Head-to-head reliability
AUDI SQ5 vs Honda Accord
How the AUDI SQ5 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 SQ5 vs Honda Accord: The Audi SQ5 averages 8.6 complaints per year with 4 crash-related reports, while the Honda Accord averages 452.4 complaints per year with 162 crash-related reports and 3 deaths. Both have forward collision avoidance issues, but the Accord's are more frequent. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI SQ5 or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI SQ5
The Audi SQ5 is a performance SUV that averages about 8.6 complaints per year over a decade, with 22 recalls. Owners report issues like trunk lids opening while driving, brake light failures, coolant leaks, and unexpected automatic braking. These problems can be inconvenient and sometimes scary, but the lower complaint volume suggests fewer owners are affected overall.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular family sedan with a much higher complaint rate—about 452 per year—and 38 recalls. Common reports include engine stalling, power steering and brake failures, and forward collision warnings that trigger without cause. With 162 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths, the data shows more frequent and severe safety concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI SQ5 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 86 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 22 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 4 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 8.6 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 7 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 SQ5
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM19
- 02ENGINE18
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE15
- 04POWER TRAIN11
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER10
Owners report the trunk lid opening on its own while driving, which can drop cargo onto the road. Another common failure is the rear brake lights stopping due to a faulty control module, documented in a technical service bulletin.
Coolant leaks from the water pump and hoses are frequently mentioned, sometimes leading to engine noise and piston damage. This can result in costly repairs if not caught early.
The Audi Pre Sense system sometimes activates randomly, abruptly braking and tightening seatbelts even when no obstacle is present. This unexpected braking can startle the driver and increase crash risk.
Some owners experience sudden failure of the rear CV axle or driveshaft, causing a loud pop and total loss of power. This is rare but dangerous, especially at speed.
“THE TRUNK LID HAS OPENED ON ITS OWN WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN THE NIGHT TIME, SOME SMALL CARGO (MADE OF PLASTIC) FELL OUT OF THE TRUNK AND WAS DESTROYED BY THE TRAFFIC BEHIND ME AND IN ADJACENT LANE WHILE CREATING SOME MINOR ROAD HAZARD. INSTANTLY…”
“The rear brake lights on my 2019 Audi SQ5 stopped functioning due to a failure of the Comfort System Central Control Module (J393). This defect is documented by Audi in Technical Service Bulletin 2055123/5 and earlier versions. The malfunction causes the “rea…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report the vehicle losing speed and showing multiple warning lights (brake, hill descent, ABS) while driving. Rattling noises and rough transitions between electric and gas modes are also common, with some dealers unable to fix the issue.
There are reports of electronic power steering and braking systems failing simultaneously at highway speeds, leading to near-collisions. Tire pressure monitoring system warnings sometimes precede catastrophic tire failure.
The collision avoidance system can brake unexpectedly or fail to respond, even with adaptive cruise control set. Owners describe repeated incidents under similar conditions, suggesting a persistent defect.
Persistent rotten-egg odors from the fuel system and interior trim pieces that trap the driver's foot are reported. These issues may not be safety-critical but are annoying and can distract the driver.
“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 SQ5 — 22 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 2021-2022 Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, 2018-2022 Q5, and SQ5 vehicles. A liquid spill in the rear seat, or water ingress from an insufficient body seam underneath the vehicle may allow liquid to penetrate the gateway control module, caus…
The risk: A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install a protective cover on the gateway control module and seal an underbody seam as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2…
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 SQ5 or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Audi SQ5 has far fewer complaints per year (8.6 vs. 452.4) and fewer crash-related reports (4 vs. 162). In practice, this means an SQ5 owner is less likely to experience a reported safety defect, though both vehicles have their own patterns of problems.
Key differences
- The Audi SQ5 averages 8.6 complaints per year, while the Honda Accord averages 452.4—a huge difference in reported problem frequency.
- Honda Accord complaints include 162 crash-related incidents and 3 deaths; the Audi SQ5 has 4 crash-related and 0 deaths.
- Audi SQ5 owners commonly report trunk lids opening and brake light failures; Honda Accord owners report engine stalling and power steering/brake failures.
- Both have forward collision avoidance issues, but the Accord's are more frequently linked to crashes and injuries.
- Check for any history of trunk lid opening on its own—test the latch and electrical system, and look for related recalls.
- Inspect the water pump and coolant hoses for leaks, and listen for engine tapping noises that could indicate piston damage.
- Test the electronic power steering and braking systems at low and high speeds; any warning lights or unusual feel could signal a serious defect.
- Check tire condition and TPMS functionality, as sudden tire failures have been reported after TPMS warnings.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for electrical and fuel system issues.
- Take a test drive that includes highway speeds and activate the forward collision avoidance system to check for false braking.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Audi SQ5's water pump, coolant hoses, and rear axle for leaks or damage.
- For the Honda Accord, have a mechanic check the electronic power steering, braking system, and fuel system for odors or leaks.
- Ask the seller for any service records related to engine, electrical, or transmission repairs.
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 SQ5 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 10 |
| 2025 | 7 | 109 |
| 2024 | 6 | 219 |
| 2023 | 0 | 226 |
| 2022 | 0 | 252 |
| 2021 | 13 | 234 |
| 2020 | 8 | 362 |
| 2019 | 19 | 691 |
| 2018 | 24 | 1884 |
| 2017 | 5 | 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 SQ5 or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI SQ5 vs Honda Accord
- AUDI SQ5 total complaints
- 86
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- AUDI SQ5 total recalls
- 22
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- AUDI SQ5 avg complaints/year
- 8.6
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- AUDI SQ5
- AUDI SQ5 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE