Head-to-head reliability
BMW R 1250 RT vs Toyota Camry
How the BMW R 1250 RT 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 RT vs Toyota Camry: The BMW has 23 complaints over 6 years (3.8/yr) with no crashes, while the Camry has 2143 complaints over 10 years (214.3/yr) with 181 crashes. BMW's main issues are brake leaks and ACC failures; Camry's include transmission and engine problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW R 1250 RT or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW R 1250 RT
The BMW R 1250 RT is a premium touring motorcycle that, in ownership terms, demands attention to its braking system. Owner complaints center on persistent front brake leaks and Hill Start Control malfunctions, which can undermine confidence in a bike meant for long-distance comfort. While the complaint count is low, the nature of these issues—especially brake failures—makes them critical for a buyer to investigate.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mass-market sedan with a high volume of complaints, reflecting its popularity and long production run. The most common issues involve the powertrain (including transmission grinding and sudden acceleration reports), engine problems like coolant valve failures, and brake concerns. With 181 crash-related complaints and one death, the Camry's reliability picture is more concerning, though many complaints are likely from older models.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW R 1250 RT | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 23 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 14 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 3.8 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 RT
- 01SERVICE BRAKES14
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE4
- 03STRUCTURE2
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
- 05ENGINE2
Owners report leaking front brake calipers and malfunctioning Hill Start Control, which can fail to hold the bike on slopes or release unexpectedly. This is a safety-critical system that has required repeated dealer visits.
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) intermittently drops out despite recalibration and software updates, and some owners worry the following distance settings may be too short, increasing rear-end collision risk.
The front fender has come loose repeatedly, and a windscreen replacement failed to fix a persistent whistling noise at speed, indicating potential fit and finish issues.
Intermittent issues with comfort turn signals not canceling, low beam headlight warnings, and horn malfunctions suggest electrical gremlins that could affect visibility and communication.
“Hill Start Control malfunction this feature Hold the bike when it comes to a stop uphill or downhill of 5' degree gradient or more for max 2.5 minute, when auto mode on the brake will automatically hold the bike when it comes to a stop on a gradient and relea…”
“SINCE DAY ONE THIS BIKE HAS HAD LEAKING FRONT BRAKES. TODAY, I GO OUT IN MY GARAGE AND SEE MY BRAKES ARE LEAKING AGAIN FOR THE UMPTEENTH TIME. THIS IS BEYOND A DEALERSHIP FIX. BOTH DEALERS I'VE TAKEN THE BIKE TO (IRON HORSE BMW IN TUCSON, GOAZ IN PEORIA) HAVE…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission grinding noises on acceleration have led to dealer-recommended replacements, and some owners report sudden unintended acceleration, which is alarming and potentially dangerous.
Engine maintenance lights and codes like P268115 point to coolant valve bypass issues, which can affect engine cooling and reliability. Some owners report sudden acceleration linked to engine problems.
Brake pedal has gone to the floor with no response on a downhill curve, and other owners report brake failure in low-speed maneuvers, indicating potential master cylinder or booster issues.
Recalls for occupant classification sensor and other electrical components suggest potential airbag deployment issues, and owners report various electrical glitches.
“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 RT — 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 2019-2023 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 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 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.
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 RT or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW R 1250 RT has far fewer complaints per year (3.8 vs 214.3) and no crash-related incidents, indicating a lower frequency of reported problems. However, the brake issues on the BMW are serious and recurring, while the Camry's higher volume includes more varied and severe safety concerns. In practice, the BMW may offer a more reliable ownership experience if brake issues are addressed, but the Camry's problems are more widespread.
Key differences
- BMW has 14 recalls, Camry has 31, but BMW's recalls are mostly for transmission shaft and brake calipers, while Camry's include airbag sensors and seat issues.
- BMW owners report brake leaks and ACC failures; Camry owners report transmission grinding and sudden acceleration.
- BMW has zero crash-related complaints; Camry has 181, including one death.
- BMW's complaint rate is 3.8/yr vs Camry's 214.3/yr, but BMW's issues are safety-critical.
- Inspect front brake calipers for leaks and test Hill Start Control on a slope.
- Check if adaptive cruise control has been updated and test it on the highway.
- Test transmission for grinding noises during acceleration and check for any pending recalls.
- Inspect brake pedal feel and have the brake system checked for any loss of pressure.
Before you buy
- For BMW: Have a mechanic inspect brake lines and calipers for leaks, and verify all recalls are performed.
- For BMW: Test all electronic features, including ACC, turn signals, and headlights, for intermittent failures.
- For Camry: Check the transmission fluid and listen for unusual noises during a test drive.
- For Camry: Verify that all recalls, especially airbag sensor and seat-related ones, have been completed.
- For both: Obtain a vehicle history report and check for any open recalls or service campaigns.
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 RT | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 48 |
| 2023 | 1 | 62 |
| 2022 | 1 | 59 |
| 2021 | 4 | 155 |
| 2020 | 6 | 270 |
| 2019 | 9 | 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 RT or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW R 1250 RT vs Toyota Camry
- BMW R 1250 RT total complaints
- 23
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- BMW R 1250 RT total recalls
- 14
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- BMW R 1250 RT avg complaints/year
- 3.8
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- BMW R 1250 RT
- BMW R 1250 RT top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN