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 averages fewer NHTSA complaints per year. BMW 7 Series has 67 complaints and 0 recalls on record; Honda Accord has 4,173 complaints and 35 recalls. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
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 | 67 Better | 4,173 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 35 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 146 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 6.7 Better | 417.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 5 Better | 135 |
| 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 BRAKES21
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM13
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER10
- 04ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)10
- 05POWER TRAIN8
“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…”
“The chasis function is limited on this vehicle due to failed right rear air suspension. Leaking right rear strut, and failed air compressor. Additionally, as a result my car needs an alignment. There was a service bulletin in regards to this exact issue in wh…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE940
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM812
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE784
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER677
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM567
“2021 Honda Accord EX-L, 1.5T turbocharged engine. Within 8 months of purchase at approximately 21,900 miles, I experienced three separate incidents of sudden complete engine power loss at highway speeds. During each incident the vehicle would not exceed 2,000…”
“I am filing a complaint regarding the premature head gasket failure on my 2021 Honda Accord, which failed on May 28, 2026, with only 89,000 miles on the vehicle. A head gasket is a critical engine component that should last well beyond 89,000 miles under norm…”
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 — 35 recalls
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…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV,…
The risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansi…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022…
The risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH,…
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 | 5 |
| 2025 | 2 | 98 |
| 2024 | 8 | 0 |
| 2023 | 21 | 224 |
| 2022 | 4 | 231 |
| 2021 | 4 | 221 |
| 2020 | 5 | 349 |
| 2019 | 4 | 667 |
| 2018 | 7 | 1846 |
| 2017 | 12 | 532 |
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
- 67
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,173
- BMW 7 Series total recalls
- 0
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 35
- BMW 7 Series avg complaints/year
- 6.7
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 417.3
- More reliable overall
- BMW 7 Series
- BMW 7 Series top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE