Head-to-head reliability
BMW K 1600 GT vs Honda Accord
How the BMW K 1600 GT 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 K 1600 GT vs Honda Accord: The BMW has 8 complaints over 10 years (0.8/year) and 17 recalls, while the Honda has 4,524 complaints (452.4/year) and 38 recalls. The BMW reports 2 injuries and 0 deaths; the Honda reports 146 injuries and 3 deaths. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW K 1600 GT or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW K 1600 GT
The BMW K 1600 GT is a luxury touring motorcycle with a low complaint rate—only 8 over 10 years—but a high number of recalls (17). Owners report serious issues like gears that won't shift, steering that pulls to one side, and a throttle that sticks at 2000 RPM, which can make the bike hard to control. Many complaints also mention recalls for transmission seals and suspension parts where repairs were delayed because parts weren't available. For a buyer, this means fewer reported problems overall, but the ones that exist can be dangerous and may take time to fix.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular family sedan with a very high complaint volume—4,524 over 10 years—and 38 recalls. Owners report engine failures that cause sudden power loss, electrical glitches that can lock up steering and brakes, and forward collision avoidance systems that may brake unexpectedly. There are also reports of fuel pump issues and airbag sensor problems. For a buyer, this means many reported problems across critical systems, though not every car will have them.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW K 1600 GT | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 8 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 17 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.8 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 2 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 K 1600 GT
- 01POWER TRAIN4
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
- 03SUSPENSION2
- 04STEERING1
Owners report gears that won't shift without warning and a throttle that sticks at about 2000 RPM, making it impossible to shift out of neutral or control speed. These issues can lead to loss of control, especially at low speeds.
Complaints mention a recall for suspension parts (NHTSA campaign 22V023000) where the fix wasn't available for months. A failing suspension can affect handling and stability, which is critical on a heavy touring bike.
One owner reported the bike veered left when turned right and wouldn't go straight, a serious steering defect that could cause a crash. This was linked to the same complaint as the gear issue.
Owners describe a stuck throttle at 2000 RPM and a recall for transmission parts not built to spec, which could lock the rear wheel while riding. These are severe safety risks that need immediate attention.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 BMW K 1600 GT MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR DID NOT SHIFT WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO, THE STEERING DID NOT ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO MOVE IN A STRAIGHT LINE. THE VEHICLE VEERED LEFT WHEN IT WAS TURNED RIGHT. THERE WAS NO WARNI…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 BMW K-1600 GT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V692000 (POWER TRAIN) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report sudden power loss with multiple dashboard alarms (brake, hill descent, ABS) and rattling noises during acceleration. These can leave you stranded or cause a crash if power cuts out at highway speeds.
Complaints include electronic power steering and braking systems failing simultaneously at highway speeds, causing a near-collision. Another owner had a tire fail catastrophically after a TPMS repair, showing electrical issues can affect other safety systems.
Owners say the system can brake unexpectedly under adaptive cruise control, even with no obstacles, and dealers have failed to fix it. This could cause a rear-end collision or loss of control.
There are reports of fuel pump problems (recall for fuel delivery) and a rotten-egg sulfur odor that persists after repairs. A failing fuel pump can cause stalling, and the odor may indicate a fuel leak or emissions issue.
“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 K 1600 GT — 17 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2017-2025 K 1600 GT, GTL, B and 2018-2025 Grand America vehicles. The seal for the reverse gear control unit may deteriorate and allow moisture inside the control unit, which can result in the unit overheating.
The risk: An overheated reverse gear control unit increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the reverse gear control unit, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed May 28, 2026. A second letter will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact BMW customer service…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2017-2025 K 1600 GT, GTL, B and 2018-2025 Grand America vehicles. The seal for the reverse gear control unit may deteriorate and allow moisture inside the control unit, which can result in the unit overheating.
The risk: An overheated reverse gear control unit increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the reverse gear control unit, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed May 28, 2026. A second letter will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact BMW customer service…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2017-2025 K 1600 GT, GTL, B and 2018-2025 Grand America vehicles. The seal for the reverse gear control unit may deteriorate and allow moisture inside the control unit, which can result in the unit overheating.
The risk: An overheated reverse gear control unit increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the reverse gear control unit, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed May 28, 2026. A second letter will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact BMW customer service…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2017-2025 K 1600 GT, GTL, B and 2018-2025 Grand America vehicles. The seal for the reverse gear control unit may deteriorate and allow moisture inside the control unit, which can result in the unit overheating.
The risk: An overheated reverse gear control unit increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the reverse gear control unit, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed May 28, 2026. A second letter will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact BMW customer service…
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 K 1600 GT or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The BMW K 1600 GT has far fewer complaints per year (0.8 vs. 452.4 for the Honda Accord), but its problems tend to be severe and tied to recalls with delayed fixes. The Honda Accord has many more complaints across a wider range of systems, including some that can cause sudden loss of power or braking. In practice, the BMW may have fewer issues overall, but when something goes wrong it can be dangerous; the Honda may have more frequent problems, but many are covered by recalls or warranties.
Key differences
- The BMW K 1600 GT has only 8 complaints over 10 years, while the Honda Accord has 4,524—but the BMW's complaints include stuck throttles and steering pull, which are immediate safety risks.
- The Honda Accord has 162 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths, while the BMW has 0 crash-related and 0 deaths, though the BMW has 2 injuries.
- The BMW has 17 recalls, many for transmission seals and suspension, with owners reporting parts unavailable for months; the Honda has 38 recalls covering electrical, fuel, airbag, and seat belt systems.
- Honda Accord owners frequently report engine power loss and forward collision avoidance braking unexpectedly, while BMW owners report gear shift and throttle problems that can cause loss of control.
- Check for any open recalls, especially on the transmission seals and suspension (campaigns like 19V692000 and 22V023000), and confirm the parts have been replaced.
- Test ride at low speed and in neutral to see if the throttle sticks or if the bike pulls to one side when braking or turning.
- Ask for a diagnostic scan of the electrical system and forward collision avoidance, and test drive at highway speeds to see if any warning lights appear or if the car brakes unexpectedly.
- Check for a persistent sulfur or rotten-egg smell, which could indicate a fuel or emissions problem, and verify that any fuel pump recall has been completed.
Before you buy
- Look up the VIN on NHTSA's recall website to see if any open recalls exist for the specific vehicle.
- For the BMW, ask the seller for proof that transmission seal and suspension recalls were fixed, and take a test ride focusing on shifting and steering.
- For the Honda, request a pre-purchase inspection that includes the electrical system, forward collision avoidance, and fuel system, and test drive under various conditions.
- Ask for maintenance records to see if the vehicle has had recurring issues like engine power loss or throttle problems.
- Consider a extended warranty or service contract, especially for the Honda, given the high number of complaints and recalls.
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 K 1600 GT | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 10 |
| 2025 | 0 | 109 |
| 2024 | 0 | 219 |
| 2023 | 0 | 226 |
| 2022 | 1 | 252 |
| 2021 | 0 | 234 |
| 2020 | 0 | 362 |
| 2019 | 2 | 691 |
| 2018 | 5 | 1884 |
| 2017 | 0 | 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 K 1600 GT or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW K 1600 GT vs Honda Accord
- BMW K 1600 GT total complaints
- 8
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- BMW K 1600 GT total recalls
- 17
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- BMW K 1600 GT avg complaints/year
- 0.8
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- BMW K 1600 GT
- BMW K 1600 GT top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE