Head-to-head reliability
Cadillac DTS vs Honda Accord
How the Cadillac DTS 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 DTS vs Honda Accord: The DTS averages 85 complaints per year with 17 recalls, while the Accord averages 452 complaints per year with 38 recalls. The DTS has 0 deaths and 43 injuries reported; the Accord has 3 deaths and 146 injuries. Both have electrical and engine issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Cadillac DTS or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Cadillac DTS
The Cadillac DTS is a full-size luxury sedan with a relatively low complaint rate of about 85 per year over six years. Owners most often report electrical gremlins, such as doors locking themselves or the car dying suddenly, and lighting problems. Engine and steering issues also appear, including stalling and hard steering. With 17 recalls and 43 injuries but no deaths, it's a car that demands attention to electrical and safety systems.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular midsize car with a much higher complaint rate—about 452 per year over ten years—but that reflects its huge sales volume. Owners report engine rattles, electrical failures like power steering and braking lockups, and forward collision avoidance malfunctions. There are 38 recalls and 3 deaths, with 146 injuries. Many complaints involve newer models, suggesting ongoing issues with advanced driver-assist systems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Cadillac DTS | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 511 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 17 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 36 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 85.2 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 43 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 DTS
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM174
- 02EXTERIOR LIGHTING101
- 03ENGINE78
- 04STEERING52
- 05SERVICE BRAKES34
Owners report the vehicle locking itself, sometimes with keys inside, and instances where the car suddenly quits running and won't restart. These failures can leave you stranded and may require costly diagnosis and repair of modules or wiring.
Complaints often mention lighting failures, which can affect visibility and safety. This is a common issue that may need repeated bulb or assembly replacements.
Some owners experience the engine dying while driving, such as when backing out of a driveway, leading to a tow and dealer visit. This stalling can be dangerous in traffic and points to potential fuel or ignition problems.
Reports include steering becoming hard to turn and making noises, often traced to fluid leaks or pump issues. This can make the car difficult to control, especially at low speeds.
“VEHICLE LOCKS ITSELF. "CHECKED" THREE TIMES PREVIOUSLY, NOTHING FOUND. THEN BACK PASSENGER SIDE LOCK FAULTY & REPLACED. ON 6/2/15 I TOOK MY CAT TO THE VET, REMOVED THE KEYS FROM THE IGNITION, DID NOT LOCK THE DOOR, PLACED THE KEYS ON THE CAT CARRIER, CLOSED T…”
“I WAS BACKING MY CAR OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY, AS I BACKED ONTO THE ROAD,THE CAR SUDDENLY QUIT RUNNING. I TRIED RESTARTING IT,BUT IT WAS COMPLETELY DEAD...I HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK AND THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL CADILLAC DEALER..WHEN I WENT TO THE DEALER THE FOLL…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners describe rattling noises while accelerating, rough transitions between electric and gas modes, and sudden loss of power with multiple warning lights. These issues can indicate hybrid system or engine problems that are expensive to fix.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of power steering and braking at highway speeds, as well as tire pressure monitoring system warnings followed by tire failure. Such failures can lead to loss of control and near-collisions.
Owners report the system activating unexpectedly or failing to prevent collisions, sometimes with adaptive cruise control engaged. This can cause sudden braking or steering inputs, increasing crash risk.
Some complaints involve fuel pump failures or hybrid propulsion issues that cause stalling or loss of power. These can leave you stranded and may be covered under recalls, but repairs can be costly if not.
“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 DTS — 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: GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2009 BUICK, LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 BUICK ENCLAVE; CADILLAC CTS; MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL; SATURN OU…
The risk: IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE HEATED WASHER MODULE TO IGNITE AND A FIRE MAY OCCUR.
The fix: DEALERS WILL PERMANENTLY DISABLE AND REMOVE THE HEATED WASHER FLUID MODULE. AN UPDATED PAGE FOR THE OWNER MANUAL WILL BE PROVIDED AND INSERTED IN THE OWNER MANUAL TO DOCUMENT THAT THE FEATURE HAS BEEN PERMANENTLY DISABLED AND REMOVED FROM…
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 DTS or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Cadillac DTS has far fewer complaints per year (about 85) compared to the Honda Accord (about 452), but the Accord's higher volume means more individual reports. In practice, the DTS may have fewer overall issues, but the Accord's problems often involve advanced safety systems that can be more complex. Both have recalls and injury reports, so neither is trouble-free.
Key differences
- The Cadillac DTS has about 85 complaints per year, while the Honda Accord has about 452 per year, but the Accord sells in much higher numbers.
- Cadillac DTS complaints often involve electrical locks and stalling, whereas Honda Accord complaints frequently involve engine rattles and forward collision avoidance malfunctions.
- The Honda Accord has 3 deaths and 146 injuries reported, compared to 0 deaths and 43 injuries for the Cadillac DTS, though these numbers are not adjusted for vehicle population.
- Both have multiple recalls, but the Accord's recalls include hybrid software and fuel pump issues, while the DTS recalls focus on ignition and electrical system problems.
- Check that all power door locks function correctly and that the car does not lock itself unexpectedly; test with keys inside and outside.
- Listen for unusual steering noises and test steering effort at low speeds; look for fluid leaks around the power steering pump and hoses.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system and adaptive cruise control if equipped; ensure no warning lights are on and that the system does not activate unexpectedly.
- Check for rattling noises from the engine during acceleration and smooth transitions between electric and gas modes on hybrid models; also verify that all recalls, especially for fuel pump and hybrid software, have been performed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and confirm all safety recalls have been completed for the specific vehicle.
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system, including battery, alternator, and wiring, for both models.
- For the Cadillac DTS, test the door locks, ignition, and steering system thoroughly during a test drive.
- For the Honda Accord, test all advanced driver-assist features and listen for engine noises; check for updated software.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and be wary if the car has a history of repeated electrical or engine repairs.
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 DTS or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Cadillac DTS vs Honda Accord
- Cadillac DTS total complaints
- 511
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Cadillac DTS total recalls
- 17
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Cadillac DTS avg complaints/year
- 85.2
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Cadillac DTS
- Cadillac DTS top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE