Head-to-head reliability
Buick Lucerne vs Honda Accord
How the Buick Lucerne 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 Lucerne vs Honda Accord: The Lucerne averages 157.2 complaints per year over 6 years, while the Accord averages 452.4 over 10 years. The Lucerne has 17 recalls and 1 death; the Accord has 38 recalls and 3 deaths. Both show serious electrical and fuel-system issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Buick Lucerne or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Buick Lucerne
The Buick Lucerne is a full-size sedan that owners often rely on for daily commuting and family transport. Its complaint pattern is dominated by electrical gremlins, with 399 of 943 complaints over six years, and many reports describe stalling, no-start conditions, and power cycling that can leave a driver stranded. Fuel and propulsion issues, including repeated fuel pump relay failures and melted wiring, add to the unpredictability. With 17 recalls and 74 crash-related complaints, a used Lucerne demands a thorough electrical and fuel-system inspection before purchase.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a mid-size sedan with a much higher annual complaint rate—452.4 per year over ten years—but its issues cluster around advanced driver-assistance features and hybrid powertrain software. Owners frequently report forward collision avoidance warnings, engine rattles, and sudden loss of power or braking assist, sometimes at highway speeds. Electrical and fuel-system complaints are also common, and 38 recalls reflect ongoing fixes for software, fuel pumps, and seat belts. A used Accord can be reliable, but buyers should verify that recall work and software updates have been completed.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Buick Lucerne | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 943 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 17 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 74 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 157.2 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 60 Better | 146 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 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 Lucerne
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM399
- 02FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM106
- 03STRUCTURE101
- 04STEERING83
- 05AIR BAGS79
Owners report door locks power cycling, the car cutting off without warning, and melted wire connectors under the rear seat. These failures can cause sudden stalling or a no-start condition, making the car unreliable for daily driving.
Complaints describe cranking but not starting, with repeated fuel pump relay replacements and melted connectors. This pattern means the car may leave you stranded and require ongoing electrical diagnosis rather than a simple fix.
Broken interior door handles that require entire door panel replacement, with parts sometimes unavailable, are a common frustration. This can make basic entry and exit difficult and lead to costly repairs.
Some owners report sudden steering failure while driving, sometimes after a collision or jarring event. Losing steering control is a serious safety concern that warrants a pre-purchase inspection of the steering system.
“INITIAL INCIDENT HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON A STREET. DOOR LOCKS POWER CYCLED LOCK/UNLOCK AND THEN THE CAR WOULD CUT OFF. NO WARNING, NO TIME TO MOVE TO OUT OF TRAFFIC OR TURN ON HAZZARD. I USE THIS VEHICLE TO COMMUTE TO AND FROM WORK/CHILDCARE ETC. I ALSO TRA…”
“We have a Buick Lucerne 2010. We went out it would not start. Tow it to dealership they replace the fuel pump. We did. Get it home next day it will not start again. Tow it to dealership again. This time they find melted wire connectors. Under back seat and on…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners describe rattling noises while accelerating, rough transitions between EV and gas modes, and sudden loss of speed with multiple dashboard alarms. These symptoms can indicate hybrid system or engine management problems that are hard to diagnose.
Reports include simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds, as well as tire failures after TPMS service. Such failures can create immediate safety risks and may require dealer-level repairs.
Complaints say the system can activate unexpectedly or fail to resolve threats, even after dealer service. This undermines driver confidence in the safety technology and may lead to unnecessary braking or missed warnings.
Some owners report persistent sulfur-like odors and interior trim issues that trap feet or interfere with pedals. These problems are annoying and can distract the driver, though they are less likely to cause a breakdown.
“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 Lucerne — 17 recalls
The defect: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain…
The risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position will cause loss of engine power, power steering, a…
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors custom…
The defect: GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 DTS AND BUICK LUCERNE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V8 ENGINES. THE STARTER OR ALTERNATOR CABLE IS IN CONTACT WITH THE POWER STEERING RETURN LINE. IF EITHER THE STARTER OR ALTERNATOR CABLE IS CONTACTING THE POWER STEERING RETURN LINE, THE CABLE COUL…
The risk: A POWER STEERING LEAK COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH, AND/OR THE LEAK ONTO HOT ENGINE PARTS COULD CAUSE AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL SECURE AND IF NECESSARY REROUTE THE LINES TO PREVENT CONTACT. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 19, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080…
The defect: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain…
The risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position will cause loss of engine power, power steering, a…
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors custom…
The defect: GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 DTS AND BUICK LUCERNE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V8 ENGINES. THE STARTER OR ALTERNATOR CABLE IS IN CONTACT WITH THE POWER STEERING RETURN LINE. IF EITHER THE STARTER OR ALTERNATOR CABLE IS CONTACTING THE POWER STEERING RETURN LINE, THE CABLE COUL…
The risk: A POWER STEERING LEAK COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH, AND/OR THE LEAK ONTO HOT ENGINE PARTS COULD CAUSE AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL SECURE AND IF NECESSARY REROUTE THE LINES TO PREVENT CONTACT. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 19, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080…
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 Lucerne or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Buick Lucerne has far fewer complaints per year (157.2) than the Honda Accord (452.4), but the Lucerne's issues often involve stalling and no-start conditions that can strand you. The Accord's higher complaint volume reflects a larger, more complex vehicle with advanced features that generate more reports, including some serious safety concerns. In practice, the Lucerne may be simpler but less predictable, while the Accord demands more attention to recalls and software updates.
Key differences
- The Buick Lucerne's top complaint area is electrical (399 complaints), often causing stalling or no-start, while the Honda Accord's top area is engine (1006 complaints), often involving hybrid drivability and alarms.
- The Honda Accord has more than double the recalls (38 vs. 17) and a much higher annual complaint rate, but the Lucerne's failures are more likely to leave you stranded.
- The Accord's complaints frequently mention forward collision avoidance and electronic steering/braking failures, which are advanced safety systems not present on the older Lucerne.
- The Lucerne has 1 death and 60 injuries in its complaint data, while the Accord has 3 deaths and 146 injuries, reflecting both its larger population and more serious crash-related reports.
- Check for melted or discolored wire connectors under the rear seat and near the fuel pump relay, as owners report these causing no-start conditions.
- Test all door locks, power windows, and the ignition system for intermittent power cycling or stalling, especially during a test drive.
- Ask for proof that all recalls, especially those for fuel pump and hybrid power control unit software, have been performed.
- During a test drive, listen for rattling noises while accelerating and watch for warning lights related to forward collision avoidance or electronic power steering.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all open recalls have been remedied by a dealer.
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system, including battery cables, ignition, and fuel pump relay circuits.
- For the Honda Accord, verify that the hybrid battery and power control unit software are up to date.
- Test drive both vehicles on highways and in stop-and-go traffic to check for stalling, hesitation, or warning lights.
- Check the interior door handles on the Lucerne and the forward collision avoidance system on the Accord for proper operation.
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 Lucerne or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Buick Lucerne vs Honda Accord
- Buick Lucerne total complaints
- 943
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Buick Lucerne total recalls
- 17
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Buick Lucerne avg complaints/year
- 157.2
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Buick Lucerne
- Buick Lucerne top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE