Head-to-head reliability
BMW M3 vs Toyota Camry
How the BMW M3 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 M3 vs Toyota Camry: The M3 has 28 complaints and 12 recalls over 10 years, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints and 31 recalls. The M3's issues include fuel leaks and engine failures; the Camry's include key stuck and brake noise. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW M3 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW M3
The BMW M3 is a high-performance sports sedan that demands attentive ownership. Over 10 years, it has 28 complaints (2.8 per year) and 12 recalls, with fuel leaks and engine issues being the most common. Owners report serious safety risks like fuel tank leaks and crank hub failures, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is critical.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream family sedan with a much higher complaint volume: 2,056 over 10 years (205.6 per year) and 31 recalls. Complaints cover power train, brakes, and electrical systems, with 171 crash-related reports and 158 injuries. While many issues are less severe, the sheer number means buyers should check for common problems like key stuck and brake noise.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW M3 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 28 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 12 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 2.8 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 M3
- 01FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM8
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER6
- 03ENGINE6
- 04POWER TRAIN5
- 05SUSPENSION2
Owners report fuel tank leaks after filling up, often noticing a strong fuel smell. One complaint describes a rubber gasket failure that leaks large amounts of fuel, posing a fire risk.
A known issue on 2015+ M3s is the crank hub spinning out, which can damage the engine and leave the car in a dangerous state while driving. This happens even on stock vehicles.
Clutch slipping and abnormal engagement have been reported around 26,000 miles, along with banging sounds from the rear axle. These can affect drivability and lead to costly repairs.
Some complaints involve non-safety issues like SiriusXM ads in the navigation, but others mention a clunking rear axle that dealers may dismiss as normal. Buyers should test drive and listen for unusual noises.
“- Fuel tank started slowly leaking fuel after filling tank up to full, only discovered after driving back home and noticing a strong smell of fuel. Repair records are with BMW of Sherman Oaks, CA. - Leaking fuel caused my garage to fill with strong odor of fu…”
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Fuel tank rubber gasket failed How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Leaks large amount of fuel and can cause a fire or explosion Has the pro…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck and not releasing even when in Park, requiring battery disconnection. Others describe hesitation and shuddering with the check engine light on.
Delayed throttle response is a recurring complaint, where pressing the accelerator results in a several-second delay before the car moves. This can be a safety concern in traffic.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow. Also, a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area is common and attributed to the ABS system.
Multiple system malfunctions have been reported, including stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring failing simultaneously. This can make the car unpredictable to drive.
“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 M3 — 12 recalls
The defect: BMW North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016 BMW M2 Coupe vehicles, 2015-2017 M3 Sedan vehicles and 2015-2016 M4 Coupe and M4 Convertible vehicles. During servicing of the rear differential for a prior service action, the rear sub-frame bolts may have been reused instead of bei…
The risk: Loose rear sub-frame bolts may adversely affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear sub-frame bolts with new bolts, free of charge. The recall began on November 3, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 M3 Sedan vehicles manufactured May 30, 2015, to September 2, 2015, 2016 M4 Coupe vehicles manufactured July 3, 2015, to September 11, 2015, and 2015-2016 M4 Convertible vehicles manufactured May 29, 2015, to August 4, 2015. T…
The risk: If the slip-joint fails, there would be a loss of power to the rear axle and therefore the vehicle would stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driveshaft, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 14, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2015 2 Series Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i), 3 Series Sedan (320i, 320i xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive, M3, 328d, 328d xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive, M4), and 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe (428i, 4…
The risk: An inflator that ruptures may cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, an inflator that leaks gas may only partially inflate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the head air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 4, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2016-2017 BMW M3 Sedans, 2016-2017 BMW M4 and M4 GTS Coupes and 2017 BMW M4 Convertible vehicles. The connection between the driveshaft and the flange may fail resulting in a loss of propulsion.
The risk: A loss of vehicle propulsion can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify vehicle owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2019. 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 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 M3 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW M3 has far fewer complaints per year (2.8 vs. 205.6) and fewer recalls (12 vs. 31), but its issues tend to be more severe, like fuel leaks and engine failures. The Camry's higher volume means more frequent but often less critical problems. In practice, the M3 may need fewer repair visits but each could be costly, while the Camry may have more nagging issues.
Key differences
- The BMW M3 has 28 complaints over 10 years, while the Toyota Camry has 2,056, but the M3's issues include fuel leaks and crank hub failures that can be dangerous.
- The Camry has 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries, compared to the M3's 1 crash-related and 0 injuries, though the M3's lower volume may understate risk.
- M3 recalls often involve structure and driveline, while Camry recalls include air bag sensors and seats, affecting different safety systems.
- Camry owners frequently report electronic parking brake and throttle delay issues, whereas M3 owners report fuel tank gasket failures and clutch problems.
- Check for fuel smell around the tank and under the car after filling up, as fuel tank leaks are a reported issue.
- Listen for abnormal noises from the engine, especially at startup or during acceleration, which could indicate crank hub problems.
- Test the ignition key to ensure it releases smoothly from Park; if it sticks, it could be a recurring power train defect.
- Press the brake pedal and listen for clicking or vibrating noises, and check that the electronic parking brake engages and disengages properly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- For the BMW M3, have a mechanic inspect the fuel system and engine for leaks or crank hub wear.
- For the Toyota Camry, test the ignition key, brake pedal feel, and electronic parking brake function.
- During a test drive, accelerate firmly to check for hesitation or shuddering in the Camry and listen for engine noises in the M3.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for fuel system or brake repairs.
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 M3 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 2 | 163 |
| 2024 | 0 | 50 |
| 2023 | 1 | 64 |
| 2022 | 1 | 61 |
| 2021 | 3 | 157 |
| 2018 | 9 | 744 |
| 2017 | 3 | 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 M3 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
No VIN yet? Ask the seller.
A genuine seller should be happy to share it. Send this, then paste the VIN into the box above when it comes back.
Going to see one?
Get the BMW M3 inspection checklist by email, so you know what to look for when you're standing next to it.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW M3 vs Toyota Camry
- BMW M3 total complaints
- 28
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- BMW M3 total recalls
- 12
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- BMW M3 avg complaints/year
- 2.8
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- BMW M3
- BMW M3 top complaint area
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN