Head-to-head reliability
AUDI SQ7 vs Honda Accord
How the AUDI SQ7 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 SQ7 vs Honda Accord: The SQ7 has 11 complaints over 7 years (1.6/year) and 17 recalls, while the Accord has 4,524 complaints over 10 years (452.4/year) and 38 recalls. The Accord also has 162 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths, versus none for the SQ7. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI SQ7 or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI SQ7
The Audi SQ7 is a high-performance luxury SUV with a complex electrical and engine system. Over 7 years, it has 11 complaints (1.6 per year) and 17 recalls, with 1 injury and no deaths. Owners report electrical issues like overheating phone chargers and USB ports, plus engine coolant leaks from the water pump. These problems can be costly and may require dealer visits, but the low complaint rate suggests they are not widespread.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular family sedan with a high volume of complaints: 4,524 over 10 years (452.4 per year) and 38 recalls. There are 162 crash-related complaints, 146 injuries, and 3 deaths. Owners report engine stalling, electrical failures like power steering and braking lockups, and forward collision avoidance malfunctions. The high complaint count reflects both the car's popularity and a range of serious safety issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI SQ7 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 11 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 17 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.6 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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 SQ7
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6
- 02ENGINE3
- 03BACK OVER PREVENTION2
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE2
- 05STEERING1
Owners report wireless phone charging pads overheating and shutting down, and USB-C ports that push in, causing shorts and potential fire risk. These issues can leave you without charging and pose a safety hazard.
Premature cooling system failure, specifically coolant leaks from the water pump and thermostat housing, often at low mileage. Repair costs can exceed $5,000, and this is a known ongoing issue for Audi.
Backup camera malfunctions and sensor failures cause warning lights and sporadic operation. Some owners report multiple dealer visits without a fix, making parking and reversing less reliable.
Sporadic failures of adaptive assistance and pre-sense systems trigger warning lights and reduced functionality. Owners report these issues persist despite sensor replacements and recalibrations.
“The wireless phone charging pad in the newer Audi vehicles is a potential fire hazard, and could cause burn injuries or an accident. It also renders the phone being charged inoperable due to overheating shutdown which is equally a safety hazard if there were…”
“USB-C ports found on the front center console and second row center console have a defective design that leads to frequent "push in" of the USB connector. This is leading to shorts, circuit boards overheating, and potential fire risk. It is a frequent issue r…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report sudden power loss, alarms for brake and stability systems, and rough transitions between EV and gas modes. Some experience rattling noises and jerking, with dealers unable to resolve.
Electronic power steering and braking can fail simultaneously at highway speeds, causing near-collisions. TPMS warnings may lead to tire failures, and other electrical glitches are common.
Adaptive cruise control and collision avoidance systems may suddenly brake or fail to respond, even under consistent conditions. Owners report repeated incidents and dealer inability to fix.
Fuel pump issues and hybrid system problems can cause stalling or loss of power. Persistent sulfur odors and other fuel-related complaints are also reported.
“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 SQ7 — 17 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. (Volkswagen) is recalling one Audi SQ7 vehicles. The fasteners securing the high pressure fuel pump may not be tightened properly, resulting in a fuel leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the screw connections and replace the high pressure fuel pump and fuel lines as necessary, free of charge. The one affected vehicle was repaired. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 800-893-52…
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. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattr…
The risk: A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.
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 SQ7 or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Audi SQ7 has far fewer complaints per year (1.6 vs. 452.4) and fewer recalls (17 vs. 38), but its issues tend to be costly electrical and engine problems. The Honda Accord's much higher complaint rate includes more crash-related reports and injuries, suggesting a broader range of safety concerns. In practice, the SQ7 may have fewer problems overall, but when they occur, they can be expensive; the Accord's issues are more frequent and sometimes severe.
Key differences
- The Audi SQ7 has 1.6 complaints per year vs. the Honda Accord's 452.4, but the SQ7's issues include costly engine coolant leaks and electrical fire risks.
- The Honda Accord has 162 crash-related complaints, 146 injuries, and 3 deaths, while the SQ7 has 0 crash-related, 1 injury, and 0 deaths.
- Both have backup camera and forward collision avoidance complaints, but the Accord's forward collision issues are more frequent and include sudden braking.
- The SQ7's recalls include fuel pump and camera issues; the Accord's recalls include hybrid power control software and fuel pump, with more recalls overall.
- Check for coolant leaks around the water pump and thermostat housing, especially on 2021 models with the 4.0L V8, as owners report failures under 27,000 miles.
- Test the wireless charging pad and USB-C ports for overheating or loose connections, and verify backup camera and sensor operation.
- Test the electronic power steering and braking systems at highway speeds for any lockup or warning lights, as owners report simultaneous failures.
- Check for transmission jerking between EV and gas modes, rattling noises, and persistent sulfur odors; also verify forward collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control functionality.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for the SQ7's backup camera and fuel pump, and the Accord's hybrid power control and fuel pump.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the model, focusing on the SQ7's cooling system and electrical ports, and the Accord's steering, braking, and hybrid components.
- Test drive both vehicles under various conditions, including highway speeds, to check for warning lights, unusual noises, and system malfunctions.
- For the Accord, ask about any history of sudden power loss, braking issues, or forward collision warnings; for the SQ7, inquire about coolant leaks and electrical overheating.
- Check NHTSA.gov for open recalls by VIN and ensure any outstanding recalls 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 SQ7 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 10 |
| 2025 | 2 | 109 |
| 2024 | 1 | 219 |
| 2023 | 0 | 226 |
| 2022 | 0 | 252 |
| 2021 | 6 | 234 |
| 2020 | 2 | 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 SQ7 or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI SQ7 vs Honda Accord
- AUDI SQ7 total complaints
- 11
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- AUDI SQ7 total recalls
- 17
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- AUDI SQ7 avg complaints/year
- 1.6
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- AUDI SQ7
- AUDI SQ7 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE