Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet BOLT EV vs Honda Accord
How the Chevrolet BOLT EV 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
Chevrolet BOLT EV vs Honda Accord: The Bolt EV averages 83.9 complaints per year, while the Accord averages 452.4, over five times higher. The Bolt has 0 deaths reported, but battery fire risks and steering failures are noted. The Accord has 3 deaths and more engine and electrical complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet BOLT EV or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet BOLT EV
The Chevrolet Bolt EV is an electric hatchback that has been subject to a major battery recall, with many owner complaints about waiting for replacement batteries and software issues. Over 7 years, it has averaged about 84 complaints per year, with electrical system and steering problems being the most common. Owners report serious safety concerns like ball joint failures and reduced power, but the overall complaint rate is lower than some gas-powered cars. If you're considering a used Bolt, be aware of the battery recall and potential delays in getting it fixed.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular midsize sedan with a much higher complaint rate—about 452 per year over 10 years. The most frequent issues involve the engine, electrical system, and forward collision avoidance, with some reports of sudden power loss and braking problems. There are also 3 deaths reported in the data, which is a serious red flag. While the Accord is generally reliable, the volume of complaints suggests that some model years may have persistent problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet BOLT EV | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 587 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 38 | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 24 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 83.9 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.
Chevrolet BOLT EV
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM258
- 02STEERING145
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM107
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER73
- 05POWER TRAIN47
Owners report battery fires and long waits for replacement batteries under recall. Some also experience software glitches after battery swaps, leading to reduced power and charging issues. This matters because a faulty battery can strand you or pose a fire risk.
There are complaints of catastrophic ball joint failures at low speeds, causing the wheel to collapse and the axle to pull out. This is a sudden, dangerous failure that can happen without warning, so a pre-purchase inspection of the front suspension is critical.
Many owners complain about waiting over 30 days for battery replacement, with vehicles sitting at dealers. This indicates parts shortages and potential safety risks if the battery is defective. Buyers should verify that the recall remedy has been completed.
Complaints include the Super Cruise hands-free system swerving unexpectedly and failing on mapped roads. Also, some report 'reduced power propulsion' warnings shortly after purchase. These electronic gremlins can be frustrating and may require dealer visits.
“General Motors is making brand new Bolt ev/Euvs using batteries that are supposed to be used to fix cars that could potential catch fire. They stated that the old vehicles effected by the recall would be given priority. I have had a bolt EUV on reserve that h…”
“General Motors is making brand new Bolt ev/Euvs using batteries that are supposed to be used to fix cars that could potential catch fire. They stated that the old vehicles effected by the recall would be given priority. I have had a bolt EUV on reserve that h…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report sudden loss of power at highway speeds, with multiple warning lights (brake, ABS, hill descent) and inability to accelerate. There are also rattling noises and rough transitions between EV and gas modes in hybrids. This can leave you in a dangerous situation on the road.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of power steering and braking at highway speeds, causing near-collisions. Also, TPMS warnings followed by tire failure. These electrical glitches can disable critical safety systems without warning.
Owners describe the system braking unexpectedly or failing to intervene, sometimes under adaptive cruise control. This can cause sudden deceleration or a crash if the system misjudges. It's a key safety feature that should be tested thoroughly.
Some report a persistent rotten-egg odor from the fuel system, requiring repeated dealer visits. While not always a safety defect, it can indicate catalytic converter or fuel delivery issues. This may lead to costly repairs.
“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.
Chevrolet BOLT EV — 38 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles previously recalled under NHTSA recall number 20V-701. The high voltage battery could catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity.
The risk: A battery fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to take the following interim steps: Activate either the Hill Top Reserve (2017 and 2018 models) or Target Charge Level (2019 models) feature in their vehicle to limit the charge level to 90%, charge their vehicle more f…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling all 2017-2018 and certain 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. The high voltage battery could catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity.
The risk: A battery fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: This recall has been superseded by recall number 21V-560. Vehicles previously repaired under 20V-701 will still need to have the new remedy under recall 21V-560. GM will notify owners, and as an interim repair, beginning on November 17, 20…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insu…
The risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrole…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. After a crash with seat belt pretensioner deployment, the pretensioner exhaust may ignite carpet fibers near the B-pillar, causing a fire.
The risk: A vehicle fire can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will install metal foil at the carpet near the pretensioner exhaust, and install a pretensioner cover as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed between January 23, 2023 and April 25, 2023. Owners may cont…
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
Chevrolet BOLT EV or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Bolt EV has far fewer complaints per year (about 84) compared to the Honda Accord (about 452). In practice, this means you're less likely to encounter frequent problems with the Bolt, but the issues it does have—like battery fires and ball joint failures—can be severe. The Accord's higher complaint volume suggests more widespread issues, including some fatal crashes.
Key differences
- The Bolt EV averages about 84 complaints per year, while the Accord averages about 452—over five times more.
- Bolt EV complaints often center on battery fires and steering failures, whereas Accord complaints frequently involve engine power loss and forward collision avoidance malfunctions.
- The Accord has 3 reported deaths in the data, while the Bolt EV has 0, though both have injury reports.
- Both have 38 recalls, but the Bolt's recalls are mainly for battery issues, while the Accord's cover electrical, fuel, and airbag systems.
- Check if the battery recall has been completed; ask for documentation. If not, you may face long waits and potential fire risk.
- Inspect the front suspension for any signs of ball joint wear or damage, as sudden failure has been reported.
- Test drive at highway speeds and watch for sudden loss of power or warning lights, especially in hybrids.
- Check for any history of electrical system failures, particularly power steering and braking, and ensure all recalls are addressed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- For the Bolt EV, confirm the battery replacement was done and ask about any software updates.
- For the Accord, have a mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, and electrical systems, and test the forward collision avoidance.
- Take a test drive that includes highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic to feel for power loss or braking issues.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and any warranty information, especially for hybrid components.
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 | Chevrolet BOLT EV | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 60 | 226 |
| 2022 | 59 | 252 |
| 2021 | 67 | 234 |
| 2020 | 173 | 362 |
| 2019 | 178 | 691 |
| 2018 | 6 | 1884 |
| 2017 | 44 | 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 Chevrolet BOLT EV or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet BOLT EV vs Honda Accord
- Chevrolet BOLT EV total complaints
- 587
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Chevrolet BOLT EV total recalls
- 38
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Chevrolet BOLT EV avg complaints/year
- 83.9
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet BOLT EV
- Chevrolet BOLT EV top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE