Head-to-head reliability
BMW 7 Series vs Honda Accord
How the BMW 7 Series 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 7 Series vs Honda Accord: The BMW 7 Series averages 6.9 complaints per year with 0 recalls, while the Honda Accord averages 452.4 complaints per year with 38 recalls. Both have reported crashes and injuries, but the Accord’s higher volume means more owner reports. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW 7 Series or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW 7 Series
The BMW 7 Series is a low-volume luxury sedan with an average of 6.9 complaints per year over the past decade. Owners report serious brake and electrical issues, including sudden stops without brake pedal input and repeated failures at low mileage. The lack of recalls on record but presence of crash and injury reports suggests some problems may be addressed through dealer service campaigns rather than formal recalls. Living with this car means expecting expensive, potentially safety-critical repairs, especially in braking and electronic systems.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a high-volume family sedan with an average of 452.4 complaints per year, reflecting its much larger sales base. Complaints span engine, electrical, and forward collision avoidance systems, with reports of power loss, steering and brake failure, and unintended automatic braking. With 38 recalls and 3 deaths reported, the Accord has a broader range of safety-related issues. Ownership involves frequent dealer visits for software and hardware fixes, but parts and service are generally more accessible than for the BMW.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW 7 Series | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 69 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 6.9 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 5 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 7 Series
- 01SERVICE BRAKES22
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM15
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER10
- 04ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)10
- 05POWER TRAIN8
Owners of 2019 and 2023 740i models report sudden, unintended stops or brake failures, sometimes with warning messages like 'Drive Carefully - Brake System.' These incidents can happen at low speeds and may recur, posing a risk of rear-end collisions or loss of control.
Complaints include unexplained electrical glitches that can cause stalling or safety issues, with one owner citing multiple unresolved problems on a 2017 740i. Such faults can disable lights, sensors, or other critical functions without warning.
Some 2023 740i and 760i owners report sudden stops without brake pedal input and ESC-related recall notices where parts were unavailable. This means the stability system may intervene unexpectedly or fail to function, affecting vehicle control.
Reports include a panoramic sunroof shattering while driving and a starter motor fire risk recall (25V644) with no remedy available for months. These unpredictable failures can be frightening and expensive, and recall delays leave owners without a fix.
“My 2023 BMW 740i has experienced the same serious failure twice at approximately 21,000 miles. The exact component causing the failure is currently UNKNOWN. The vehicle is available for inspection and is currently being returned to an authorized BMW dealer fo…”
“I pulled my 2019 BMW 740i out of a residential garage and stopped the vehicle. I opened the driver's door and exited the vehicle to enter the code on the exterior garage keypad to close the garage door. After entering the code, I turned around to return to th…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners of various Accord models report rattling noises, rough transitions between EV and gas modes, and sudden power loss with multiple dashboard alarms. These issues can leave the car undrivable and may require major engine or hybrid system repairs.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds, as well as tire failures after TPMS service. Such failures can cause near-collisions and indicate deeper software or hardware defects.
Owners report unintended automatic braking or failure to brake when needed, sometimes under adaptive cruise control. These malfunctions can cause sudden deceleration or prevent collision avoidance, increasing crash risk.
Some owners describe a persistent rotten-egg sulfur odor and fuel pump-related recalls. These issues may indicate fuel delivery problems that can lead to stalling or fire risk if not addressed.
“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 7 Series
No recalls on record.
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 7 Series or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The BMW 7 Series has far fewer complaints per year (6.9 vs. 452.4), but its issues tend to be severe and expensive, often involving brakes and electronics. The Honda Accord’s higher volume means more reported problems overall, but many are addressed through recalls and dealer fixes. In practice, the BMW may spend more time in the shop for costly repairs, while the Honda may have more frequent but potentially less costly visits.
Key differences
- BMW 7 Series: 69 complaints over 10 years, 0 recalls, but 3 crashes and 5 injuries reported; Honda Accord: 4,524 complaints, 38 recalls, 162 crashes and 146 injuries.
- BMW owners report sudden brake failures and electrical glitches; Honda owners report engine power loss, steering/brake failure, and unintended automatic braking.
- BMW has a starter motor fire risk recall with no remedy available for months; Honda has multiple recalls for fuel pumps, air bags, and hybrid software.
- BMW complaints often involve high-cost luxury components; Honda complaints are more varied but benefit from broader dealer network and recall activity.
- Check for any history of sudden braking or 'Drive Carefully - Brake System' warnings; test brakes at low speeds and listen for unusual noises.
- Inspect the panoramic sunroof for cracks or prior replacement, and verify whether the starter motor recall (25V644) has been addressed.
- Test drive at highway speeds to check for unintended braking or steering lock-up; ask about any software updates for forward collision avoidance.
- Inspect for fuel odors and confirm that fuel pump and hybrid software recalls have been performed; check tire condition and TPMS function.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls by VIN on the NHTSA website.
- Have a mechanic inspect the braking system, including ABS and ESC, for both models.
- For the BMW, specifically test the sunroof operation and ask about starter motor recall status.
- For the Honda, verify that all software updates and recalls for engine, fuel, and hybrid systems are completed.
- During test drives, replicate common complaint scenarios: low-speed braking for BMW, highway acceleration and adaptive cruise for Honda.
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 7 Series | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 10 |
| 2025 | 2 | 109 |
| 2024 | 8 | 219 |
| 2023 | 23 | 226 |
| 2022 | 4 | 252 |
| 2021 | 3 | 234 |
| 2020 | 5 | 362 |
| 2019 | 4 | 691 |
| 2018 | 8 | 1884 |
| 2017 | 12 | 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 BMW 7 Series or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW 7 Series vs Honda Accord
- BMW 7 Series total complaints
- 69
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- BMW 7 Series total recalls
- 0
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- BMW 7 Series avg complaints/year
- 6.9
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- BMW 7 Series
- BMW 7 Series top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE