Head-to-head reliability
BMW R 1200 ST vs Toyota Camry
How the BMW R 1200 ST 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 ST vs Toyota Camry: The BMW has 7 complaints over 8 years (0.9/year) and 10 recalls, while the Camry has 2056 complaints over 10 years (205.6/year) and 31 recalls. The BMW's complaints often involve fuel leaks and sudden power loss, whereas the Camry's include brake and power train issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW R 1200 ST or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW R 1200 ST
The BMW R 1200 ST is a sport-touring motorcycle with a relatively low complaint rate of 0.9 per year over 8 years. However, the complaints that do exist cluster around fuel system and power train issues, including dangerous fuel leaks and sudden power loss. With 10 recalls but no reported crashes or injuries in the data, it appears to be a machine that demands attention to specific known faults rather than one with widespread safety failures.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream sedan with a much higher complaint volume—205.6 per year over 10 years—but that reflects its enormous sales volume. Complaints span many systems, with power train, engine, and brake issues being most common, and the data includes 171 crash-related reports, 158 injuries, and 1 death. While many complaints are about drivability and electronic glitches, some brake and power train problems could pose safety risks if ignored.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW R 1200 ST | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 7 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 10 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.9 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 R 1200 ST
- 01FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
- 02FUEL SYSTEM2
- 03GASOLINE2
- 04POWER TRAIN2
- 05VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
Owners report that the plastic quick-disconnect fitting on the fuel tank can crack, causing high-pressure fuel to spray onto the hot engine. This creates an extreme fire risk, and some owners have replaced the plastic part with steel to prevent it.
Similar to the fuel/propulsion issue, the plastic quick-disconnect couplers are prone to breaking unexpectedly, leading to fuel leaks. Owners have smelled fuel while riding and seen it leaking onto the hot motor, which is a serious safety hazard.
The rear wheel adapter on the final drive axle can lose its interference fit, causing the rear wheel to wobble at speed. This leads to handling problems and requires replacement of the splined adapter.
The throttle cable bell cranks are made of poor-quality plastic and can crack, causing sudden loss of power as the hand throttle stops working. This can be dangerous, especially at high speeds.
“THE FUEL PUMP ON MY R 1200 ST MOTORCYCLE IS MOUNTED INSIDE THE FUEL TANK AND PROVIDES FUEL UNDER PRESSURE TO THE PRESSURE REGULATOR. FUEL EXITS THE TANK THROUGH A QUICK DISCONNECT FITTING SCREWED INTO THE PLATE ON WHICH THE FUEL PUMP IS MOUNTED. DURING A ROUT…”
“THROTTLE CABLE BELL CRANKS CRACK DUE TO POOR QUALITY PLASTIC MATERIAL. THIS CAUSES MOTORCYCLE TO SUDDENLY LOSE POWER AS HAND THROTTLE NO LONGER WORKS, AND ENGINE RETURNS TO IDLE SPEED. THIS CAN LEAD TO A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD IF THIS OCCURS ON HIGH SPEED ROAD…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report intermittent issues such as the ignition key becoming stuck in the ignition even when the car is in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove. Others experience hesitation and shuddering while driving, often accompanied by a check engine light.
Some owners describe a delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, with the car taking several seconds to move. This hesitation and shuddering can occur at various speeds and may be linked to engine management issues.
The electronic parking brake (EPB) may fail to disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer. Owners also report clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which dealers attribute to the ABS system.
Multiple electronic systems, including stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping assistance, can malfunction simultaneously. This suggests potential issues with the vehicle's electrical architecture or sensor integration.
“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 1200 ST — 10 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…
The defect: ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, EXPOSURE OF THE THROTTLE HOUSING TO ROAD DEBRIS COULD FALL AND BECOME CAUGHT BETWEEN THE THROTTLE-BODY AND THE ENGINE BLOCK.
The risk: THIS COULD RESTRICT MOVEMENT OF THE THROTTLE-CABLE PULLEY THAT, IN TURN, COULD AFFECT THROTTLE OPERATION AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A COVER OVER THE THROTTLE-CABLE PULLEY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 10, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
The defect: ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, UNDER RAPID, REPEATED, AND UNUSUALLY HARSH BRAKING, LOSS OF ABS CAPABILITY COULD TEMPORARILY OCCUR.
The risk: TEMPORARY LOSS OF ABS BRAKING COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL ADD A PHYSICAL RESTRICTION, IN THE FORM OF A BANJO BOLT WITH A FLOW RESTRICTOR TO THE BRAKE LINE, AND ON CERTAIN MODELS DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW FRONT BRAKE DISCS OF A SLIGHTLY LARGER THICKNESS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN…
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 1200 ST or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW R 1200 ST has far fewer complaints per year (0.9) compared to the Toyota Camry (205.6), but the BMW's issues are concentrated in potentially dangerous fuel leaks and sudden power loss. The Camry's higher volume reflects its popularity, but its problems are more varied and include brake and power train faults that could affect safety. In practice, the BMW requires vigilance for specific faults, while the Camry may have more frequent but often less severe electronic and drivability complaints.
Key differences
- The BMW R 1200 ST has a very low complaint rate (0.9/year) but its complaints often involve fuel leaks and sudden power loss, which are immediate safety concerns.
- The Toyota Camry has a much higher complaint rate (205.6/year) but many are about electronic glitches and drivability, with some brake and power train issues that may develop over time.
- The BMW has 10 recalls and no reported crashes or injuries in the data, while the Camry has 31 recalls and 171 crash-related reports, 158 injuries, and 1 death.
- Fuel system quick-disconnect failures are a recurring theme for the BMW, whereas the Camry's most common complaint areas are power train, engine, and brakes.
- Inspect the fuel tank quick-disconnect fittings for cracks or signs of fuel leakage; consider replacing plastic parts with steel if not already done.
- Check the rear wheel for any wobble or play, and inspect the final drive axle adapter for proper fit, as a loose adapter can cause handling issues.
- Test the electronic parking brake to ensure it engages and disengages properly, and listen for any clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area.
- Check for any hesitation or shuddering during a test drive, and ensure the ignition key can be removed easily when the car is in Park.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for outstanding recalls on both models.
- For the BMW, have a mechanic inspect the fuel system, including the quick-disconnect fittings and fuel pump, for leaks or cracks.
- For the Camry, test all electronic systems, including the parking brake, stability control, and driver-assist features, during a test drive.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for fuel system repairs on the BMW or brake and power train work on the Camry.
- Take a test drive that includes highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic to check for hesitation, shuddering, or unusual noises.
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 ST or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW R 1200 ST vs Toyota Camry
- BMW R 1200 ST total complaints
- 7
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- BMW R 1200 ST total recalls
- 10
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- BMW R 1200 ST avg complaints/year
- 0.9
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- BMW R 1200 ST
- BMW R 1200 ST top complaint area
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN