Head-to-head reliability
BMW 740il vs Honda Accord
How the BMW 740il 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 740il vs Honda Accord: The BMW 740il had 46 complaints over 2 years (23/year) and 4 recalls, while the Honda Accord had 4,524 complaints over 10 years (452/year) and 38 recalls. The Accord also had 162 crash-related complaints and 146 injuries. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW 740il or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW 740il
The BMW 740il is a luxury sedan that can be costly to maintain as it ages. Over two years, owners filed 46 complaints, averaging 23 per year, with electrical and engine cooling issues being the most common. Recalls cover steering, brake lights, and tires, and there were 3 injuries reported. Living with this car means staying on top of electrical glitches and cooling system repairs.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular family sedan with a high volume of complaints—4,524 over ten years, or about 452 per year. The most frequent issues involve the engine, electrical system, and forward collision avoidance. There were 162 crash-related complaints, 146 injuries, and 3 deaths. Recalls address hybrid software, fuel pumps, and seat belts. This suggests that while the Accord is common, some owners face serious safety and reliability problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW 740il | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 46 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 23.0 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 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 740il
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM8
- 02ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING6
- 03AIR BAGS6
- 04POWER TRAIN5
- 05TIRES5
Owners report missing pixels in the instrument cluster, making it hard to read the odometer and warning lights. Others describe window motors failing, the car dying while driving, and repeated brake light bulb blowouts. These electrical gremlins can be frustrating and expensive to trace.
A common complaint is a low coolant warning caused by a cracked plastic radiator reservoir or separate coolant tank. Owners report having to add coolant repeatedly and sometimes the engine overheats. This can lead to costly engine damage if not addressed.
Some owners report the air bag warning light staying on, often due to a faulty passenger seat sensor. In one case, a side airbag deployed unexpectedly when the car hit debris, tearing interior trim. These issues raise concerns about airbag reliability.
Owners describe transmission problems such as a clicking noise and failure to accelerate in reverse, or intermittent check engine lights and difficulty shifting. These can indicate expensive transmission repairs ahead.
“THE PROBLEM AREAS OF MISSING PIXELS ARE PRIMARILY LOCATED IN THE DRIVER'S INSTRUMENT CLUSTER THAT DISPLAYS ODOMETER & TRIP ODOMETER, OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE , AND CHECK CONTROL DISPLAY, SUCH AS WARNINGS/PARKING BRAKE/COOLANT TEMPERATURE /LEVEL/ KEY & SEAT BELT RE…”
“PURCHASED PRE-OWNED CERTIFIED CAR IN APRIL 06, STARTING HAVING PROBLEMS WITH ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS: WINDOW MOTORS, GPS SYSTEM/MONITOR, CAR KEPT DYEING WHILE STOPPED AND DRIVING, ENGINE SHUTDOWN/FAILSAFE MODE, BRAKE LIGHTS BLOWING ALL THE TIME, FUSES AND IGNITION…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report sudden loss of power with multiple dashboard warnings (brake, hill descent, ABS) and rattling noises during acceleration. Some also experience rough transitions between EV and gas modes in hybrids. These issues can leave drivers stranded or cause unsafe driving conditions.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds, and tire pressure monitoring system warnings followed by tire failure. Such failures can lead to loss of control and crashes.
Owners describe the system braking unexpectedly or failing to respond, sometimes under adaptive cruise control. These malfunctions can cause near-collisions or sudden braking, increasing crash risk.
Some report persistent rotten-egg odors and interior trim issues that can trap a driver's foot. While not always safety-critical, these problems are annoying and can distract from driving.
“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 740il — 4 recalls
The defect: FCP GROTON IS RECALLING CERTAIN STEERING CENTER DRAG LINKS, P/N 32 21 1 096 057, SOLD FROM DECEMBER 1, 2009 THROUGH APRIL 9, 2010 AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR MODEL YEAR 1995 THROUGH 2001 BMW 740I, 740IL, AND 750IL PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SHAFT OF THE STEERING CENTER TIE ROD MAY SHEAR OFF.
The risk: THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT, WITHOUT WARNING, IN IMMEDIATE AND COMPLETE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
The fix: FCP GROTON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE TIE ROD WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT JUNE 1, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FCP GROTON TOLL-FREE AT 1-877-634-0063.
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BRAKE LAMPS IN THESE VEHICLES ARE CONTROLLED BY A SWITCH ACTIVATED BY THE MOVEMENT OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS SWITCH COULD FAIL INTERNALLY, CAUSING IT TO REMAIN EITHER IN THE "BRAKE LAMPS OFF" POSITION OR IN THE "BRAKE LAMPS ON" POSITION.
The risk: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LAMPS EITHER WILL NOT OPERATE OR WILL BE CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED, REGARDLESS OF BRAKE PEDAL POSITION.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE EXISTING BRAKE LAMP SWITCH WITH AN IMPROVED SWITCH.
The defect: FCP GROTON IS RECALLING CERTAIN STEERING CENTER DRAG LINKS, P/N 32 21 1 096 057, SOLD FROM DECEMBER 1, 2009 THROUGH APRIL 9, 2010 AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR MODEL YEAR 1995 THROUGH 2001 BMW 740I, 740IL, AND 750IL PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SHAFT OF THE STEERING CENTER TIE ROD MAY SHEAR OFF.
The risk: THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT, WITHOUT WARNING, IN IMMEDIATE AND COMPLETE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
The fix: FCP GROTON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE TIE ROD WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT JUNE 1, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FCP GROTON TOLL-FREE AT 1-877-634-0063.
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 18-INCH TIRES. (18-INCH TIRES ARE STANDARD EQUIPMENT ON THE M5 AND OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT ON THE 7-SERIES MODELS). THE MACHINE USED TO MOUNT AND INFLATE THE TIRES ON THE WHEELS AT THE ASSEMBLY PLANT MAY HAVE DAMAGED THE SIDEWALL OF ONE OR MORE TIRES…
The risk: HANDLING AND CONTROL WOULD BE DRASTICALLY AFFECTED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TIRES AND IF DAMAGE FROM THE MOUNTING MACHINE IS FOUND, THE TIRE WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 10, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND…
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 740il or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The BMW 740il has far fewer complaints per year (23) compared to the Honda Accord (452), but the Accord's higher volume reflects its much larger sales. In practice, the BMW's issues are more likely to be electrical and cooling-related, while the Accord's complaints include serious safety systems like braking and collision avoidance. Both have recalls, but the Accord's higher injury and crash counts suggest a greater potential for severe outcomes.
Key differences
- The BMW 740il averages 23 complaints per year, while the Honda Accord averages 452 per year, but the Accord sells in much higher numbers.
- BMW complaints often involve electrical glitches (instrument cluster, window motors) and cooling system leaks, whereas Accord complaints frequently cite engine power loss and forward collision avoidance malfunctions.
- The Honda Accord has 162 crash-related complaints and 146 injuries, compared to the BMW's 1 crash-related complaint and 3 injuries, indicating more severe incidents reported for the Accord.
- Both have recalls, but the BMW's recalls include steering linkage and brake light switches, while the Accord's include hybrid software and fuel pumps.
- Check the instrument cluster for missing pixels and ensure all warning lights function properly.
- Inspect the radiator and coolant reservoir for cracks or leaks, and look for signs of overheating.
- Test the electronic power steering and braking systems at highway speeds if possible, and listen for any rattling noises from the engine.
- Verify that forward collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control operate correctly, and check for any warning lights related to these systems.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been addressed.
- Have a mechanic inspect the specific problem areas: for BMW, electrical and cooling; for Honda, engine and safety systems.
- Test drive the vehicle under various conditions, including highway speeds, to check for power loss or warning lights.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for the BMW's cooling system and the Honda's hybrid components.
- Check for any outstanding recalls by using the NHTSA VIN lookup tool.
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 740il or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW 740il vs Honda Accord
- BMW 740il total complaints
- 46
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- BMW 740il total recalls
- 4
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- BMW 740il avg complaints/year
- 23.0
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- BMW 740il
- BMW 740il top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE