Head-to-head reliability
BMW R 1250 RS vs Toyota Camry
How the BMW R 1250 RS 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 RS vs Toyota Camry: The BMW has just 1 complaint over 6 years (0.2/yr) and no crashes, while the Camry has 2,143 complaints over 10 years (214.3/yr) with 181 crashes and 1 death. BMW's issue is a display obstruction; Camry's include transmission, engine, and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW R 1250 RS or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW R 1250 RS
The BMW R 1250 RS is a sport-touring motorcycle that, based on NHTSA data, has a very low complaint rate, averaging just 0.2 complaints per year over six years. The single complaint focuses on a design issue where the service indicator warning window obscures the TFT display, limiting the rider's ability to see critical information like fuel level and range. This suggests that while the bike is generally reliable, there may be minor ergonomic or interface annoyances that could affect daily usability. Recalls, though few, touch on labels, brake lights, and brake fluid, indicating some attention to safety-related components.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a popular midsize sedan, shows a much higher complaint volume, averaging 214.3 complaints per year over ten years, with significant reports in powertrain, engine, brakes, and electrical systems. Owners describe serious issues like sudden unintended acceleration, transmission failures, brake loss, and persistent HVAC odors. These complaints often involve safety-critical failures that can lead to crashes and injuries, as reflected in the 181 crash-related complaints and 163 injuries. While the Camry has many recalls, the sheer number of complaints suggests that some model years may have systemic problems that buyers should investigate carefully.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW R 1250 RS | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.2 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 1250 RS
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
The only complaint on the BMW R 1250 RS involves the service indicator warning window obscuring the TFT display, preventing the rider from seeing fuel levels, range, and other critical information. This could be a distraction or hazard if the rider cannot easily monitor essential data while riding.
“The service indicator warning window obscures access to the TFT-display and the rider cannot use or see the display controls which include fuel tank levels, range etc. This is a potential hazard for an operator. The problem is exacerbated by limited availabil…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front end upon acceleration, with dealerships confirming transmission issues that often require replacement. Some mention recalls for the same issue on certain model years, and transmissions may be on backorder, causing delays.
Several complaints describe sudden unintended acceleration, leading to crashes and total loss of the vehicle. Others report engine maintenance warnings with codes like P268115 related to a coolant valve bypass, which may not be covered by recall for all VINs, raising safety concerns.
Brake failure is reported, such as no response when pressing the pedal on a downhill slope, forcing drivers to use emergency measures. Another complaint mentions difficulty braking in a parking lot, suggesting potential brake system deficiencies.
Recurring HVAC/air conditioning odors, described as vinegar-like or mildew, are common when warmer weather returns. Owners find the smell extremely unpleasant and it may affect comfort and air quality inside the cabin.
“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 RS — 4 recalls
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.
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…
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 RS or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW R 1250 RS has far fewer complaints per year (0.2) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), indicating a much lower rate of reported issues. In practice, this means the BMW is likely to have fewer reliability headaches, but the Camry's higher volume reflects its popularity and the broader range of problems reported.
Key differences
- The BMW has only 1 complaint over 6 years, while the Camry has over 2,000 complaints in 10 years, showing a stark difference in reported reliability.
- BMW's single complaint is about a display visibility issue, whereas Camry owners report safety-critical failures like sudden acceleration and brake loss.
- Camry has 181 crash-related complaints and 163 injuries, while BMW has none, highlighting the severity of Camry's issues.
- Camry's top problem areas include powertrain, engine, and brakes, which are more likely to affect vehicle operation and safety compared to BMW's minor interface concern.
- Check that the service indicator warning does not obscure the TFT display; if it does, it could hinder access to fuel and range info.
- Verify that all recalls, especially those for brake fluid and brake lights, have been addressed by the dealer.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration and have it inspected by a mechanic; transmission failure is a common complaint.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially on slopes, and be alert for any loss of braking power; also check for any open recalls related to brakes or engine.
Before you buy
- For the BMW, confirm that the TFT display is fully visible and not obstructed by any warning indicators.
- For the Camry, check the vehicle's VIN for open recalls and ensure all are completed.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection done by a trusted mechanic, focusing on the transmission and brakes for the Camry.
- Ask for service records to see if the Camry has had any transmission or brake repairs.
- For both, test drive at various speeds and on inclines to feel for any unusual behavior.
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 RS | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 0 | 48 |
| 2023 | 0 | 62 |
| 2022 | 0 | 59 |
| 2021 | 1 | 155 |
| 2020 | 0 | 270 |
| 2019 | 0 | 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 RS or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW R 1250 RS vs Toyota Camry
- BMW R 1250 RS total complaints
- 1
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- BMW R 1250 RS total recalls
- 4
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- BMW R 1250 RS avg complaints/year
- 0.2
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- BMW R 1250 RS
- BMW R 1250 RS top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN