Head-to-head reliability

BMW 760I vs Honda Accord

How the BMW 760I and Honda Accord compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.

BMW 760I0 complaints · 18 recalls Fewer issues per year
Honda Accord4,524 complaints · 38 recalls

Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records

Which should you buy?

BMW 760I vs Honda Accord: The BMW 760I has 0 complaints and 18 recalls over 6 years, while the Honda Accord has 4,524 complaints, 38 recalls, and 162 crash-related reports over 10 years. The Accord averages 452.4 complaints per year, far more than the BMW's 0. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

The picture

Is the BMW 760I or Honda Accord more reliable?

A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.

BMW 760I

The BMW 760I is a flagship luxury sedan with no owner complaints filed over six years, but 18 recalls covering electronic stability control, driver monitoring cameras, and door latches. The absence of complaints suggests owners may not report issues, but the recall volume points to potential electronic and latch problems. For a buyer, this means fewer documented owner headaches but a need to verify recall repairs.

Honda Accord

The Honda Accord is a mainstream sedan with 4,524 complaints over ten years, averaging 452.4 per year, plus 38 recalls and 162 crash-related reports. Owners frequently report engine rattles, electrical failures like power steering and braking lockups, and forward collision avoidance malfunctions. This high complaint volume signals that many owners experience recurring safety and reliability problems.

The numbers

Side-by-side NHTSA record

Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.

CategoryBMW 760IHonda Accord
Total complaintsAll model years combined0 Better4,524
Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns18 Better38
Crash reportsCrash-related complaints0 Better162
Complaints per yearAveraged across model years0.0 Better452.4
Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints0 Better146
Reported deathsTied to owner complaints0 Better3

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 760I

No component data available.

What these mean
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Recalls for ESC suggest a risk of stability control malfunction, which could affect handling in emergencies. Buyers should confirm the recall fix was performed.

Electrical System: ADAS Driver Monitoring Camera/Sensor

A recall for driver monitoring cameras indicates possible failures in advanced driver assistance features. This could mean warnings or non-functional safety aids.

Latches/Locks/Linkages: Doors

Multiple recalls for door latches mean doors might not latch securely, posing a risk of opening while driving. Inspect latch operation carefully.

Honda Accord

  1. 01ENGINE1,006
  2. 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
  3. 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
  4. 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
  5. 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
What these mean
Engine

Owners report rattling noises while accelerating, rough transitions between EV and gas modes, and sudden power loss with multiple dashboard alarms. These symptoms can lead to expensive repairs and unsafe driving conditions.

Electrical System

Complaints include simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds, and TPMS warnings followed by tire failure. Such failures can cause loss of control and crashes.

Forward Collision Avoidance

Owners describe adaptive cruise control suddenly braking or failing to respond, sometimes occurring repeatedly under similar conditions. This defect could increase rear-end collision risk.

Fuel/Propulsion System

There are 602 complaints about fuel/propulsion, including a recall for fuel pump delivery. A failing fuel pump can cause stalling or inability to start, leaving drivers stranded.

In owners' words — ENGINE

“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 760I — 18 recalls

Latches/Locks/Linkages — Doors — Latch
#17V328000

The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2005-2008 745i, 745Li, 750i, 750Li, 760i, 760Li, and B7 Alpina vehicles equipped with both the Comfort Access and Soft Close Automatic options. In these vehicles, the doors may appear to be closed and latched, but, in fact, may inadvertently open.

The risk: The door may unexpectedly open due to road or driving conditions or occupant contact with the door. The sudden opening may result in occupant ejection or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the door latch system, free of charge. The recall began February 8, 2018. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Latches/Locks/Linkages — Doors — Latch
#12V504000

The defect: BMW is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 7-Series vehicles, equipped with both Comfort Access and Soft Close Automatic options, and manufactured August 23, 2004, through September 3, 2007. Due to a software problem, the doors may appear to be closed and latched, but, in fact, may inadvertently…

The risk: The door may unexpectedly open due to road or driving conditions or occupant contact with the door. The sudden opening may result in occupant ejection or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

The fix: BMW will notify owners and dealers will update software. The recall began on December 12, 2012. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Power Train — Automatic Transmission
#12V502000

The defect: BMW is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 7-Series vehicles, equipped with the Comfort Access option, and manufactured August 23, 2004, through July 24, 2008. The affected vehicles have an electronic key and an electronic connection between the gear shifter and the transmission (shift-by-wire)…

The risk: If the driver exits the vehicle with the transmission in Neutral and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may rollaway. Unattended rollaway incidents often result in a crash or cause injury to pedestrians attempting to stop or ent…

The fix: BMW will notify owners beginning in November 2012. The remedy became available in March 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Electrical System — Adas — Driver Monitoring — Camera/Sensor
#23V700000

The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2024 740i, 740i xDrive, 760i xDrive, i7 eDrive50, i7 xDrive60, i7 M70, 2024 750e xDrive, 530i, 530i xDrive, i5 eDrive40, and i5 M60 vehicles. The ground connection to the steering wheel may not have been attached correctly, resulting in an i…

The risk: An inoperative hands-on detection system may fail to detect when the driver's hands are not on the steering wheel and therefore not engage the emergency stopping assistant system, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Dealers will inspect and reattach the ground connection as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 8, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Honda Accord — 38 recalls

Electrical System — Propulsion System — Hybrid Management — Power Control Unit/Module (Hpcu) — Software
#25V785000

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…

Tires — Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire
#26V366000Apr 2026

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…

Seat Belts — Rear/Other — Retractor
#21V900000

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.

Air Bags — Sensor — Occupant Classification — Front Passenger
#24V064000Jan 2024

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 760I or Honda Accord: which should you buy?

The BMW 760I has 0 complaints per year versus the Honda Accord's 452.4 per year, a massive difference. In practice, the Accord has far more reported problems, including 162 crash-related incidents and 3 deaths, while the BMW has none reported. However, the BMW's 18 recalls still require attention.

Recommendation. If you prioritize a low volume of reported owner complaints and can handle potential electronic recalls, the BMW 760I may be less troublesome. If you need a mainstream car with abundant parts and service but accept higher reported failure rates, the Honda Accord is common. Always check recall completion and inspect thoroughly.

Key differences

  • Complaint volume: BMW 760I has 0 complaints; Honda Accord has 4,524 over 10 years.
  • Safety outcomes: Honda Accord has 162 crash-related complaints, 146 injuries, and 3 deaths; BMW 760I has none reported.
  • Recall focus: BMW recalls center on ESC, driver monitoring cameras, and door latches; Honda recalls include hybrid power control, fuel pump, and seat belts.
  • Reported symptoms: Honda owners report engine rattles, power loss, and brake/steering failures; BMW has no owner complaint text, only recall subjects.
Watch on BMW 760I
  • Check for open recalls on the electronic stability control and driver monitoring camera; ensure they were repaired.
  • Test all door latches multiple times to confirm they engage securely and do not pop open.
Watch on Honda Accord
  • Listen for engine rattling during acceleration and feel for jerky transitions between EV and gas modes.
  • Test the electronic power steering and braking at low and highway speeds; any warning lights or loss of assist is a major red flag.

Before you buy

  • Obtain a vehicle history report and verify all safety recalls have been completed for the specific VIN.
  • For the BMW 760I, test the door latches, stability control, and driver monitoring system during a test drive.
  • For the Honda Accord, scan for stored trouble codes and test the hybrid system, brakes, and adaptive cruise control.
  • Ask for maintenance records, especially for the Honda's fuel pump and electrical repairs.
  • Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the model, focusing on the reported problem areas.

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.

YearBMW 760IHonda Accord
2026010
20250109
20240219
20230226
Years to scrutinize: the 2018 Honda Accord drew the most (1,884). Inspect these model years especially closely.

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 760I or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.

Go deeper

Full reliability reports

BMW 760I vs Honda Accord — comparison facts
Comparison
BMW 760I vs Honda Accord
BMW 760I total complaints
0
Honda Accord total complaints
4,524
BMW 760I total recalls
18
Honda Accord total recalls
38
BMW 760I avg complaints/year
0.0
Honda Accord avg complaints/year
452.4
More reliable overall
BMW 760I
Honda Accord top complaint area
ENGINE