Head-to-head reliability
BMW R 1300 GS vs Toyota Camry
How the BMW R 1300 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 1300 GS vs Toyota Camry: The BMW has 4 complaints over 3 years (1.3/year) and 2 recalls, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints over 10 years (205.6/year) and 31 recalls. The BMW’s issues often involve adaptive suspension and cruise control, while the Camry’s include power train hesitation and brake problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW R 1300 GS or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW R 1300 GS
The BMW R 1300 GS is a premium adventure motorcycle with a short, three-year complaint history totaling just 4 complaints, or about 1.3 per year. Owners report issues with the adaptive suspension, adaptive cruise control, and clutch, but the low volume means these are isolated rather than widespread. Two recalls cover a starter relay and crash notification system. For a buyer, this suggests a complex, tech-heavy bike where electronic and suspension faults can appear even at low mileage.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a high-volume family sedan with 2,056 complaints over ten years, averaging about 206 per year. The most common trouble spots are the power train, engine, brakes, and electrical system, with reports of hesitation, shuddering, stuck keys, and brake noise. There are 31 recalls and 171 crash-related complaints, plus 158 injuries and one death. This points to a mainstream car with many reported problems, though the sheer number of vehicles on the road means even rare issues generate many complaints.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW R 1300 GS | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 4 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 2 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.3 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 1300 GS
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
- 02SUSPENSION1
- 03POWER TRAIN1
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE1
- 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
Owners report the adaptive cruise control abruptly slowing the motorcycle at highway speed, and the adaptive ride height failing, leaving the suspension stuck low and making the bike unstable. These electronic glitches can be dangerous because they affect control and stability while riding.
The adaptive ride height system has failed multiple times, triggering a suspension warning and keeping the motorcycle in its lower position. This makes the bike unstable at speed, and owners needed dealer warranty fixes.
A clutch assembly failed suddenly at about 3,000 miles while climbing a rocky trail, leaving the clutch unable to engage. For a buyer, this means even low-mileage examples can suffer a total loss of drive.
The forward collision avoidance system is tied to the same complaint as the adaptive cruise control issue, where the motorcycle unexpectedly slows down in traffic. This could surprise a rider and increase crash risk.
“The contact owns a 2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH on the highway in congestive traffic with the adaptive cruise control activated. The contact then stated that the motorcycle abruptly slow down as a…”
“1)Adaptive Rider Height failure ! 3 times the suspension warning display and on causing the suspension to remain in lower position making the motorcycle unstable at speed. Dealer had vehicle for a while to remedy the issue. Warranty fix 2)Engine control red w…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck in Park, requiring a battery disconnect to remove, and the car hesitating and shuddering with the check engine light on. These issues can leave you stranded or cause delayed acceleration.
Complaints include a several-second delay in throttle response when pressing the accelerator, and repeated hesitation and shuddering at various speeds. This lag can be dangerous when merging or pulling out.
The electronic parking brake may not disengage, requiring a tow, and a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area is common. Brake problems directly affect stopping ability and safety.
Multiple systems—smart stop, stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—have malfunctioned 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 1300 GS — 2 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2024 R 1300 GS motorcycles. The housing for the starter motor relay may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in a damaged relay that can overheat.
The risk: An overheated electrical relay increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the starter relay and update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 23, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 F 900 GS, F 800 GS, R 1300 GS Adventure, R 1300 GS, S 1000 RR, S 1000 R, and K 1600 GT vehicles equipped with the optional emergency call system. The emergency call system (eCall) may have been deactivated due to a software programming error.
The risk: In an emergency, first responders may not receive notification of the crash or emergency location, increasing the risk of injury to riders.
The fix: The electronic control unit software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed September 12, 2025. 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 1300 GS or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW R 1300 GS has far fewer complaints per year (about 1.3) than the Toyota Camry (about 206), but the BMW’s issues often involve complex electronic and suspension faults that can be costly and dangerous. The Camry’s higher volume means more reported problems overall, though many are common to high-production cars. In practice, the BMW may need fewer repairs but each could be more serious, while the Camry may have more frequent but sometimes less severe issues.
Key differences
- The BMW R 1300 GS has only 4 complaints over 3 years, while the Toyota Camry has 2,056 over 10 years—but the BMW’s complaints involve adaptive suspension and cruise control failures that can cause instability.
- The Camry’s most common complaints are power train hesitation, stuck ignition keys, and brake noise, whereas the BMW’s are electronic and clutch failures.
- The BMW has 2 recalls (starter relay, crash notification), while the Camry has 31 recalls covering air bags, seats, and wheels.
- The Camry has 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries reported, while the BMW has 1 crash-related complaint and no injuries or deaths.
- Test the adaptive ride height system: ensure it raises and lowers properly and shows no suspension warnings, as failures can leave the bike low and unstable.
- Check the clutch operation, especially on low-mileage bikes, for any slipping or failure to engage, which has been reported around 3,000 miles.
- Verify the ignition key can be removed easily when in Park; if it sticks, it may require a battery disconnect to release.
- Test the electronic parking brake and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which owners report as common.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially the BMW’s starter relay and crash notification, and the Camry’s air bag and seat recalls.
- For the BMW, take a test ride that includes highway speeds to check adaptive cruise control and suspension behavior.
- For the Camry, test drive at various speeds and pay attention to transmission hesitation, shuddering, and throttle response.
- Have a mechanic inspect the BMW’s clutch and suspension electronics, and the Camry’s brakes and electrical systems.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and check if any reported issues have already been repaired under warranty.
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 1300 GS | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 2 | 163 |
| 2024 | 2 | 50 |
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 1300 GS or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW R 1300 GS vs Toyota Camry
- BMW R 1300 GS total complaints
- 4
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- BMW R 1300 GS total recalls
- 2
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- BMW R 1300 GS avg complaints/year
- 1.3
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- BMW R 1300 GS
- BMW R 1300 GS top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN