Head-to-head reliability
Cadillac Deville vs Honda Accord
How the Cadillac Deville 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 Deville vs Honda Accord: The Deville averaged 174 complaints per year over 6 years, with 14 deaths, while the Accord averaged 444 per year over 10 years, with 3 deaths. The Deville's issues include ignition shutdowns and steering lockups; the Accord's include engine and electrical glitches. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Cadillac Deville or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Cadillac Deville
The Cadillac Deville is a full-size luxury sedan with a mixed reliability record. Over six years, it averaged 174 complaints per year, with electrical, steering, and air bag issues standing out. Owners report serious problems like ignition switches shutting off and power steering locking up, which can affect control. With 14 deaths reported, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection before purchase.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular midsize car with a higher annual complaint rate of about 444 per year over ten years. Complaints cluster around engine, electrical, and forward collision avoidance systems, with many reports on newer models. While it has only 3 deaths, the volume of complaints suggests frequent trips to the dealer for some owners. It's a mixed bag: widespread but often less severe issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Cadillac Deville | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,046 Better | 4,438 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 20 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 108 Better | 160 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 174.3 Better | 443.8 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 117 Better | 144 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 14 | 3 Better |
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 Deville
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM289
- 02STEERING143
- 03AIR BAGS140
- 04ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING140
- 05VISIBILITY101
Owners report the ignition switch can suddenly turn off while driving, causing loss of power steering and braking. This is a serious safety risk, especially at highway speeds.
Complaints describe the steering wheel locking or power steering seizing during turns, making the car hard to control. This can happen at low speeds and may recur without warning.
There are reports of air bags deploying without a crash, sometimes with a musty odor and warning lights. This unexpected deployment can startle the driver and cause loss of control.
Oil leaks are common, often starting after 40,000 miles and worsening over time. Owners report spending thousands on repairs as leaks progress from a few drops to quarts between changes.
“DRIVING ON A LOCAL FREEWAY, MY IGNITION SWITCH TO OFF. I WAS ONLY GOING 55 MPH IN HEAVY TRAFFICE. I WAS ABLE TO PLACE THE CAR IN NEUTRAL & RESTART THE ENGINE, BUT FOR A SHORT PERIOD I WAS WITH LIMITED BRAKING AND STEERING. HAD MY WIFE BEEN DRIVING I AM CERTAI…”
“ENGINE BEGAN TO LEAK OIL AFTER 40000 MILES. THE COMPANY AND DEALERSHIP ASSURED ME THIS WAS NORMAL. LONGER I OPERATED THIS CAR, MORE IT BEGAN TO LEAK. AT FIRST FEW DROPS, THEN LATER, 1-2 QTS BETWEEN OIL CHANGES. TODAY, IT IS WORST. I HAVE SPENT SEVERAL THOUSAN…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE985
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM863
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE821
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER725
- 05SERVICE BRAKES592
Owners of newer Accords report noises and critical failure warnings, with some vehicles losing speed on the highway. These issues often appear at low mileage, leading to dealer visits.
Complaints include tire pressure monitoring failures and rodent damage to wiring, even on new cars. A catastrophic tire failure was reported shortly after a TPMS repair, raising concerns about service quality.
Many owners see dashboard warnings for adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, and automatic braking, often intermittently. These glitches can undermine trust in the safety systems.
Reports include sunroof glass shattering spontaneously and tire failures after service. These unpredictable issues add to ownership frustration and potential safety hazards.
“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.
Cadillac Deville — 20 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: 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: ON CERTAIN CADILLAC DEVILLE AND SEVILLE PASSENGER VEHICLES, FUNERAL COACHES, AND LIMOUSINES EQUIPPED WITH A V8 (4.6L) ENGINE, OLDSMOBILE AURORA PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A V8 (4.0L ) ENGINE, AND PONTIAC BONNEVILLE SSEI PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A SUPERCHARGED V6 (3.8L) ENGINE, THE FUE…
The risk: FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS CAN BE DAMAGED AND FUEL CAN LEAK FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN IT IS REFUELED. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK PRESSURE SENSOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON OCTOBER 17, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537; OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.
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…
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
Cadillac Deville or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Cadillac Deville has fewer complaints per year (174 vs. 444), but its issues are often more severe, including ignition shutdowns and steering lockups. The Honda Accord has more frequent complaints, but many are less critical, like warning lights and infotainment glitches. In practice, the Deville may pose higher immediate safety risks, while the Accord may require more frequent dealer visits.
Key differences
- Cadillac Deville: ignition switch can turn off while driving, causing loss of power steering and braking; Honda Accord: engine and electrical glitches, but fewer reports of sudden shutdowns.
- Cadillac Deville: steering wheel lockup reported; Honda Accord: forward collision avoidance warnings and intermittent safety system failures.
- Cadillac Deville: air bags deploying without impact; Honda Accord: sunroof shattering and tire failures after service.
- Cadillac Deville: 14 deaths reported; Honda Accord: 3 deaths, but more complaints overall.
- Check for any history of ignition switch problems or steering lockup; test drive at various speeds and turns.
- Inspect for oil leaks around the engine and under the car; ask for maintenance records related to oil consumption.
- Look for warning lights related to forward collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, or lane keeping; test these systems if possible.
- Inspect tires for uneven wear or damage, and check if any recent TPMS repairs were done properly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Cadillac Deville's ignition switch, steering system, and air bag sensors.
- For the Honda Accord, test all advanced safety features and check for any electrical gremlins or warning lights.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for oil changes and any engine or transmission work.
- During test drive, listen for unusual noises and feel for any hesitation or loss of power.
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 Deville or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Cadillac Deville vs Honda Accord
- Cadillac Deville total complaints
- 1,046
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,438
- Cadillac Deville total recalls
- 20
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Cadillac Deville avg complaints/year
- 174.3
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 443.8
- More reliable overall
- Cadillac Deville
- Cadillac Deville top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE