Head-to-head reliability
BMW R 1200 S vs Toyota Camry
How the BMW R 1200 S 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 1200 S vs Toyota Camry: The BMW has 0.1 complaints per year over 9 years, with 1 fuel leak complaint and 2 recalls. The Camry averages 214.3 complaints per year over 10 years, with 181 crashes and 1 death. The Camry's issues include transmission, brakes, and engine problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW R 1200 S or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW R 1200 S
The BMW R 1200 S is a niche sport motorcycle with a very low complaint rate, averaging just 0.1 complaints per year over nine years. The only reported issue involves fuel leaking from under the tank onto the cylinder head, which is a serious safety concern but appears isolated. With two recalls, one for wheel lugs and one for the fuel pump, owners should ensure these are addressed. Overall, it's a low-volume model with minimal reported problems, but the fuel leak is a critical point to check.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a high-volume sedan with a much higher complaint rate, averaging 214.3 per year over ten years. Complaints span multiple systems, including powertrain, engine, brakes, and electrical, with some involving sudden acceleration and brake failure. Recalls cover airbags, seats, and wheel lugs, indicating a range of issues. While many Camrys are reliable, the sheer number of complaints and severity of some incidents warrant careful inspection.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW R 1200 S | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 2 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.1 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 R 1200 S
- 01FUEL SYSTEM1
- 02GASOLINE1
Owners report gasoline leaking from under the fuel tank onto the cylinder head while riding, which poses a fire hazard. This is the only complaint area, but it's critical to inspect for any signs of fuel seepage or damage.
“The contact owns a 2007 BMW R 1200S Motorcycle. The contact stated while riding at approximately 35 MPH, there was gasoline leaking from under the fuel tank onto the cylinder head. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. The contact…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues are common, with grinding noises on acceleration and, in some cases, the need for full replacement. Dealerships have confirmed these problems, and parts may be on backorder.
Some owners report sudden unintended acceleration, leading to crashes. Others mention engine warning lights and codes related to coolant valve bypass, which may not be covered by recall for all VINs.
Brake failure has been reported, including no response when pressing the pedal, especially on hills. This is a serious safety concern that requires immediate attention.
While not detailed in the sample, the high number of electrical complaints suggests issues with various components, possibly including sensors and wiring, which can affect multiple systems.
“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 R 1200 S — 2 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 R1200GS and R1200RT, 2006-2010 R1200GS Adventure, 2007-2010 R1200R, 2007 R1200S and K1200R Sport, 2005-2007 R1200ST, 2008-2009 HP2 Megamoto, 2006 HP2 Enduro, 2008-2010 HP2 Sport, 2005-2008 K1200S, 2006-2008 K1200R, K1200GT, 2…
The risk: If the rear wheel mounting flange cracks, the mounting bolts may loosen and the rear wheel may not remain secured to the motorcycle, causing a loss of stability and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing aluminum rear wheel flange with a steel one, free of charge. The recall began on May 7, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 model year R-model motorcycles, model year 2005-2012 K-model motorcycles, model year 2010-2011 S 1000 model motorcycles, and model year 2006-2010 HP2 motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, the fuel pump flange (and the aux…
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will either reinforce the fuel pump flange or replace the pump, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 16, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW…
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 R 1200 S or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW R 1200 S has far fewer complaints per year (0.1 vs 214.3) and no reported crashes or injuries, making it statistically less problematic. However, the Camry's issues are more varied and severe, including potential safety-critical failures. In practice, the BMW's low volume and single issue mean it may be easier to manage, but the Camry's widespread problems require thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Key differences
- The BMW has only one complaint about fuel leaks, while the Camry has hundreds of complaints across multiple systems.
- The Camry has reported sudden acceleration and brake failure, which are safety-critical, whereas the BMW's issue is a fuel leak that also poses a fire risk.
- The Camry has 31 recalls versus 2 for the BMW, indicating a broader range of factory-identified defects.
- The Camry's transmission problems often require replacement, a costly repair, while the BMW's fuel pump recall is a simpler fix.
- Inspect the fuel tank area for any signs of leakage or corrosion, especially around the cylinder head.
- Verify that the fuel pump recall has been completed, as a faulty pump could exacerbate fuel delivery issues.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially on a hill, and listen for any grinding from the transmission during acceleration.
- Check for any engine warning lights and have the codes read; also confirm that all recalls, especially airbag and seat-related ones, are done.
Before you buy
- For the BMW: check the fuel system for leaks and confirm the fuel pump recall is done.
- For the Camry: test drive and listen for transmission noises, and have a mechanic inspect the brakes.
- For the Camry: check the vehicle's recall status and ensure all outstanding recalls are completed.
- For the Camry: look for any signs of electrical issues, such as flickering lights or malfunctioning accessories.
- For both: obtain a vehicle history report to see if any of the reported issues have been previously addressed.
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 1200 S or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW R 1200 S vs Toyota Camry
- BMW R 1200 S total complaints
- 1
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- BMW R 1200 S total recalls
- 2
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- BMW R 1200 S avg complaints/year
- 0.1
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- BMW R 1200 S
- BMW R 1200 S top complaint area
- FUEL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN