Head-to-head reliability
BMW M340i vs Toyota Camry
How the BMW M340i 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 M340i vs Toyota Camry: The BMW averaged 9.7 complaints per year over 7 years with 0 crashes, while the Camry averaged 214.3 per year over 10 years with 181 crashes and 1 death. The BMW has 18 recalls versus 31 for the Camry. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW M340i or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW M340i
The BMW M340i is a sport sedan with a complex engine and electronics, and its owner complaints reflect that. Over seven years, it averaged 9.7 complaints per year, with most about the engine, particularly the oil pump and lubrication system. There were no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in the data, but the high number of recalls (18) suggests ongoing fixes for various systems.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream family sedan with a much higher complaint volume: 2,143 over ten years, averaging 214.3 per year. Complaints span the powertrain, engine, brakes, and electrical system, and the data includes 181 crash-related reports, 163 injuries, and one death. With 31 recalls, it has more frequent safety campaigns than the BMW.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW M340i | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 68 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 18 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 9.7 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 M340i
- 01ENGINE44
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER10
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM9
- 04POWER TRAIN6
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM4
Owners report potential failures of the engine oil pump, specifically a plastic adjusting component in the B58 engine used in 2019–2021 models. This can lead to lubrication loss and catastrophic engine damage, a costly repair that may strand a buyer.
Complaints include software issues with the body control module and 12V/48V battery problems, sometimes causing warning lights or failures after recall repairs. These can affect reliability and require dealer visits.
Some owners hear a persistent whining noise from the front differential or xDrive system, often starting around 38,000 miles. This may indicate wear in the drivetrain and could lead to expensive repairs.
Reports include interior trim pieces detaching, such as a lower dashboard section falling onto the driver’s feet, which can obstruct pedals. This is a safety concern and a sign of build quality issues.
“I am submitting this complaint regarding a potential safety defect involving the engine lubrication system on my 2020 BMW M340i with the B58 engine. The vehicle was purchased used from a single owner with low mileage and comprehensive maintenance records, wit…”
“I am reporting a safety concern involving BMW vehicles equipped with the B58 Technical Update (B58TU) engine, commonly found in model years 2019–2021. These vehicles utilize a variable-displacement engine oil pump containing an internal thermoplastic adjustin…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners describe grinding noises from the front end during acceleration, often traced to transmission failure requiring replacement. Some also report sudden acceleration incidents, including one that led to a crash.
Complaints include sudden, uncontrollable acceleration and coolant valve bypass issues (code P268115) that may not be covered by recall for certain VINs. These can cause loss of control or engine overheating.
Drivers report brake pedal going to the floor with no response, especially on slopes or when braking gently. This is a serious safety defect that could lead to collisions.
Common issues include AC condenser damage from road debris and persistent mildew or vinegar odors from the HVAC system. These are comfort and potential health concerns, though not safety-critical.
“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 M340i — 18 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, M3, 330e, 330e xDrive, 430i Convertible, 430i xDrive, M440i, 2022-2023 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive, i4 eDrive40, and i4 M50 vehicles. During a service visit, a replacement electronic control unit (…
The risk: Doors that do not lock as intended while the vehicle is in motion may open during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2022 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, 2022 430i Coupe, 2021-2022 430i, M440i Convertible, and 2020-2022 228i xDrive Gran Coupe vehicles. The receiver audio module control unit software may fail to properly generate audible seat belt warnings to the…
The risk: An audible chime that does not properly alert the driver to fasten their seat belt increases the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the receiver audio module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 12, 2023. 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…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 M340i xDrive, M440i xDrive Coupe, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, and X7 xDrive40i vehicles. The connection between t…
The risk: Increased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator assembly, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 12, 2021. Owners may contact B…
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 M340i or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW M340i has far fewer complaints per year (9.7 vs. 214.3) and no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in the data, while the Camry has 181 crash-related reports and one death. In practice, the BMW may have fewer overall reported issues, but its engine and electrical problems can be severe and costly; the Camry’s higher volume includes many non-safety complaints but also serious brake and acceleration reports.
Key differences
- The BMW M340i has 68 complaints over 7 years (9.7/year) with 0 crashes, while the Camry has 2,143 complaints over 10 years (214.3/year) with 181 crashes and 1 death.
- BMW complaints center on engine oil pump failures and electrical software issues; Camry complaints frequently mention transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, and brake failure.
- The BMW has 18 recalls, including electrical and seat belt issues; the Camry has 31 recalls, covering air bags, seats, wheels, and labels.
- Camry owners report serious safety incidents like uncontrollable acceleration and brake loss, while BMW reports include interior trim detachment and drivetrain noise.
- Listen for a whining noise from the front drivetrain during a test drive, especially around 38,000 miles, which could indicate differential or xDrive problems.
- Ask for service records related to the engine oil pump and check for any recall repairs (e.g., 24V576000) that may not have resolved the issue.
- Test the brakes on a slope or during gentle braking to ensure the pedal doesn’t go to the floor, as some owners report total brake failure.
- Check for transmission grinding noises during acceleration and inquire about any transmission replacements or recalls for the 2021 model year.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for the BMW’s electrical system and the Camry’s air bags and brakes.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic who specializes in the respective brand, focusing on the BMW’s engine oil pump and drivetrain, and the Camry’s transmission and brakes.
- During the test drive, accelerate and brake firmly to check for grinding, hesitation, or sudden acceleration in the Camry, and listen for whining in the BMW.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for oil changes and any engine or transmission repairs.
- Verify that the VIN is not subject to an open recall by checking the NHTSA website before purchase.
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 M340i | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 119 |
| 2025 | 0 | 153 |
| 2024 | 0 | 48 |
| 2023 | 0 | 62 |
| 2022 | 6 | 59 |
| 2021 | 11 | 155 |
| 2020 | 51 | 270 |
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 M340i or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW M340i vs Toyota Camry
- BMW M340i total complaints
- 68
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- BMW M340i total recalls
- 18
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- BMW M340i avg complaints/year
- 9.7
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- BMW M340i
- BMW M340i top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN