Head-to-head reliability
Buick Rendezvous vs Honda Accord
How the Buick Rendezvous 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 Rendezvous vs Honda Accord: The Rendezvous averaged 179 complaints per year over 7 years, while the Accord averaged 444 per year over 10 years. Both have 3 deaths reported. The Rendezvous often faces stalling and fuel odors; the Accord has more electronic and driver-assist complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Buick Rendezvous or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Buick Rendezvous
The Buick Rendezvous is a mid-size SUV that averaged about 179 complaints per year over seven years, with electrical and engine issues dominating owner reports. Many complaints describe stalling, hesitation, and dashboard lights flickering, which can be unsettling. Fuel system problems, including strong fuel odors and inaccurate gauges, are also common. With 18 recalls and 3 deaths reported, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection before purchase.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular midsize car with a much higher annual complaint rate—about 444 per year over ten years—but many of those complaints involve advanced driver-assist systems and infotainment quirks. Engine and electrical issues are frequently reported, including noises, warning lights, and even sudden power loss. Recalls cover hybrid software, brake control, and fuel pumps. While the Accord has more complaints overall, the nature of the problems varies widely.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Buick Rendezvous | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,256 Better | 4,438 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 18 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 68 Better | 160 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 179.4 Better | 443.8 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 76 Better | 144 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 3 | 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 Rendezvous
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM298
- 02ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING209
- 03FUEL SYSTEM165
- 04GASOLINE143
- 05SERVICE BRAKES141
Owners report instrument panel lights flickering, doors locking by themselves, and the engine shutting off while driving. These electrical glitches can cause loss of control and are a major safety concern.
Complaints include hesitation during acceleration and intermittent stalling, sometimes linked to ignition relay contamination. This can leave a driver stranded or cause sudden power loss.
Strong fuel odors and fuel gauge inaccuracies are common, with some owners noticing fuel lines under the driver's side. Leaks or gauge errors can lead to running out of gas or fire risks.
Brake-related complaints are frequent, though specific symptoms aren't detailed in the sample. Any brake issue in a heavy SUV warrants immediate attention.
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. WHEN THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND THEN ACCELERATED. SHE STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT WOULD STALL WHE…”
“I WAS DRIVING WHEN THE LIGHTS ON PANEL WENT CRAZY, DOORS LOCKING BY THEMSELVES, AC LOCKED, RADIO LOCKED, AND THE SECURITY LIGHT WAS DISPLAYED. THE ENGINE STOPPED AND I DIN'T HAVE ANY CONTROL OVERTHE CAR, IT WAS A SCARY EXPERIENCE. I PULLED THE CAR OVER AND TR…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE985
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM863
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE821
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER725
- 05SERVICE BRAKES592
Owners report noises, warning alarms, and sudden loss of speed, with some vehicles unable to maintain highway speeds. These issues can be dangerous if they occur in traffic.
Complaints include TPMS warnings, rodent damage to wiring, and even tire failure after service. Electrical gremlins can be frustrating and costly to diagnose.
Many owners report intermittent warnings for adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, and automatic high beams, often with no obstruction. These false alerts can erode trust in safety systems.
Brake-related complaints are common, though the sample doesn't specify symptoms. Given the Accord's advanced braking systems, any issue should be checked promptly.
“I purchased this vehicle at 0 miles in July 2025 from Honda Accord in Pensacola Florida. I reported in July 2025 that there was a noise and I was unhappy with the vehicle and would like to exchange the vehicle within the 30 days months later, the noise got lo…”
“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…”
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 Rendezvous — 18 recalls
The defect: CERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY BUILT WITH CLOTH SEATS THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC AIR BAG PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM AND LATER REUPHOLSTERED WITH AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVER KITS ARE INVOLVED. TESTING HAS INDICATED THAT THE AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVERS CAN CAUSE THE PASSENGER SENSING SYST…
The risk: IF THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, THE FRONT AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE MAY BE DISABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE ENABLED, OR ENABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE DISABLED. IN EITHER CASE, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH THAT REQUIRES AIR BAG DEPLOYMEN…
The fix: BECAUSE A REPLACEMENT LEATHER SEAT COVER THAT IS COMPATIBLE WITH THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM IS NOT AVAILABLE, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) WILL REPURCHASE THESE VEHICLES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS STATED IN GM'S LETTER TO OWNERS. THE RECALL BEG…
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: CERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY BUILT WITH CLOTH SEATS THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC AIR BAG PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM AND LATER REUPHOLSTERED WITH AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVER KITS ARE INVOLVED. TESTING HAS INDICATED THAT THE AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVERS CAN CAUSE THE PASSENGER SENSING SYST…
The risk: IF THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, THE FRONT AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE MAY BE DISABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE ENABLED, OR ENABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE DISABLED. IN EITHER CASE, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH THAT REQUIRES AIR BAG DEPLOYMEN…
The fix: BECAUSE A REPLACEMENT LEATHER SEAT COVER THAT IS COMPATIBLE WITH THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM IS NOT AVAILABLE, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) WILL REPURCHASE THESE VEHICLES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS STATED IN GM'S LETTER TO OWNERS. THE RECALL BEG…
The defect: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, CONTAMINATION ON IGNITION RELAY CONTACTS CAN CAUSE HIGH RESISTANCE. THIS CAN AFFECT SIGNALS TO THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE AND, COULD CAUSE INTERMITTENT VEHICLE STALLS AT ANY TIME.
The risk: THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE RESTARTED IMMEDIATELY. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, IT COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION RELAY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 4, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 AND 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 (America Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023 Civic, Acura RDX, Acura Integra, and 2022 Honda Accord vehicles. A ball valve in the vehicle stability assist (VSA) modulator may leak brake fluid, which can result in unintended vehicle movement when the brake hold feature is engaged or an…
The risk: Unintended vehicle movement or an unexpected increase in brake pedal travel can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the VSA modulator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are OEJ, XEK, AEY, XEX and OEW.
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 Rendezvous or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Buick Rendezvous has far fewer complaints per year (about 179 vs. 444 for the Honda Accord), but its issues often involve stalling and fuel odors that can be immediately dangerous. The Accord's higher complaint count includes many advanced driver-assist glitches that may be annoying but less likely to cause a crash. In practice, the Rendezvous may need more urgent repairs, while the Accord may have more frequent but less critical electronic annoyances.
Key differences
- The Buick Rendezvous has about 179 complaints per year, while the Honda Accord has about 444 per year, but the Rendezvous's issues more often involve stalling and fuel leaks.
- Electrical problems in the Rendezvous can cause the engine to shut off while driving, whereas Accord electrical complaints often involve warning lights and sensor glitches.
- The Accord has many complaints about forward collision avoidance systems giving false alerts, a category not prominent in Rendezvous data.
- Both vehicles have 3 reported deaths, but the Rendezvous has fewer crash-related complaints (68 vs. 160 for the Accord).
- Check for fuel odors around and inside the vehicle, especially near the driver's side fuel lines, as owners report strong smells and potential leaks.
- Test drive at various speeds and watch for hesitation, stalling, or flickering dashboard lights, which could indicate ignition relay or electrical issues.
- Listen for unusual engine noises and watch for warning messages related to adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, or brake systems during a test drive.
- Inspect tires for uneven wear or damage, and ask about any recent TPMS warnings or electrical repairs, as owners report tire failures and rodent damage.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially the Rendezvous's ignition and fuel system recalls and the Accord's brake and fuel pump recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Buick Rendezvous for fuel line integrity, ignition relay condition, and any signs of electrical shorts.
- For the Honda Accord, ask for records of software updates and have the advanced driver-assist systems calibrated and tested.
- Test drive each vehicle for at least 30 minutes, including highway speeds, to replicate conditions where stalling or warning lights may appear.
- Verify that all safety recalls have been performed by checking the NHTSA website with the VIN before purchase.
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 Rendezvous or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Buick Rendezvous vs Honda Accord
- Buick Rendezvous total complaints
- 1,256
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,438
- Buick Rendezvous total recalls
- 18
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Buick Rendezvous avg complaints/year
- 179.4
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 443.8
- More reliable overall
- Buick Rendezvous
- Buick Rendezvous top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE