Head-to-head reliability
BMW X6 vs Toyota Camry
How the BMW X6 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 X6 vs Toyota Camry: The X6 has 46 complaints over 10 years (4.6/yr) with brake issues prominent, while the Camry has 2143 (214.3/yr) with transmission and engine problems. The X6's brake failures are critical but less frequent. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW X6 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW X6
The BMW X6, a luxury SUV, shows a reliability pattern centered on braking and electrical gremlins. Owners report failures in the Integrated Brake System, often tied to recalls with parts delays, and battery/starting issues. While the complaint count is low, the nature of the problems—especially brake failures—can be alarming and leave owners waiting for fixes.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a popular sedan, has a much higher complaint volume, reflecting its larger sales base. Owners report a mix of powertrain issues like transmission grinding and acceleration concerns, engine problems such as coolant valve codes, and brake failures. The sheer number of complaints suggests a broader range of issues, but many are isolated or model-year specific.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW X6 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 46 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 40 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 4.6 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 2 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 X6
- 01SERVICE BRAKES17
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM8
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER7
- 04HYDRAULIC6
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE6
Owners report the Integrated Brake System failing, with warning lights and error messages. Some describe brake pedal going to the floor or no response, and recall repairs (24V-104) are delayed due to parts unavailability.
Battery failures are common, leading to no-start or slow-start conditions. Some owners also see drivetrain messages, indicating potential issues with the start-stop system or battery management.
Brake hydraulic issues are reported, with one owner stating the vehicle failed to stop when the brake was pressed. This is often linked to the same recall campaign, highlighting a systemic brake problem.
“The braking system of my 2024 BMW X6 (VIN: [XXX] ) is critically malfunctioning due to the unresolved safety recall 24V-104. The Integrated Brake System has failed, resulting in warning lamps and error messages on the dashboard. This has also caused essential…”
“Component or System: Integrated Brake System Description of the Issue: The issue with the Integrated Brake System on my vehicle (VIN: [XXX] ) was fully resolved by BMW of Fort Lauderdale on January 13, 2025. All repairs were completed, including replacement o…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues are frequent, with grinding noises on acceleration and, in some cases, the need for full transmission replacement. Owners also report sudden unintended acceleration, which is a serious safety concern.
Engine problems include a 'maintenance required' light with code P268115 for a coolant bypass valve, which is a known recall but not applied to all VINs. This can lead to overheating or engine damage if ignored.
Brake failures are reported, such as a complete loss of braking on a downhill slope. Some incidents are linked to the same parking lot scenario, suggesting possible interference with brake assist or ABS.
“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 X6 — 40 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 M340i xDrive, M440i xDrive Coupe, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, and X7 xDrive40i vehicles. The connection between t…
The risk: Increased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator assembly, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 12, 2021. Owners may contact B…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series C…
The risk: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 8 Series Coupe, Grand Coupe and convertible 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8 and 740 Li, 740 Li xDrive, 750 Li xDrive, M760 Li xDrive, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xdrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, and 2019-2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i,…
The risk: A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 25, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X5 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X6 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, X6 M50i, X6M, X7 M50i and 2021 X5 xDrive45e vehicles. The headlamps may allow a blue light to illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the require…
The risk: Oncoming drivers may be confused by the blue light of approaching vehicles, which could potentially increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the headlamps and, if necessary, replace them, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. 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 X6 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW X6 has far fewer complaints per year (4.6 vs 214.3), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the X6's problems are more concentrated on critical safety systems like brakes, which can be more concerning. The Camry's higher volume reflects its popularity, but the variety of issues means buyers should be vigilant.
Key differences
- BMW X6: Brake system failures are a recurring theme, with multiple complaints about the Integrated Brake System and hydraulic issues, often tied to recall 24V-104.
- Toyota Camry: Transmission problems are prominent, including grinding noises and replacements, plus reports of sudden acceleration.
- BMW X6: Electrical issues like battery failures are common, leading to starting problems.
- Toyota Camry: Engine issues include a specific coolant valve problem (P268115) that is not always covered by recall.
- Check for any open recalls, especially 24V-104, and confirm the Integrated Brake System has been inspected or repaired.
- Test the brake pedal feel and look for warning lights; also check battery health and starting behavior.
- Listen for grinding noises during acceleration and have the transmission inspected by a mechanic.
- Check for engine codes, especially P268115, and verify if the coolant bypass valve has been addressed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to check for open recalls and prior complaints.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic familiar with the model.
- Test drive at various speeds, including braking from highway speeds and on hills.
- Ask for service records, especially for brake and transmission work.
- Check the NHTSA website for the latest recalls and complaints for the specific model year.
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 X6 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 119 |
| 2025 | 1 | 153 |
| 2024 | 9 | 48 |
| 2023 | 1 | 62 |
| 2022 | 4 | 59 |
| 2021 | 7 | 155 |
| 2020 | 9 | 270 |
| 2019 | 5 | 393 |
| 2018 | 4 | 736 |
| 2017 | 3 | 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 X6 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW X6 vs Toyota Camry
- BMW X6 total complaints
- 46
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- BMW X6 total recalls
- 40
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- BMW X6 avg complaints/year
- 4.6
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- BMW X6
- BMW X6 top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN