Head-to-head reliability
AUDI S5 vs Honda Accord
How the AUDI S5 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 S5 vs Honda Accord: The S5 has 72 complaints (7.2/year) and 20 recalls, while the Accord has 4,524 complaints (452.4/year) and 38 recalls. The Accord also reports 162 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths versus 2 and 0 for the S5. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI S5 or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI S5
The Audi S5 is a performance coupe/sedan that demands more attention than a typical commuter car. Over 10 years, it has 72 complaints (7.2 per year) and 20 recalls, with electrical and infotainment issues dominating owner reports. Many complaints describe the MMI system rebooting while driving, which can disable the backup camera and navigation. Engine problems, including a reported piston skirt defect on the 2018 EA839 V6, add to ownership risk.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a high-volume family sedan with a much larger complaint pool: 4,524 complaints over 10 years (452.4 per year) and 38 recalls. Owner reports cover serious issues like engine stalling, electric power steering failure, and forward collision warnings that trigger unexpectedly. With 162 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths reported, the data shows a wide range of safety concerns. The Accord's popularity means more data, but also more reported problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI S5 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 72 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 20 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 7.2 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 S5
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM22
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER21
- 03ENGINE14
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE14
- 05BACK OVER PREVENTION12
Owners report the MMI infotainment system spontaneously reboots every 60–90 seconds while driving. During reboots, the screen goes black and backup camera, rear obstacle detection, and navigation become unavailable, which can be dangerous when reversing or parking.
A 2018 S5 owner reported a latent engine failure tied to EA839 piston skirt and rocker arm defects at 86,000 miles. Another owner described a no-start condition with camshaft codes after a normal drive, leaving the car stranded.
Complaints link MMI reboots to loss of forward collision avoidance features. One owner said the reboot happens every 90 seconds even when stationary, and another noted it occurred while reversing, disabling rear cross-traffic detection.
When the MMI reboots, the backup camera and parking sensors can go dark. This directly affects rear visibility and obstacle detection, making low-speed maneuvers riskier.
“The MMI spontaneously reboots numerous times while driving. When the reboots happen, the screen goes black and key systems such as the backup camera, rear obstacle detection, and navigation, become unavailable until the reboot completes and the systems reload…”
“"The MMI spontaneously reboots numerous times while driving. When the reboots happen, the screen goes black and key systems such as the backup camera, rear obstacle detection, and navigation, become unavailable until the reboot completes and the systems reloa…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report sudden loss of power with multiple dashboard alarms (brake, hill descent, ABS) and a vehicle that cannot maintain speed. Another complaint describes rattling noises, rough transitions between EV and gas modes, and jerking when the charge button is pressed.
A 2025 Accord Hybrid owner reported simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds, causing a near-collision. Another owner had a tire catastrophically fail shortly after a TPMS warning was supposedly repaired.
Complaints describe the system activating unexpectedly under normal driving, such as with adaptive cruise control set to 70 mph. One owner said it happened twice on the same route under identical conditions, suggesting a recurring defect.
A persistent rotten-egg/sulfur odor was reported even after a $407.67 filter replacement and odor treatment. Another owner reported a potential safety defect where the right foot could slip behind a plastic side panel, though this is less common.
“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 S5 — 20 recalls
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 RS5 Sportback, 2020-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, and S5 Sportback vehicles. The wiring harness for the rear lights could be missing the anti-abrasion protection in the area of the spare wheel well.
The risk: Without the scuff protection, the wires may become damaged during a rear crash, disabling the doors from being opened from the outside, causing a loss of hazard lights, and increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will apply scuff protection, free of charge. The recall began January 21, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 97EU.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe,…
The risk: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 4…
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 S5 or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Audi S5 has far fewer complaints per year (7.2 vs. 452.4) and fewer recalls (20 vs. 38), but its issues often center on infotainment and engine defects that can be expensive. The Honda Accord's much larger complaint volume includes more crash-related reports (162 vs. 2) and injuries (146 vs. 2). In practice, the S5 may have fewer reported problems overall, but the Accord's issues are more numerous and include serious safety events.
Key differences
- The Audi S5 has 72 complaints over 10 years, while the Honda Accord has 4,524—a massive difference in reported volume.
- Audi S5 complaints often involve MMI reboots that disable backup cameras and navigation, while Accord complaints include engine stalling and electric power steering failure.
- The Accord has 162 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths; the S5 has 2 crash-related complaints and 0 deaths.
- Both have 20 and 38 recalls respectively, but the Accord's recalls include hybrid power control software and fuel pump issues, while the S5's include seat belt retractors and tail lights.
- Test the MMI system thoroughly: look for spontaneous reboots, screen blackouts, and whether the backup camera and parking sensors work consistently.
- On 2018 S5 models, listen for engine rattles or check for camshaft-related codes; a pre-purchase inspection should include a scan for stored engine faults.
- During a test drive, watch for sudden dashboard warnings (brake, ABS, hill descent) and any loss of power or rough transitions between EV and gas modes.
- Check for persistent sulfur/rotten-egg odors and verify that any TPMS or tire repairs were properly completed, as one owner reported a tire failure after service.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for the Audi's seat belt retractor and the Accord's fuel pump.
- Have a mechanic scan for stored error codes, focusing on the Audi's MMI and engine modules and the Honda's hybrid and forward collision systems.
- Test all infotainment and driver-assistance features during a test drive, including backup camera, navigation, adaptive cruise control, and collision warnings.
- For the Audi S5, ask about any engine work related to piston skirt or rocker arm defects, especially on 2018 models.
- For the Honda Accord, check for any history of electric power steering or braking repairs, and confirm the hybrid battery health if applicable.
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 S5 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 10 |
| 2025 | 11 | 109 |
| 2024 | 2 | 219 |
| 2023 | 0 | 226 |
| 2022 | 0 | 252 |
| 2021 | 1 | 234 |
| 2020 | 25 | 362 |
| 2019 | 6 | 691 |
| 2018 | 26 | 1884 |
| 2017 | 0 | 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 S5 or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI S5 vs Honda Accord
- AUDI S5 total complaints
- 72
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- AUDI S5 total recalls
- 20
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- AUDI S5 avg complaints/year
- 7.2
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- AUDI S5
- AUDI S5 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE