Head-to-head reliability
BMW X7 vs Toyota Camry
How the BMW X7 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 X7 vs Toyota Camry: The X7 has 300 complaints over 8 years (37.5/year) and 55 recalls, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints over 10 years (205.6/year) and 31 recalls. The X7's issues often involve brakes, electrical, and engine, while the Camry's involve power train and engine. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW X7 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW X7
The BMW X7 is a large luxury SUV with 300 complaints over 8 years, averaging 37.5 per year. Owners frequently report brake, electrical, and engine problems, often starting at very low mileage. The complaint pattern suggests that living with an X7 can mean repeated dealer visits for software and hardware fixes. It is a complex vehicle where multiple systems can fail together.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with 2,056 complaints over 10 years, averaging 205.6 per year. The most common issues involve the power train, engine, and brakes, with reports of hesitation, shuddering, and key removal problems. While the volume is higher, the Camry is a simpler vehicle with fewer luxury systems. The complaint pattern points to a range of issues that can affect daily driving.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW X7 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 300 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 55 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 9 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 37.5 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 7 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 X7
- 01SERVICE BRAKES88
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM65
- 03ENGINE42
- 04ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)41
- 05POWER TRAIN41
Owners report brake malfunctions, including warning lights and brake system failures. One complaint describes a left tail light and brake malfunction that required a dealer visit. These issues can affect stopping confidence and may require costly repairs.
Multiple owners report electrical problems such as drivetrain malfunctions that prevent starting, often linked to battery or software issues. Safety lights may illuminate constantly. These faults can leave a driver stranded and are hard to diagnose.
Complaints include engine stalling at speed and massive engine issues from day one. One owner reported stalling at 70 mph with warnings for brakes, stability control, and steering. This is a serious safety concern that can happen without warning.
Owners describe ESC warnings and failures, sometimes alongside stalling or door lock problems. One complaint notes that doors failed to unlock with the key fob. These faults can compromise vehicle control and access in emergencies.
“Purchased this 2024 BMW X7M60I in March 23, since day 1 of ownership and with 100 miles on the dash the car has had massive breaking, electrical, and engine issues. Almost every safty light on the dash comes on or is always on. Car was taken to Centry West BM…”
“I’ve had multiple issues starting with a left tail light/left brake malfunction. Took my vehicle into Sewell Grapevine and they replaced the left taillight and module. After picking up my vehicle, I began having issues with my dash within a couple days of the…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report intermittent defects like the ignition key becoming stuck and not releasing even when the car is in Park. Another complaint describes hesitation and shuddering with the check engine light on. These issues can make the car hard to start or drive smoothly.
Complaints include delayed throttle response, where pressing the accelerator results in a several-second delay before the car moves. This has happened multiple times for some owners. Such hesitation can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic.
Owners report the electronic parking brake failing to disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer. Another complaint describes a clicking and vibrating sound from the brake pedal area, which the manufacturer says is common. These issues can prevent the car from moving or cause annoyance.
One complaint lists multiple system malfunctions at once, including smart stop, stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping. This suggests electrical gremlins that can disable safety features. Such failures can be unpredictable and costly to fix.
“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 X7 — 55 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 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 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…
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 X7 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW X7 has far fewer complaints per year (37.5) than the Toyota Camry (205.6), but the X7's issues often involve serious safety systems like brakes, engine, and stability control. The Camry's higher volume includes many power train and engine complaints that can affect drivability. In practice, the X7 may spend more time in the shop for complex repairs, while the Camry may have more frequent but sometimes less severe issues.
Key differences
- The BMW X7 has 300 complaints over 8 years, while the Toyota Camry has 2,056 over 10 years, but the X7's complaints are more concentrated in brakes, electrical, and engine systems.
- BMW X7 owners report stalling at speed and brake malfunctions, which are immediate safety concerns; Camry owners report key stuck and hesitation issues that can also be dangerous but are often less sudden.
- The X7 has 55 recalls, including for brake and stability control modules; the Camry has 31 recalls, including for wheels, seats, and air bag sensors.
- Camry complaints include multiple system malfunctions at once, while X7 complaints often involve drivetrain and electrical failures that prevent starting.
- Check for any history of brake system repairs or warning lights, as brake complaints are the most common for the X7.
- Test all electrical functions, including door locks, infotainment, and safety lights, because electrical issues are frequently reported.
- Test the ignition key removal and ensure it releases smoothly when in Park, as stuck keys are a reported power train issue.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area and check if the electronic parking brake disengages properly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the brake system, electrical components, and engine for any signs of failure.
- Test drive the vehicle at various speeds and pay attention to any hesitation, shuddering, or warning lights.
- For the BMW X7, specifically test the electronic stability control and all driver-assist features.
- For the Toyota Camry, check the operation of the electronic parking brake and key removal.
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 X7 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 0 |
| 2025 | 29 | 163 |
| 2024 | 52 | 50 |
| 2023 | 44 | 64 |
| 2022 | 20 | 61 |
| 2021 | 47 | 157 |
| 2020 | 54 | 274 |
| 2019 | 47 | 395 |
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 X7 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW X7 vs Toyota Camry
- BMW X7 total complaints
- 300
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- BMW X7 total recalls
- 55
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- BMW X7 avg complaints/year
- 37.5
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- BMW X7
- BMW X7 top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN