Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet Camaro vs Honda Accord
How the Chevrolet Camaro 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 Camaro vs Honda Accord: The Camaro averages 85.7 complaints per year, while the Accord averages 443.8. Camaro owners report transmission failures and engine shutdowns, whereas Accord owners face more frequent issues with forward collision avoidance and engine power loss. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet Camaro or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet Camaro
The Chevrolet Camaro, a performance coupe, shows a reliability picture dominated by electrical and powertrain complaints. Owners report sudden engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and engine component issues, which can be alarming and costly. While the average of 85.7 complaints per year is lower than the Accord's, the nature of the failures—such as complete transmission failure and engine stalling—suggests potential for significant inconvenience and repair bills.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord, a popular midsize sedan, has a higher complaint volume (443.8 per year) but the issues are spread across engine, electrical, and driver-assistance systems. Owners frequently report problems with the forward collision avoidance system and engine performance, including sudden power loss. The higher number of complaints and recalls may reflect a larger owner base, but the severity of some issues, like unexpected braking or engine failure, warrants attention.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet Camaro | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 857 Better | 4,438 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 17 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 73 Better | 160 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 85.7 Better | 443.8 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 45 Better | 144 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 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 Camaro
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
- 02POWER TRAIN191
- 03ENGINE166
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER148
- 05STEERING118
Owners report sudden engine shutdowns while driving, often at stops or low speeds, which can be dangerous. The car may restart after a few minutes, but the unpredictability is concerning.
Transmission failures are common, especially in the 10-speed automatic, with the internal Transmission Control Valve (TCV) failing. This leads to rough shifting and can require complete transmission replacement, a costly repair.
Engine issues include lifter failures, which can cause ticking noises and potential engine damage. Some owners have had to replace lifters and camshafts, with repairs taking weeks and costing thousands.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 CHEVROLET CAMARO EQUIPPED WITH THE HILL START ASSIST FEATURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A MANUAL TRANSMISSION. WHILE STOPPED ON AN INCLINE WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL AND CLUTCH PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE HILL START ASSIST FEATURE…”
“WHEN OPERATING THE CAR IT BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN. ONCE I APPROACHED A STOP THE CAR ENGINE SHUT OFF. AFTER A FEW MINUTES I WAS ABLE TO START AGAIN. AFTER I DROVE THROUGH THE LIGHT AND PROCEEDED HOME ABOUT 2 MILES AWAY FROM THE INITIAL STOP, THE CAR SHUT OFF AGAIN.…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE985
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM863
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE821
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER725
- 05SERVICE BRAKES592
Engine problems range from unusual noises to sudden power loss while driving, sometimes accompanied by warning lights. Some owners report the vehicle losing speed and becoming unable to accelerate, which is a safety risk.
Electrical issues include problems with the TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) and wiring harness damage, which can lead to warning lights and system malfunctions. Rodent damage to wiring has also been reported.
The forward collision avoidance system can trigger unexpectedly, causing the vehicle to brake suddenly without an obstacle. This can be startling and increase the risk of rear-end collisions.
“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.
Chevrolet Camaro — 17 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts m…
The risk: If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet cust…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Camaro vehicles. The left or right axle shaft may be missing a retaining ring, which could allow the axle shaft to separate while driving.
The risk: A separated axle shaft can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left or right axle shaft as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N21…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Chevrolet Camaro vehicles. The plastic "Camaro" emblem, located on the steering wheel air bag cover, may separate during deployment of the frontal driver air bag.
The risk: In the event of a crash, plastic pieces of emblem may act as projectiles from deployment of the driver air bag can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the frontal driver side air bag module, free of charge. The recall began April 14, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N21232…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Cadillac CT6, 2020-2021 CT4, CT5, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Camaro vehicles equipped with a 10-speed transmission. The transmission may become damaged internally and cause the wheels to lock-up.
The risk: Wheel lock-up while driving increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install transmission control module monitoring software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 7, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-8…
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
Chevrolet Camaro or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Camaro has fewer complaints per year (85.7) compared to the Honda Accord (443.8), but the Camaro's issues are more likely to involve major powertrain and electrical failures. In practice, this means Camaro owners may face more severe and costly repairs, while Accord owners may deal with more frequent but sometimes less severe issues, especially with driver-assistance systems.
Key differences
- The Camaro has a higher proportion of powertrain complaints (191) relative to its total, with transmission failures being a common theme.
- The Accord has a significant number of forward collision avoidance complaints (821), indicating issues with its safety systems.
- The Camaro's engine complaints (166) include lifter failures, while the Accord's engine complaints (985) are more varied, including power loss and noises.
- The Accord has more recalls (38) than the Camaro (17), suggesting more widespread issues addressed by the manufacturer.
- Inspect the transmission for any signs of rough shifting or slipping, and check if the TCV recall has been performed.
- Listen for engine ticking noises that could indicate lifter issues, and ask for service records related to engine repairs.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system in a safe area to ensure it doesn't brake unexpectedly.
- Check for any warning lights related to the electrical system, and inspect the wiring harness for damage.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to check for open recalls and previous repairs.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the transmission and engine.
- Test drive the vehicle at various speeds and on inclines to check for stalling or transmission issues.
- Verify that all safety systems, including forward collision avoidance, are functioning properly.
- Ask for maintenance records and confirm that any recalls have been completed.
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 Camaro | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 28 | 214 |
| 2023 | 105 | 224 |
| 2022 | 13 | 238 |
| 2021 | 16 | 226 |
| 2020 | 31 | 355 |
| 2019 | 52 | 677 |
| 2018 | 80 | 1864 |
| 2017 | 185 | 534 |
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 Camaro or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet Camaro vs Honda Accord
- Chevrolet Camaro total complaints
- 857
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,438
- Chevrolet Camaro total recalls
- 17
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Chevrolet Camaro avg complaints/year
- 85.7
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 443.8
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Camaro
- Chevrolet Camaro top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE