Head-to-head reliability
AUDI A5 vs Honda Accord
How the AUDI A5 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
AUDI A5 vs Honda Accord: The A5 averages 10.7 complaints per year, while the Accord averages 443.8. The A5's main issue is MMI reboots affecting backup camera, while the Accord faces engine power loss and false braking. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI A5 or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI A5
The Audi A5, with 107 complaints over 10 years, presents a relatively low-volume but consistent pattern of electrical and infotainment issues. Owners frequently report the MMI system randomly rebooting, which can disable the backup camera and navigation, creating safety concerns during reversing and highway driving. While the A5 has had 24 recalls, the complaints focus on software and electronic glitches rather than mechanical failures, suggesting a car that is generally reliable but can be frustrating due to intermittent tech problems.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord, with 4438 complaints over 10 years, shows a much higher volume of issues, but this is partly due to its popularity. The complaints are dominated by engine problems, electrical system failures, and forward collision avoidance system glitches. Owners report sudden power loss, warning lights, and unintended braking, which can be alarming and potentially dangerous. With 38 recalls, the Accord has had more widespread issues, but many are addressed through recalls, and the high complaint count reflects its large owner base.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI A5 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 107 Better | 4,438 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 24 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 160 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 10.7 Better | 443.8 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 144 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 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.
AUDI A5
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM55
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER30
- 03BACK OVER PREVENTION17
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE8
- 05ENGINE7
Owners report the MMI system randomly shuts down and reboots, sometimes accompanied by loud beeps and an 'SOS Emergency Call Function Malfunction' warning. This can disable the backup camera and navigation, causing distractions and safety risks while driving.
The MMI reboot can cause the rearview camera to go blank while reversing, increasing the risk of backing into an object or person. Some owners also report the 'SOS System Deactivated' message appearing, rendering the camera inoperable.
Owners describe unexpected and forceful brake hold events, especially in stop-and-go traffic, which can impede normal driving maneuvers. There are also reports of auto start/stop and cruise control malfunctions that can cause the car to cut off while driving.
“The vehicle's Multi-Media Interface (MMI) system is reportedly shutting down randomly while the vehicle is in operation. This issue occurs without warning and is intermittent, making it unpredictable. Observed Symptoms/Events: Complete Loss of MMI Functionali…”
“The car has a very loud sequence of high pitched beeps accompanying a “SOS EMERGENCY CALL FUNCTION MALFUNCTION” warning light that comes on and stays on. It is a major driving distraction when the warning beeps suddenly come on (up to six sustained times in a…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE985
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM863
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE821
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER725
- 05SERVICE BRAKES592
Owners report a range of engine issues, including unusual noises, sudden loss of power, and warning lights for brake, hill descent, and ABS systems. Some vehicles experience critical failures that cause them to lose speed and become unable to accelerate.
Complaints include TPMS warnings leading to tire failures, rodent damage to wiring harnesses, and other electrical gremlins. These issues can affect vehicle operation and safety, especially if they cause unexpected system failures.
The system can trigger false alerts or apply brakes unexpectedly, even on open roads with no obstructions. Owners also report intermittent messages about adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and other driver assistance features, which can be distracting and erode trust in the vehicle's safety systems.
“I purchased this vehicle at 0 miles in July 2025 from Honda Accord in Pensacola Florida. I reported in July 2025 that there was a noise and I was unhappy with the vehicle and would like to exchange the vehicle within the 30 days months later, the noise got lo…”
“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…”
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.
AUDI A5 — 24 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi RS5 Sportback, 2018 S5 Cabriolet, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, S4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, and 2017-2018 A4 Sedan and A4 Allroad vehicles. Oxidation on the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) connecti…
The risk: A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will install cable ties to the harness, free of charge. The recall began September 9, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi's number for this recall is 74D9.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Audi A5 Sportback and 2017-2018 Audi A4 Allroad vehicles. A passenger air bag module mounting screw may not have been sufficiently tightened, possibly affecting the deployment of the air bag in the event of a crash.
The risk: If the air bag does not deploy correctly in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of an injury.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bag mounting screw, tightening or replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 19, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Vo…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of North America (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Audi A5 Sportback vehicles. The front suspension fasteners may not have been sufficiently tightened during vehicle production, possibly resulting in a front wheel becoming loose.
The risk: A loose front wheel may increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the front suspension fasteners, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 23, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswag…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Audi A5 Coupe vehicles. The affected vehicles were built with head curtain air bag assemblies that may not unfold properly. As such, these vehicle fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (…
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the head curtain air bag, if the air bag does not deploy properly, the vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will modify the head curtain air bags so that they deploy properly, free of charge. The recall began on January 18, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 11-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number…
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 (America Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023 Civic, Acura RDX, Acura Integra, and 2022 Honda Accord vehicles. A ball valve in the vehicle stability assist (VSA) modulator may leak brake fluid, which can result in unintended vehicle movement when the brake hold feature is engaged or an…
The risk: Unintended vehicle movement or an unexpected increase in brake pedal travel can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the VSA modulator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are OEJ, XEK, AEY, XEX and OEW.
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
AUDI A5 or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Audi A5 has significantly fewer complaints per year (10.7) compared to the Honda Accord (443.8), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the Accord's higher numbers are partly due to its larger sales volume. In practice, the A5's issues are more focused on infotainment glitches, while the Accord's problems can involve more serious engine and safety system concerns.
Key differences
- The Audi A5's most common issue is MMI system reboots, which can disable the backup camera, while the Honda Accord's top issue is engine problems, including power loss.
- The Accord has a much higher number of complaints and recalls, but also a larger owner base; the A5 has fewer complaints but still has 24 recalls.
- Forward collision avoidance problems are more prevalent in the Accord, with reports of unexpected braking, whereas the A5 has fewer such complaints but still some brake hold issues.
- Electrical system complaints are common in both, but the A5's are centered on infotainment, while the Accord's include TPMS and wiring issues.
- Test the MMI system thoroughly: check for random reboots, screen freezes, and whether the backup camera stays on during reverse.
- Listen for any unusual beeping or warning messages related to the SOS emergency call system, as these can be a distraction.
- Check for any engine warning lights or unusual noises, and test the vehicle at highway speeds to ensure no sudden power loss.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system in a safe area to see if it triggers false alerts or applies brakes unexpectedly.
Before you buy
- For the Audi A5: verify that all software updates are current, especially for the MMI and SOS systems.
- For the Honda Accord: check if all recalls have been performed, particularly those related to the fuel pump and brake control unit.
- For both: have a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic who can scan for diagnostic trouble codes.
- Ask for service records to see if any of the common issues have already been addressed.
- Take a test drive that includes stop-and-go traffic and highway speeds to assess the behavior of the driver assistance systems.
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 | AUDI A5 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 5 |
| 2025 | 9 | 101 |
| 2024 | 8 | 214 |
| 2023 | 0 | 224 |
| 2022 | 0 | 238 |
| 2021 | 7 | 226 |
| 2020 | 60 | 355 |
| 2019 | 12 | 677 |
| 2018 | 8 | 1864 |
| 2017 | 2 | 534 |
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 AUDI A5 or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI A5 vs Honda Accord
- AUDI A5 total complaints
- 107
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,438
- AUDI A5 total recalls
- 24
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- AUDI A5 avg complaints/year
- 10.7
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 443.8
- More reliable overall
- AUDI A5
- AUDI A5 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE