Head-to-head reliability
BMW XM vs Toyota Camry
How the BMW XM 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 XM vs Toyota Camry: The XM has 11 complaints over 4 years (2.8/yr) with no crashes, while the Camry has 2143 complaints over 10 years (214.3/yr) with 181 crashes and 1 death. XM owners report cracked wheels and drivetrain failures; Camry owners report sudden acceleration and brake loss. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW XM or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW XM
The BMW XM is a high-performance luxury SUV that, in owner reports, shows a pattern of serious electronic and braking system faults. Complaints describe complete drivetrain failures, leaking motors, and cracked wheels, often requiring repeated dealer visits. While the number of complaints is low, the severity and the fact that some issues left owners stranded suggest a vehicle that can be unreliable in daily use.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream sedan with a high volume of complaints, but many are minor or relate to common issues like air conditioning odors. However, there are serious reports of sudden unintended acceleration, brake failure, and transmission problems that have led to crashes and injuries. The sheer number of complaints over a decade indicates widespread issues, but the Camry's popularity means more data points overall.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW XM | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 11 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 12 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 2.8 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 XM
- 01SERVICE BRAKES4
- 02WHEELS2
- 03STEERING2
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
Owners report brake system failures, including a recall for ESC and brake issues where parts were unavailable. One owner's video showed the car rolling after parking, suggesting a possible brake malfunction.
Multiple owners report cracked rims on all four wheels, leading to tire pressure loss and expensive replacements. One owner spent $2,500 per wheel and had to replace tires due to cracks.
Reports include shaking at highway speeds with steering and chassis warning lights, and multiple error codes including drivetrain malfunctions that made the vehicle undrivable.
Complete drivetrain failures with 'drivetrain malfunction' messages left owners stranded, and one vehicle leaked from the motor, indicating serious electrical or powertrain control issues.
“On June 8, 2026, I parked my 2023 BMW XM on my residential driveway, exited the vehicle, and walked toward my residence. My Ring security camera captured the incident. The video shows: I exited the BMW and walked approximately 12 seconds to my front door. I e…”
“The contact owns a 2023 BMW XM. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V104000 (Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The con…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues are common, with grinding noises on acceleration and dealers recommending full transmission replacement. Some owners report sudden acceleration incidents that led to crashes.
Engine problems include sudden unintended acceleration, which caused a crash and totaled the car. Also, a coolant valve bypass recall was not applied to some VINs, leaving safety risks.
Brake failure reports include a complete loss of braking on a downhill curve, requiring the driver to take evasive action. Another owner experienced unintended acceleration while braking in a parking lot.
Electrical issues are frequent, though many are not detailed. They may contribute to other system failures, but specific symptoms are less clear from the sample.
“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 XM — 12 recalls
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 XM vehicles. The tailgate panel may detach from the mounting structure due to improper adhesive bonding that occurred during manufacturing.
The risk: A panel that detaches from a vehicle can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the tailgate panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 17, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2024 XM, 2025 BMW X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 M60i, X5 M, X5 xDrive50e, X6 xDrive40i, X6 M60i, X6 M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 M60i, and Alpina XB7 vehicles. The seat belt system may inaccurately detect that passengers are belted, preventing the seat b…
The risk: A seat belt warning light that does not alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt or an SRS system that deploys improperly can both increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the front seat lower seat belts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 12, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2024 X1, 2024-2025 X5, 2025 X6, 2023-2025 X7, 740i, 760i, 2024 XM, 530i, 540i, i7, 750e, X2, 2024-2025 i5, 2024 Rolls Royce Spectre, 2025 MINI Countryman S ALL4, JCW Countryman ALL4, and 2025 MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper, Cooper S) vehicles. Pleas…
The risk: A loss of brake power assist or rear brake function can result in extended stopping distance. A loss of ABS or DSC can cause a loss of vehicle handling and 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 November 13, 2024. Owners can 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 XM or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW XM has far fewer complaints per year (2.8 vs 214.3), but its issues are severe and potentially dangerous. The Camry's higher volume reflects its popularity, but the presence of crash-related complaints and deaths is concerning. In practice, the XM may be less reliable in terms of frequency, but the Camry's issues are more widespread and have led to more safety incidents.
Key differences
- BMW XM has 12 recalls over 4 years, while Camry has 31 over 10 years, but XM's recalls include ESC and brake control modules.
- Camry has 181 crash-related complaints and 1 death, while XM has none, indicating more severe safety outcomes for Camry.
- XM owners report cracked wheels and drivetrain failures, while Camry owners report transmission failures and sudden acceleration.
- Camry's complaint volume is much higher, but many are minor (AC odors), whereas XM's complaints are fewer but often critical.
- Inspect wheels for cracks, especially if the vehicle has low-profile tires.
- Check for any pending recalls, particularly the ESC and brake control module recall, and ensure the repair is completed.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including on a hill, to ensure no loss of braking.
- Check for transmission issues by listening for grinding noises during acceleration and verifying the transmission fluid condition.
Before you buy
- For BMW XM: verify all recalls are performed, especially the ESC and brake recall; have a mechanic inspect the wheels for cracks and the drivetrain for leaks.
- For Toyota Camry: check for any open recalls, especially the coolant valve bypass; test drive at highway speeds to feel for vibrations or transmission issues.
- Ask for service records to see if the Camry has had transmission or brake repairs.
- For both, consider a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic.
- Check the NHTSA website for the latest complaints and recalls for the specific model year you're considering.
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 XM | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 119 |
| 2025 | 2 | 153 |
| 2024 | 7 | 48 |
| 2023 | 2 | 62 |
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 XM or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW XM vs Toyota Camry
- BMW XM total complaints
- 11
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- BMW XM total recalls
- 12
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- BMW XM avg complaints/year
- 2.8
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- BMW XM
- BMW XM top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN