Head-to-head reliability
Buick Terraza vs Honda Accord
How the Buick Terraza 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 Terraza vs Honda Accord: The Terraza averaged 69 complaints per year with 8 recalls, while the Accord averaged 452 complaints per year with 38 recalls. Terraza owners report doors opening unexpectedly and brake failures; Accord owners report engine power loss and electronic steering/braking failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Buick Terraza or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Buick Terraza
The Buick Terraza is a minivan that, based on owner complaints, can be a headache to live with. Over three years, it averaged 69 complaints per year, with the most common trouble spots being the electrical system, brakes, and body structure. Owners report power sliding doors that open and close on their own, brake pedals that sink to the floor, and stability control warnings. These issues can leave you stranded or worried about safety, so a thorough inspection is a must.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular midsize car, but the data shows a high volume of complaints—452 per year over ten years. The most frequent problems involve the engine, electrical system, and forward collision avoidance. Owners describe engines losing power, electronic power steering and braking failing at highway speeds, and collision-avoidance systems that may not respond as expected. While many Accords serve reliably, the sheer number of complaints suggests that some model years have recurring, potentially serious defects.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Buick Terraza | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 207 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 8 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 9 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 69.0 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 11 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 Terraza
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM52
- 02SERVICE BRAKES39
- 03STRUCTURE36
- 04ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)36
- 05LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES29
Owners report power sliding doors that open and close unexpectedly, even while driving, and antitheft alarms that trigger randomly and shut off the engine. These glitches can be embarrassing and dangerous, especially if the van shuts down in traffic.
Complaints describe a brake pedal that becomes resistant, then suddenly extends to the floor, and instances where the vehicle jerks and decelerates with ABS and stability lights on. This suggests potential software or hardware faults that could compromise stopping ability.
The same owner complaint about doors opening at will also falls under structure, indicating that door latches or hinges may fail. Such failures can lead to doors flying open while driving, posing a risk to occupants.
Owners report the vehicle suddenly veering to the left and brakes locking, with the stability light coming on. This points to ESC malfunctions that could cause loss of control, especially at speed.
“IT IS PROBABLY A SHORTER LIST TO LIST WHAT WE HAVEN'T HAD TROUBLE WITH , BUT HERE GOES. 1. THE BACK POWER SLIDING DOORS WILL OPEN AND SHUT AT WILL. DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, PARTED IN THE GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT, ETC. THE NEIGHBORHOOD KIDS REGULARLY COME OVER…”
“The contact owns a 2006 Buick Terraza. The contact stated that the antitheft alarm engaged inadvertently, causing the vehicle to shutoff while driving. The START/STOP Disabled message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed t…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners describe engines that lose speed and trigger multiple alarms (brake, hill descent, ABS) at highway speeds, as well as rattling noises and rough transitions between EV and gas modes in hybrids. These symptoms can lead to sudden power loss and expensive repairs.
Complaints include electronic power steering and braking systems failing simultaneously at highway speeds, causing near-collisions, and TPMS warnings followed by tire failure. Such failures are critical because they affect steering and braking control.
Owners report that the system may fail to intervene or may activate unexpectedly, with incidents occurring under similar driving conditions. This undermines a key safety feature that many buyers rely on.
Complaints include persistent rotten-egg odors and a foot getting caught behind a plastic side panel, which could distract the driver. These issues, while not always mechanical, can affect comfort and safety.
“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 Terraza — 8 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: THE BRAUN CORPORATION HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2008 GENERAL MOTORS MOBILITY CONVERSION, HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE LOW FLOOR MINIVANS. DURING CONVERSION, THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE TRAILING ARM MODIFICATION MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY WELDED.
The risk: A SQUEAKING OR CLUNKING NOISE MAY DEVELOP. THE TRAILING ARM BUSHINGS MAY PREMATURELY WEAR AND THE TRAILING ARM MAY FRACTURE OR SEPARATE, ALLOWING THE REAR AXLE TO BECOME PARTIALLY SEPARATED FROM THE CHASSIS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND WILL HAVE A SUPPLY OF RETROFIT PARTS AVAILABLE TO REMEDY THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 4, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BRAUN AT 1-800-488-0359.
The defect: CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SHIPPED WITH TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABELS LISTING AN INACCCURATE VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT.
The risk: A MISPRINTED LABEL COULD LEAD TO IMPROPER VEHICLE LOADING SPECIFICATIONS OR TIRE INFLATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A TIRE FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECTED LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. AT THE CUSTOMER'S OPTION, A DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-8…
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…
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 Terraza or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Buick Terraza has far fewer complaints per year (69) than the Honda Accord (452), but the Terraza's issues often involve doors, brakes, and stability control that could be immediately dangerous. The Accord's higher volume means more owners are reporting problems, but many are concentrated in newer model years with advanced electronics. In practice, the Terraza may have fewer overall issues, but the ones it has can be severe; the Accord may have more frequent but sometimes less critical complaints.
Key differences
- The Buick Terraza's most common complaint is electrical system issues, especially power sliding doors that open unexpectedly, while the Honda Accord's top complaint is engine problems, including power loss and rough hybrid transitions.
- Terraza owners report brake pedals sinking to the floor and stability control causing veering, whereas Accord owners report simultaneous failure of power steering and braking at highway speeds.
- The Accord has a much higher complaint rate per year (452 vs. 69), but the Terraza's complaints often involve basic safety systems like doors and brakes that can fail without warning.
- Recalls for the Terraza include steering and rear suspension, while Accord recalls cover hybrid power control software, fuel pumps, and air bag sensors, indicating different areas of concern.
- Test the power sliding doors multiple times to ensure they don't open or close on their own, and check for any signs of random operation.
- Inspect the brake pedal feel and look for any history of brake software updates or repairs, as owners report the pedal going to the floor.
- Check for any engine rattles, rough transitions between EV and gas modes (on hybrids), and ensure all warning lights are off during a test drive.
- Verify that the forward collision avoidance system works properly and has no stored error codes, as owners report failures to intervene or unexpected braking.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially the Terraza's steering and suspension recalls and the Accord's hybrid software and fuel pump recalls.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, focusing on the specific complaint areas: doors, brakes, and stability control for the Terraza; engine, electrical, and collision avoidance for the Accord.
- During a test drive, deliberately test all power features (doors, windows, seats) and electronic safety systems (ABS, stability control, forward collision warning) to see if they function correctly.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for brake fluid changes, software updates, and any repairs related to the reported complaint areas.
- Check for any unusual odors (like rotten eggs) in the Accord, which could indicate a catalytic converter or fuel system issue.
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 Terraza or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Buick Terraza vs Honda Accord
- Buick Terraza total complaints
- 207
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Buick Terraza total recalls
- 8
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Buick Terraza avg complaints/year
- 69.0
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Buick Terraza
- Buick Terraza top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE