Head-to-head reliability
BMW S 1000 R vs Honda Accord
How the BMW S 1000 R 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 S 1000 R vs Honda Accord: The BMW has 0 complaints and 6 recalls over 10 years, while the Honda has 4,524 complaints and 38 recalls. The Honda also has 162 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths; the BMW has none. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW S 1000 R or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW S 1000 R
The BMW S 1000 R is a high-performance motorcycle with no owner complaints filed over the past decade, suggesting a relatively trouble-free ownership experience in terms of reported failures. However, it has six recalls, mostly for software and clutch assembly issues, which means you may need to verify that recall work has been completed. With zero crash-related complaints, injuries, or deaths in the data, it appears owners have not reported safety-critical failures. Overall, living with this bike seems to involve routine maintenance and recall checks rather than frequent repair visits.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular family sedan and hybrid with a very high volume of owner complaints—over 4,500 in ten years—and 38 recalls. Reported problems span the engine, electrical system, forward collision avoidance, and fuel system, with some complaints describing sudden power loss, braking failures, and unintended acceleration-like events. There are also 162 crash-related complaints, 146 injuries, and 3 deaths, indicating that some reported issues have been serious. For a used-car buyer, this means the Accord may require more careful inspection and a thorough check for open recalls.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW S 1000 R | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 6 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 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 S 1000 R
No component data available.
Recalls cover software issues in the electrical system, which could affect various electronic functions. Owners have not filed complaints, but unrepaired software glitches might cause warning lights or drivability problems.
Two recalls address the clutch assembly, a critical component for transferring engine power. A faulty clutch could lead to slipping, difficulty shifting, or loss of drive, so buyers should confirm the recall fix was performed.
A recall for the automatic crash notification system means that in a crash, the system might not alert emergency services. While no complaints exist, this is a safety feature that should work correctly.
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report rattling noises during acceleration, rough transitions between EV and gas modes, and sudden loss of speed with multiple dashboard alarms. These symptoms can indicate internal engine or hybrid system problems that may be costly to repair.
Complaints describe simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds, as well as tire pressure monitoring issues that led to a tire failure. Such failures can severely compromise control and safety.
Owners report that the system can activate unexpectedly or fail to prevent collisions, sometimes under consistent driving conditions. This suggests the advanced safety features may not always perform as expected.
There are complaints of a persistent rotten-egg or sulfur odor, which can indicate fuel system or catalytic converter issues. This may lead to failed emissions tests and costly repairs.
“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 S 1000 R — 6 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2023 S 1000R and 2020-2023 S 1000XR motorcycles. During a software update performed at a dealership, the "Dynamic Pro" riding mode feature "front wheel lift-off assistant" may have been inadvertently deactivated without alerting the rider.
The risk: Riding a motorcycle without knowing that the "front wheel lift-off assistant" has been deactivated can result in unexpected handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will instruct owners to check the configuration settings in the "Dynamic Pro" riding mode and adjust the settings as needed. Dealers will also inspect the motorcycles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 202…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2023 S 1000R and 2020-2023 S 1000XR motorcycles. During a software update performed at a dealership, the "Dynamic Pro" riding mode feature "front wheel lift-off assistant" may have been inadvertently deactivated without alerting the rider.
The risk: Riding a motorcycle without knowing that the "front wheel lift-off assistant" has been deactivated can result in unexpected handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will instruct owners to check the configuration settings in the "Dynamic Pro" riding mode and adjust the settings as needed. Dealers will also inspect the motorcycles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 202…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022 S1000RR, M1000RR, and 2022-2023 S1000XR and S1000R motorcycles. The clutch cover bolts were not lubricated properly, which may cause the clutch cover to become loose and leak oil.
The risk: An oil leak occurring at the clutch cover increases the risk of a crash or fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace all 10 clutch cover bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 6, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022 S1000RR, M1000RR, and 2022-2023 S1000XR and S1000R motorcycles. The clutch cover bolts were not lubricated properly, which may cause the clutch cover to become loose and leak oil.
The risk: An oil leak occurring at the clutch cover increases the risk of a crash or fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace all 10 clutch cover bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 6, 2022. 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 S 1000 R or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The BMW S 1000 R has zero complaints per year on average, while the Honda Accord has about 452 complaints per year, a massive difference. In practice, the BMW appears to have far fewer reported problems, but it is a motorcycle with a smaller owner base. The Accord's higher complaint volume suggests that used-car buyers should be more vigilant about inspecting and verifying recalls.
Key differences
- The BMW S 1000 R has 0 complaints and 6 recalls, while the Honda Accord has 4,524 complaints and 38 recalls over 10 years.
- Honda Accord owners report serious issues like simultaneous power steering and brake failure, engine rattling, and unintended forward collision avoidance activation; the BMW has no complaint text on record.
- The Accord has 162 crash-related complaints, 146 injuries, and 3 deaths; the BMW has none in these categories.
- BMW recalls focus on software and clutch assembly, while Honda recalls cover hybrid management, fuel pumps, air bags, and seat belts.
- Check for open recalls on the electrical system software and clutch assembly; ensure they have been repaired by a dealer.
- Inspect the clutch operation for slipping or unusual noises, as recalls indicate potential assembly issues.
- Test drive at highway speeds and listen for engine rattling or rough hybrid transitions; also check for sudden loss of power or dashboard warnings.
- Verify that all recalls, especially for fuel pump, hybrid software, and air bag sensors, have been completed; ask for documentation.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- For the Honda Accord, have a mechanic inspect the engine, hybrid system, and electronic power steering and brakes.
- For the BMW S 1000 R, confirm clutch recall work and test ride to check for smooth operation.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for the Accord's fuel system and electrical repairs.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, or changes in braking and steering feel.
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 S 1000 R | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 10 |
| 2025 | 0 | 109 |
| 2024 | 0 | 219 |
| 2023 | 0 | 226 |
| 2022 | 0 | 252 |
| 2021 | 0 | 234 |
| 2020 | 0 | 362 |
| 2019 | 0 | 691 |
| 2018 | 0 | 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 S 1000 R or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW S 1000 R vs Honda Accord
- BMW S 1000 R total complaints
- 0
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- BMW S 1000 R total recalls
- 6
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- BMW S 1000 R avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- BMW S 1000 R
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE