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 24.8 complaints per year with 0 deaths, while the Accord has 429 complaints per year with 3 deaths. The SS's main issue is steering loss; the Accord's are engine and electrical failures. 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, high-performance sedan with a relatively small owner base. Its complaint pattern is dominated by steering issues, particularly loss of power steering, which can be intermittent and dangerous. Owners also report seat belt tensioner cable abrasion and air bag warning lights, often linked to the same seat belt recall. With 99 complaints over 4 years (24.8/yr), it has fewer reports overall, but the steering problem is a known, unresolved issue for some VINs.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a mass-market sedan with a high volume of complaints (4290 over 10 years, 429/yr), reflecting its popularity. The top issues are engine problems (e.g., loss of power, warning lights), electrical system failures (sudden loss of power and steering), and forward collision avoidance malfunctions (false activations or unintended braking). These issues can cause sudden loss of control or unexpected braking, posing safety risks. The Accord also has 154 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths, indicating real-world consequences.
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 | 4,290 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 23 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 154 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 24.8 Better | 429.0 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 141 |
| 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 intermittent loss of power steering, often at random times, due to a defective power steering rack. Some VINs are not covered by the recall, leaving owners with an unresolved safety issue.
The seat belt tensioner cable can abrade against the trim and cut the cable or sleeve, potentially failing to restrain the driver in a crash. This is tied to a recall, but some owners report dealerships unable to fix it promptly.
Infotainment system issues (e.g., Pandora app problems) and water intrusion causing failure of detection systems are reported. These are less critical but can be frustrating.
The air bag warning light often activates due to a faulty seat belt tensioner cable or passenger seat sensor, which may prevent proper air bag deployment 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
- 01ENGINE924
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM820
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE798
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER696
- 05SERVICE BRAKES577
Owners report sudden loss of power while driving, accompanied by warning lights for brake, ABS, and hill descent systems. The engine may lose speed and become unable to accelerate, creating a crash risk.
Sudden loss of all power, including power steering, while on the highway, with multiple warning lights flashing. This can cause loss of control and has been linked to crashes.
The system may falsely activate or cause unintended braking at low speeds, even with no obstructions. Some owners report crashes related to this malfunction.
Brake system failures, including loss of braking power or unexpected activation, are reported. These can lead to 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 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 are expected to be mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is availa…
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 vs 429) and no reported injuries or deaths, while the Honda Accord has 141 injuries and 3 deaths. However, the SS's steering issue is a known unresolved problem for some owners, whereas the Accord's issues are more widespread and varied. In practice, the SS may be less risky statistically, but the Accord's problems are more likely to be encountered due to its volume.
Key differences
- Chevrolet SS has 24.8 complaints per year vs Honda Accord's 429 per year, a 17x difference.
- Chevrolet SS has 0 reported injuries/deaths; Honda Accord has 141 injuries and 3 deaths.
- Chevrolet SS's top issue is steering loss; Honda Accord's top issues are engine power loss and electrical system failures.
- Chevrolet SS has 23 recalls over 4 years; Honda Accord has 38 recalls over 10 years.
- Check if the steering rack recall has been performed; if not, verify your VIN is included. Test drive for intermittent power steering loss.
- Inspect the front seat belt tensioner cables for abrasion or damage, and confirm the seat belt recall is completed.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system in a safe area to see if it false-activates. Check for any open recalls on the power control unit or brake system.
- Look for any history of sudden power loss or electrical issues; ask the seller if the engine or electrical system has been repaired.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to check for open recalls on both vehicles.
- For the Chevrolet SS, specifically verify the steering rack recall status and test drive at various speeds.
- For the Honda Accord, ask for service records related to engine, electrical, and forward collision avoidance repairs.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the seat belt tensioner cables on the SS and the brake system on the Accord.
- Check for any crash history or air bag deployment on the Accord, given its higher crash-related complaints.
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 | 528 |
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
- 4,290
- Chevrolet SS total recalls
- 23
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Chevrolet SS avg complaints/year
- 24.8
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 429.0
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet SS
- Chevrolet SS top complaint area
- STEERING
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE