Head-to-head reliability
BMW R 1250 GS vs Toyota Camry
How the BMW R 1250 GS 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 1250 GS vs Toyota Camry: The BMW has 29 complaints over 5 years (5.8/yr) with 21 brake-related, while the Camry has 2143 complaints over 10 years (214.3/yr) with 395 powertrain issues. The BMW shows no crash complaints, but the Camry has 181 crash-related incidents. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW R 1250 GS or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW R 1250 GS
The BMW R 1250 GS is a premium adventure motorcycle that owners ride for long distances and sometimes off-road. The complaint data shows a clear focus on braking issues, with 21 of 29 complaints involving the service brakes, including reports of sudden loss of brake pressure. Electrical and engine problems also appear, such as random failure to start. While the total number of complaints is low, the nature of the brake failures is serious and could affect rider safety.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular midsize sedan with a high volume of complaints over 10 years, averaging over 200 per year. The top problem areas are powertrain, engine, and brakes, with owners reporting transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, and brake failure. Many complaints are also about non-safety issues like HVAC odors and AC damage. The high complaint count reflects the large number of Camrys on the road, but the presence of crash-related incidents and injuries indicates some serious safety concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW R 1250 GS | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 29 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 14 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 5.8 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 R 1250 GS
- 01SERVICE BRAKES21
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
- 03ENGINE4
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
- 05HYDRAULIC2
Owners report sudden loss of brake pressure, often at low speeds, and rear caliper seizing. One complaint describes brakes failing entirely while approaching a turn, which is a critical safety issue.
The motorcycle may fail to start randomly, even after riding 30 miles. The battery checks out, and BMW cannot determine the cause, leaving owners stranded.
Engine issues include stalling during deceleration and failure to start, which can be dangerous in traffic. These problems often occur without warning.
“4/2021 Prior to 4/2021, I had complained verbally with visits and calls to the dealership about an intermittent (CC ) Cruise Control issue. They could not find a problem w/the CC. I now consider this issue is related to the rear caliper ceasing. 5/30/2022 (RC…”
“- DRIVING BRAND NEW 2019 BMW R 1250 GS MOTORCYCLE ON WELL-MAINTAINED, RURAL, TWO-LANE ROADS IN WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA - UPON BRAKING WHILE APPROACHING A SLOW-SPEED RIGHT-HAND TURN, THE BRAKES LOST ALL PRESSURE (APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH IN 2ND GEAR) - THE FRONT TIRE…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission problems are common, with grinding noises on acceleration and the need for replacement. Some owners mention recalls for the same issue, but parts may be on backorder.
Reports of sudden unintended acceleration, which led to a crash and total loss. Also, engine maintenance lights and coolant valve bypass codes that may not be covered by recall.
Brake failure on steep hills, with no response when pressing the pedal. This is a serious safety concern that could lead to accidents.
“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 1250 GS — 14 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2023 R1250GS, R1250GS Adventure, and R1250RTP motorcycles. In certain engine operating and riding conditions, the gearbox input shaft may become damaged or break, possibly resulting in a blocked rear wheel.
The risk: A damaged gearbox input shaft or a blocked rear wheel can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the engine control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 22, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 R 1250 GS, GS Adventure and R 1250 RT, 2020 S 1000 RR and S 1000 XR motorcycles. The front brake calipers may leak brake fluid when parked. As such, these motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Saf…
The risk: Overtime, a leaking front brake caliper can reduce the amount of brake fluid in the reservoir. Low volume could affect brake performance, increasing the risk of crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the front brake calipers with an improved version, free of charge. BMW issued owners an interim notification on October 12, 2020. As of January 19, 2021, a remedy w…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2020 RnineT Scrambler and RnineT, 2020 R1250R and R1250RS, 2019-2020 Rnine T Pure, R1250GS,R1250GS Adventure and R1250RT and 2018 RnineT Racer motorcycles. The brake fluid reservoir cap may not clearly state the required type of brake fluid…
The risk: Improper brake system maintenance could affect braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake fluid reservoir cap, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain Motorcycle Accessory Brake Fluid Reservoir Covers, part numbers 8405-752, 8405-753, 8405-754 and 9829547 designed to fit certain 2019-2020 BMW R 1250 motorcycles, and part numbers 8404-098, 8405-100, 8405-102, and 1542056 designed to fit certain…
The risk: Improper brake system maintenance could affect braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake fluid reservoir cap, free of charge. The recall began December 14, 2020. Parts will be available in mid-September 2020 for the recall repairs. Owners may contact BMW customer servi…
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 1250 GS or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW R 1250 GS has far fewer complaints per year (5.8) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the nature of the issues differs. The BMW's brake failures are rare but potentially catastrophic, while the Camry's higher volume includes many minor issues. In practice, the Camry's higher complaint rate may reflect its larger sales volume, but the presence of crash-related complaints is concerning.
Key differences
- BMW R 1250 GS has 21 brake complaints out of 29 total, indicating a dominant brake issue, while Camry's complaints are spread across powertrain, engine, and brakes.
- Camry has 181 crash-related complaints and 163 injuries, while BMW has none, suggesting more severe safety incidents in the Camry.
- BMW owners report random failure to start, while Camry owners report transmission grinding and sudden acceleration.
- Camry has a higher average complaints per year (214.3) vs BMW (5.8), but that is partly due to higher sales volume.
- Inspect the brake system thoroughly, especially the rear caliper and brake lines, for any signs of seizing or leaks.
- Check the electrical system for any intermittent starting issues, and ask for service records related to starting problems.
- Test the transmission for any grinding or hesitation during acceleration, and check for any open recalls related to the powertrain.
- Verify the brake system's responsiveness, especially on hills, and look for any signs of brake fluid leaks or worn components.
Before you buy
- For the BMW R 1250 GS: have a mechanic inspect the brake calipers and hydraulic system for any signs of failure.
- For the BMW R 1250 GS: ask about any unresolved electrical issues and check the battery and charging system.
- For the Toyota Camry: check the transmission fluid condition and test drive at various speeds to feel for grinding.
- For the Toyota Camry: review the vehicle's recall history and ensure all recalls have been addressed.
- For both: obtain a vehicle history report and have a trusted mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection.
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 R 1250 GS | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 62 |
| 2022 | 3 | 59 |
| 2021 | 1 | 155 |
| 2020 | 8 | 270 |
| 2019 | 15 | 393 |
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 1250 GS or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW R 1250 GS vs Toyota Camry
- BMW R 1250 GS total complaints
- 29
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- BMW R 1250 GS total recalls
- 14
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- BMW R 1250 GS avg complaints/year
- 5.8
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- BMW R 1250 GS
- BMW R 1250 GS top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN