Head-to-head reliability
BMW Z8 vs Toyota Camry
How the BMW Z8 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 Z8 vs Toyota Camry: The Z8 has 7 complaints over 3 years (2.3/yr) and 2 recalls, while the Camry has 2,143 complaints over 10 years (214.3/yr) and 31 recalls. The Z8's issues include frame bending and fire risk, whereas the Camry has transmission and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW Z8 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW Z8
The BMW Z8 is a low-production, high-performance roadster from the early 2000s, and its reliability record reflects its niche status. With only 7 complaints over 3 years, it's a rare vehicle, but the issues reported are serious and specific. Owners describe intermittent tail light failures, a known aluminum frame weakness that can cause bending over potholes, a persistent fuel odor inside the cabin, and an engine bay fire risk. These are not high-frequency problems, but they are potentially costly and safety-relevant, especially for a collector car.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mass-market sedan with a much larger sample size: 2,143 complaints over 10 years. The high volume reflects its popularity, but the complaint pattern shows a wide range of issues, from transmission grinding and sudden acceleration to brake failures and electrical glitches. While many Camrys are reliable, the sheer number of complaints and recalls (31) indicates that some model years have significant problems. Owners report both minor annoyances like AC odors and serious safety concerns like unintended acceleration and brake loss.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW Z8 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 7 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 2 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 2.3 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 Z8
- 01EXTERIOR LIGHTING3
- 02STRUCTURE2
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1
- 04ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING1
Owners report that the tail lights fail intermittently or completely, often requiring replacement of the tail light assembly. This is a safety issue because it reduces visibility to other drivers, especially at night.
There is a known issue with the aluminum frame, which can flex and weaken over time, leading to bending at the shock tower crowns. This can affect alignment and handling, and is a structural integrity concern.
A strong gasoline odor is present inside the car at all times, posing a potential health and fire hazard. This suggests a fuel leak or vapor issue that needs immediate attention.
One owner reported a fire starting in the fan area after driving only 7 miles, burning through the cowling. This is a serious fire risk, and there are recalls related to the cooling fan.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW Z8. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR LIGHTS FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW Z8. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAIL LIGHTS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TAIL LIGHTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTU…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front end upon acceleration, often diagnosed as transmission failure requiring replacement. Some mention recalls for the same issue on certain model years, and parts may be on backorder.
Common complaints include AC condenser damage from rocks and a recurring vinegar/mildew odor from the vents. These are not safety-critical but affect comfort and can be costly to fix.
There are reports of uncontrollable sudden acceleration, leading to crashes, and engine codes related to a coolant valve bypass that may not be covered by recall for all VINs. These are serious safety concerns.
Owners describe brake pedal going to the floor with no response, especially on hills, and other brake failures. This is a critical safety issue that can lead to accidents.
“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 Z8 — 2 recalls
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED. FAILURE OF THE FAN MOTOR CAN CAUSE THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY OF THE FAN CONTROL UNIT TO OVERLOAD AND FAIL, CAUSING THE FAN TO STOP OPERATING.
The risk: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, ENGINE OVERHEATING AND SUBSEQUENT ENGINE DAMAGE COULD RESULT. IN ADDITION, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY TO CAUSE A FIRE IN THE FAN CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE COMPART…
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FAN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 28, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW…
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED. FAILURE OF THE FAN MOTOR CAN CAUSE THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY OF THE FAN CONTROL UNIT TO OVERLOAD AND FAIL, CAUSING THE FAN TO STOP OPERATING.
The risk: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, ENGINE OVERHEATING AND SUBSEQUENT ENGINE DAMAGE COULD RESULT. IN ADDITION, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY TO CAUSE A FIRE IN THE FAN CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE COMPART…
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FAN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 28, 2001. THIS IS A SUPPLEMENT TO A RECALL THAT BEGAN DURING SEPTEMBER 2001 (SEE RECALL CAMPAIGN 01V206). OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED…
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 Z8 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The BMW Z8 has far fewer complaints per year (2.3) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the Z8's issues are more severe and potentially dangerous. However, the Camry's high volume is partly due to its popularity, and many owners have no issues. In practice, the Z8 is a niche vehicle with specific known problems, while the Camry has a broader range of issues but also a larger support network.
Key differences
- The Z8 has a known aluminum frame weakness that can cause bending, while the Camry has no such structural issue reported.
- The Z8 has a fuel odor problem and an engine fire risk, whereas the Camry has sudden acceleration and brake failure reports.
- The Z8's tail light failures are intermittent and require assembly replacement, while the Camry's issues are more varied, including transmission and AC problems.
- The Z8 has only 2 recalls, while the Camry has 31, indicating more widespread issues in the Camry's case.
- Inspect the aluminum frame for any signs of bending or cracking, especially around the shock towers, and ask for a history of any frame repairs.
- Check for any fuel smell inside the cabin and have the cooling fan system inspected for potential fire hazards.
- Test the transmission for any grinding or hesitation during acceleration, and check for any open recalls related to the transmission.
- Have the brakes inspected thoroughly, including the master cylinder and lines, and ask about any history of brake failure.
Before you buy
- For the BMW Z8: get a pre-purchase inspection by a specialist familiar with aluminum frames and the specific issues of this model.
- For the Toyota Camry: check the VIN for any open recalls and ensure they have been performed.
- For both: ask for maintenance records and any previous repair invoices.
- For the Z8: verify the tail light operation and consider replacing them proactively if they are original.
- For the Camry: test drive at various speeds and on hills to check for transmission and brake issues.
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 Z8 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW Z8 vs Toyota Camry
- BMW Z8 total complaints
- 7
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- BMW Z8 total recalls
- 2
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- BMW Z8 avg complaints/year
- 2.3
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- BMW Z8
- BMW Z8 top complaint area
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN