Head-to-head reliability
BMW M8 vs Toyota Camry
How the BMW M8 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 M8 vs Toyota Camry: The M8 has only 5 complaints over 6 years (0.8/yr) but includes severe unintended acceleration, while the Camry has 2143 complaints over 10 years (214.3/yr) with transmission and brake issues. The M8 has 6 recalls, Camry 31. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW M8 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW M8
The BMW M8 is a high-performance luxury coupe that, in ownership terms, demands attention to its electronic and powertrain systems. Owner complaints over six years are relatively few, but they center on alarming incidents of unintended acceleration where the engine revs to maximum and the car doesn't respond to braking, as well as a fuel system issue involving a coolant leak into injectors. These reports suggest that while rare, the failures can be severe and potentially dangerous, making it a vehicle that requires thorough inspection and awareness of its electronic throttle and engine management systems.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream midsize sedan with a much higher volume of complaints, reflecting its popularity and longer sales history. Owners report a wide range of issues, from transmission grinding and sudden acceleration to brake failures and persistent HVAC odors. While many complaints are minor, the sheer number and the presence of serious safety-related incidents like unintended acceleration and brake loss indicate that the Camry, despite its reputation for reliability, has had notable problems that buyers should investigate, especially in certain model years.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW M8 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 5 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 6 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.8 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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 M8
- 01VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL2
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
- 03ENGINE1
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1
- 05SERVICE BRAKES1
Owners report sudden unintended acceleration where the car accelerates to full throttle (7000-8000 RPM) without pedal input, and the engine stays stuck at max power even when braking, leading to crashes. This is a critical safety issue that could cause loss of control.
The same unintended acceleration incidents are often attributed to electrical system faults, suggesting a possible electronic throttle control malfunction. This can be intermittent and hard to diagnose, posing a risk of recurrence.
Engine-related complaints include the same stuck-throttle issue, as well as a separate problem where a coolant tank leak contaminates fuel injectors, causing misfires and loss of power. This indicates potential cooling system and fuel delivery vulnerabilities.
A specific complaint mentions a coolant leak into the injectors, leading to engine misfire and power loss. Owners note that BMW's recall may not fully address the root cause (the tank), so repairs might be incomplete.
“While driving, the vehicle immediately went into full unintended acceleration without any input from the accelerator pedal. I removed my foot completely from the pedal, but engine RPM increased to full 7000 rpm’s and the throttle was stuck there. The vehicle…”
“On [XXX]. My car went into unintended acceleration at full throttle of 8000 RPMs. The engine was stuck at maximum power and would not slow down. My car slide until it hit a curb and was forced to stop. However, the engine was still running at full maximum cap…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front end on acceleration, often diagnosed as transmission failure requiring replacement. There are also complaints of sudden acceleration when trying to brake in parking lots, which could be a dangerous unintended acceleration issue.
Engine complaints include sudden, uncontrollable acceleration leading to crashes, as well as a specific code (P268115) related to a coolant valve bypass that may not be covered by recall for all VINs, causing safety concerns.
Several owners describe complete brake failure, such as pressing the pedal with no response, especially on hills or in parking lots. This is a critical safety issue that could lead to collisions.
Electrical issues manifest as problems with the AC condenser being easily damaged by rocks, and recurring HVAC odors (vinegar/mildew) that are unpleasant and hard to eliminate, affecting comfort and possibly indicating design flaws.
“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 M8 — 6 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series C…
The risk: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 8 Series Coupe, Grand Coupe and convertible 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8 and 740 Li, 740 Li xDrive, 750 Li xDrive, M760 Li xDrive, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xdrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, and 2019-2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i,…
The risk: A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 25, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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 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…
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 M8 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW M8 has far fewer complaints per year (0.8) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the nature of the M8's issues—unintended acceleration and engine problems—is more severe and potentially life-threatening. In practice, the Camry's higher volume reflects its widespread use, but the M8's low frequency does not diminish the seriousness of its reported failures.
Key differences
- The BMW M8 has a much lower complaint rate (0.8 per year) than the Camry (214.3 per year), but its complaints are dominated by unintended acceleration incidents that can cause crashes.
- The Camry has a broader range of issues, including transmission failures, brake loss, and engine problems, but also many minor comfort complaints like AC odors.
- The M8's recalls include backup camera and brake hydraulic issues, while the Camry's recalls cover airbag sensors and wheel studs, indicating different safety focus areas.
- The M8's fuel system complaint about coolant leaking into injectors suggests a design flaw, whereas the Camry's engine complaint about a coolant valve bypass shows a potential recall gap.
- Inspect the throttle and electronic control systems for any signs of sticking or unintended acceleration, and check for open recalls related to vehicle speed control.
- Check the coolant tank and fuel injectors for leaks or contamination, as a coolant leak into injectors can cause misfires and power loss.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially on slopes, for any loss of response, and listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration.
- Check the engine for any warning lights or codes, particularly P268115, and verify if the VIN is covered by the coolant valve recall.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on the specific VIN for both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on throttle response, brakes, and transmission.
- Test drive the vehicle in various conditions, including hills and parking lots, to check for unintended acceleration or brake failure.
- Ask for service records to see if any of the common issues (e.g., transmission replacement, coolant leaks) have been addressed.
- Research the specific model year and trim for known issues and owner complaints on NHTSA's website.
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 M8 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 0 | 153 |
| 2024 | 0 | 48 |
| 2023 | 0 | 62 |
| 2022 | 0 | 59 |
| 2021 | 0 | 155 |
| 2020 | 5 | 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 M8 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW M8 vs Toyota Camry
- BMW M8 total complaints
- 5
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- BMW M8 total recalls
- 6
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- BMW M8 avg complaints/year
- 0.8
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- BMW M8
- BMW M8 top complaint area
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN