Head-to-head reliability
AUDI Q4 vs Honda Accord
How the AUDI Q4 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 Q4 vs Honda Accord: The Audi Q4 has 34 complaints over 5 years (6.8/year) and 4 recalls, while the Honda Accord has 4,524 complaints over 10 years (452.4/year) and 38 recalls. The Q4 reports 0 deaths and 2 injuries; the Accord reports 3 deaths and 146 injuries. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI Q4 or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI Q4
The Audi Q4 is an electric SUV that has been on the road for five years, averaging about 6.8 complaints per year. Owners frequently report electrical glitches, especially with high-voltage charging, and some brake and driver-assist issues. While the complaint volume is low, the nature of the problems—like sudden warnings to stop driving—can be alarming.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular midsize car with a 10-year history and a much higher complaint rate of about 452 per year. Problems span the engine, electrical system, and forward collision avoidance, with some reports of stalling, power loss, and unintended braking. The sheer number of complaints suggests that while many Accords are reliable, a notable number develop serious issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI Q4 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 34 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 6.8 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 Q4
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM21
- 02SERVICE BRAKES7
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE4
- 04POWER TRAIN3
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
Owners report high-voltage charging malfunctions where the car displays a 'Charging System Malfunction' warning and may refuse to charge beyond AC, leaving them stranded. Others describe sudden electrical failures that trigger stop-driving warnings, which can be frightening and inconvenient.
Some drivers experience brake issues at low speeds or even unintended acceleration while braking at highway speeds, which could increase stopping distances and risk of a crash. These complaints often involve new vehicles with low mileage, suggesting a potential defect.
The automatic emergency braking system may not always engage as expected, and in some cases, owners report that it triggers unnecessarily or fails to activate when needed. This inconsistency can undermine trust in the safety feature.
Complaints include drivetrain malfunctions such as AWD system warnings and camera sensor failures that affect traffic sign recognition. These issues can lead to reduced functionality and may require dealer visits for software or hardware fixes.
“The high-voltage charging system has repeatedly malfunctioned. The vehicle intermittently displays a "Charging System Malfunction" warning and a message that only AC charging is possible, the charge-port indicator blinks green and then red, and the vehicle ca…”
“I am reporting multiple ongoing electrical system malfunctions on my 2024 Audi Q4 55 e-tron SUV that create a safety risk, including sudden loss of functionality and warnings instructing me to stop driving. These issues began approximately two months after I…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners describe rattling noises during acceleration, rough transitions between electric and gas modes, and sudden loss of power with multiple dashboard warnings. These symptoms can indicate internal engine problems or hybrid system faults that may be costly to repair.
Reports include simultaneous failure of power steering and braking at highway speeds, which is extremely dangerous, as well as TPMS warnings that may precede tire failures. Such electrical glitches can compromise critical safety systems.
The system may unexpectedly apply brakes or fail to intervene in actual emergencies, leading to near-misses or crashes. Owners have experienced repeated incidents under similar conditions, suggesting a persistent flaw.
Some complaints involve fuel pump failures that can cause stalling or inability to start, and hybrid system issues that affect power delivery. These problems can leave drivers stranded and may require expensive repairs.
“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 Q4 — 4 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 RS e-tron GT, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron Sportback, Q4 e-tron, 2020-2021 Audi A8, 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro, 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, Q5, and 2021-2022 A7 vehicles. When using the industrial 220V/240V plug at the 100% charg…
The risk: An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Owners are advised not to use the 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable and only use the 110V home charging cable or public charging stations. Dealers will supply a new 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable with an incorporated tem…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Q4 E-TRON and Q4 E-TRON Sportback vehicles. The incorrect headlight control module software may have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 1…
The risk: Incorrect headlight control module software may cause the parking lights not to operate as intended when the headlights are turned on and the turn signals are activated, which can reduce vehicle visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the headlight control module with a new data set, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 941L.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024-2025 AUDI Q4 E-Tron SUV, AUDI Q4 E-Tron Sportback, and 2024 ID.4 vehicles. The on-board charger (OCDC) may fail and stop charging the 12-volt battery, which can result in a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the OCDC, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 20, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for thi…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024-2025 AUDI Q4 E-Tron SUV, AUDI Q4 E-Tron Sportback, and 2024 ID.4 vehicles. The on-board charger (OCDC) may fail and stop charging the 12-volt battery, which can result in a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the OCDC, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 20, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for thi…
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 Q4 or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Audi Q4 has far fewer complaints per year (6.8 vs. 452.4), but the Honda Accord has been on the market twice as long and sells in much higher volumes. In practice, the Q4's lower complaint rate suggests fewer owners experience problems, but the issues reported can be serious. The Accord's higher rate means that while many are reliable, a significant number develop faults that could affect safety and reliability.
Key differences
- The Audi Q4 has 34 complaints over 5 years, while the Honda Accord has 4,524 over 10 years—a massive difference in reported problems.
- Audi Q4 issues often center on charging and electrical glitches, whereas Honda Accord complaints frequently involve engine stalling, power loss, and unintended braking.
- The Honda Accord has 3 reported deaths and 146 injuries in its complaint data, while the Audi Q4 has 0 deaths and 2 injuries, though these figures are not directly comparable due to volume and exposure.
- Both vehicles have recalls for electrical and propulsion issues, but the Accord also has recalls for fuel pumps, seat belts, and air bags, indicating a broader range of safety-related defects.
- Check the high-voltage charging system: test both AC and DC charging, and look for any 'Charging System Malfunction' warnings or error messages on the dashboard.
- Inspect brake performance at low speeds and during hard braking; listen for unusual noises or feel for surging, and verify that the forward collision avoidance system engages properly.
- Listen for engine rattles or rough transitions between EV and gas modes during a test drive, and check for any stored trouble codes related to the hybrid system or fuel pump.
- Test the electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds if possible, and verify that the forward collision avoidance system does not falsely activate or fail to respond.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm that all recalls have been performed, especially for electrical and fuel system issues.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on the components mentioned in complaints.
- For the Audi Q4, test the charging system with both Level 2 and DC fast chargers, and check for software updates.
- For the Honda Accord, check for signs of engine misfires, transmission jerks, and ensure the hybrid battery health is good if applicable.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and verify that any previous complaints or repairs have been addressed.
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 Q4 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 10 |
| 2025 | 7 | 109 |
| 2024 | 27 | 219 |
| 2023 | 0 | 226 |
| 2022 | 0 | 252 |
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 Q4 or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI Q4 vs Honda Accord
- AUDI Q4 total complaints
- 34
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- AUDI Q4 total recalls
- 4
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- AUDI Q4 avg complaints/year
- 6.8
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- AUDI Q4
- AUDI Q4 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE