Head-to-head reliability
BMW 335D vs Honda Accord
How the BMW 335D 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
BMW 335D vs Honda Accord: The BMW 335D averages 19.3 complaints per year over 3 years, with 15 recalls, while the Honda Accord averages 452.4 per year over 10 years, with 38 recalls. The BMW's complaints often involve stalling and air bag sensors; the Accord's include power steering failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW 335D or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW 335D
The BMW 335D is a diesel sedan that demands patience and a healthy repair budget. Owners report repeated engine and electrical gremlins, including stalling, overheating, and carbon buildup, often requiring multiple dealer visits. Air bag sensor faults are the most common complaint, and several recalls address wiring and inflator issues. Overall, it is a car that can leave you stranded if maintenance is deferred.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a high-volume vehicle with a much larger complaint pool, but the per-year rate is far lower than the BMW's. Owners report a wide range of issues, from engine and electrical faults to forward collision avoidance glitches, with some serious safety concerns like power steering and braking failure. Recalls cover hybrid software, fuel pumps, and seat belt retractors. It is generally more reliable but not immune to costly problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW 335D | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 58 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 15 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 19.3 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 4 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.
BMW 335D
- 01AIR BAGS18
- 02ENGINE16
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM15
- 04POWER TRAIN6
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM6
Owners report front passenger seat occupancy sensor failures (fault code 93C3), which can disable the passenger air bag. There are also Takata inflator recalls, and some owners wait long periods for parts.
Complaints include rough idling, jerking at low speed, carbon buildup on the intake manifold, and failed fuel injectors. Overheating and stalling are recurring themes, often requiring repeated repairs.
Sudden stalling while driving is a reported symptom, with dealers replacing engines, diesel pumps, and injectors. A blower motor wiring recall also exists, where the connection can deteriorate and cause failures.
The same stalling and overheating complaints appear under power train, suggesting engine and transmission integration issues. Owners describe years of unresolved problems despite multiple part replacements.
“- The component that has failed is the front passenger seat occupancy sensor, as indicated by an OBDII scan showing fault code 93C3, seat-occupancy detector, passenger. - The safety of any person in the front passenger seat is compromised because the passenge…”
“TAKATA RECALL: I AM STILL WAITING FOR MY RECALL TO BE FIXED. I'VE READ THAT THEY ARE FIXING OLDER MODELS AND THOSE IN HIGH HUMIDITY FIRST, BUT FIND IT INTERESTING THAT I RECEIVED A NOTICE TO FIX THE RECALL ON THE 2013 LEASED BMW BEFORE MY 2011 OWNED BMW. I LI…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report loss of speed with multiple alarms (brake, hill descent, ABS) and rattling noises during acceleration, especially in hybrid models. Rough transitions between EV and gas modes are also noted.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds, causing near-collisions. A TPMS warning led to a tire failure shortly after service in one case.
Owners describe unexpected activation or failure of adaptive cruise control and collision avoidance systems, sometimes under identical driving conditions, raising concerns about system reliability.
Fuel pump recalls and complaints about fuel delivery issues are present, though sample texts focus more on engine and electrical. Persistent sulfur odors are also reported, requiring repeated dealer visits.
“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.
BMW 335D — 15 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009 328i and 328xi, 2009-2011 335d, 2008-2012 M3 Coupe and M3 Convertible, and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. The connection of the positive battery cable at the fuse box terminal may degrade, resulting in an intermittent loss of electrical power.
The risk: A loss of electrical power can cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and secure the positive battery cable connector, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansio…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2011 BMW 335d vehicles with diesel engines. The connection of the positive battery cable at the fuse box terminal may degrade over time, possibly resulting in an intermittent loss of electrical power.
The risk: A loss of electrical power to the vehicle can cause the vehicle to unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on June 29, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi,…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and ai…
The risk: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may cont…
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
BMW 335D or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Honda Accord has far fewer complaints per year (about 452 vs. 19 for the BMW), but its total volume is much higher. In practice, the BMW 335D is more likely to leave you stranded with complex engine and electrical faults, while the Accord's issues are more varied but less frequent per vehicle.
Key differences
- The BMW 335D averages about 19 complaints per year, while the Honda Accord averages about 452 per year, but the Accord's total is spread over 10 years and many more vehicles.
- BMW 335D complaints cluster around air bag sensors, engine stalling, and electrical failures, often with repeated dealer visits.
- Honda Accord complaints include serious safety issues like power steering and braking failure, plus forward collision avoidance glitches.
- The BMW has 15 recalls over 3 years, while the Accord has 38 recalls over 10 years, covering hybrid software, fuel pumps, and seat belts.
- Check for front passenger seat occupancy sensor faults (code 93C3) and confirm the air bag system is fully functional.
- Listen for rough idle, jerking, or stalling during a test drive, and ask for records of carbon cleaning, injector replacement, and EGR service.
- Test the electronic power steering and braking systems at highway speeds if possible, and check for any warning lights or recalls related to these systems.
- Verify that forward collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control function correctly, and ask about any software updates or recalls for the hybrid power control unit.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all open recalls have been performed, especially air bag inflators and electrical wiring for the BMW.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on engine compression, electrical faults, and hybrid systems for the Accord.
- Scan the OBD-II system for stored fault codes, particularly air bag sensor codes on the BMW and any pending engine or electrical codes on the Accord.
- Test drive under various conditions, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to replicate reported stalling, jerking, or warning alarms.
- Check for extended warranty coverage or service bulletins related to the reported issues, and budget for potential repairs accordingly.
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 335D or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW 335D vs Honda Accord
- BMW 335D total complaints
- 58
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- BMW 335D total recalls
- 15
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- BMW 335D avg complaints/year
- 19.3
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- BMW 335D
- BMW 335D top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE