Head-to-head reliability
BMW R 1150 RT vs Toyota Camry
How the BMW R 1150 RT 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 R 1150 RT vs Toyota Camry: The BMW has 7 complaints over 6 years (1.2/year) and 1 recall, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints over 10 years (205.6/year) and 31 recalls. BMW issues include brake loss and fuel leaks; Camry issues include hesitation and stuck keys. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW R 1150 RT or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW R 1150 RT
The BMW R 1150 RT is a touring motorcycle with a low complaint rate of about 1.2 per year over six years, but the complaints that do exist are serious. Owners report electrical failures that can disable power brakes, fuel leaks that may persist even after recall repairs, and sudden headlight outages. These are not minor annoyances; they can directly affect your ability to stop or see, so a pre-purchase inspection focused on these systems is critical.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mass-market sedan with a much higher complaint volume—about 206 per year over ten years—but that reflects its enormous sales volume. The most common issues involve the power train (hesitation, shuddering, stuck ignition keys), engine problems, brake noises, and electrical glitches. While many complaints are less immediately dangerous than the BMW's, the sheer number of reports means you should check for these patterns, especially in newer models.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW R 1150 RT | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 7 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 1 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.2 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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 R 1150 RT
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
- 02FUEL SYSTEM2
- 03GASOLINE2
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
- 05SUSPENSION1
Owners report the alternator belt breaking, which cuts power to the brakes and leaves only about 40% braking ability. Another complaint describes a front wheel brake lock at low speed that caused a crash. These failures can happen without warning and are a major safety concern.
Multiple owners smelled fuel and saw leaks on the ground. One complaint notes that even after a recall repair to crimp clamps, the system still leaked at pressure, suggesting the fix may not always work. A fuel leak near a hot engine is a fire risk.
A owner reported the headlights went out completely during normal operation, leaving only fog lights. This severely limits visibility at night and could lead to a crash.
One complaint involves the suspension, though details are limited. Any suspension issue on a motorcycle can affect handling and stability, so it's worth checking.
“ACTUAL MODEL IS RT1150P NOT LISTED ON MODEL LIST. ALTENATOR BELT BROKE, CAUSING ALTENATOR FAILURE AND LOW VOLTAGE WHICH NEGATED POWER BRAKES LEAVING ME WITH RESIDUAL BRAKING ABOUT 40% OF NORMAL BREAKING AT BEST. I WAS UNABLE TO STOP AND ROLLED IN FRONT OF ONC…”
“The contact owns a 2002 BMW R 1150 RT. The contact stated while driving at 15 MPH, the front wheel brake locked causing the contact to flip off the motorcycle. The contact suffered a concussion, laceration, stitches, fractured his left ankle and had problems…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners of 2023 Camrys report the ignition key getting stuck in Park, requiring a battery disconnect to remove. Others describe hesitation and shuddering while driving, often with the check engine light on. These can leave you stranded or cause unsafe acceleration delays.
Complaints include delayed throttle response—pressing the gas and waiting several seconds for the car to move. This lag can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow. Owners also hear a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area, which dealers say is normal for the ABS system, but it can be distracting and may indicate a larger issue.
One owner reported multiple systems failing at once: smart stop, stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping. Such widespread electrical glitches can make the car unpredictable and hard to control.
“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 R 1150 RT — 1 recall
The defect: ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE 3RD AND 4TH TRANSMISSION GEAR (SHIFT) WHEELS MAY NOT BE SECURELY SEATED ON THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. CONSEQUENTLY, WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT FROM 5TH TO 6TH GEAR, ENGAGEMENT OF THE TWO GEARS MAY OCCUR SIMULTANEOUSLY.
The risk: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE GEAR WHEELS COULD CRACK RESULTING IN A LOSS OF TRANSMISSION CAPABILITY, OR, A LOCK OF TRANSMISSION COULD OCCUR. THE REAR WHEEL COULD LOCK WHICH, DEPENDING UPON TRAFFIC AND ROAD CONDITIONS, AND THE RIDER'S REACTION, COU…
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MOTORCYCLES AND REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION GEAR BOX IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AN…
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 R 1150 RT or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW R 1150 RT has far fewer complaints per year (1.2 vs. 205.6), but its issues tend to be more severe and safety-critical, like brake loss and fuel leaks. The Toyota Camry's higher complaint count reflects its huge sales volume, and many problems are less immediately dangerous but still require attention. In practice, the BMW demands more careful inspection for rare but catastrophic failures, while the Camry requires vigilance for common but often less urgent issues.
Key differences
- The BMW R 1150 RT has 7 complaints over 6 years, while the Toyota Camry has 2,056 over 10 years—but the BMW's issues include brake loss and fuel leaks that can be immediately life-threatening.
- BMW owners report electrical failures that disable power brakes and headlights, whereas Camry owners report hesitation, stuck keys, and brake noises that are more annoying than instantly dangerous.
- The BMW has only 1 recall, but one complaint notes the recall fix for fuel leaks didn't work; the Camry has 31 recalls, covering seats, air bags, and wheels, indicating a broader range of potential defects.
- Crash-related complaints: BMW has 2, Camry has 171—but the Camry's far higher sales volume means the rate per vehicle may be lower; still, the BMW's crashes involved brake lock and brake loss.
- Check the alternator belt and charging system—a broken belt can cause sudden loss of power brakes, leaving only residual braking.
- Inspect for fuel leaks around the tank, lines, and clamps, especially if a recall repair was done; some owners reported leaks persisting even after the fix.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park—if it sticks, it may require a battery disconnect to remove, a known complaint on 2023 models.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating from the brake pedal area and check if the electronic parking brake disengages properly; failure may require a tow.
Before you buy
- For the BMW: Ask for service records showing the alternator belt and fuel system recall work, and have a mechanic pressure-test the fuel system.
- For the Camry: Test-drive at various speeds to feel for hesitation or shuddering, and check for delayed throttle response.
- For both: Run a VIN check for open recalls and confirm all recall repairs were completed.
- For the BMW: Inspect the headlight operation and wiring, as sudden outages have been reported.
- For the Camry: Verify the electronic parking brake and listen for abnormal brake noises during a test drive.
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 R 1150 RT or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW R 1150 RT vs Toyota Camry
- BMW R 1150 RT total complaints
- 7
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- BMW R 1150 RT total recalls
- 1
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- BMW R 1150 RT avg complaints/year
- 1.2
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- BMW R 1150 RT
- BMW R 1150 RT top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN