Head-to-head reliability
AUDI A6 vs Honda Accord
How the AUDI A6 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 vs Honda Accord: The Audi A6 averages 20 complaints per year with 2 crash-related reports, while the Honda Accord averages 452 complaints per year with 162 crash-related reports. The Accord also has 146 injuries versus 2 for the A6. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI A6 or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI A6
The Audi A6 is a luxury sedan that can be costly to maintain as it ages. Over 10 years, it has averaged 20 complaints per year, with electrical system issues being the most common. Owners report problems like water leaks causing electrical failures and sudden power loss. While recalls are numerous, the complaint rate is relatively low compared to the Accord.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular family sedan with a much higher complaint rate—averaging 452 complaints per year. Engine and electrical issues dominate, and there are more crash-related reports. Owners describe serious problems like power steering failure and engine shutdowns. This suggests that while the Accord is common, it may have more frequent and severe reliability concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI A6 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 200 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 41 | 38 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 20.0 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 2 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
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM123
- 02ENGINE41
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE27
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER23
- 05POWER TRAIN21
Owners report water leaking into the passenger compartment, corroding wiring harnesses and causing electrical failures, mold growth, and sudden power loss. This can lead to expensive repairs and safety risks like unexpected shutdowns.
Complaints include sudden loss of engine power and throttle response, often accompanied by a dashboard warning limiting engine speed. This can leave drivers stranded or cause dangerous situations on the road.
Drivers describe multiple warning lights and even steering lock-up, which could lead to a crash. These failures in advanced driver-assistance systems are concerning for safety.
Issues range from door locking malfunctions to persistent moldy odors from the HVAC system. These problems affect comfort and security, and may indicate broader quality control issues.
“* Passenger front Seat wiring harness corrosion and failure due to water ingress due to leaking web plate in the longitudinal member on passenger side. Water ingress in passenger compartment caused electrical failure and black mold to grow in the interior car…”
“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 rattling noises, rough transitions between EV and gas modes, and sudden loss of speed with multiple dashboard alarms. These issues can indicate serious powertrain problems and may be costly to fix.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of power steering and braking, as well as tire pressure monitoring system issues leading to tire failure. Such failures at highway speeds are extremely dangerous.
Drivers experience unexpected braking or failure to respond under consistent conditions, sometimes occurring multiple times. This undermines trust in safety features and could cause accidents.
Reports include persistent sulfur-like odors and fuel pump problems. These can indicate fuel delivery issues that may lead to stalling or performance problems.
“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 — 41 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. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, R…
The risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi custome…
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…
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 or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Audi A6 has far fewer complaints per year (20 vs. 452 for the Honda Accord), suggesting it may have fewer reported issues overall. However, the Accord's higher volume of complaints includes more crashes and injuries, indicating potentially more severe problems. In practice, the Audi may be less troublesome but could still have costly electrical and engine issues, while the Honda may require more frequent attention to safety-related defects.
Key differences
- The Audi A6 averages 20 complaints per year, while the Honda Accord averages 452—a massive difference in reported issue frequency.
- The Accord has 162 crash-related complaints and 146 injuries, compared to the A6's 2 crashes and 2 injuries, indicating more severe safety concerns.
- Audi A6 complaints often involve water leaks and electrical corrosion, while Accord complaints frequently cite engine power loss and steering/braking failures.
- Both have recalls for electrical and seat belt issues, but the Accord also has recalls for fuel pumps and hybrid software, reflecting more complex powertrain systems.
- Check for water leaks in the passenger footwell and trunk, which can corrode wiring and cause electrical failures.
- Test all electronic systems, including door locks, infotainment, and driver-assistance features, for intermittent glitches.
- Listen for rattling noises from the engine and test the transition between EV and gas modes if it's a hybrid.
- Verify that power steering and braking systems function smoothly, and check for any warning lights related to TPMS or ADAS.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to see if recalls were addressed.
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system and check for water damage or corrosion.
- Test drive at highway speeds to feel for hesitation, warning lights, or steering issues.
- For the Accord, specifically test the hybrid system and listen for engine rattles.
- For the Audi, check the HVAC system for odors and ensure all electronics work.
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 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8 | 10 |
| 2025 | 9 | 109 |
| 2024 | 3 | 219 |
| 2023 | 2 | 226 |
| 2022 | 0 | 252 |
| 2021 | 17 | 234 |
| 2020 | 25 | 362 |
| 2019 | 114 | 691 |
| 2018 | 2 | 1884 |
| 2017 | 20 | 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 AUDI A6 or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI A6 vs Honda Accord
- AUDI A6 total complaints
- 200
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- AUDI A6 total recalls
- 41
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- AUDI A6 avg complaints/year
- 20.0
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- AUDI A6
- AUDI A6 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE