Head-to-head reliability
BMW M240i vs Honda Accord
How the BMW M240i 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 M240i vs Honda Accord: The BMW M240i has 11 complaints and 8 recalls over 10 years, while the Honda Accord has 4,524 complaints and 38 recalls, including 162 crash-related and 3 deaths. The BMW averages about 1.1 complaints per year versus 452 for the Accord. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW M240i or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW M240i
The BMW M240i is a sporty coupe with a relatively low complaint volume—about 1.1 per year over a decade—but owners report recurring issues with headlights cracking or fogging, electrical glitches, and steering gear concerns. Recalls cover air bags, engine, and electrical items, though no crashes or injuries are recorded in the data. For a buyer, this suggests a car that can be enjoyable but may need attention to lighting and electronics as it ages.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a mainstream sedan with a much higher complaint rate—roughly 452 per year—and a wide range of reported problems, including engine stalling, electrical failures, and forward collision avoidance malfunctions. The data shows 162 crash-related complaints, 146 injuries, and 3 deaths, along with 38 recalls. For a buyer, this points to a vehicle that may require more frequent repairs and careful inspection of safety systems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW M240i | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 11 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 8 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.1 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 M240i
- 01EXTERIOR LIGHTING5
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
- 03STEERING2
- 04STRUCTURE1
- 05LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES1
Owners report headlights cracking from regular driving and fogging with condensation inside the housing, often requiring repeated replacements. This matters because it can be costly and may affect visibility.
Complaints include a parked car that would not unlock with the key fob and a radio with no sound, loud crackling, or intermittent audio. These glitches can be frustrating and may indicate broader electrical faults.
Owners have asked NHTSA to expand a steering gear recall to include the 2022 model, citing defective steering gear assemblies. This is a safety concern because steering failure can lead to loss of control.
One complaint describes a parked, covered car that would not unlock, which was filed under structure. While isolated, it suggests potential issues with locks or body integrity.
“I have owned a 2022 BMW M240i for a few years now, and as it ages out of warranty, I have replaced both headlights a total of 4 times. I fear additional pairs will be required as unfortunately these headlights tend to crack from regular driving. I have spent…”
“Just over a year of ownership and the headlights are fogging over with condensation on the inside of the headlight housing. Googling this problem produces hundreds of thousands of results, including forum posts and facebook/instagram reels showcasing this iss…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report sudden loss of speed with multiple alarms, rattling noises during acceleration, and rough transitions between EV and gas modes. These issues can leave a driver stranded or cause unsafe driving conditions.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of power steering and braking at highway speeds, and a tire failure after a TPMS warning. Such failures are severe and could lead to crashes.
Owners describe the system failing to resolve threats, with incidents occurring under similar conditions, sometimes with adaptive cruise control engaged. This undermines a key safety feature.
Reports include a persistent rotten-egg odor and a foot slipping behind a center panel, which may relate to fuel or interior design flaws. These can be distracting or indicate fuel system problems.
“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 M240i — 8 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 2 Series Coupe (230i, 230i XDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive) vehicles. The second-row seat backrest cover panels for the side air bags may break during deployment of the side air bags.
The risk: A backrest cover panel that breaks during side air bag deployment may cause the air bag to deploy improperly, increasing the risk of injury to second-row seat occupants.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rear seat backrest side air bag cover panels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North Americal, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 8 Series Coupe (840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Convertible (840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Gran Coupe (840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, Alpine B8 xDrive), 2 Series Coupe (230i, 230i xDrive, M240i xDrive,…
The risk: Unintentionally closing the windows or sunroof without the key present can increase the risk of injury to occupants inside the vehicle.
The fix: Dealers will update the software for the Electronic Control Unit (ECU), free of charge. In addition, the digital key function via cellular service and Wi-Fi capability will be deactivated until the vehicle is updated with new software. Own…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive, M2 Competition Coupe, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, M4, and 2019 330i xDrive Sportswagon vehicles. The driver and passenger knee air bag assemblies may have been improperly folded and asse…
The risk: An improperly folded and assembled air bag may not deploy as intended, increasing risk of injury.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the knee air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began July 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 540d xDrive vehicles. The crankshaft sensor may be equipped with incorrect firmware, preventing the sensor from properly processing input from the crankshaft reluctor ring, possibly resulting in a vehicle stall. On September 12, 2018, BM…
The risk: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft sensor, free of charge. The recall began September 6, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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 M240i or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The BMW M240i has far fewer complaints per year (about 1.1) compared to the Honda Accord (about 452), and the Accord also has crash, injury, and death reports. In practice, the BMW may demand less frequent attention for major safety defects, while the Accord's higher volume suggests a greater likelihood of encountering serious issues.
Key differences
- The BMW M240i averages about 1.1 complaints per year, while the Honda Accord averages about 452 per year, a massive difference in reported issue frequency.
- The Accord has 162 crash-related complaints, 146 injuries, and 3 deaths in the data; the BMW has none of these.
- BMW owners most often report headlight cracking/fogging and electrical glitches; Accord owners report engine stalling, electrical failures, and forward collision avoidance malfunctions.
- The Accord has 38 recalls versus 8 for the BMW, covering items like fuel pumps, seat belts, and hybrid software.
- Inspect both headlight housings for cracks, fogging, or condensation, as owners report repeated replacements.
- Test all electrical functions, including key fob operation, radio, and infotainment, for intermittent failures or crackling sounds.
- Check for any signs of engine stalling, rattling, or rough transitions between EV and gas modes during a test drive.
- Verify that forward collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control systems work properly, and ask about any software updates or recalls.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for the BMW's steering gear and the Accord's fuel pump and hybrid software.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, focusing on the BMW's lighting and electrical systems and the Accord's engine and safety systems.
- During a test drive, listen for unusual noises (rattling, crackling) and test all electronic features, including headlights, radio, and driver-assist systems.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and specifically inquire about any repeated repairs to headlights (BMW) or engine/electrical components (Accord).
- Check for open recalls by entering the VIN on the NHTSA website and ensure any outstanding recalls are addressed before purchase.
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 M240i | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 10 |
| 2025 | 2 | 109 |
| 2024 | 0 | 219 |
| 2023 | 0 | 226 |
| 2022 | 4 | 252 |
| 2021 | 0 | 234 |
| 2020 | 0 | 362 |
| 2019 | 0 | 691 |
| 2018 | 2 | 1884 |
| 2017 | 3 | 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 M240i or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW M240i vs Honda Accord
- BMW M240i total complaints
- 11
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- BMW M240i total recalls
- 8
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- BMW M240i avg complaints/year
- 1.1
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- BMW M240i
- BMW M240i top complaint area
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE