Head-to-head reliability
BMW R 1250 R vs Toyota Camry
How the BMW R 1250 R 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 R vs Toyota Camry: The BMW has 2 complaints and 4 recalls over 6 years, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints and 31 recalls over 10 years. The BMW reports sudden power loss; the Camry reports stuck keys, hesitation, and brake noise. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW R 1250 R or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW R 1250 R
The BMW R 1250 R is a premium adventure-style motorcycle with very few reported problems over six years—just 2 complaints and 4 recalls. Owners mainly report sudden engine power loss and check engine faults, often linked to electrical or speed control issues. Recalls cover brake lights, brake fluid, and labels, but no crashes, injuries, or deaths are recorded. For a buyer, this suggests a low-volume but potentially serious stalling risk that needs a thorough pre-ride check.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a high-volume family sedan with 2,056 complaints and 31 recalls over ten years, averaging about 206 complaints per year. Reported issues span the power train, engine, brakes, electrical system, and unknown areas, with 171 crash-related reports, 158 injuries, and 1 death. Owners describe problems like stuck ignition keys, hesitation and shuddering, brake noise, and multiple system malfunctions. This pattern means a used Camry may need more frequent attention to safety and drivability systems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW R 1250 R | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.3 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 1250 R
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
- 02VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
- 03ENGINE1
Owners report sudden engine power loss at highway speed and a check engine fault that makes the bike run poorly. These electrical glitches can leave you stranded or cause a dangerous slowdown in traffic.
One complaint describes the engine losing power and dropping speed dramatically while cruising at 65 mph. This suggests a potential throttle or cruise control fault that could affect your ability to maintain speed safely.
The same highway power-loss event was also filed under engine, indicating the problem may originate in the engine management system. A sudden loss of power on a motorcycle is a serious safety concern.
“I WAS ON THE CALIFORNIA FREEWAY I-60 HEADING EAST NEAR CHINO SECTION ON A STEADY 65 MPH IN THE CARPOOL LANE, ENGINE SUDDENLY LOSS POWER AND DROPPING SPEED DRAMATICALLY. I WAS IMMEDIATELY SET THE EMERGENCY FLASH LIGHT AND MOVED TO LEFT SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY (NO…”
“Vehicle displays a Check Engine Fault error and then runs poorly.”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report an ignition key that gets stuck and cannot be removed even when the car is in Park, sometimes requiring a battery disconnect. Others describe hesitation and shuddering with the check engine light on, which can affect drivability and emissions.
Complaints include a several-second delay in throttle response when pressing the accelerator, and repeated hesitation and shuddering at various speeds. These issues can make merging or pulling out into traffic feel unpredictable.
Owners report the electronic parking brake failing to disengage, requiring a tow, and a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area that dealers call normal for the ABS system. Brake problems directly affect stopping safety.
One owner described multiple systems—smart stop, stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—malfunctioning at once. Such widespread electrical failures can disable safety aids without warning.
“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 1250 R — 4 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 F900R, F900XR, S1000RR, F750GS, F850GS, F850GS Adventure, R1250GS, R1250GS Adventure, R1250RS, R1250R, RnineT, RnineT Pure and RnineT Scrambler and 2019-2020 S1000R motorcycles. The brake light may flash instead of remain steady during emerg…
The risk: A flashing brake light can cause confusion to other drivers on the road, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owner, and dealers will reprogram the emergency stop signal function, free of charge. The recall began May 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 R 1250 RT, R 1250 R, R 1250 RS, R 1250 GS and R 1250 GS Adventure motorcycles. The tire pressure labels may not remain affixed to the motorcycle frame. As a result, these motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehi…
The risk: If the label detaches from the motorcycle, proper tire pressure information may not be readily available. This could result in the rider improperly filling the tires which may affect motorcycle handling and control, increasing the risk of…
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tire pressure label, free of charge. The recall began October 19, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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 1250 R or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW R 1250 R has far fewer issues per year (0.3 complaints/year) compared to the Toyota Camry (205.6 complaints/year). In practice, the BMW owner is much less likely to file a complaint, but the few reported problems involve sudden power loss, which is severe. The Camry’s higher volume means more chances for minor and major faults, including brake and power train issues.
Key differences
- The BMW R 1250 R has only 2 complaints and 0 crash-related reports, while the Toyota Camry has 2,056 complaints and 171 crash-related reports.
- BMW owners report sudden engine power loss and check engine faults; Camry owners report stuck ignition keys, hesitation, brake noise, and multiple system malfunctions.
- The BMW has 4 recalls (brake lights, brake fluid, labels); the Camry has 31 recalls (wheels, seats, air bag sensors).
- The Camry’s complaint rate is about 685 times higher per year than the BMW’s, but the BMW’s few issues involve potentially dangerous highway power loss.
- Check for any history of sudden engine power loss or check engine lights—test ride at highway speeds if possible.
- Inspect brake lights and brake fluid condition, as these are the subject of recalls.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park and listen for brake pedal clicking or vibration, which owners report.
- Check for hesitation or shuddering during acceleration and ensure all electrical systems (stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring) work.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls were performed.
- For the BMW, have a certified mechanic inspect the electrical system, throttle response, and brake lights.
- For the Camry, test drive at various speeds to feel for hesitation, shuddering, and brake noise.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for brake fluid changes and software updates.
- Verify that the electronic parking brake engages and disengages smoothly on the Camry.
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 R | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 0 | 50 |
| 2023 | 0 | 64 |
| 2022 | 1 | 61 |
| 2021 | 0 | 157 |
| 2020 | 1 | 274 |
| 2019 | 0 | 395 |
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 R or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW R 1250 R vs Toyota Camry
- BMW R 1250 R total complaints
- 2
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- BMW R 1250 R total recalls
- 4
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- BMW R 1250 R avg complaints/year
- 0.3
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- BMW R 1250 R
- BMW R 1250 R top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN