Head-to-head reliability
BMW R 1150 RT vs Honda Accord
How the BMW R 1150 RT 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 R 1150 RT vs Honda Accord: The BMW has 7 complaints over 6 years (1.2/year) and 1 recall, while the Honda has 4,524 complaints over 10 years (452.4/year) and 38 recalls. The BMW reports brake and fuel issues; the Honda reports engine and electrical faults. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW R 1150 RT or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW R 1150 RT
The BMW R 1150 RT is a touring motorcycle with a relatively low complaint volume—7 complaints over 6 years, or about 1.2 per year. Owners report serious electrical and fuel system failures, including alternator belt breaks that can disable power brakes and fuel leaks that may persist even after recall repairs. These issues can lead to crashes and injuries, so a used buyer should prioritize a thorough mechanical inspection.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular family sedan and hybrid with a very high complaint volume—4,524 complaints over 10 years, averaging 452.4 per year. Common trouble spots include engine problems, electrical glitches, and forward collision avoidance malfunctions, with some reports of power steering and braking failures. The high number of complaints and recalls means buyers should check for open recalls and verify that safety systems work properly.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW R 1150 RT | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 7 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 1 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.2 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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 R 1150 RT
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
- 02FUEL SYSTEM2
- 03GASOLINE2
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
- 05SUSPENSION1
Owners report alternator belt breaks that cause alternator failure and low voltage, which can disable power brakes and leave only about 40% braking. Another complaint describes a front wheel brake lock at 15 mph that caused a crash and injuries. These failures can happen suddenly and affect control.
Multiple owners smelled fuel and saw leaks on the ground. One complaint notes that a recall remedy (re-crimping clamps) still leaked at 4.2 bar, possibly because plastic components deform. This means even recalled bikes may still have fuel leaks.
A owner reported headlights going out completely during normal operation, leaving only fog lights. This reduces visibility and safety, especially at night.
One suspension complaint is listed, but no sample text is provided. Buyers should still inspect for leaks or unusual handling.
“ACTUAL MODEL IS RT1150P NOT LISTED ON MODEL LIST. ALTENATOR BELT BROKE, CAUSING ALTENATOR FAILURE AND LOW VOLTAGE WHICH NEGATED POWER BRAKES LEAVING ME WITH RESIDUAL BRAKING ABOUT 40% OF NORMAL BREAKING AT BEST. I WAS UNABLE TO STOP AND ROLLED IN FRONT OF ONC…”
“The contact owns a 2002 BMW R 1150 RT. The contact stated while driving at 15 MPH, the front wheel brake locked causing the contact to flip off the motorcycle. The contact suffered a concussion, laceration, stitches, fractured his left ankle and had problems…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report alarms for brake, hill descent, ABS, and critical failure while driving, with loss of speed. Another notes rattling noises on acceleration and rough transitions between EV and gas modes. These can indicate serious powertrain issues.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds, causing a near-collision. Another describes a TPMS repair followed by a tire failure. Electrical faults can affect critical safety systems.
Owners report unexpected activation or failure of adaptive cruise control and collision avoidance, sometimes under clear conditions. This can lead to sudden braking or failure to intervene.
Fuel pump and delivery issues are noted in recalls and complaints. A persistent rotten-egg odor was reported, which may indicate fuel or emissions 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 R 1150 RT — 1 recall
The defect: ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE 3RD AND 4TH TRANSMISSION GEAR (SHIFT) WHEELS MAY NOT BE SECURELY SEATED ON THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. CONSEQUENTLY, WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT FROM 5TH TO 6TH GEAR, ENGAGEMENT OF THE TWO GEARS MAY OCCUR SIMULTANEOUSLY.
The risk: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE GEAR WHEELS COULD CRACK RESULTING IN A LOSS OF TRANSMISSION CAPABILITY, OR, A LOCK OF TRANSMISSION COULD OCCUR. THE REAR WHEEL COULD LOCK WHICH, DEPENDING UPON TRAFFIC AND ROAD CONDITIONS, AND THE RIDER'S REACTION, COU…
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MOTORCYCLES AND REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION GEAR BOX IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AN…
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 R 1150 RT or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The BMW R 1150 RT has far fewer complaints per year (1.2 vs. 452.4), but its issues can be severe, such as brake loss and fuel leaks. The Honda Accord has many more complaints, but many may be less critical; however, some involve safety systems. In practice, the BMW may need more careful inspection for a few known faults, while the Honda requires checking a broader range of systems.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: BMW R 1150 RT averages 1.2 complaints per year; Honda Accord averages 452.4 per year.
- Crash-related complaints: BMW has 2 crash-related complaints and 1 injury; Honda has 162 crash-related complaints, 146 injuries, and 3 deaths.
- Recalls: BMW has 1 recall (power train manual transmission); Honda has 38 recalls covering electrical, tires, seat belts, air bags, and fuel pump.
- Reported failure types: BMW owners report alternator belt breaks, fuel leaks, and headlight failure; Honda owners report engine alarms, power steering/braking failure, and forward collision avoidance issues.
- Check the alternator belt and charging system; listen for unusual noises and test voltage output.
- Inspect for fuel leaks around the tank, lines, and clamps; confirm any recall work was done and re-check for leaks.
- Test all safety systems: forward collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, electronic power steering, and braking.
- Check for engine rattles, rough transitions between EV and gas modes, and any warning lights; also inspect tires and TPMS.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- For the BMW, have a motorcycle mechanic inspect the alternator belt, brakes, and fuel system for leaks.
- For the Honda, test drive at highway speeds and verify all driver-assist features work without errors.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for recalls and any repairs related to fuel, electrical, or safety systems.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic who specializes in the specific model.
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 R 1150 RT or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW R 1150 RT vs Honda Accord
- BMW R 1150 RT total complaints
- 7
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- BMW R 1150 RT total recalls
- 1
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- BMW R 1150 RT avg complaints/year
- 1.2
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- BMW R 1150 RT
- BMW R 1150 RT top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE