Head-to-head reliability
Bentley Continental vs Honda Accord
How the Bentley Continental and Honda Accord compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Bentley Continental vs Honda Accord: The Bentley has 19 complaints and 5 recalls over 10 years, while the Honda has 4,524 complaints and 38 recalls. The Honda also reports 162 crash-related complaints, 146 injuries, and 3 deaths. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Bentley Continental or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Bentley Continental
The Bentley Continental is a low-volume luxury car that generates relatively few complaints per year (1.9 on average) but has some recurring, specific issues. Owners report problems with front seats not returning after being moved, steering that can lock up, and wheel tools that don't fit. With only 19 complaints over 10 years and 5 recalls, it's a niche vehicle where individual defects can be serious but overall complaint volume is low.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a high-volume family sedan with a much higher complaint rate (452.4 per year on average) and far more recalls (38). Owners report a wide range of issues, from engine and electrical failures to forward collision avoidance problems. The data shows 162 crash-related complaints, 146 injuries, and 3 deaths, indicating that some reported defects may have severe consequences.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Bentley Continental | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 19 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 5 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.9 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 146 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 3 |
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.
Bentley Continental
- 01SEATS8
- 02WHEELS5
- 03STEERING4
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
- 05VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
Owners report that front seats, when moved to allow back-seat access, do not return to their original position and instead move fully backward, trapping rear passengers. This can be dangerous if someone is stuck and has to physically pull their legs out.
The factory-provided tools cannot be used on the wheel nuts because they are the wrong size, making it impossible to change a flat tire on the road. One owner described being stranded at night on the highway with a flat rear tire.
A owner reported that while driving on the interstate, warning lights came on and the steering locked up, making it impossible to steer. The car had to be pulled over and restarted multiple times, indicating a potential loss of steering control.
There is one complaint in this area, but no specific details are provided in the sample. Buyers should still be aware that electrical glitches can occur in luxury vehicles with complex systems.
“The front seats in this vehicle, when moved to allow back seat access, do not return to the original position. They move totally backward, trapping the person sitting in the back. My friend had to remove her shoes and actually pull her legs out using her hand…”
“The front seats in this vehicle, when moved to allow back seat access, do not return to the original position. They move totally backward, trapping the person sitting in the back. My friend had to remove her shoes and actually pull her legs out using her hand…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report sudden loss of power and multiple warning lights (brake, hill descent, ABS) appearing at highway speeds, as well as rattling noises and rough transitions between electric and gas modes. These issues can leave the car unable to maintain speed.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds, causing a near-collision, and a tire failure shortly after a TPMS warning was supposedly fixed. These electrical faults can affect critical safety systems.
Owners describe the system failing to prevent collisions, with incidents occurring under similar conditions and even with adaptive cruise control set. This suggests the automatic braking or warning system may not always work as intended.
There are 602 complaints in this category, though no sample text is provided. Given the high number, buyers should be aware of potential fuel delivery or propulsion issues that could cause stalling or performance problems.
“Vehicle drove normally in the morning commute. In the afternoon commute it started normally and as i approached highway speeds the alarms started showing up. the Brake, hill descent system, abs, critical failure. the vehicle started losing speed and could not…”
“Vehicle makes rattling noises while accelerating similar to a diesel engine also rough transitions between EV mode and Gas mode also when you press the charge button the engine makes a very noticeable jerk once it’s on ,Honda does not want to fix my issue and…”
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.
Bentley Continental — 5 recalls
The defect: Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Continental Supersports vehicles. The Power Assisted Steering (PAS) cooler pipe may be the incorrect size, allowing the cooler hose to detach and leak power steering fluid.
The risk: A power steering fluid leak may cause a loss of vehicle control, or a hazard to following traffic, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, the fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Bentley will notify the owners, and dealers will replace the PAS cooler pipe, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for this recall is RE19/27.
The defect: Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bentayga, Continental GT, Flying Spur, and Continental GT Convertible vehicles. The owner's manual incorrectly states that the air bag system will not deploy when the "Passenger Airbag On" symbol is illuminated. As such, these vehicles f…
The risk: The incorrect information may change how occupants position themselves in relation to the air bags, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Bentley will mail new labels to owners. Owners may apply the label themselves or have a dealer apply the label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2022. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-…
The defect: Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Continental GT/GT Convertible vehicles. During some automated front seat movements, the front seat may trap a rear passenger's legs.
The risk: The rear passenger may become trapped by the front seat, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the software for the front seats, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 31, 2021. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for this recall is RE21/26 (RC…
The defect: Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Continental GT Convertible, Continental GT, and 2021-2022 Flying Spur vehicles. The front seat belt assemblies may have been incorrectly installed, resulting in the front passenger seat missing the automatic locking retractor (ALR). As s…
The risk: A missing ALR on a passenger seat belt may not properly secure a child restraint, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the affected seat belt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for this recall…
Honda Accord — 38 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Honda Accord Hybrid vehicles. Due to a software error, the integrated control module (ICM) central processing unit (CPU) may reset while driving, causing a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the ICM CPU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 6, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is TN2. Vehicle Identificati…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2026 CR-V Hybrid, Accord Hybrid, and 2025-2026 CR-V Fuel Cell EV vehicles. When using the tire repair kit, pressure may build within the sealant bottle, causing the bottle cap to detach.
The risk: A detached bottle cap can become a projectile and strike the user or others nearby, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the tire repair kit nozzle or sealant bottle, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipat…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021 Accord Sedan, Accord Hybrid, CR-V, Ridgeline, 2022 Insight and CR-V Hybrid vehicles. The automatic locking retractor on the second-row center seat belt assembly may deactivate improperly, which can result in an unsecured child restraint sys…
The risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the second-row center seat belt assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura R…
The risk: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls ar…
Buyer analysis
Bentley Continental or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Bentley Continental has far fewer complaints per year (1.9 vs. 452.4) and fewer recalls (5 vs. 38), but its issues can be severe, such as steering lock-up. The Honda Accord's much higher complaint volume and reports of crashes, injuries, and deaths suggest a broader range of safety-related problems. In practice, the Bentley may have fewer overall problems, but the Honda's issues are more numerous and potentially more dangerous.
Key differences
- The Bentley Continental has 19 complaints over 10 years, while the Honda Accord has 4,524 complaints over the same period.
- Bentley owners report seat trapping and steering lock-up, while Honda owners report engine power loss and forward collision avoidance failures.
- The Honda Accord has 162 crash-related complaints, 146 injuries, and 3 deaths; the Bentley has 1 crash-related complaint and no injuries or deaths.
- The Honda Accord has 38 recalls, including for hybrid power control software and fuel pumps; the Bentley has 5 recalls, including for steering hoses and seat adjusters.
- Check that the front seats return to their original position after being moved for back-seat access; if they slide fully backward and trap passengers, it's a reported defect.
- Test the steering for any lock-up or warning lights, especially at highway speeds, and verify that the factory wheel-changing tools actually fit the wheel nuts.
- Look for any history of engine power loss, multiple warning lights (brake, ABS, hill descent), or rough transitions between EV and gas modes, which owners report.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system and adaptive cruise control in various conditions, and check for any electrical issues with power steering or braking.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on both models.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on the reported problem areas.
- For the Bentley, test the seat memory and return function, and verify the spare tire tools work on the wheel nuts.
- For the Honda, scan for stored error codes related to engine, electrical, and forward collision systems, and test drive at highway speeds.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and confirm that any recall repairs have been completed.
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 | Bentley Continental | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 10 |
| 2025 | 1 | 109 |
| 2024 | 0 | 219 |
| 2023 | 1 | 226 |
| 2022 | 0 | 252 |
| 2021 | 12 | 234 |
| 2020 | 0 | 362 |
| 2019 | 0 | 691 |
| 2018 | 5 | 1884 |
| 2017 | 0 | 537 |
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 Bentley Continental or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Bentley Continental vs Honda Accord
- Bentley Continental total complaints
- 19
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Bentley Continental total recalls
- 5
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Bentley Continental avg complaints/year
- 1.9
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Bentley Continental
- Bentley Continental top complaint area
- SEATS
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE