Head-to-head reliability
BMW F 800 S vs Honda Accord
How the BMW F 800 S 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 F 800 S vs Honda Accord: The BMW had 2 complaints and 3 recalls over 10 years, while the Honda had 4,438 complaints and 38 recalls. BMW owners report fuel leaks from the pump; Honda owners report engine, electrical, and brake issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW F 800 S or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW F 800 S
The BMW F 800 S is a motorcycle with very few complaints over a decade—just 2—suggesting most owners don't report major problems. However, the complaints that do exist center on fuel leaks from the pump, which can soak the electronic module and create a fire risk. Recalls for wheel issues also appear, so a used buyer should verify those were fixed. Overall, it's a low-volume machine with a narrow but potentially serious failure pattern.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a high-volume car with thousands of complaints per year, covering engines, electrical systems, brakes, and driver-assist features. Owners report issues like engine noise, sudden loss of power, warning lights, and even sunroof glass shattering. With 38 recalls and 160 crash-related complaints, it's clear that many Accords have had safety defects. That doesn't mean every Accord is trouble, but a used buyer must check for open recalls and inspect carefully.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW F 800 S | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2 Better | 4,438 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 160 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.2 Better | 443.8 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 144 |
| 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 F 800 S
- 01FUEL SYSTEM1
- 02GASOLINE1
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1
Owners report fuel leaking from the fuel pump, often noticed while the bike is parked. This can soak the electronic fuel pump module and lead to pump failure or a fire hazard.
The same fuel leak from the pump assembly is reported under this component. A buyer should look for fuel smells or stains around the pump area.
One owner described catastrophic fuel pump failure after the module was soaked in fuel, with a potential fire risk. This mirrors a known recall on other BMW bikes, so check if the recall applies.
“The contact owns a 2007 BMW F 800 S. The contact stated that while inspecting the motorcycle in the driveway, the contact became aware that fuel was leaking from the fuel pump. The motorcycle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnose…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE985
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM863
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE821
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER725
- 05SERVICE BRAKES592
Owners report noises, loss of power, and multiple warning lights (brake, hill descent, ABS) appearing at highway speeds. Some say the vehicle could not maintain speed, which is a serious safety concern.
Complaints include TPMS warnings followed by catastrophic tire failure, and rodent damage to wiring harnesses even on new cars. These issues can cause sudden loss of control or breakdowns.
Owners report intermittent failures of adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and automatic high beams. Some say the system failed to prevent a collision, raising doubts about its reliability.
Brake-related complaints are common, often tied to ABS or traction control module failures. This can lead to reduced braking performance or unexpected warning lights.
“I purchased this vehicle at 0 miles in July 2025 from Honda Accord in Pensacola Florida. I reported in July 2025 that there was a noise and I was unhappy with the vehicle and would like to exchange the vehicle within the 30 days months later, the noise got lo…”
“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…”
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 F 800 S — 3 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 F 800 S and F 800 ST motorcycles manufactured August 2006 through January 2009. Due to incorrect tolerances, the rear wheel drive bearing and rear axle may wear.
The risk: Bearing and axle wear may affect handling and control of the motorcycle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wheel bearing, and if necessary, replace the bearing and rear axle, at no charge. The recall began on January 10, 2014. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRela…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 F 800 S and F 800 ST motorcycles manufactured August 2006 through January 2009. Due to incorrect tolerances, the rear wheel drive bearing and rear axle may wear.
The risk: Bearing and axle wear may affect handling and control of the motorcycle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wheel bearing, and if necessary, replace the bearing and rear axle, at no charge. The recall began on January 10, 2014. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRela…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 F 800 S and F 800 ST motorcycles manufactured August 2006 through January 2009. Due to incorrect tolerances, the rear wheel drive bearing and rear axle may wear.
The risk: Bearing and axle wear may affect handling and control of the motorcycle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wheel bearing, and if necessary, replace the bearing and rear axle, at no charge. The recall began on January 10, 2014. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRela…
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 (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…
Buyer analysis
BMW F 800 S or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The BMW F 800 S has far fewer complaints per year (0.2 vs. 443.8 for the Accord), but its main issue—fuel leaks—can be dangerous if ignored. The Accord's much higher complaint volume reflects its popularity, but also a wider range of problems, including engine, electrical, and brake failures. In practice, the BMW may need less frequent attention, while the Accord demands more vigilance for recalls and repairs.
Key differences
- The BMW F 800 S has only 2 complaints over 10 years, while the Honda Accord has 4,438—mostly because the Accord is a mass-market car and the BMW is a niche motorcycle.
- BMW complaints focus on fuel leaks from the pump, which can cause fire; Honda complaints span engine power loss, electrical failures, and driver-assist glitches.
- The Accord has 160 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths reported, while the BMW has none—but the BMW's fuel leak could still be a fire risk if not addressed.
- Both have recalls: BMW for wheels, Honda for electrical, brakes, airbags, fuel pump, and more—so checking recall history is critical for either.
- Inspect the fuel pump area for any signs of leaking, fuel smell, or wetness—especially around the electronic module.
- Ask if the wheel-related recalls have been performed; check for cracks or damage on the wheels.
- Look for a history of electrical gremlins: warning lights for TPMS, ABS, or driver-assist systems that come and go.
- Listen for engine noises or hesitation during a test drive, and check for any open recalls on the fuel pump, brakes, or airbags.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA's recall site to see if all recalls are fixed, especially the BMW's wheel recalls and the Accord's fuel pump and brake recalls.
- For the BMW, have a mechanic pressure-test the fuel system and inspect the fuel pump module for fuel soaking.
- For the Accord, scan for stored error codes in the engine, ABS, and forward collision avoidance systems.
- Test drive both vehicles at highway speeds to check for power loss, warning lights, or unusual noises.
- Ask for maintenance records and check if the previous owner addressed the specific complaints reported to NHTSA.
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 F 800 S or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW F 800 S vs Honda Accord
- BMW F 800 S total complaints
- 2
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,438
- BMW F 800 S total recalls
- 3
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- BMW F 800 S avg complaints/year
- 0.2
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 443.8
- More reliable overall
- BMW F 800 S
- BMW F 800 S top complaint area
- FUEL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE