Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet SS vs Honda Accord
How the Chevrolet SS 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 SS vs Honda Accord: The SS has 99 complaints over 4 years (24.8/yr) with steering issues dominating, while the Accord has 4,438 over 10 years (443.8/yr) with engine and electronics problems. The SS has 23 recalls, the Accord 38. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet SS or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet SS
The Chevrolet SS is a low-volume performance sedan, and its complaint record is dominated by steering issues, with 62 of 99 complaints. Owners describe a loss of power steering at random times, often linked to a recall for the power steering rack, but some report their VIN isn't included. There are also seat belt and air bag concerns tied to recalls for tensioner cables and sensors, which can leave a car undrivable while waiting for parts. Overall, it's a niche vehicle with a focused set of reliability headaches, mostly around steering and safety systems.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a high-volume mainstream sedan with a much larger complaint count (4,438 over 10 years), but that's partly due to its popularity. The top issues are engine problems (985), electrical system glitches (863), and forward collision avoidance system failures (821). Owners report sudden warning lights, loss of power, and false activations of safety features, which can be alarming. While many complaints are about modern tech and hybrid components, the sheer number suggests a broader range of issues compared to the SS.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet SS | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 99 Better | 4,438 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 23 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 160 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 24.8 Better | 443.8 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 144 |
| 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 SS
- 01STEERING62
- 02SEAT BELTS13
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM9
- 04AIR BAGS7
- 05SUSPENSION5
Owners report a loss of power steering at random times, often due to a faulty power steering rack. Some say the recall doesn't cover their VIN, leaving them with an unresolved safety risk.
The seat belt tensioner cables can abrade against trim and cut, potentially failing to restrain in a crash. Some owners are unable to take delivery of their car because the dealer can't fix the recall promptly.
Infotainment glitches and water intrusion into detection systems are reported. One owner mentions a recall for failed detection systems due to water intrusion, which could affect safety features.
The air bag warning light often comes on due to seat belt tensioner cable issues or faulty passenger seat sensors, which may prevent air bags from deploying properly in a collision.
“Collapsed lifter on cyl 6. Lifter tick / knock since 100,200 miles. Car has a warranty until 5/2026 or 171,000 miles and they refuse to honor it. Car has a steering issue. Two separate chevy dealerships unable to fix. vanderevere charged me 500-600 to fix NOT…”
“I OWN A 2016 CHEVROLET SS SEDAN, THERE IS CURRENTLY A RECALL FOR THE POWER STEERING RACK DUE TO THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING AT RANDOM TIMES DUE TO THEIR CHOICE TO CUT COSTS IN THE INITIAL ASSEMBLY. MY VIN IS NOT LISTED ON THE RECALL, MY VEHICLE WAS MADE IN DEC…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE985
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM863
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE821
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER725
- 05SERVICE BRAKES592
Owners report unusual noises, loss of power, and warning lights for brake, hill descent, and ABS systems. Some experience sudden speed loss on the highway, which can be dangerous.
Issues include TPMS warnings that lead to tire failures, and rodent damage to wiring harnesses, which can cause engine or safety system malfunctions. These problems are often intermittent.
The system can falsely activate or show errors for adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, and automatic high beams. Owners report the system failing to work correctly, sometimes at highway speeds.
Brake-related complaints include sudden activation of ABS or stability control, and in some cases, a loss of braking power, which is critical for safety.
“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 SS — 23 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Chevrolet SS and Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicles (PPV) that were previously repaired under NHTSA recall number 16V-518. The repair may not have been performed properly. The driver's seat belt tensioner cable may be repeatedly bent over the seat…
The risk: If the tensioner cable separates, the driver may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to determine whether the new seat trim was installed and replace the trim as necessary. Dealers will also inspect and replace the pretensioner cable assembly, as necessary. Repai…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Chevrolet Caprice Police Pursuit vehicles (PPV) and SS vehicles. Corrosion of the connector between the electric power steering module and the torque sensor connector may cause a loss of electric power steering assist.
The risk: A greater steering effort would be needed to control the vehicle if power steering is lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began May 26, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N192285350.
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Chevrolet SS vehicles that previously received an inspect-only remedy under recall 17V-382. Corrosion of the connector between the electric power steering module and the torque sensor connector may cause a loss of electric power steering assist.
The risk: A greater steering effort would be needed to control the vehicle if power steering is lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began December 27, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GM customer service at 1-586-596-1733. GM's…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Chevrolet SS vehicles that previously received an inspect-only remedy under recall 17V-382. Corrosion of the connector between the electric power steering module and the torque sensor connector may cause a loss of electric power steering assist.
The risk: A greater steering effort would be needed to control the vehicle if power steering is lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began December 27, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GM customer service at 1-586-596-1733. GM's…
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 SS or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet SS has far fewer complaints per year (24.8) compared to the Honda Accord (443.8), but the SS's issues are concentrated in steering and safety systems, which can be serious. The Accord's higher volume reflects its popularity, but the sheer number of engine and electronic problems suggests a more complex ownership experience. In practice, the SS may have fewer overall issues, but the Accord's problems are more varied and could affect more systems.
Key differences
- The SS has a specific steering rack recall that can cause sudden loss of power steering, while the Accord's steering issues are less prominent.
- The Accord has a high rate of forward collision avoidance system failures, which can be annoying and potentially dangerous if the system acts up.
- The SS's seat belt and air bag recalls can leave the car undrivable for weeks, whereas the Accord's issues are more about warning lights and system glitches.
- The Accord's engine problems include loss of power and warning lights, which are more varied than the SS's steering-focused complaints.
- Check if the power steering rack recall has been performed; if not, be aware of the risk of sudden steering loss.
- Inspect the seat belt tensioner cables for abrasion or damage, and verify any open recalls are completed before purchase.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system to ensure it doesn't false-activate or show errors.
- Look for signs of rodent damage to wiring harnesses, especially if the car is parked outdoors, and check for any pending electrical recalls.
Before you buy
- Verify open recalls for both vehicles using the VIN on the NHTSA website.
- For the SS, ask for service records on steering and seat belt recalls.
- For the Accord, ask about any repairs to the forward collision avoidance system or engine warning lights.
- Have a mechanic inspect the SS's steering rack and the Accord's wiring harnesses for damage.
- Take both on a test drive to feel for steering issues in the SS and to see if the Accord's safety systems behave normally.
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 SS | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 7 | 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 SS or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet SS vs Honda Accord
- Chevrolet SS total complaints
- 99
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,438
- Chevrolet SS total recalls
- 23
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Chevrolet SS avg complaints/year
- 24.8
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 443.8
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet SS
- Chevrolet SS top complaint area
- STEERING
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE