Head-to-head reliability
BMW I3 vs Honda Accord
How the BMW I3 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 I3 vs Honda Accord: The I3 averages 29 complaints per year with 0 deaths, while the Accord averages 452 complaints per year with 3 deaths. Both have recalls, but the Accord's higher volume and injury count suggest more frequent safety concerns. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW I3 or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW I3
The BMW I3 is a small electric hatchback with an optional range extender. Over 8 years, it has averaged about 29 complaints per year, with steering and structural issues being the most common. Owners report software glitches causing steering pull and a roof that can delaminate and leak. While the overall complaint count is low, the nature of these problems can be serious and expensive.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular midsize sedan with a much higher complaint volume: about 452 per year over 10 years. The most frequent issues involve the engine, electrical system, and forward collision avoidance. Some complaints describe sudden power loss and unintended braking. With 3 deaths and 146 injuries reported, these are not trivial matters.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW I3 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 235 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 16 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 11 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 29.4 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 8 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 I3
- 01STEERING55
- 02STRUCTURE43
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM38
- 04POWER TRAIN31
- 05AIR BAGS26
Owners report the steering pulling hard to the left every few weeks, requiring constant correction. Some say a software bug is to blame, but the fix may only be covered once under extended warranty.
The carbon fiber roof can delaminate and separate, causing leaks and potentially flying off while driving. Owners say BMW has not addressed this common problem.
Complaints include plastic particles blowing from vents and sudden shutdowns while driving. These can leave you stranded and may require costly dealer diagnostics.
With the range extender, owners report sudden loss of power at low state of charge, sometimes in traffic. The warning is understated, and the car may need to sit before restarting.
“Previously reported a steering incident no. 11438343. Dealer indidicated that there was a "bug in the software" and that the car would be entitled to a one time fix under extended warranty. Dealership worked on the issue and completed the warranty repair on 1…”
“EVERY 3 TO 21 DAYS, MY STEERING PULLS HARD TO THE LEFT. THIS OCCURS ON FLAT ROADS ON DRY PAVEMENT. I HAVE TO PULL THE STEERING WHEEL HARD TO THE RIGHT TO KEEP THE VEHICLE GOING STRAIGHT AT CITY DRIVING SPEEDS (0-35 MPH). ON ONE OCCASION THIS OCCURRED WHILE ON…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners describe rattling noises, rough transitions between electric and gas modes, and sudden power loss with multiple warning lights. These can indicate serious internal damage.
Reports include simultaneous failure of power steering and braking at highway speeds, and tire failure after TPMS service. Such failures can lead to loss of control.
The system may brake unexpectedly on open roads or with adaptive cruise control engaged, even with no obstacles. This can cause rear-end collisions or evasive maneuvers.
Complaints range from persistent sulfur odors to footwell panels trapping the driver's foot. These odd issues can be distracting and potentially dangerous.
“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 I3 — 16 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2018 BMW i3 electric and hybrid electric vehicles. Unbelted, small adult, drivers may be at a higher risk of neck injury in the event of a frontal crash. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Sta…
The risk: During a frontal impact, unbelted, small adult, drivers could be at a higher risk of neck injury.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the Driver air bag control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at the dedicated i3 recall number 1-855-269-…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2017 i3 REx hybrid electric vehicles. The fuel tank vent line may rub against the ribbed wire protection sleeve of the battery positive (B+) cable, creating a hole in the vent line and causing a fuel vapor leak.
The risk: A fuel vapor leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel vent line, replacing it as necessary, and install a clip to prevent it from chafing, free of charge. The recall beganApril 3, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2018 BMW i3 electric and hybrid electric vehicles. Unbelted, small adult, drivers may be at a higher risk of neck injury in the event of a frontal crash. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Sta…
The risk: During a frontal impact, unbelted, small adult, drivers could be at a higher risk of neck injury.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the Driver air bag control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at the dedicated i3 recall number 1-855-269-…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2017 i3 REx hybrid electric vehicles. The fuel tank vent line may rub against the ribbed wire protection sleeve of the battery positive (B+) cable, creating a hole in the vent line and causing a fuel vapor leak.
The risk: A fuel vapor leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel vent line, replacing it as necessary, and install a clip to prevent it from chafing, free of charge. The recall beganApril 3, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-…
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 I3 or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The BMW I3 has far fewer complaints per year (about 29 vs. 452 for the Accord), but its issues often involve steering and structural integrity. The Accord's higher volume means you're more likely to encounter problems, some of which have led to injuries and deaths. In practice, the I3 may be less troublesome overall, but any single failure could be severe.
Key differences
- The BMW I3 averages about 29 complaints per year, while the Honda Accord averages about 452 per year.
- I3 owners frequently report steering pull and roof delamination; Accord owners report engine rattles, sudden power loss, and unintended braking.
- The Accord has 3 deaths and 146 injuries in its complaint data; the I3 has 0 deaths and 8 injuries.
- Both have recalls, but the Accord's include fuel pump and seat belt issues, while the I3's include air bag and fuel system recalls.
- Check the roof for any signs of delamination, bubbling, or separation, especially around the edges and seams.
- Test drive at various speeds and on flat roads to feel for any steering pull to the left; ask if the steering software has been updated.
- Listen for rattling noises during acceleration and feel for rough transitions between EV and gas modes; these may indicate engine problems.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system in a safe environment to ensure it does not brake unexpectedly; also check for any stored trouble codes.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the specific components mentioned in complaints (steering and roof for I3; engine, electrical, and safety systems for Accord).
- For the I3, check the range extender operation at low state of charge and ensure it does not lose power suddenly.
- For the Accord, test the electronic power steering and braking systems, and verify the forward collision avoidance works without false activations.
- Ask the seller for any warranty extensions or repair records related to the reported issues.
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 I3 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 0 | 234 |
| 2020 | 0 | 362 |
| 2019 | 26 | 691 |
| 2018 | 28 | 1884 |
| 2017 | 52 | 537 |
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 I3 or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW I3 vs Honda Accord
- BMW I3 total complaints
- 235
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- BMW I3 total recalls
- 16
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- BMW I3 avg complaints/year
- 29.4
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- BMW I3
- BMW I3 top complaint area
- STEERING
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE