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 1 complaint over 6 years (0.2/year) and 4 recalls, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints over 10 years (205.6/year) and 31 recalls. The Camry also reports 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries; the BMW reports none. 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 premium sport-touring motorcycle with very few reported problems: just 1 complaint over 6 years, an average of 0.2 per year. The single complaint is about the service indicator warning window blocking the TFT display, which can hide fuel level and range information. There are 4 recalls, covering labels, brake lights, and brake fluid. No crashes, injuries, or deaths are reported in the data.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular family sedan with a much higher complaint volume: 2,056 complaints over 10 years, averaging 205.6 per year. Owners report issues with the power train, engine, brakes, electrical system, and other areas. There are 31 recalls, and the data includes 171 crash-related complaints, 158 injuries, and 1 death. The sample complaints describe problems like a stuck ignition key, hesitation and shuddering, and multiple system malfunctions.
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 | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.2 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 RS
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
One owner reported that the service indicator warning window blocks access to the TFT display, so the rider cannot see or use display controls for fuel level and range. This matters because it can distract the rider and hide important information 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 TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report 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 it is to disconnect the battery. Others describe hesitation and shuddering while driving, with the check engine light on. These issues can leave you stranded or cause unsafe driving conditions.
One owner reported that multiple systems—smart stop, vehicle stability control, electrical power steering, blind spot monitoring, secondary collision brake, and lane keeping assistance—all malfunctioned at once while driving. Another mentioned subframe, driveline, and stability/traction control components. Such widespread failures can seriously affect control and safety.
Owners describe a several-second delay in throttle response when pressing the accelerator, with the car eventually moving. This happened multiple times. A delayed throttle can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic.
One owner reported the electronic parking brake would not disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer; a new switch did not fix it. Another heard a clicking vibrating sound from the brake pedal area, which the manufacturer said came from the ABS system and was common for the 2023 Camry. Brake problems can affect stopping ability and are costly to diagnose.
“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 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 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 RS or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW R 1250 RS has far fewer issues per year (0.2 vs. 205.6) and no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in the data, while the Toyota Camry has thousands of complaints and hundreds of crash-related reports. In practice, the BMW appears to have a much lower reported problem rate, but it is a motorcycle with a smaller owner base, so the comparison is not apples-to-apples. The Camry's higher volume means more chances for problems, but also more data to learn from.
Key differences
- The BMW R 1250 RS has only 1 complaint in 6 years, while the Toyota Camry has 2,056 complaints in 10 years, showing a huge difference in reported problem volume.
- The BMW's single complaint is about a display obstruction, while the Camry's top complaints involve serious power train, engine, and brake issues like stuck keys, hesitation, and parking brake failure.
- The Camry data includes 171 crash-related complaints, 158 injuries, and 1 death; the BMW data shows 0 in all these categories.
- The BMW has 4 recalls (labels, brake lights, brake fluid), while the Camry has 31 recalls (including wheels, seats, and air bag sensors), indicating more widespread safety-related fixes for the Camry.
- Check that the service indicator warning window does not block your view of the TFT display or its controls, especially fuel level and range.
- Verify that all recalls (equipment labels, brake lights, brake fluid) have been performed by a BMW dealer.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park—if it sticks, you may need to disconnect the battery to remove it.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating from the brake pedal area and check if the electronic parking brake disengages properly; these are reported issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been completed for the specific vehicle.
- For the BMW, sit on the bike and verify the TFT display is fully visible and controls are accessible.
- For the Camry, test drive at various speeds and check for hesitation, shuddering, or delayed throttle response.
- For the Camry, test the ignition key removal, electronic parking brake, and listen for abnormal brake noises.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic who specializes in the model, focusing on the reported problem areas.
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 | 50 |
| 2023 | 0 | 64 |
| 2022 | 0 | 61 |
| 2021 | 1 | 157 |
| 2020 | 0 | 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 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
- 2,056
- 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
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- BMW R 1250 RS
- BMW R 1250 RS top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN