Head-to-head reliability
AUDI A6 Allroad vs Honda Accord
How the AUDI A6 Allroad 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 A6 Allroad vs Honda Accord: The Audi A6 Allroad has 37 complaints over 7 years (5.3/year) and 20 recalls, while the Honda Accord has 4,524 complaints over 10 years (452.4/year) and 38 recalls. The Accord also reports 162 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths, versus none for the Audi. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI A6 Allroad or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI A6 Allroad
The Audi A6 Allroad is a low-volume luxury wagon that generates relatively few complaints—about 5 per year—but those complaints often involve serious electrical and powertrain failures. Owners report sudden electrical malfunctions that can cut engine power, disable climate control, and trigger warnings like 'Maximum engine speed 2500 RPM.' With 20 recalls over seven years, it demands vigilance, but the low complaint count suggests many examples may be trouble-free.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a high-volume family sedan with a massive complaint record—over 4,500 in ten years—including 162 crash-related reports and 3 deaths. Common trouble spots are the engine, electrical system, and forward collision avoidance, with owners describing loss of power, steering/braking failures, and false automatic braking. Its 38 recalls reflect ongoing safety fixes, so buyers should verify all work is done.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI A6 Allroad | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 37 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 20 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 5.3 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.
AUDI A6 Allroad
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM21
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE6
- 03POWER TRAIN6
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM4
- 05ENGINE4
Owners report sudden electrical malfunctions that can cause loss of engine power, throttle response, HVAC, and auto stop. One driver saw a 'Maximum engine speed 2500 RPM' warning, forcing reduced speed. These failures can leave you stranded or in a dangerous situation.
Complaints include the windshield washer fluid sensor failing to warn until the reservoir is empty, and electrical glitches that may affect collision avoidance. This means you might not get timely alerts for low washer fluid or other safety warnings.
Owners describe transmission disengaging at highway speeds, complete loss of drive power, and warning lights. One driver coasted to an unsafe stop with no forward or reverse gears. This is a critical safety and reliability concern.
Reports include inaccurate fuel gauges that hang at 50% then drop to 5% within 10 miles, risking unexpected runouts. Another complaint notes uncommanded power loss with a 'Maximum engine speed 2500 RPM' restriction, pointing to fuel or throttle issues.
“I have a 2020 All Road. Received message driving close to my home to contact service due to electrical malfunction and made it to my driveway. This was on a Sunday and no service center was available. Car lost its HVAC and auto stop mechanism on the way home…”
“While operating the vehicle under normal driving conditions, the vehicle suffered an immediate, un-commanded loss of engine power and throttle response. The vehicle displayed a critical dashboard restriction stating: “Maximum engine speed 2500 RPM”, forcing a…”
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 losing speed, plus rattling noises and rough transitions between EV and gas modes. These can indicate serious engine or hybrid system faults that may be costly to repair.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds, causing near-collisions, and TPMS warnings followed by catastrophic tire failure. Such failures can happen suddenly and compromise control.
Drivers describe the system braking unexpectedly or failing to resolve threats, sometimes under adaptive cruise control at 70 mph. This can lead to sudden deceleration or a crash if the system misjudges obstacles.
A persistent rotten-egg/sulfur odor was reported, requiring filter replacement and odor treatment that did not resolve it. This may indicate fuel or emissions issues that are unpleasant and potentially harmful.
“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.
AUDI A6 Allroad — 20 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal M…
The risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (V…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7…
The risk: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi RS6 Avant, RS7, 2020-2021 A6 Allroad, S6 Sedan, S7, 2019-2021 A6 Sedan, and A7 vehicles. The score line on the passenger air bag may not have been manufactured correctly.
The risk: An incorrectly manufactured air bag may not deploy properly, and could also eject plastic debris into the passenger compartment, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the passenger air bag score line, and repair it as necessary, free of charge. The recall begin March 26, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Audi S7, S6 Sedan, A6 Allroad, 2021-2022 RS7, RS6 Avant, 2019-2022 A7, and A6 Sedan vehicles. Liquid spilled in the rear seat may penetrate and cause the gateway control module to shut down.
The risk: A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install a protective cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90V2.
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
AUDI A6 Allroad or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Audi A6 Allroad has far fewer complaints per year (about 5 vs. 452 for the Honda Accord), but both have serious reported issues. In practice, the Audi's lower volume means fewer overall problems, but the Honda's higher complaint rate reflects its much larger sales and includes more crash-related reports. Buyers should weigh the Audi's lower frequency against the Honda's more widespread safety concerns.
Key differences
- The Audi A6 Allroad averages about 5 complaints per year, while the Honda Accord averages about 452 per year, but the Accord sells in far higher numbers.
- The Audi's top complaint area is electrical system (21 complaints), often involving sudden power loss and HVAC failure; the Honda's top area is engine (1,006 complaints), with alarms and loss of speed.
- The Honda Accord has 162 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths, while the Audi A6 Allroad has 0 crash-related and 0 deaths in the provided data.
- Both have forward collision avoidance complaints: the Audi for sensor/warning failures, the Honda for unexpected braking or failure to intervene.
- Check for any history of electrical malfunctions, especially messages about 'Maximum engine speed 2500 RPM' or loss of HVAC and auto stop—these can indicate a recurring electrical fault.
- Test the transmission thoroughly for any hesitation, warning lights, or loss of drive power, as owners report complete disengagement at speed.
- Look for signs of engine problems such as rattling noises, rough EV-to-gas transitions, or dashboard alarms for brake, ABS, and hill descent systems.
- Verify that all recalls, especially those for electrical system, fuel pump, and forward collision avoidance, have been performed and documented.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all open recalls are addressed, particularly for the Audi's electrical system and the Honda's fuel pump and electrical recalls.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the electrical system and transmission on the Audi, and the engine, hybrid components, and collision-avoidance sensors on the Honda.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, or unexpected braking/steering behavior.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially any repairs related to the complaint areas (electrical, powertrain, fuel system).
- For the Honda, check the tire condition and TPMS functionality, as a complaint linked a TPMS warning to a subsequent tire failure.
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 A6 Allroad | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 10 |
| 2025 | 1 | 109 |
| 2024 | 0 | 219 |
| 2023 | 0 | 226 |
| 2022 | 0 | 252 |
| 2021 | 26 | 234 |
| 2020 | 8 | 362 |
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 A6 Allroad or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI A6 Allroad vs Honda Accord
- AUDI A6 Allroad total complaints
- 37
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- AUDI A6 Allroad total recalls
- 20
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- AUDI A6 Allroad avg complaints/year
- 5.3
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- AUDI A6 Allroad
- AUDI A6 Allroad top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE