operate without these functions, and the switch has failed repeatedly even after replacement.
“I purchased this 2009 BMW K1300GT used from a dealer 3 weeks ago. He only let me do a short test drive around the block and it ran fine. I purchased it and began riding it daily to and from work, 48 miles round trip. There are 6 lights and 4 Stop sighs on my…”
“DOWNSHIFTING THE MOTORCYCLE STALLS FREQUENTLY UPON SLOWING AND PULLING IN THE CLUTCH. USUALLY THIS OCCURS AT DECELERATION IN SECOND OR FIRST GEAR. ONE CAN SEE THE RPM DIP BELOW THE NORMAL IDLE SPEED AND THEN THE BIKE STALLS. THIS IS QUITE DANGEROUS AS IT OCCU…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front end upon acceleration, with dealerships confirming transmission issues that may require replacement. Some mention recalls for the same problem on certain model years, but parts may be on backorder.
There are reports of uncontrollable sudden acceleration, leading to crashes and total loss of the vehicle. Additionally, some owners receive engine maintenance warnings related to a coolant valve bypass recall that doesn't cover their VIN, causing safety concerns.
Brake failure is described as a complete lack of response when pressing the pedal, such as on a downhill slope, forcing drivers to take evasive action. This is a critical safety issue that has contributed to crashes.
“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 K 1300 GT — 8 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2011 K1300 (S, GT), 2010-2011 S1000 RR, 2005-2011 R1200 (GS, GS Adventure, R, RT, S, ST), 2006-2010 HP2 (Enduro, Megamoto, Sport), 2005-2008 K1200 (R, R Sport, S, GT), and 2012 K1600 (GT, GTL) motorcycles that were repaired under recall 13V-…
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump(s) with an improved version, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2011 K1300 (S, GT), 2010-2011 S1000 RR, 2005-2011 R1200 (GS, GS Adventure, R, RT, S, ST), 2006-2010 HP2 (Enduro, Megamoto, Sport), 2005-2008 K1200 (R, R Sport, S, GT), and 2012 K1600 (GT, GTL) motorcycles that were repaired under recall 13V-…
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump(s) with an improved version, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2011 K1300 (S, GT), 2010-2011 S1000 RR, 2005-2011 R1200 (GS, GS Adventure, R, RT, S, ST), 2006-2010 HP2 (Enduro, Megamoto, Sport), 2005-2008 K1200 (R, R Sport, S, GT), and 2012 K1600 (GT, GTL) motorcycles that were repaired under recall 13V-…
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump(s) with an improved version, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 R1200GS and R1200RT, 2006-2010 R1200GS Adventure, 2007-2010 R1200R, 2007 R1200S and K1200R Sport, 2005-2007 R1200ST, 2008-2009 HP2 Megamoto, 2006 HP2 Enduro, 2008-2010 HP2 Sport, 2005-2008 K1200S, 2006-2008 K1200R, K1200GT, 2…
The risk: If the rear wheel mounting flange cracks, the mounting bolts may loosen and the rear wheel may not remain secured to the motorcycle, causing a loss of stability and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing aluminum rear wheel flange with a steel one, free of charge. The recall began on May 7, 2015. 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 K 1300 GT or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW K 1300 GT has far fewer complaints per year (1.1) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, the Camry's higher volume is partly due to its popularity, and the nature of the problems differs: the BMW's issues are more about inconvenience and control, while the Camry's include potential safety-critical failures like sudden acceleration and brake loss.
Key differences
- The BMW has 11 complaints over 10 years, while the Camry has 2,143, but the Camry is far more common on the road.
- BMW owners report stalling and electrical switch failures, whereas Camry owners report transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, and brake failure.
- The Camry has 181 crash-related complaints and 1 death, while the BMW has none, indicating a higher severity of reported incidents for the Camry.
- Recalls differ: BMW has 8 (fuel pump, wheel lugs), Camry has 31 (airbags, seats, labels), but both have wheel lug recalls.
- Test the left-hand multi-switch thoroughly: check horn, turn signals, and windshield adjustment, as these are known to fail.
- During a test ride, simulate stop-and-go traffic and downshifting to see if the engine stalls or RPM dips dangerously.
- Listen for grinding noises during acceleration, which could indicate transmission problems; have a mechanic inspect the transmission.
- Test the brakes at various speeds, especially on a slope, to ensure there is no loss of brake pressure.
Before you buy
- For the BMW: check the fuel pump recall status and ensure any recall work is done.
- For the BMW: inspect the electrical switchgear for signs of wear or previous replacement.
- For the Camry: verify if the transmission has been replaced or if there are open recalls for the transmission.
- For the Camry: ask for service records related to brake inspections and any sudden acceleration incidents.
- For both: get a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic familiar with the model.
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 K 1300 GT or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW K 1300 GT vs Toyota Camry
- BMW K 1300 GT total complaints
- 11
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- BMW K 1300 GT total recalls
- 8
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- BMW K 1300 GT avg complaints/year
- 1.1
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- BMW K 1300 GT
- BMW K 1300 GT top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN