Head-to-head reliability
AUDI E TRON Sportback vs Honda Accord
How the AUDI E TRON Sportback 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 E TRON Sportback vs Honda Accord: The Audi E-Tron Sportback has 45 complaints over 3 years (15 per year) and 4 recalls, while the Honda Accord has 4,524 complaints over 10 years (452 per year) and 38 recalls. The Honda also reports 162 crash-related incidents, 146 injuries, and 3 deaths, compared to none for the Audi. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI E TRON Sportback or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI E TRON Sportback
The Audi E-Tron Sportback is an electric SUV that has generated 45 complaints over three years, averaging 15 per year. Most owner reports center on electrical system glitches, such as blank instrument displays and high-voltage battery warnings that can disable regenerative braking. There are also reports of drivetrain noises and sudden loss of power, though no crashes, injuries, or deaths are recorded in the data. Overall, it appears to have a lower complaint volume but with potentially serious electrical and power-related symptoms.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular midsize car with 4,524 complaints over ten years, averaging about 452 per year. Owner complaints frequently mention engine problems, electrical failures like power steering and braking lockups, and forward collision avoidance system malfunctions. The data also includes 162 crash-related reports, 146 injuries, and 3 deaths, indicating that some issues have been linked to crashes. This suggests a higher volume of reported problems and more severe outcomes compared to the Audi.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI E TRON Sportback | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 45 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 15.0 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.
AUDI E TRON Sportback
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM32
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER12
- 03POWER TRAIN10
- 04ENGINE8
- 05SERVICE BRAKES3
Owners report intermittent blank instrument cluster displays and high-voltage battery warnings that can cause regenerative braking to stop working, reducing energy recovery and driving range. These electrical glitches can be distracting and may require dealer visits to diagnose.
Some owners hear a loud droning or humming noise from the drivetrain that gets louder with speed, and others experience sudden jerking with the drivetrain disengaging while approaching stops. These symptoms suggest potential issues with the electric drive unit that could lead to costly repairs.
Although the E-Tron is electric, complaints filed under 'Engine' include drivetrain noise and an 'Electrical System Malfunction' message that appears while driving. These warnings can indicate underlying software or hardware faults that may leave the vehicle in a reduced-power state.
Several owners describe unresolved recall issues, with vehicles at service centers for software updates that leave all warning lights illuminated. This highlights frustration with recall remedies and potential ongoing electrical problems after service.
“I own a 2021 Audi e-tron with approximately 58000 miles. Beginning in March 2026, the vehicle developed intermittent Virtual Cockpit/instrument-cluster problems with blank display. I reported the condition to Audi dealer of Princeton NJ. The vehicle subsequen…”
“While driving my 2021 Audi e-tron Sportback Prestige, the high-voltage battery warning light illuminated on the dashboard. At the same time, regenerative braking stopped functioning, resulting in reduced energy recovery and a noticeable decrease in driving ra…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report rattling noises during acceleration, rough transitions between EV and gas modes, and sudden loss of speed with multiple dashboard alarms. These symptoms can indicate engine or hybrid system faults that may affect drivability and safety.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds, as well as tire failures after TPMS service. Such electrical and safety-system failures can create dangerous driving conditions.
Owners describe instances where the forward collision avoidance system activated unexpectedly or failed to respond, sometimes under consistent driving conditions. These malfunctions could lead to unintended braking or failure to mitigate a collision.
Reports include persistent rotten-egg odors and fuel pump issues that may cause stalling or difficulty starting. These problems can be inconvenient and potentially hazardous if they occur while driving.
“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 E TRON Sportback — 4 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 2019-2023 Audi E-Tron Quattro, 2020-2023 Audi E-Tron Sportback, 2024 Q8 E-Tron, Q8 Sportback E-Tron, SQ8 E-Tron, and SQ8 Sportback E-Tron vehicles. The fastener that connects the brake pedal and the brake booster may have been improperly…
The risk: Brake pedal detachment can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the pushrod screw joint as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 28, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recal…
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 2019-2023 Audi E-Tron Quattro, 2020-2023 Audi E-Tron Sportback, 2024 Q8 E-Tron, Q8 Sportback E-Tron, SQ8 E-Tron, and SQ8 Sportback E-Tron vehicles. The fastener that connects the brake pedal and the brake booster may have been improperly…
The risk: Brake pedal detachment can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the pushrod screw joint as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 28, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recal…
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 E TRON Sportback or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Audi E-Tron Sportback has far fewer complaints per year (15 vs. 452 for the Honda Accord), but its issues often involve electrical and drivetrain symptoms that can be serious. The Honda Accord's higher complaint volume includes more crash-related reports and injuries, suggesting a broader range of safety concerns. In practice, the Audi may require less frequent dealer visits, but the Honda's issues appear more numerous and sometimes more severe.
Key differences
- The Audi E-Tron Sportback averages 15 complaints per year, while the Honda Accord averages 452 per year, a roughly 30-fold difference in reported issue frequency.
- Audi complaints often involve electrical system glitches like blank displays and battery warnings, whereas Honda complaints include engine rattles, power steering failures, and forward collision avoidance malfunctions.
- The Honda Accord data includes 162 crash-related reports, 146 injuries, and 3 deaths, while the Audi E-Tron Sportback has zero in all three categories.
- Both vehicles have recalls, but Audi's recalls relate to back-over prevention cameras and brake pedals, while Honda's recalls cover hybrid management software, tires, seat belts, air bag sensors, and fuel pumps.
- Check for intermittent blank instrument cluster displays or warning lights, as owners report these electrical glitches.
- Listen for a loud droning or humming noise from the drivetrain that changes with speed, which could indicate a power train issue.
- Test the electronic power steering and braking systems for any hesitation or lockup, especially at highway speeds, as owners report simultaneous failures.
- Listen for rattling noises during acceleration and feel for rough transitions between EV and gas modes, which may signal engine or hybrid system problems.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been completed, especially for the Audi's camera and brake pedal recalls and the Honda's hybrid software and fuel pump recalls.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the Audi's electrical system and drivetrain, and the Honda's engine, steering, and braking systems.
- Test drive the vehicle under various conditions, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to check for warning lights, unusual noises, or loss of power.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and verify that any software updates or recall repairs were done at an authorized dealer.
- For the Honda, specifically check the forward collision avoidance system and tire condition, as complaints mention unexpected activation and tire failures.
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 E TRON Sportback | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 0 | 252 |
| 2021 | 41 | 234 |
| 2020 | 4 | 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 E TRON Sportback or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI E TRON Sportback vs Honda Accord
- AUDI E TRON Sportback total complaints
- 45
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- AUDI E TRON Sportback total recalls
- 4
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- AUDI E TRON Sportback avg complaints/year
- 15.0
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- AUDI E TRON Sportback
- AUDI E TRON Sportback top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE