Head-to-head reliability
Aston Martin DB7 vs Honda Accord
How the Aston Martin DB7 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
Aston Martin DB7 vs Honda Accord: The DB7 has 1 complaint over 4 years and 9 recalls, while the Accord has 4,524 complaints over 10 years and 38 recalls. The Accord also reports 162 crash-related complaints, 146 injuries, and 3 deaths, versus none for the DB7. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Aston Martin DB7 or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Aston Martin DB7
The Aston Martin DB7 is a low-volume luxury sports car with only 1 complaint over 4 years, but 9 recalls. The single complaint describes a subtle suspension defect causing dangerous handling, plus air bag, seat belt, and equipment issues. Recalls focus on steering and transmission control, suggesting potential maintenance and safety recall burdens.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a high-volume family sedan with 4,524 complaints over 10 years and 38 recalls. Owners report engine stalls, electrical failures, forward collision avoidance glitches, and fuel system problems. With 162 crash-related complaints, 146 injuries, and 3 deaths, the data shows a wide range of safety-related issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Aston Martin DB7 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 9 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.3 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.
Aston Martin DB7
- 01SUSPENSION1
- 02AIR BAGS1
- 03SEAT BELTS1
- 04EQUIPMENT1
One owner reported a subtle suspension defect that caused dangerous handling, and the dealership allegedly knew but did not disclose it. This matters because poor handling can lead to loss of control.
The same complaint also flagged air bag concerns, though no specific failure was described. Buyers should verify air bag recalls are completed.
Seat belt issues were mentioned in the same complaint, but details are vague. A pre-purchase inspection should confirm belts latch and retract properly.
Equipment problems were noted in the complaint, but no specifics were given. This could include any non-safety accessory, so check all features work.
“ITEM NUMBER SIX BELOW IS THE MOST MATERIAL SAFETY ISSUE. ALSO NOTE THAT THE CAR HAD A SUBTLE DEFECT IN THE SUSPENSION THAT CAUSED A DANGEROUS HANDLING PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP KNEW ABOUT THESE ISSUES BUT FAILED TO DISCLOSE THEM DESPITE BEING ASKED DIRECTLY IF…”
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, with the vehicle losing speed. Others note rattling noises and rough transitions between EV and gas modes, indicating potential powertrain issues.
Complaints include electronic power steering and braking systems failing and locking up at highway speeds, causing near-collisions. Another owner had a TPMS warning followed by a tire failure, suggesting electrical or sensor problems.
Owners report the system failing to resolve threats, with incidents occurring under similar conditions. One complaint describes adaptive cruise control suddenly braking or failing, which could lead to rear-end collisions.
A rotten-egg sulfur odor persisted after a filter replacement, and another owner reported a foot slipping behind a plastic panel. These suggest fuel or propulsion system defects that may affect safety or comfort.
“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.
Aston Martin DB7 — 9 recalls
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SIX CYLINDER AND TWELVE CYLINDER VARIANTS. THE STEERING COLUMN LIGHTING SWITCH GEAR HAS THE POTENTIAL TO TRAP WIRES, LEADING TO A PARTIAL LOSS OF LIGHTING FUNCTIONALITY.
The risk: DEPENDING ON WHICH WIRES ARE TRAPPED, THE LOSS OF LIGHTING FUNCTION CAN VARY.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SWITCH GEAR ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 12, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD…
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES,THE POWER ASSISTED STEERING HIGH PRESSURE FLEXIBLE HOSE MAY CONTACT THE LEFT HAND EXHAUST MANIFOLD. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE HOSE MAY SCORCH THROUGH RESULTING IN A PROGRESSIVE LOSS OF HYDRAULIC FLUID AND POWER ASSISTANCE.
The risk: THIS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPOSITION THE HOSE AND REPLACE THE HOSE IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FRE…
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE WELDS SECURING THE FRONT DAMPER LOWER MOUNTING BRACKET COULD BE INADEQUATE RESULTING IN SEPARATION OF THE BRACKET.
The risk: THE SEPARATED BRACKET COULD DISPLACE THE DAMPER, AND LIMIT STEERING ACTION.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE FRONT DAMPER LOWER MOUNTING BRACKET.
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ENGINE CAN START UP ON SIX OF THE TWELVE CYLINDERS. THIS IS DUE TO ONE OF THE TWO POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULES NOT OPERATING WITH ITS DESIGN SPECIFICATION. THIS CONDITION WILL BE EVIDENT BY A LACK OF ENGINE POWER AND OR SMOKE FROM THE EXHAUST TAIL PIPE.
The risk: IF THE ENGINE CONTINUES TO RUN IN THIS CONDITION, IT COULD RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE EXHAUST CATALYST DUE TO OVERHEATING.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULES WITH RECALIBRATED PROGRAMS.
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
Aston Martin DB7 or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Aston Martin DB7 has far fewer complaints per year (0.3 vs. 452.4) and no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths, while the Honda Accord has thousands of complaints and hundreds of crash-related reports. In practice, the DB7 appears to have fewer reported issues, but its low volume means each complaint is more significant, and the Accord's high volume may reflect broader exposure.
Key differences
- The Aston Martin DB7 has 1 complaint over 4 years, while the Honda Accord has 4,524 complaints over 10 years, a massive difference in reported issues.
- The DB7's complaint mentions a suspension defect causing dangerous handling, while the Accord's complaints include engine stalls, electrical failures, and forward collision avoidance problems.
- The DB7 has 9 recalls, mostly for steering and transmission control, while the Accord has 38 recalls covering electrical, fuel, air bag, and seat belt systems.
- The Accord has 162 crash-related complaints, 146 injuries, and 3 deaths, while the DB7 has none reported in the data.
- Inspect the suspension for subtle defects that could cause dangerous handling, as reported by an owner.
- Verify that all steering-related recalls (steering wheel, hydraulic power assist hoses, linkages) have been performed.
- Check for electrical issues, especially electronic power steering and braking failures, and ensure recalls for hybrid management software are done.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system and adaptive cruise control for unexpected braking or failures.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all open recalls are completed for the specific car.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the model, focusing on the areas mentioned in complaints.
- For the DB7, test drive at various speeds to check for handling problems and steering feel.
- For the Accord, test all electrical systems, including power steering, brakes, and driver-assist features.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and specifically inquire about any recurring issues like engine noises or warning lights.
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 Aston Martin DB7 or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Aston Martin DB7 vs Honda Accord
- Aston Martin DB7 total complaints
- 1
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Aston Martin DB7 total recalls
- 9
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Aston Martin DB7 avg complaints/year
- 0.3
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Aston Martin DB7
- Aston Martin DB7 top complaint area
- SUSPENSION
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE