Head-to-head reliability
BMW M5 vs Toyota Camry
How the BMW M5 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 M5 vs Toyota Camry: The M5 has 21 complaints over 10 years (2.1/year) and 15 recalls, with no crashes, injuries, or deaths. The Camry has 2,056 complaints (205.6/year), 31 recalls, 171 crashes, 158 injuries, and 1 death. The M5's issues are often severe engine failures, while the Camry's are more frequent but varied. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW M5 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW M5
The BMW M5 is a high-performance luxury sedan that can be costly to maintain as it ages. Over 10 years, it has 21 complaints (2.1 per year) and 15 recalls, with no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in the data. Owner complaints often describe serious engine and power train failures, such as coolant expansion tank leaks that damage engine components and sudden loss of drive. These issues can lead to expensive repairs, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream family sedan with a strong reputation for reliability, but the data shows a high volume of complaints: 2,056 over 10 years (205.6 per year) and 31 recalls. There are 171 crash-related complaints, 158 injuries, and 1 death reported. Owners frequently report power train hesitation, brake problems, and electrical glitches. While many issues may be minor, the sheer number of complaints means buyers should check for common problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW M5 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 21 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 15 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 2.1 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 M5
- 01ENGINE8
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER7
- 03POWER TRAIN5
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM3
- 05ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING2
Owners report coolant expansion tank failures that can leak and damage nearby engine parts, as well as catastrophic engine failure with metal shavings requiring complete replacement. These can lead to repair bills in the thousands.
Complaints include the car jerking and kicking out of drive into neutral at highway speeds, and sudden loss of power. This is a serious safety concern that could leave you stranded or cause an accident.
Owners report faulty fuel injectors and ignition coils, sometimes with multiple injectors failing in sequence. This can cause misfires, poor performance, and costly repairs.
Issues like the front license plate holder detaching and windshields cracking without impact are reported. While not mechanical, these suggest build quality lapses that can be annoying and costly.
“I actively participate in online F90 forums, and it seems like the coolant expansion tank seems to fail for almost all owners (both pre-LCI and LCI). In many cases, it also damages critical engine components underneath the tank and results in expensive repair…”
“Despite following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and having the car serviced at authorized BMW dealerships, I am facing an engine failure that BMW has quoted $44,000 to repair. BMW is only offering $4,000 towards this repair, leaving us w…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck and unable to be removed even when the car is in Park, requiring battery disconnection. Others describe hesitation and shuddering while driving, which can be unsettling.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, with the car taking several seconds to move. This lag can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow, and some owners hear a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area. Brake issues are critical for safety.
Multiple system malfunctions are reported, including stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping assistance failing at once. This can overwhelm the driver and reduce safety.
“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 M5 — 15 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 M5 and 2020 M8 Gran Coupe, M8 Coupe, and M8 Convertible vehicles. The transmission wiring harness can become damaged, resulting in an electrical short circuit.
The risk: An electrical short circuit can cause the transmission to shift to neutral resulting in a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace any damaged transmission harnesses. All harnesses will be rerouted and secured. These repairs will be performed, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 3, 2020. Owners may…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 750i xDrive, 2019 M850i xDrive Coupe, M850i xDrive Convertible, X5 xDrive50i, X7 xDrive50i, and M5 vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may not have been properly attached to the engine, which may cause the fuel pump flange to crack, result…
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 high pressure fuel pumps, free of charge. The recall began August 27, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Co…
The risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may c…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X3 sDrive 30i, X3 xDrive 30i, X3M 40i, X3 xDrive 30e, X4 xDrive 30i, X4M 40i, 530i, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 550e, 550e xDrive, and 550e iPerformance vehicles. A small portion of the rearview image may be slightly obscured.…
The risk: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, program the rearview camera with updated software. The recall began November 18, 2020. 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 M5 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW M5 has far fewer complaints per year (2.1 vs. 205.6) and no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in the data, while the Toyota Camry has many more complaints and some serious safety outcomes. In practice, the M5 may have fewer reported issues overall, but when problems occur they tend to be severe and expensive. The Camry's higher complaint volume suggests more frequent, though sometimes less catastrophic, problems.
Key differences
- The BMW M5 has 21 complaints over 10 years, while the Toyota Camry has 2,056, but the M5's complaints often involve catastrophic engine and power train failures.
- The Camry has 171 crash-related complaints, 158 injuries, and 1 death, whereas the M5 has none of these reported in the data.
- M5 owners report coolant tank leaks and engine failure with metal shavings; Camry owners report key stuck in ignition, brake noise, and multiple system malfunctions.
- Both have recalls, but the M5 has 15 and the Camry has 31, with Camry recalls including air bag sensors and seat issues.
- Check the coolant expansion tank for cracks or leaks, and inspect underneath for signs of coolant damage to engine components.
- Listen for unusual engine noises and check for metal shavings in the oil, as some owners reported catastrophic engine failure.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park to ensure it doesn't stick, and check for any hesitation or shuddering during a test drive.
- Inspect the electronic parking brake operation and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on both models.
- For the BMW M5, have a mechanic inspect the cooling system and engine for signs of failure or damage.
- For the Toyota Camry, test all electronic systems including brakes, stability control, and driver assistance features.
- During a test drive, pay attention to transmission shifting, engine response, and any unusual noises or vibrations.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and confirm that all recommended services were performed.
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 M5 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 2 | 163 |
| 2023 | 1 | 64 |
| 2022 | 1 | 61 |
| 2021 | 2 | 157 |
| 2020 | 2 | 274 |
| 2019 | 8 | 395 |
| 2018 | 4 | 744 |
| 2017 | 0 | 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 M5 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW M5 vs Toyota Camry
- BMW M5 total complaints
- 21
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- BMW M5 total recalls
- 15
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- BMW M5 avg complaints/year
- 2.1
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- BMW M5
- BMW M5 top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN