Head-to-head reliability
BMW X5 vs Toyota Camry
How the BMW X5 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 X5 vs Toyota Camry: The X5 averages 90.5 complaints per year with 67 recalls, while the Camry averages 205.6 complaints per year with 31 recalls. Both have 1 death, but the X5 has 47 injuries vs 158 for the Camry. Owners report sudden power loss in the X5 and stuck keys in the Camry. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW X5 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW X5
The BMW X5 is a luxury SUV that demands attention. Over 10 years, owners filed 905 complaints, averaging about 90.5 per year, with 67 recalls. The most common trouble spots are the electrical system, engine, and brakes, and many complaints describe sudden power loss, brake problems, and engine hesitation. These are not just minor annoyances; they can leave you stranded or compromise safety.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream sedan with a reputation for dependability, but NHTSA data shows 2,056 complaints over 10 years, or about 205.6 per year, plus 31 recalls. The most frequent issues involve the power train, engine, and brakes, with owners reporting stuck keys, hesitation, and brake noises. While the Camry has more complaints overall, the rate per vehicle may be lower given its higher sales volume.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW X5 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 905 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 67 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 56 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 90.5 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 47 Better | 158 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 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 X5
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM250
- 02ENGINE171
- 03SERVICE BRAKES167
- 04POWER TRAIN146
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER126
Owners report sudden power loss while driving, especially in hybrid models, and repeated malfunctions of the emergency call system. These issues can leave you without power in traffic or unable to summon help in a crash.
Complaints describe hesitation and rough running when the gasoline engine engages in hybrid X5s. This can cause delayed acceleration and unsafe merging.
Owners report recurring braking problems, including issues after recall repairs, with some saying the vehicle was deemed 'operating normally' despite continued symptoms. Brake failure is a critical safety concern.
Some complaints mention sudden loss of power and transmission-related problems, often overlapping with electrical issues. This can result in a complete loss of motive power.
“I am writing to formally document serious and recurring safety concerns with my Certified Pre-Owned 2024 BMW X5e, which I purchased from BMW of Sterling on XXX. On XXX I was merging onto [XXX] during morning rush hour when my vehicle suddenly lost power and s…”
“I purchased my 2024 BMW X5 new at BMW Alexandria, Virginia it’s have approximately 34,000 miles . I have taken X5 into dealer warranty repairs regarding malfunction emergency call system since May 2026. Total 3 visits to dealer to resolve this issues has been…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck and unable to be removed even when the car is in Park, requiring battery disconnection. Others describe hesitation and shuddering with the check engine light on.
Complaints include delayed throttle response, where pressing the gas pedal results in several seconds of no movement. This can be dangerous when pulling into traffic.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow, and some owners hear clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which the manufacturer calls normal but owners find concerning.
Multiple systems, including stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring, can malfunction simultaneously. This could overwhelm a driver with warnings and reduce vehicle control.
“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 X5 — 67 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 Mini Cooper S, Mini Countryman S All4, X2, 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre, 2023-2025 i7, 7 Series, X7, 2024-2025 i5, 5 Series, 2023-2024 XM, X1, 2024-2025 X6, and X5 vehicles. The integrated brake (IB) system may malfunction and result in a loss o…
The risk: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: The Integrated brake system will be inspected and, if necessary, replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 21, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce custo…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2025 BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The integrated brake (IB) system may malfunction and result in a loss of power brake assist or cause the Antilock Brake (A…
The risk: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed between June and December 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls Royce customer service at 1-877-877…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2024-2025 X5 xDrive40i vehicles. The tire information placard may indicate an incorrect tire size and tire pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection…
The risk: Incorrect tire information can allow an incorrectly sized tire to be installed or result in improperly inflated tires, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the tire information placard, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 9, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2024 X1, X5, X6, X7, XM, 530i, i5, 740i, 760i, i7, and 750e vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The integrated brake (IB) system may malfunction and result in a loss of power brake assist or…
The risk: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the integrated brake module, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed November 22, 2024. Second letters will be mailed once the parts are availabl…
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 X5 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW X5 has far fewer complaints per year (90.5) than the Toyota Camry (205.6), but the X5's issues often involve sudden power loss and brake problems that can be more severe. The Camry's higher complaint count may reflect its much larger sales volume, but its problems like stuck keys and hesitation are also serious. In practice, the X5 may require more expensive repairs, while the Camry may have more frequent but potentially less costly issues.
Key differences
- The BMW X5 has a much lower complaint rate per year (90.5 vs 205.6), but its complaints often involve sudden power loss and brake failures that can be life-threatening.
- The Toyota Camry has more complaints overall, with common issues like stuck ignition keys and delayed acceleration, which can be frustrating and unsafe.
- Both vehicles have 1 reported death, but the X5 has 47 injuries vs 158 for the Camry, though these numbers don't account for sales volume.
- The X5 has 67 recalls vs 31 for the Camry, suggesting more frequent manufacturer fixes for safety defects.
- Check for any history of electrical system repairs, especially for hybrid models, and test drive to ensure no sudden power loss occurs.
- Inspect brake system thoroughly, including any recall work, and listen for unusual noises or pedal feel.
- Test the ignition key removal multiple times to ensure it doesn't stick, and check for any hesitation or shuddering during acceleration.
- Verify that the electronic parking brake engages and disengages properly, and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the components listed in complaints for each model.
- During a test drive, simulate various driving conditions: accelerate hard, brake firmly, and test all electrical features.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for brake and electrical repairs, and confirm if any recalls were addressed.
- For the Camry, specifically test the ignition key removal and electronic parking brake; for the X5, test for power loss and brake responsiveness.
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 X5 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 39 | 0 |
| 2025 | 62 | 163 |
| 2024 | 145 | 50 |
| 2023 | 33 | 64 |
| 2022 | 69 | 61 |
| 2021 | 108 | 157 |
| 2020 | 112 | 274 |
| 2019 | 191 | 395 |
| 2018 | 72 | 744 |
| 2017 | 74 | 148 |
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 X5 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW X5 vs Toyota Camry
- BMW X5 total complaints
- 905
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- BMW X5 total recalls
- 67
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- BMW X5 avg complaints/year
- 90.5
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- BMW X5
- BMW X5 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN