Head-to-head reliability
Buick Lesabre vs Honda Accord
How the Buick Lesabre 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 Lesabre vs Honda Accord: The Lesabre averages 294.5 complaints per year with 70 crash-related and 83 injuries, while the Accord averages 452.4 per year with 162 crash-related, 146 injuries, and 3 deaths. The Accord has more recalls (38 vs 8). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Buick Lesabre or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Buick Lesabre
The Buick Lesabre is a full-size sedan with a relatively low complaint rate of about 295 per year over six years, but the pattern shows a mix of electrical gremlins and structural concerns. Owners frequently report burning out instrument lights, inoperable speedometers, and brake pedal issues that can lead to crashes. With 70 crash-related complaints and 83 injuries but no deaths, it's a vehicle that demands attention to aging electrical and brake systems.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord has a much higher complaint rate of about 452 per year over ten years, with 38 recalls and 3 deaths reported. The complaints span serious engine and electrical failures, including loss of power, electronic steering and braking lockups, and forward collision avoidance malfunctions. While the Accord is a popular choice, the volume and severity of reported issues suggest buyers should be cautious, especially with newer hybrid models.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Buick Lesabre | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,767 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 8 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 70 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 294.5 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 83 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 Lesabre
- 01VISIBILITY492
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM260
- 03STRUCTURE206
- 04ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING148
- 05AIR BAGS138
Owners report instrument lights on the radio, heat/air controls, and steering wheel controls burning out one by one. This can leave drivers unable to see critical gauges or control comfort features, and repairs may be costly.
Complaints include speedometer failure and ignition switch problems where the key can be removed while the car is still on. These issues can lead to unexpected stalling or inability to restart, posing safety risks.
Reports of brake pedal going to the floor and ignition switch breakage that damages the frontal area. Such failures can cause loss of braking and crashes, as noted in owner accounts.
Premature failure of front wheel bearings, sometimes discovered during routine service. This can lead to wheel wobble, noise, and potential loss of control if not addressed.
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners describe sudden loss of speed, alarms for brake, hill descent, and ABS failures, and rattling noises during acceleration. These symptoms can indicate serious powertrain issues that may strand drivers.
Reports of electronic power steering and braking systems failing and locking up at highway speeds, as well as TPMS warnings followed by tire failure. These failures can cause immediate loss of control.
Complaints that the system fails to resolve threats, with incidents of unexpected braking or failure to brake under adaptive cruise control. This undermines a key safety feature and can lead to collisions.
Persistent rotten-egg odors and foot entrapment behind plastic panels are reported. While not always safety-critical, these issues indicate build quality and ergonomic problems.
“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 Lesabre — 8 recalls
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.
The risk: PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT R…
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.
The risk: PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT R…
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH MISSING OR UNDER-TORQUED STEERING GEAR ATTACHMENT BOLTS. IF A BOLT IS MISSING, THE DRIVER MAY NOTICE UNEVEN STEERING RESPONSE OR UNUSUAL NOISES DURING TURNS.
The risk: IF THE LEFT BOLT IS MISSING AND THE RIGHT MOUNTING STRAP FAILS, STEERING CONTROL IS LOST AND A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR PRESENCE AND PROPER TORQUE OF BOTH STEERING GEAR BOLTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 5, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE…
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE HEAD LAMP ADJUSTMENT DEVICE HORIZONTAL ADJUSTER MAY NOT MOVE THE HEAD LAMP REFLECTOR WHEN THE SHAFT IS ROTATED IN A NORMAL MANNER D…
The risk: DRIVER VISIBILITY MAY BE IMPAIRED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: AN INSERT CONTAINING INSTRUCTIONS FOR OPTICALLY AIMING THE HEADLAMPS WILL BE PROVIDED TO OWNERS FOR THE OWNER'S MANUAL. OWNERS SHOULD FOLLOW THE PROCEDURE IN THE INSERT FOR HEADLAMP AIM ADJUSTMENT, RATHER THAN USING THE HORIZONTAL VHAD IND…
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 Lesabre or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Buick Lesabre has fewer complaints per year (about 295 vs. 452 for the Honda Accord), but both have serious safety-related reports. The Accord's higher volume and 3 deaths suggest more frequent and severe issues, while the Lesabre's problems tend to be electrical and structural. In practice, the Lesabre may be simpler to maintain, but the Accord's newer safety features come with complex failure risks.
Key differences
- The Buick Lesabre has 70 crash-related complaints and 83 injuries over 6 years, while the Honda Accord has 162 crash-related complaints, 146 injuries, and 3 deaths over 10 years.
- Buick Lesabre complaints often involve burning instrument lights and brake pedal failures, whereas Honda Accord complaints include engine power loss and electronic steering/braking lockups.
- The Honda Accord has 38 recalls versus 8 for the Buick Lesabre, indicating more frequent manufacturer safety campaigns.
- Forward collision avoidance is a top complaint area for the Honda Accord (837 complaints), but not for the Buick Lesabre, reflecting newer technology with new failure modes.
- Check that all instrument lights, radio, and climate controls work; burning out one by one is a common complaint.
- Test the brake pedal for firmness and inspect for any signs of ignition switch wear or speedometer malfunction.
- Test drive at highway speeds to feel for electronic power steering or braking hesitation or lockup.
- Listen for rattling noises during acceleration and check for any forward collision avoidance warning lights or malfunctions.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a mechanic inspect the brake system, including pedal feel and ABS operation, on the Buick Lesabre.
- For the Honda Accord, scan for stored error codes related to engine, hybrid, and forward collision avoidance systems.
- Test all electrical components: lights, speedometer, power steering, and infotainment on both vehicles.
- Verify that any recall repairs have been completed, especially for air bags and fuel pumps.
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 Lesabre or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Buick Lesabre vs Honda Accord
- Buick Lesabre total complaints
- 1,767
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Buick Lesabre total recalls
- 8
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Buick Lesabre avg complaints/year
- 294.5
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Buick Lesabre
- Buick Lesabre top complaint area
- VISIBILITY
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE