Head-to-head reliability
Aston Martin DB9 vs Honda Accord
How the Aston Martin DB9 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 DB9 vs Honda Accord: The DB9 averages 0.9 complaints/year with 39 recalls, while the Accord averages 452.4 complaints/year with 38 recalls. The Accord has 162 crash-related reports and 146 injuries; the DB9 has 0 crash-related and 1 injury. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Aston Martin DB9 or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Aston Martin DB9
The Aston Martin DB9 is a low-volume exotic, so it sees very few complaints per year—about 0.9—but that doesn't mean trouble-free. Owners report sudden stalling, key fob ejection, headlight failures, and fuel odors, often with no fault code. With 39 recalls over a decade, you'll need to verify recall work was done. Expect high maintenance costs and limited dealer support.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a mass-market sedan with about 452 complaints per year, reflecting its huge sales volume. Owners report engine rattles, electrical failures like power steering and braking lockup, forward collision warnings, and fuel system issues. It has 38 recalls and more crash/injury reports, but also widespread dealer and parts availability. Reliability varies by year and powertrain.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Aston Martin DB9 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 9 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 39 | 38 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.9 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.
Aston Martin DB9
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
- 02EXTERIOR LIGHTING2
- 03FUEL SYSTEM2
- 04GASOLINE2
- 05ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING2
Owners report the key can be ejected from the dashboard ignition chamber 'like a bullet,' shutting the car off while driving or at a gas station. Another complaint describes stalling at low speed with instrumentation lights on but no restart for minutes, and the dealer found no fault code.
Both headlights failed (not just bulbs) in one report, creating a driving hazard. Another owner noted rear tail light covers fogging with moisture and an intermittent brake light, which could lead to electrical problems or loss of brake light function.
A strong fuel smell during acceleration was reported, which the dealer attributed to the clutch and said was normal. The same owner also experienced stalling at a few mph with no restart for several minutes, suggesting a possible fuel delivery or engine management issue.
While only two complaints mention this area, the stalling incidents described under fuel system and electrical system often point to engine management or cooling-related shutdowns. Buyers should check for any history of overheating or unexplained stalls.
“THIS CAR HAS A SPRING COMPRESSION CHAMBER WHERE THE KEY GOES IN THE DASHBOARD . TWICE OVER THE LAST 6 YRS THE CHAMBER HAS SPIT THE KEY OUT LIKE A BULLET AND SHUT THE CAR OFF. ONCE WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY IN 2017 AND AT A GAS STATION IN 2023. THE CHAM…”
“THE CAR STALLED AT A FEW MPH AND WOULD NOT RESTART FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. THIS HAD HAPPENED ONCE BEFORE. THE INSTRUMENTATION LIGHTS REMAINED ON. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO PALM BEACH MOTORS. THE COMPUTER DID NOT SHOW A FAULT AND THEY C…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report rattling noises while accelerating, rough transitions between EV and gas modes, and jerking when the charge button is pressed. Another complaint describes losing speed at highway speeds with multiple alarms (Brake, hill descent, ABS, critical failure).
One owner reported electronic power steering and braking systems completely failing and locking up simultaneously at highway speeds, causing a near-collision. Another had a TPMS warning repaired, then a passenger-side tire catastrophically failed hours later.
Owners report the system failing to resolve threats, with incidents occurring under similar driving and weather conditions on the same route. One complaint describes adaptive cruise control set at 70 mph when the system suddenly malfunctioned.
A persistent rotten-egg/sulfur odor was reported, requiring a $407.67 filter replacement and odor treatment that did not fix the problem. This suggests fuel or propulsion system issues that may affect comfort and potentially emissions.
“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 DB9 — 39 recalls
The defect: Aston Martin Lagonda of North America (Aston Martin) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 DB9, 2010-2012 DBS, 2010-2016 V8 Vantage, 2012 Virage, 2010-2016 Rapide, 2014-2016 Vanquish, 2011-2016 V12 Vantage, and 2012-2013 V12 Zagato vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with interior door…
The risk: If the doors cannot be opened by an occupant from inside the vehicle, they may be trapped inside, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Aston Martin will notify owners, and dealers will disable the double locking feature by reprogramming the software, free of charge. The recall began August 10, 2016. Owners may contact Aston Martin customer service at 1-888-923-9988. Aston…
The defect: Aston Martin The Americas (Aston Martin) is recalling certain 2009-2016 DB9, 2009-2012 DBS, 2010-2015 Rapide, 2012 Virage, and 2014 Vanquish vehicles equipped with a 6-Speed Touchtronic II Automatic Transmission. A communication error between the Engine Control Module (ECM) and the Transmission Con…
The risk: If the park pawl does not engage and the vehicle is stopped on a slope and exited without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly roll, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Aston Martin will notify owners, and dealers will update the TCM software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 1, 2018. Owners may contact Aston Martin customer service at 1-888-923-9988. Aston Martin's number for this…
The defect: Aston Martin Lagonda of North America (Aston Martin) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 DB9, 2010-2012 DBS, 2010-2016 V8 Vantage, 2012 Virage, 2010-2016 Rapide, 2014-2016 Vanquish, 2011-2016 V12 Vantage, and 2012-2013 V12 Zagato vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with interior door…
The risk: If the doors cannot be opened by an occupant from inside the vehicle, they may be trapped inside, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Aston Martin will notify owners, and dealers will disable the double locking feature by reprogramming the software, free of charge. The recall began August 10, 2016. Owners may contact Aston Martin customer service at 1-888-923-9988. Aston…
The defect: Aston Martin The Americas (Aston Martin) is recalling certain 2009-2016 DB9, 2009-2012 DBS, 2010-2015 Rapide, 2012 Virage, and 2014 Vanquish vehicles equipped with a 6-Speed Touchtronic II Automatic Transmission. A communication error between the Engine Control Module (ECM) and the Transmission Con…
The risk: If the park pawl does not engage and the vehicle is stopped on a slope and exited without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly roll, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Aston Martin will notify owners, and dealers will update the TCM software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 1, 2018. Owners may contact Aston Martin customer service at 1-888-923-9988. Aston Martin's number for this…
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 DB9 or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Aston Martin DB9 has far fewer complaints per year (0.9 vs. 452.4), but that's largely because so few were sold. The Honda Accord's higher count reflects its popularity, yet it also has more crash-related reports (162 vs. 0) and injuries (146 vs. 1). In practice, the DB9 may be less likely to strand you, but when it does, parts and expertise are scarce; the Accord is easier to service but has more widespread reported safety defects.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: DB9 averages 0.9 complaints/year vs. Accord's 452.4/year, but the Accord sold in far greater numbers.
- Safety reports: Accord has 162 crash-related complaints, 146 injuries, and 3 deaths; DB9 has 0 crash-related, 1 injury, and 0 deaths.
- Failure patterns: DB9 owners report stalling, key ejection, and headlight failures; Accord owners report engine rattles, power steering/braking lockup, and forward collision avoidance malfunctions.
- Recalls: DB9 has 39 recalls (latches, transmission control module, seat heater); Accord has 38 recalls (hybrid power control software, spare tire, seat belts, air bag sensor, fuel pump).
- Test the ignition key chamber for any sticking or ejection—owners report the key shooting out and shutting off the car while driving.
- Check both headlights and rear tail lights for fogging, moisture, or intermittent failure, as these are common complaints.
- Test the electronic power steering and braking systems at highway speeds if possible; owners report simultaneous lockup.
- Listen for engine rattles during acceleration and check for rough EV-to-gas transitions, especially on hybrid models.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full NHTSA recall history for the specific VIN and confirm all open recalls were repaired.
- For the DB9, have a pre-purchase inspection by an Aston Martin specialist focusing on electrical, fuel, and lighting systems.
- For the Accord, test drive at highway speeds to check for steering/braking lockup, collision-avoidance warnings, and engine rattles.
- Ask for service records showing regular maintenance and any prior stalling or electrical repairs.
- Check for persistent odors (fuel or sulfur) inside the cabin, which may indicate fuel or propulsion system issues.
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 DB9 or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Aston Martin DB9 vs Honda Accord
- Aston Martin DB9 total complaints
- 9
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Aston Martin DB9 total recalls
- 39
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Aston Martin DB9 avg complaints/year
- 0.9
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Aston Martin DB9
- Aston Martin DB9 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE