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/yr) and 2 recalls, while the Camry has 2143 complaints over 10 years (214.3/yr) and 31 recalls. BMW issues are electronic, Camry issues include transmission and brake failures. 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 that owners report as having advanced electronic systems that can misbehave. Complaints center on the adaptive ride height and cruise control, with failures causing sudden speed changes or unstable suspension, which can be alarming at highway speeds. There are also reports of a clutch failure on a low-mileage bike, suggesting potential durability concerns in off-road use. Overall, it's a capable machine but with electronic gremlins that could affect safety and require dealer visits.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular midsize sedan with a high volume of complaints over a decade, reflecting its widespread use. Owners report a mix of issues, including transmission grinding and failures, engine problems like sudden acceleration and coolant valve codes, and brake failures, some leading to crashes. While many Camrys are reliable, these reports indicate that certain model years may have significant mechanical and safety concerns that buyers should investigate.
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 | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 2 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.3 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 1300 GS
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
- 02SUSPENSION1
- 03POWER TRAIN1
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE1
- 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
Owners report failures in the adaptive ride height and cruise control systems. The suspension can drop to its lowest setting and display a warning, making the motorcycle unstable at speed. The cruise control may abruptly slow the bike in traffic, which could be dangerous.
The adaptive suspension can fail, leaving the bike in a low ride height position, which compromises stability and handling, especially at highway speeds. This is a safety concern as it affects the rider's control.
A clutch assembly failure was reported on a 2024 model with only 3,000 miles, where the clutch stopped engaging entirely during off-road riding. This indicates a potential premature failure of a critical component.
The adaptive cruise control can cause the motorcycle to slow down unexpectedly, which may be related to the forward collision avoidance system. This could increase the risk of being rear-ended in traffic.
“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 TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues are common, with owners reporting grinding noises and the need for full transmission replacement. Some models have recalls for this, but parts may be on backorder, leaving owners without a vehicle.
Reports include sudden unintended acceleration leading to crashes, as well as engine codes related to a coolant valve bypass that may not be covered by recall for all VINs, potentially causing overheating or safety issues.
Brake failures are reported, including a complete loss of braking on a downhill curve, which is extremely dangerous. Other complaints involve brakes not responding properly in low-speed maneuvers.
Electrical issues may contribute to problems like the sudden acceleration and brake failures, though specific details are not provided in the sample. Owners also report HVAC odors, which are more of a comfort issue.
“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 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 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 1300 GS or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW R 1300 GS has far fewer complaints per year (1.3) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the nature of the issues differs. The BMW's problems are electronic and could affect stability, while the Camry's include more frequent and sometimes severe mechanical failures. In practice, the BMW may require more dealer visits for electronic glitches, but the Camry's higher complaint volume suggests a higher likelihood of encountering a serious issue.
Key differences
- The BMW has a much lower complaint rate (1.3 per year) than the Camry (214.3 per year), indicating fewer reported problems overall.
- BMW issues are mostly electronic (adaptive suspension, cruise control) that can affect stability, while Camry issues include mechanical failures like transmission and brakes that can lead to crashes.
- The Camry has a higher number of crash-related complaints (181) and injuries (163), suggesting more severe safety consequences.
- The BMW has only 2 recalls, while the Camry has 31, indicating more widespread factory defects in the Camry.
- Check the adaptive suspension system for any warning lights or unusual ride height changes during a test ride.
- Test the adaptive cruise control in a safe area to ensure it does not unexpectedly slow the motorcycle.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration and have a mechanic inspect it if present.
- Test the brakes at various speeds, especially on a hill, to ensure they respond properly and do not fade.
Before you buy
- For the BMW, verify all recalls have been performed, especially the starter relay and automatic crash notification system.
- For the Camry, check the VIN against recall lists for transmission, airbag, and other issues.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic for either vehicle, focusing on the specific problem areas mentioned.
- Take a thorough test drive that includes highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic to feel for any anomalies.
- Review the vehicle's service history for any repeated repairs or unresolved issues.
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 | 119 |
| 2025 | 2 | 153 |
| 2024 | 2 | 48 |
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
- 2,143
- 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
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- BMW R 1300 GS
- BMW R 1300 GS top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN