Head-to-head reliability
BMW 750I vs Honda Accord
How the BMW 750I 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 750I vs Honda Accord: The BMW averages 3 complaints per year, with engine and powertrain issues like VANOS failures, while the Accord averages 432.6, with many infotainment and collision avoidance glitches. The BMW has 5 recalls, the Accord 38. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW 750I or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW 750I
The BMW 750I is a luxury sedan that, in ownership terms, demands attention and budget for upkeep. Over a decade, owners report a steady stream of issues, averaging 3 per year, with the engine and powertrain being the most frequent trouble spots. Living with it means dealing with recurring mechanical faults, some of which can leave you stranded or require repeated repairs, even on low-mileage examples. It's a car that rewards with performance but punishes with reliability concerns.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord, a popular midsize sedan, shows a much higher complaint volume, averaging over 430 per year, but this reflects its large sales base. The complaints cluster around engine, electrical, and forward collision avoidance systems, with many owners describing frustrating infotainment glitches and unexpected braking. While some issues are serious, the sheer number of complaints suggests a mix of minor annoyances and significant defects, but the Accord's overall reliability reputation remains mixed due to these patterns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW 750I | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 30 Better | 4,326 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 5 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 155 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 3.0 Better | 432.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 Better | 141 |
| 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 750I
- 01ENGINE11
- 02POWER TRAIN7
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER4
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
- 05WHEELS3
Owners report recurring drivetrain malfunctions causing rough starts and highway issues, with VANOS solenoids and valve covers replaced multiple times within months. Also, active air flap actuators for the radiator grill fail, leading to potential overheating or reduced efficiency.
The same drivetrain malfunction complaints highlight persistent problems that can affect drivability and safety, especially when they occur at highway speeds. Some reports also mention white smoke from the engine, which could indicate serious internal issues.
Moisture can enter the brake modulator's enclosure, causing it to shut down all braking functions—a critical safety risk. Additionally, a defective wiring harness triggers the check engine light, indicating poor build quality and potential for further electrical gremlins.
Owners have reported broken rear wheel rims and bulges in front tires, with multiple friends experiencing the same, suggesting a possible design or manufacturing defect that could lead to tire failure.
“There are two grill shutter actuators. One for the upper and one for the lower. Different part numbers. NHTSA issued a TSB for N63R in 2019: MC-10160279-9999 (G12 (N63R)/G30 (B58M) RADIATOR GRILL UPPER AND LOWER ACTIVE AIR FLAPS: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO…”
“BMW 2013 750LI DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION RE-OCCURRING CAUSING ROUGH START AND WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY 485 VANOS SOLENOIDS & VALVE COVERS HAVE BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES WITHIN 7 MONTHS ON MY VEHICLE THAT HAS 22,000 MILES. MY FULL SERVICE WARRANTY IS GOING TO EXPIRE…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE940
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM832
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE802
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER701
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM579
Head gasket failures are reported on the 1.5L turbo engine, leading to coolant loss and potential overheating. Turbocharger failures cause significant power loss, making the car unsafe to drive on highways.
The central touchscreen suffers from 'ghost touch' glitches, randomly activating controls, which can distract the driver and lead to unintended actions. The screen can also crash, disabling access to critical vehicle settings.
The system can randomly apply hard braking, known as 'phantom braking,' which is startling and could cause rear-end collisions. Also, the power steering may become hard to turn intermittently, with warning lights flickering, affecting control.
Fuel pump issues are common, leading to stalling or difficulty starting. Some owners report fuel system problems that affect performance and reliability.
“I am submitting this complaint regarding an apparent head gasket failure involving my 2022 Honda Accord Sport 1.5T equipped with Honda's 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. At approximately 143,000 miles, I began experiencing coolant loss without any visible exter…”
“I am writing to file a complaint regarding a serious issue with my Honda vehicle involving the turbocharger system. The turbocharger appears to be failing, causing a significant reduction in vehicle speed and performance while driving. During operation, the v…”
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 750I — 5 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2015 740i, 740Li, 740Lxi, 750i, 750xi, 750Li and 750Lxi and 2014 ActiveHybrid 7 vehicles. The affected vehicles may have received incorrect replacement left rear taillight assemblies. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requireme…
The risk: Vehicles with the incorrect left rear lamp assemblies may be less conspicuous to other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace any incorrect left rear taillight assemblies, free of charge. The recall began August 11, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2015 740i, 740Li, 740Lxi, 750i, 750xi, 750Li and 750Lxi and 2014 ActiveHybrid 7 vehicles. The affected vehicles may have received incorrect replacement left rear taillight assemblies. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requireme…
The risk: Vehicles with the incorrect left rear lamp assemblies may be less conspicuous to other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace any incorrect left rear taillight assemblies, free of charge. The recall began August 11, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 750i xDrive, 2019 M850i xDrive Coupe, M850i xDrive Convertible, X5 xDrive50i, X7 xDrive50i, and M5 vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may not have been properly attached to the engine, which may cause the fuel pump flange to crack, result…
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pumps, free of charge. The recall began August 27, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Co…
The risk: If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time. Owners will be notif…
Honda Accord — 38 recalls
The defect: Honda (America Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023 Civic, Acura RDX, Acura Integra, and 2022 Honda Accord vehicles. A ball valve in the vehicle stability assist (VSA) modulator may leak brake fluid, which can result in unintended vehicle movement when the brake hold feature is engaged or an…
The risk: Unintended vehicle movement or an unexpected increase in brake pedal travel can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the VSA modulator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are OEJ, XEK, AEY, XEX and OEW.
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,…
Buyer analysis
BMW 750I or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The BMW 750I has far fewer complaints per year (3.0) compared to the Honda Accord (432.6), but this is partly due to lower sales volume. In practice, the BMW's issues are more concentrated in critical areas like engine and brakes, while the Accord's complaints are more numerous but include many infotainment glitches. Neither is trouble-free, but the BMW's lower complaint rate suggests a more predictable ownership experience, though potentially costlier repairs.
Key differences
- BMW 750I: Engine and powertrain issues dominate, with repeated VANOS and valve cover replacements, while the Accord has a broader spread including engine, electrical, and collision avoidance.
- Honda Accord: Infotainment 'ghost touch' and phantom braking are common, affecting driver distraction and safety, whereas BMW's electrical issues are more about brake modulator failure and wiring.
- BMW 750I: Wheel rim breakage and tire bulges are reported, a unique concern not seen in Accord complaints.
- Honda Accord: Head gasket and turbo failures on the 1.5T engine are serious, but the BMW's engine issues also include actuator failures and drivetrain malfunctions.
- Inspect the engine for signs of VANOS solenoid or valve cover leaks, and check for any drivetrain malfunction warnings.
- Test the brake modulator for proper function and look for water intrusion in the cowl area; also check the active air flaps for proper operation.
- Check the infotainment screen for ghost touch or glitches, and ensure the forward collision avoidance system doesn't brake unexpectedly during a test drive.
- Look for coolant leaks or signs of head gasket failure, and listen for turbocharger whine or loss of power.
Before you buy
- Get a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with BMW N63 engines to check for common issues like valve cover leaks and VANOS problems.
- For the Accord, test the infotainment system thoroughly and check for any recalls on the fuel pump or collision avoidance system.
- Review the vehicle's service history for repeated repairs on the BMW's engine or the Accord's electrical system.
- Check for open recalls on both vehicles using the NHTSA website and ensure they've been addressed.
- Take both cars for an extended test drive, including highway speeds, to feel for any drivetrain or braking anomalies.
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 750I | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 0 | 218 |
| 2021 | 0 | 217 |
| 2020 | 0 | 344 |
| 2019 | 0 | 660 |
| 2018 | 0 | 1828 |
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 750I or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW 750I vs Honda Accord
- BMW 750I total complaints
- 30
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,326
- BMW 750I total recalls
- 5
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- BMW 750I avg complaints/year
- 3.0
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 432.6
- More reliable overall
- BMW 750I
- BMW 750I top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE