Head-to-head reliability
AUDI Q7 vs Honda Accord
How the AUDI Q7 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 Q7 vs Honda Accord: The Q7 averages 65 complaints per year with 40 recalls, while the Accord averages 452 complaints per year with 38 recalls. The Q7 has 0 deaths and 21 injuries reported; the Accord has 3 deaths and 146 injuries. Both have fuel pump recalls. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI Q7 or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI Q7
The Audi Q7 is a luxury SUV that averages about 65 complaints per year over the past decade, with 40 recalls and 21 injuries reported. Owners frequently report electrical failures, engine coolant leaks, and exterior lighting problems. While the overall complaint count is lower than some rivals, the severity of issues like sudden power loss and oil consumption can be costly. Living with a Q7 means budgeting for potential repairs and staying on top of recalls.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a mainstream sedan with a much higher complaint volume—about 452 per year—but it also sells in far greater numbers. The data shows 38 recalls, 162 crash-related reports, and 3 deaths, with engine, electrical, and forward collision avoidance systems drawing the most complaints. Many issues involve stalling, braking failures, and false automatic emergency braking. For buyers, this means a widely available car with known trouble spots that should be checked carefully.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI Q7 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 646 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 40 | 38 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 20 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 64.6 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 21 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 Q7
- 01EXTERIOR LIGHTING160
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM136
- 03ENGINE131
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER75
- 05SUSPENSION60
Owners report matrix adaptive headlights not working, which can reduce night visibility and cause glare sensitivity. This matters because headlights are a key safety feature, and repairs can be expensive.
Complaints include complete electrical failure at highway speeds due to a belt starter generator (BSG) malfunction, sometimes recurring after replacement. Such failures can leave the vehicle without power and create a serious safety risk.
Reports of systemic coolant leaks on the 3.0L turbocharged V6 (EA839) engine, leading to increased oil consumption and loud noises. These defects can cause overheating and engine damage if not addressed.
Owners describe the vehicle locking unexpectedly with children or keys inside, posing an entrapment risk. This is a critical safety concern for families.
“Matrix adaptive headlights are not working. Night driving with increased adoption of LED headlights become challenging due to high glare level and associated temporary vision sensitivity reduction, I was hoping that matrix adaptive headlights will improve thi…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report sudden loss of power, alarms for brake, hill descent, and ABS failures, and rattling noises during acceleration. These issues can leave drivers stranded or unable to maintain speed.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds, as well as tire failures after TPMS service. Such failures can cause loss of control and near-collisions.
Owners describe the system braking unexpectedly or failing to intervene, sometimes under adaptive cruise control. This can lead to rear-end collisions or unnecessary panic stops.
Reports of persistent rotten-egg odors and a foot getting trapped behind a center console panel. These may indicate broader quality or design issues.
“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 Q7 — 40 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Audi Q7 vehicles. The padding on the vehicle's C-pillar may not absorb enough impact in the event of a crash.
The risk: In the event of a crash, an unbelted occupant's head may impact the vehicle's C-pillar padding, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the deformation element on the C-pillars, free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 70…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Audi Q7 vehicles. The air bag control module may deploy the second stage of the front passenger air bag too quickly after the first stage when the seat is occupied by an unbelted child. As such, these vehicles fail to comply wi…
The risk: During a crash necessitating the deployment of the passenger air bag, the second stage may deploy too quickly when a child is in the front passenger seat, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the air bag control module, free of charge. The recall began March 5, 2021. Owners can contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BV.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi Q8, and 2020-2021 Audi Q7 vehicles. A component inside the fuel pump may break, causing the fuel pump to fail.
The risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 20DR.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020 Q7 vehicles. Incompatibility between the front camera control software and the heating element used for the front camera on the windshield may cause the heating element to overheat.
The risk: An overheated heating element can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will update the control software and replace the heater element for the front camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 26, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834.…
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 Q7 or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Audi Q7 has far fewer complaints per year (about 65) compared to the Honda Accord (about 452), but the Accord's higher volume reflects its popularity. In practice, the Q7's issues tend to be more severe and expensive, while the Accord's problems are more frequent but often covered by recalls or warranties. Buyers should weigh the Q7's lower complaint rate against its higher repair costs.
Key differences
- The Audi Q7 has about 65 complaints per year versus the Honda Accord's 452, but the Accord sells in much higher numbers.
- Q7 owners report sudden electrical failures and coolant leaks, while Accord owners report stalling, braking failures, and false automatic braking.
- The Accord has 3 deaths and 146 injuries reported, compared to 0 deaths and 21 injuries for the Q7, though these figures don't account for vehicle volume.
- Both have fuel pump recalls, but the Q7 also has roof and airbag software recalls, while the Accord has hybrid power control and seat belt recalls.
- Check for coolant leaks and oil consumption signs, especially on 3.0L V6 models, as owners report systemic leaks.
- Test all electrical functions, including the belt starter generator and matrix headlights, for intermittent failures.
- Test the electronic power steering and braking systems at highway speeds for any warning lights or loss of assist.
- Verify that forward collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control operate correctly without unexpected braking.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed.
- Have a mechanic inspect the specific problem areas: for the Q7, coolant system and electrical components; for the Accord, engine, braking, and driver-assist systems.
- Test drive at highway speeds to check for power loss, steering, and braking issues.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for oil changes and any repairs related to known defects.
- Check for open recalls by VIN with a dealer and ensure they are addressed before purchase.
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 Q7 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 10 |
| 2025 | 16 | 109 |
| 2024 | 2 | 219 |
| 2023 | 0 | 226 |
| 2022 | 0 | 252 |
| 2021 | 75 | 234 |
| 2020 | 28 | 362 |
| 2019 | 62 | 691 |
| 2018 | 143 | 1884 |
| 2017 | 319 | 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 Q7 or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI Q7 vs Honda Accord
- AUDI Q7 total complaints
- 646
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- AUDI Q7 total recalls
- 40
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- AUDI Q7 avg complaints/year
- 64.6
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- AUDI Q7
- AUDI Q7 top complaint area
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE