Head-to-head reliability
BMW M2 vs Toyota Camry
How the BMW M2 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 M2 vs Toyota Camry: The M2 has 25 complaints over 10 years (2.5/year) and 7 recalls, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints (205.6/year) and 31 recalls. The Camry also shows 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries; the M2 shows none. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW M2 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW M2
The BMW M2 is a low-volume performance coupe with only 25 complaints over 10 years, averaging 2.5 per year. Most owner complaints center on exterior lighting, such as a gauge cluster that stays dark in daytime and LED headlights that snow up in winter. There are also reports of charge pipe failures causing sudden power loss and occasional drivetrain or suspension issues. With 7 recalls and no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in this data, it appears to have a narrower set of problems than the Camry.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a high-volume family sedan with 2,056 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 206 per year. Owners report a wide range of issues, including power train hesitation and shuddering, stuck ignition keys, brake noises, and multiple electrical system malfunctions. There are 31 recalls and 171 crash-related complaints, plus 158 injuries and 1 death in this data. The volume and variety of complaints suggest that while many Camrys may be trouble-free, a buyer should expect more potential problem areas than with the M2.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW M2 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 25 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 7 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 2.5 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 M2
- 01EXTERIOR LIGHTING16
- 02ENGINE3
- 03POWER TRAIN2
- 04SUSPENSION2
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
Owners report the speedometer and gauge cluster are not illuminated during daytime, making them hard to read in garages, tunnels, or cloudy conditions. Another common complaint is that LED headlights build up snowpack in winter because they do not produce enough heat to melt it, reducing visibility.
Several owners describe a charge pipe that connects the intercooler to the throttle body exploding or failing at the clamp, causing sudden and severe power loss. This can happen without warning and may put the driver at risk when merging or accelerating.
Reports include a catastrophic clutch, transmission, or drivetrain failure at around 16,000 miles on a stock 2023 M2, as well as a differential seal leak and a failed left wheel bearing on a 2018 model. These are costly repairs if they occur outside warranty.
A 2021 M2 Competition owner reported a stock rear spring snapping in two at about 10,000 miles, and online forums mention similar rear spring failures. A broken spring can affect handling and tire wear, so it is worth checking on a used car.
“PLEASE LOOK AT THE ATTACHED PIC. THE SPEEDOMETER/GAUGES CLUSTER LOOKS DARK IN GARAGE, TUNNELS, CLOUDY CONDITIONS, UNDER TREE COVER. THERE IS NO ILLUMINATION DURING THE DAYTIME. YOU CAN'T EVEN READ THE SPEEDOMETER OR RPMS AT A GLANCE WHICH IS A SAFETY HAZARD.…”
“FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS IN EVERY SNOWSTORM, THIS HAS BECOME A PROBLEM. THE HEADLIGHTS BECOME BUILT UP WITH SNOWPACK AND WILL NOT MELT DUE TO THE EFFICIENCY OF THE LED BULBS NOT PRODUCING ENOUGH HEAT. I'VE TRIED USING THE WASHER FLUID SPRAYERS EVERY FEW MINUTES…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners of 2023 Camrys report an intermittent defect where the ignition key becomes stuck and cannot be removed even though the car is in Park; disconnecting the battery is sometimes needed. Others describe hesitation and shuddering at various speeds with the check engine light on.
Some owners report a several-second delay in throttle response when pressing the accelerator from a stop, which can be unsettling in traffic. The same hesitation and shuddering complaints also appear under engine-related reports.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow and manual release, and a new switch does not always fix it. Another common complaint is a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area that dealers attribute to the ABS system.
One owner reported multiple systems malfunctioning at once, including smart stop, vehicle stability control, electric power steering, blind spot monitoring, secondary collision brake, and lane keeping assistance. Such widespread electrical faults can be difficult to diagnose and may affect safety features.
“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 M2 — 7 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive, M2 Competition Coupe, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, M4, and 2019 330i xDrive Sportswagon vehicles. The driver and passenger knee air bag assemblies may have been improperly folded and asse…
The risk: An improperly folded and assembled air bag may not deploy as intended, increasing risk of injury.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the knee air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began July 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North Americal, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 8 Series Coupe (840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Convertible (840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Gran Coupe (840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, Alpine B8 xDrive), 2 Series Coupe (230i, 230i xDrive, M240i xDrive,…
The risk: Unintentionally closing the windows or sunroof without the key present can increase the risk of injury to occupants inside the vehicle.
The fix: Dealers will update the software for the Electronic Control Unit (ECU), free of charge. In addition, the digital key function via cellular service and Wi-Fi capability will be deactivated until the vehicle is updated with new software. Own…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive, M2, and X3 xDrive 30i SAV vehicles. These vehicles may have an error in the software for the instrument panel, causing the display to not properly illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply wit…
The risk: If the display does not illuminate during start up or does not illuminate various control and warning symbols while driving, it can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster display software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 2 Series (230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive), 330e, 330e Xdrive, 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive) M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, BMW 4 Series Convertible (430i, M440i), BMW X1 sDrive28i, xDrive28i, 2 Series Gran Coupe (…
The risk: During a crash, a seat belt retractor that does not function as intended increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the seat belt retractors (including the seat belts) and, if necessary, replace the retractors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-8…
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 M2 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW M2 has far fewer complaints per year (2.5 vs. about 206 for the Camry) and no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in this data, while the Camry has 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries. In practice, the M2 appears to have a narrower set of reported problems, but both vehicles have recalls and owner complaints that a buyer should investigate.
Key differences
- The BMW M2 averages 2.5 complaints per year, while the Toyota Camry averages about 206 per year, a huge difference in reported problem volume.
- BMW M2 complaints are concentrated in exterior lighting (dark gauges, snow-packed LED headlights) and occasional engine charge pipe failures, while Camry complaints span power train, engine, brakes, and electrical systems.
- The Camry data includes 171 crash-related complaints, 158 injuries, and 1 death, whereas the M2 data shows 0 in each of those categories.
- Both have recalls, but the Camry has 31 recalls versus 7 for the M2, covering areas like wheels, seats, and air bag sensors.
- Check that the gauge cluster illuminates properly in daytime and that the headlights are not prone to snow buildup if you drive in winter conditions.
- Inspect the charge pipe and its clamp for cracks or looseness, and listen for any drivetrain noises or check for a snapped rear spring, especially on 2021 Competition models.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park and check for any hesitation or shuddering during a test drive, as these are common owner complaints.
- Verify the electronic parking brake disengages properly and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area that could indicate ABS issues.
Before you buy
- Ask for the full recall history and confirm all open recalls have been repaired on both vehicles.
- On the BMW M2, test the gauge cluster lighting in daylight and inspect the charge pipe and rear springs for damage.
- On the Toyota Camry, test the ignition key removal, throttle response, and electronic parking brake operation during a test drive.
- Request a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model to check for the reported issues.
- Review the NHTSA complaint database for the exact model year you are considering to see if the patterns apply.
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 M2 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 0 | 163 |
| 2024 | 1 | 50 |
| 2023 | 1 | 64 |
| 2022 | 0 | 61 |
| 2021 | 1 | 157 |
| 2020 | 2 | 274 |
| 2019 | 0 | 395 |
| 2018 | 3 | 744 |
| 2017 | 17 | 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 M2 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW M2 vs Toyota Camry
- BMW M2 total complaints
- 25
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- BMW M2 total recalls
- 7
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- BMW M2 avg complaints/year
- 2.5
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- BMW M2
- BMW M2 top complaint area
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN