Head-to-head reliability
Cadillac CTS vs Honda Accord
How the Cadillac CTS 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
Cadillac CTS vs Honda Accord: Over 10 years, the CTS had 519 complaints (52/year) and 26 recalls, while the Accord had 4,524 complaints (452/year) and 38 recalls. The CTS had 35 crash-related complaints and 28 injuries; the Accord had 162 crash-related complaints and 146 injuries. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Cadillac CTS or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Cadillac CTS
The Cadillac CTS is a luxury sedan that can be affordable to buy used but may come with higher repair costs. Over 10 years, owners filed 519 complaints, averaging about 52 per year, with the most common issues in the power train, electrical system, and steering. Recalls are relatively few at 26, but steering problems have led to multiple recalls for the electric power assist. Crash-related complaints total 35, with 28 injuries and no deaths reported.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular family sedan known for reliability, but recent models have generated many complaints. Over 10 years, there were 4,524 complaints, averaging about 452 per year, far more than the Cadillac. The most frequent problem areas are the engine, electrical system, and forward collision avoidance. There were 38 recalls, 162 crash-related complaints, 146 injuries, and 3 deaths reported.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Cadillac CTS | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 519 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 26 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 35 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 51.9 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 28 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.
Cadillac CTS
- 01POWER TRAIN169
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM90
- 03STEERING55
- 04AIR BAGS52
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER51
Owners report transmission jerking when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear and at highway speeds, as well as a humming noise that may indicate internal damage. These issues can lead to costly repairs and affect drivability.
Complaints include the auto start/stop system failing multiple times and touchscreen failures. These problems can be frustrating and expensive to fix, and may affect other vehicle functions.
Drivers describe the steering wheel seizing or becoming difficult to steer without warning. This is a serious safety concern and has resulted in multiple recalls for the electric power assist system.
Owners report airbag warning lights appearing and, in at least one case, the airbag failed to deploy in a crash. This raises concerns about occupant protection in an accident.
“I purchased this vehicle is certified preowned Cadillac and during the warranty time I had a transmission issue that was causing the transmission to jerk when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear and at highway speeds, it would start jerking nonstop. I took it to th…”
“I began hearing a “hum” when driving my vehicle and dismissed it thinking it was the type of low profile, no flat tires. After a getting new tires, brakes, brake pads, and control arms, we still heard the “hum” and it continued to get louder. We took the car…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report sudden loss of power, multiple warning lights (brake, hill descent, ABS), and rattling noises during acceleration. These issues can leave drivers stranded and may require major engine repairs.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds, as well as tire pressure monitoring system issues leading to tire failure. These are severe safety risks.
Drivers describe the system failing to prevent collisions, with incidents occurring under similar conditions. This undermines a key safety feature that buyers may rely on.
Issues include fuel pump failures and hybrid system problems, which can cause stalling or loss of power. These can be dangerous and expensive to repair.
“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.
Cadillac CTS — 26 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS, and 2017 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The electric power steering (EPS) assist system may fail.
The risk: Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 13, 2019. GM' number for this recall is N182182760.
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS, 2017-2018 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The electric power steering (EPS) assist may fail.
The risk: A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2025. Owners may contact Cadilac customer service at 1-800-333-4223 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS, and 2017 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The electric power steering (EPS) assist system may fail.
The risk: Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 13, 2019. GM' number for this recall is N182182760.
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS, 2017-2018 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The electric power steering (EPS) assist may fail.
The risk: A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2025. Owners may contact Cadilac customer service at 1-800-333-4223 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM…
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
Cadillac CTS or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Cadillac CTS has far fewer complaints per year (about 52) compared to the Honda Accord (about 452). However, the CTS has a higher proportion of steering-related complaints that led to recalls, while the Accord has more crash-related complaints and injuries. In practice, the CTS may have fewer overall issues, but the Accord's higher volume means more reported problems, though many may be addressed by recalls.
Key differences
- The Cadillac CTS has about 52 complaints per year, while the Honda Accord has about 452 per year, indicating a much higher reported problem rate for the Accord.
- Steering problems in the CTS led to multiple recalls for the electric power assist, with owners reporting seizing; the Accord has electrical system complaints including power steering and braking failure.
- The Accord has more crash-related complaints (162 vs 35) and injuries (146 vs 28), but also more recalls (38 vs 26) that may address some issues.
- Cadillac CTS power train complaints often involve transmission jerking, while Honda Accord engine complaints include sudden power loss and multiple warning lights.
- During a test drive, listen for transmission jerking when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear or at highway speeds, and any humming noise that changes with speed.
- Check for steering that feels stiff, seizes, or requires excessive effort, and verify if the electric power steering recall has been performed.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system and adaptive cruise control if equipped, looking for unexpected braking or failure to warn.
- Listen for rattling noises during acceleration and watch for multiple warning lights (brake, ABS, hill descent) that may indicate engine or electrical issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic who specializes in the specific model (Cadillac CTS or Honda Accord).
- For the Cadillac CTS, specifically ask the mechanic to check transmission operation, steering assist, and airbag system.
- For the Honda Accord, ask the mechanic to check for engine noises, electrical system faults, and forward collision avoidance calibration.
- During a test drive, simulate various driving conditions (highway, stop-and-go) to reproduce any jerking, hesitation, or warning lights.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Cadillac CTS | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 10 | 691 |
| 2018 | 8 | 1884 |
| 2017 | 27 | 537 |
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 Cadillac CTS or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Cadillac CTS vs Honda Accord
- Cadillac CTS total complaints
- 519
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Cadillac CTS total recalls
- 26
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Cadillac CTS avg complaints/year
- 51.9
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Cadillac CTS
- Cadillac CTS top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE