Head-to-head reliability
BMW Z4 vs Toyota Camry
How the BMW Z4 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 Z4 vs Toyota Camry: The Z4 has far fewer complaints (3.2/yr) than the Camry (214.3/yr), but Z4 owners report starter failures and a coolant pump fire risk. Camry owners report transmission failures and brake loss. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW Z4 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW Z4
The BMW Z4 is a low-volume sports car with a modest complaint rate of about 3.2 per year over the past decade. Owners report issues concentrated in the electrical system and engine, including starter failures and a coolant pump recall that could cause a short circuit or fire. While not high-volume, these are serious concerns that can leave you stranded or require costly repairs.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a high-volume sedan with a much higher complaint rate of about 214 per year, reflecting its popularity. Owners report a wide range of issues, but the most frequent are in the powertrain, brakes, and engine, including transmission failures, sudden acceleration incidents, and brake loss. These are serious safety-related complaints that demand attention.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW Z4 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 32 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 29 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 3.2 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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 Z4
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM11
- 02ENGINE8
- 03ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING7
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
- 05STEERING3
Owners report engine starter failures, with one 2020 Z4 needing a replacement starter assembly. This can leave the car unable to start, and the issue is linked to active recalls.
A coolant pump recall (24V608000) can cause a short circuit and thermal event or fire. Owners also mention the part for the recall repair is not always available, leaving them waiting.
The same coolant pump issue appears here, with owners noting the recall notification but no remedy part in stock. This is a fire risk that needs immediate attention.
“The engine starter failed on my 2020 BMW Z4 M40i. The vehicle experienced starting failures and the repair shop diagnosed a faulty/shorted engine starter assembly. The symptoms and component failure match the exact defect description of active safety recalls…”
“The contact owns a 2015 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front end on acceleration, with dealerships recommending transmission replacement. Some mention recalls for the same issue on 2021 Camrys, but parts are on backorder.
There are reports of uncontrollable sudden acceleration, leading to crashes and total loss. Also, a coolant valve bypass code (P268115) is noted, but some VINs are not covered by a recall, leaving owners with a safety concern.
Owners describe brake pedal going to the floor with no response, especially on hills, leading to near-misses or crashes. This is a critical safety issue that requires immediate inspection.
“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 Z4 — 29 recalls
The defect: BMW of North Americal, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 8 Series Coupe (840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Convertible (840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Gran Coupe (840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, Alpine B8 xDrive), 2 Series Coupe (230i, 230i xDrive, M240i xDrive,…
The risk: Unintentionally closing the windows or sunroof without the key present can increase the risk of injury to occupants inside the vehicle.
The fix: Dealers will update the software for the Electronic Control Unit (ECU), free of charge. In addition, the digital key function via cellular service and Wi-Fi capability will be deactivated until the vehicle is updated with new software. Own…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 BMW 330i, 2019-2022 BMW Z4, 2020-2022 BMW 530i, X3, X4, Toyota Supra, 2021-2022 BMW 430i, 430i Convertible, and 2022 BMW 230i vehicles. The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.
The risk: A short circuit in the starter relay may increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete. Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 6, 2026. Owners may contact B…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Toyota Supra, 2022-2023 2 Series Coupe, 2021-2024 5 Series (xDrive), 2021-2022 Z4, 2022-2024 4 Series (Gran Coupe), 2021-2024 4 Series (Convertible and xDrive Convertible), 2021-2023 4 Series (Coupe), 2021-2024 3 Series, 2021-2023 X4, 2…
The risk: Fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Vehicle Identification…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Supra, 2022-2025 2 Series Coupe, 2021-2023 5 Series, 2022-2026 Z4, 2023-2024 4 Series Gran Coupe, 4 Series Convertible, 4 Series Coupe, 3 Series, 2021-2025 X4, and 2021-2024 X3 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complet…
The risk: Fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on August 28, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Veh…
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 Z4 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW Z4 has far fewer complaints per year (3.2 vs 214.3), but its issues are serious, involving fire risk and starting failures. The Camry's higher volume reflects its popularity, but the nature of its complaints—sudden acceleration and brake loss—is more alarming. In practice, the Z4 may be less troublesome overall, but both have critical safety concerns.
Key differences
- The Z4 has a much lower complaint rate (3.2/yr) than the Camry (214.3/yr), but the Z4's complaints are concentrated in electrical and engine issues, including a fire risk from the coolant pump.
- The Camry has a high number of powertrain complaints (395), with owners reporting transmission failures and grinding noises, while the Z4 has no such reports.
- Brake failures are a significant issue on the Camry, with owners reporting loss of braking, whereas the Z4 has no brake complaints in the data.
- The Z4 has 29 recalls, including for starter assembly and power windows, while the Camry has 31 recalls, but the Camry's recalls are less focused on critical systems like brakes.
- Check if the coolant pump recall (24V608000) has been performed; if not, have it done immediately to avoid a potential fire.
- Test the starter repeatedly to ensure it engages every time, as starter failures are common.
- Inspect the transmission for any grinding noises during acceleration and check for any open recalls on the transmission.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially on a hill, to ensure the pedal is firm and responsive, as brake loss has been reported.
Before you buy
- For the BMW Z4: verify all recalls are completed, especially the coolant pump and starter assembly recalls.
- For the Toyota Camry: check the transmission fluid and have a mechanic test-drive to listen for grinding.
- For the Camry: have the brake system inspected, including master cylinder and lines, for any signs of failure.
- For both: obtain a vehicle history report to see if any of the reported issues have been addressed.
- For both: consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic who can check for signs of previous repairs or ongoing 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 Z4 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 119 |
| 2025 | 0 | 153 |
| 2024 | 1 | 48 |
| 2023 | 0 | 62 |
| 2022 | 1 | 59 |
| 2021 | 1 | 155 |
| 2020 | 5 | 270 |
| 2019 | 5 | 393 |
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 Z4 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW Z4 vs Toyota Camry
- BMW Z4 total complaints
- 32
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- BMW Z4 total recalls
- 29
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- BMW Z4 avg complaints/year
- 3.2
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- BMW Z4
- BMW Z4 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN