Head-to-head reliability
Buick Century vs Honda Accord
How the Buick Century 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
Buick Century vs Honda Accord: The Century averaged 121 complaints per year over 6 years, with 38 crash-related reports and 36 injuries. The Accord averaged 452 complaints per year over 10 years, with 162 crash-related reports, 146 injuries, and 3 deaths. Both have serious safety defects. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Buick Century or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Buick Century
The Buick Century is a mid-size sedan that, based on owner complaints, tends to have issues with exterior lighting, brakes, and electrical systems. Over six years, it averaged 121 complaints per year, with 38 crash-related reports and 36 injuries. Owners frequently mention headlights turning off while driving and brake lines failing due to rust. These are serious safety concerns that a used-car buyer should be aware of.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular mid-size sedan that, according to owner complaints, has a higher volume of issues, especially with the engine, electrical system, and forward collision avoidance. Over ten years, it averaged 452 complaints per year, with 162 crash-related reports, 146 injuries, and 3 deaths. Owners report problems like engine rattling, loss of power, and electronic steering and braking failures. These patterns suggest that while the Accord is common, some model years may have significant reliability and safety defects.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Buick Century | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 726 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 20 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 38 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 121.0 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 36 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.
Buick Century
- 01EXTERIOR LIGHTING109
- 02SERVICE BRAKES103
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM100
- 04ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING92
- 05POWER TRAIN86
Owners report headlights turning off unexpectedly while driving, which can severely reduce visibility. This issue appears in multiple complaints and is a critical safety risk, especially at night.
Brake lines can fail due to rust and corrosion, leading to a loss of braking ability. One owner described the pedal going to the floor when both front and rear lines burst, which is extremely dangerous.
Electrical problems often relate to lighting, such as low beams stopping working at highway speeds. This forces drivers to hold the switch for high beams, distracting them and compromising safety.
Complaints include reduced acceleration and vehicle veering, which could indicate engine or cooling system issues. These problems can leave a driver stranded or cause loss of control.
“WE HAVE HAD OUR 2005 BUICK LACROSSE FOR ABOUT SIX MONTHS NOW AND WANT TO REPORT THIS LIGHTING SAFETY CONCERN. THIS HEADLIGHT INCIDENT WITH OUR BUICK HAS ACTUALLY HAPPENED TO US, THREE TIMES SINCE MID APRIL. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED, WE WERE DRIVING ONE EVEN…”
“A FEW TIMES IN THE LAST 2 YEARS THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE TURNED OFF WHILE DRIVING FOR NO REASON. ONCE WHILE I WAS IN THE CAR WITH A FRIEND WHO ALSO OWNS A BUICK THE ISSUE OCCURRED AND HE TOLD ME HIS CAR HAD BEEN RECALLED FOR THE SAME ISSUE. I CONTACTED BUICK, WHO…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report rattling noises while accelerating, rough transitions between EV and gas modes, and sudden loss of speed with multiple warning lights. These issues can lead to breakdowns and costly repairs.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking systems at highway speeds, which can cause a near-collision. This is a severe safety defect that could result in a crash.
Owners describe the system engaging unexpectedly or failing to operate, sometimes with adaptive cruise control set. This can cause sudden braking or a lack of assistance when needed, increasing crash risk.
Issues include persistent sulfur odors and potential fuel pump problems, which may indicate leaks or failures. These can lead to performance issues and safety hazards like stalling.
“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.
Buick Century — 20 recalls
The defect: DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN…
The risk: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-24…
The defect: CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
The risk: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
The fix: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
The defect: DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN…
The risk: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-24…
The defect: CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
The risk: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
The fix: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
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
Buick Century or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Buick Century has far fewer complaints per year (121) compared to the Honda Accord (452), but both have serious safety-related issues. The Accord's higher volume means more owners experience problems, but the Century's issues like brake line failures and headlights turning off are also critical. In practice, the Century may have fewer overall problems, but the severity of reported defects in both vehicles means a thorough inspection is essential.
Key differences
- The Buick Century averages 121 complaints per year, while the Honda Accord averages 452, indicating the Accord has more frequent owner-reported issues.
- Buick Century complaints often involve headlights turning off and brake line failures, whereas Honda Accord complaints include engine rattling and electronic steering/braking failures.
- The Honda Accord has 3 reported deaths and 146 injuries in its complaints, compared to 0 deaths and 36 injuries for the Buick Century, suggesting potentially more severe outcomes.
- Both vehicles have recalls for critical systems: the Century for steering and fuel tank pressure, and the Accord for electrical, fuel pump, and air bag issues.
- Check for rusted brake lines, as owners report sudden brake failure due to corrosion; inspect under the vehicle for rust or leaks.
- Test the headlights thoroughly, including low and high beams, for any intermittent operation or sudden shutoff, as this is a common complaint.
- Listen for rattling noises during acceleration and check for rough transitions between EV and gas modes, which could indicate engine or hybrid system problems.
- Verify that electronic power steering and braking systems function correctly, as simultaneous failures have been reported; test at various speeds if possible.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to check for open recalls, especially for steering (Buick) and electrical/fuel pump (Honda).
- Have a mechanic inspect the brake lines for rust and the headlight operation on the Buick Century.
- For the Honda Accord, scan for stored error codes related to the engine, hybrid system, and forward collision avoidance.
- Test drive both vehicles under various conditions, including highway speeds, to check for acceleration, braking, and steering issues.
- Review NHTSA complaints for the specific model year you are considering to identify common problems.
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 Buick Century or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Buick Century vs Honda Accord
- Buick Century total complaints
- 726
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Buick Century total recalls
- 20
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Buick Century avg complaints/year
- 121.0
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Buick Century
- Buick Century top complaint area
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE