Head-to-head reliability
BMW M4 vs Toyota Camry
How the BMW M4 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 M4 vs Toyota Camry: The M4 has 16 complaints over 10 years with 0 crash-related reports, while the Camry has 2,143 complaints, 181 crash-related reports, and 1 death. The M4 averages 1.6 complaints per year versus 214 for the Camry. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW M4 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW M4
The BMW M4 is a high-performance coupe with low reported complaint volume: 16 complaints over 10 years, about 1.6 per year, and no crash-related complaints, injuries, or deaths in the data. The pattern is not about crashes but about specific mechanical and electronic faults, especially fuel leaks and backup camera failures. Ten recalls over the same period suggest owners should verify recall work is completed. For a buyer, this means fewer reported problems overall, but the ones that appear can be expensive and safety-relevant.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream sedan with a much higher reported complaint volume: 2,143 complaints over 10 years, about 214 per year, plus 181 crash-related complaints, 163 injuries, and 1 death. Owners report a wide range of issues, from transmission grinding and sudden acceleration to brake failure and air conditioning problems. Thirty-one recalls over the decade add to the ownership burden. For a buyer, this means the Camry is common and well-known, but the data shows many reported problems that can affect safety and cost.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW M4 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 16 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 10 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.6 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 M4
- 01FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM4
- 02BACK OVER PREVENTION3
- 03ENGINE2
- 04POWER TRAIN2
- 05VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL2
Owners report fuel tanks leaking after fill-ups, sometimes with the tank cracking at the top due to heat expansion. This matters because a fuel leak can be a fire risk and often requires a replacement tank at the owner's expense.
Owners report the rear-view camera becoming inoperable and the rear cross-traffic alert not giving any warning. This matters because these systems are meant to help when reversing, and their failure can make parking and backing out less safe.
One owner reported a wheelbase failure and the front end raising off the ground while turning at about 40 mph. This matters because a sudden loss of stability while driving can be dangerous and hard to predict.
Owners report recall notices for power train issues where parts were unavailable for months, leaving them driving a car they were told not to sell. This matters because an unrepaired recall can leave a buyer with an unresolved safety defect.
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Fuel Tank on my BMW under 50k miles started leaking after a fill up. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I didn't notice any leaks at the g…”
“Fuel tank was leaking. I brought it in to BMW of San Antonio who found the left side top area of fuel tank leaking fuel from the sealed portion. Heat caused the top of fuel tank to expand and crack. BMW of SA required me to buy a replacement fuel tank. When I…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front during acceleration, with dealers confirming transmission failure and recommending replacement. This matters because a failed transmission is a major repair cost and can leave the car undrivable.
Owners report sudden, uncontrollable acceleration, including one case where the car crashed and was totaled. Another owner reported a coolant valve bypass code tied to a recall that their VIN did not cover. This matters because unintended acceleration is a serious safety concern.
Owners report the brake pedal having no response at all, including while driving down a steep hill with curves. This matters because brake failure can lead to a crash and leaves the driver with no way to slow down.
Owners report air conditioning problems, including a condenser damaged by a rock and a recurring mildew or vinegar smell from the vents. This matters because AC repairs can be costly and the odor makes the cabin unpleasant.
“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 M4 — 10 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2026 M4 and 430i vehicles. The positive battery cables may not be properly connected to the power distribution box, resulting in an engine stall and a fire.
The risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash and a fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace cables and power distribution box as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Nu…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, and M4 convertible vehicles. The Emergency Locking Retractors (ELR) within the front seat belt assemblies may have been produced with incompatible vehicle-sensitive locking mechanism housings.
The risk: If the vehicle has an incompatible vehicle-sensitive locking mechanism, the seat belt may not restrain the seat occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary replace, the front seat belt assemblies, free of charge. The recall began October 13, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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 America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 M2 Coupe and 2020 M4 Coupe vehicles. Fuel injectors may have been installed without a damping component which is used to reduce vibration. If a damping component is not present, vibration will increase at the connection between the fuel…
The risk: A damaged connection between the fuel line and the fuel rail could lead to a fuel leak and, in the presence of an ignition source, increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel injectors and if a damping component is missing, the injectors and the fuel rail will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW custome…
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 M4 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW M4 has far fewer reported issues per year, about 1.6 complaints annually versus about 214 for the Toyota Camry, and no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in the data. In practice, the Camry's much higher complaint volume and crash-related reports mean a buyer should expect more frequent and more varied problems. The M4's lower count does not mean it is problem-free, but the reported issues are fewer and more specific.
Key differences
- The BMW M4 has 16 complaints over 10 years with 0 crash-related reports, while the Toyota Camry has 2,143 complaints with 181 crash-related reports and 1 death.
- BMW M4 owners most often report fuel tank leaks and backup camera failures; Toyota Camry owners most often report transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, and brake failure.
- The BMW M4 has 10 recalls over 10 years, while the Toyota Camry has 31 recalls, including air bag, seat, wheel, and equipment issues.
- Toyota Camry complaints include serious safety events like unintended acceleration and total brake loss, while BMW M4 complaints are more often mechanical leaks and electronic failures.
- Check the fuel tank for any signs of leaking or cracking, especially near the top and after fill-ups, since owners report this as a repeated issue.
- Test the rear-view camera and rear cross-traffic alert to make sure they work, because owners report these systems failing without warning.
- Listen for grinding noises from the front during acceleration and ask if the transmission has been replaced or repaired, as owners report transmission failure.
- Test the brakes carefully at low speed and on a slope, and ask about any history of sudden acceleration or brake pedal problems.
Before you buy
- Ask for the full recall history on both vehicles and confirm that all recall repairs have been completed, since both have multiple recalls.
- For the BMW M4, have a mechanic inspect the fuel tank and test the backup camera and rear cross-traffic alert.
- For the Toyota Camry, have a mechanic check the transmission for grinding and test the brakes for any loss of response.
- Take a test drive that includes reversing, braking on a slope, and accelerating from a stop to feel for the reported issues.
- Request service records and ask specifically about any fuel leaks, transmission work, brake problems, or unintended acceleration events.
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 M4 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 119 |
| 2025 | 0 | 153 |
| 2024 | 4 | 48 |
| 2023 | 0 | 62 |
| 2022 | 2 | 59 |
| 2021 | 1 | 155 |
| 2020 | 1 | 270 |
| 2019 | 0 | 393 |
| 2018 | 6 | 736 |
| 2017 | 2 | 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 M4 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW M4 vs Toyota Camry
- BMW M4 total complaints
- 16
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- BMW M4 total recalls
- 10
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- BMW M4 avg complaints/year
- 1.6
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- BMW M4
- BMW M4 top complaint area
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN