Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet Suburban vs Honda Accord
How the Chevrolet Suburban 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 Suburban vs Honda Accord: The Suburban averages 85 complaints per year over 10 years, while the Accord averages 444. Suburban owners report engine and brake failures, while Accord owners face frequent false collision warnings. Both have recalls, but the Suburban's issues are often more severe. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet Suburban or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet Suburban
The Chevrolet Suburban is a large, heavy-duty SUV that owners rely on for towing, family hauling, and long-distance travel. Over the past decade, it has generated 852 complaints, averaging about 85 per year, with the engine and powertrain being the most frequent trouble spots. Owners describe rough running, loss of power, and warning lights, often accompanied by drivability issues that can leave them stranded. While not the highest-volume complainer, the nature of the failures—especially those affecting braking and starting—can be serious and costly to address.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular midsize sedan known for efficiency and value, but its complaint count is high: 4,438 over 10 years, or about 444 per year. The most common issues involve the engine, electrical system, and forward collision avoidance features. Owners report warning lights, sudden power loss, and false activations of safety systems, which can be unnerving and may require repeated dealer visits. The sheer volume suggests that while many problems are minor, some can affect safety and reliability.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet Suburban | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 852 Better | 4,438 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 36 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 26 Better | 160 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 85.2 Better | 443.8 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 25 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 Suburban
- 01ENGINE329
- 02POWER TRAIN197
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM114
- 04SERVICE BRAKES87
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER79
Owners report the engine jerking, shuddering, running rough, and losing power, often with a flashing check engine light. Some describe an odor from the engine and messages indicating a low power condition, which can make the vehicle undrivable.
Transmission-related complaints mirror engine issues: jerking, shuddering, and rough rides. In some cases, the vehicle fails to move or cannot be towed due to electronic transmission problems, leaving owners stranded.
Electrical failures include messages like 'Trailer Brakes Disconnected' that cause trailer brakes to lock up, and instances where the engine cranks but won't start, with the electronic transmission preventing towing. These issues can be unpredictable and require professional diagnosis.
Brake-related complaints include loud knocking, 'brake failure' and 'emergency brake failure' warnings, and a loss of braking response. One owner reported no brakes at all, having to coast to a stop, which is a critical safety concern.
“7/13/25: Car repeatedly jerking/shuddering/rough ride. A flashing check engine light came on for 10 or 15 minutes. After stopping car and restarting it, the check engine light went off. 9/15/25: Car jerking and another flashing check engine light. Took to dea…”
“Purchased the vehicle on April 7, 2025. On 7/15/25, the car had 6948 mi. and started running rough, had a loss of power, an odor from the engine, and then on the display: check engine, blinking green vehicle light, and a message stating that the car was lower…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE985
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM863
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE821
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER725
- 05SERVICE BRAKES592
Engine complaints range from unusual noises to sudden power loss accompanied by warnings for brakes, hill descent, and ABS. Some owners report the vehicle losing speed on the highway, which can be dangerous in traffic.
Electrical issues include TPMS warnings that lead to tire failures, and rodent damage to wiring harnesses, which can cause engine problems. These issues may not be covered under warranty and can be expensive to fix.
Many owners report false activations of the forward collision warning and braking systems, as well as intermittent problems with adaptive cruise control and lane keeping. These can cause sudden, unexpected braking or warnings, which is both annoying and a potential hazard.
Brake complaints include warning lights and a loss of braking power, sometimes linked to the antilock brake system. Owners describe the vehicle failing to stop as expected, which is a serious safety issue.
“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 Suburban — 36 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing d…
The risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repai…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (M) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with third-row seats. The rivet that retains the buckle to the mounting bracket in the left or right side third-row seat belt buckle assembly…
The risk: A seat belt with a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the rivet head formation on both the left and right side third-row seat belt buckle assemblies and replace seat belt buckle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate wh…
The risk: DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chev…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing d…
The risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repai…
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 Suburban or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Suburban has fewer complaints per year (85.2) compared to the Honda Accord (443.8), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the Suburban's problems often involve major systems like the engine and brakes, which can be more severe and costly. In practice, the Accord's higher complaint volume suggests more frequent visits to the shop, but many may be minor electronic glitches.
Key differences
- The Suburban's engine and powertrain complaints often involve rough running and loss of power, while the Accord's engine issues include power loss and warning lights.
- The Accord has a high number of forward collision avoidance complaints, which the Suburban does not, indicating a difference in safety feature reliability.
- Brake failures are reported in both, but the Suburban's brake complaints include complete loss of braking, which is more severe.
- The Suburban has electrical issues that can prevent starting and towing, while the Accord's electrical problems include tire pressure monitoring and wiring damage.
- Check for any history of engine shuddering or loss of power, and have the engine and transmission inspected for codes.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including emergency braking, and look for any warning messages about brake failure.
- Ask about any recalls or service campaigns related to the forward collision avoidance system, and test it in a safe area.
- Inspect the wiring harness for signs of rodent damage, especially if the car is parked outdoors.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on engine, transmission, and brakes.
- Test drive at highway speeds to feel for any shuddering or loss of power.
- Check all warning lights and safety features, including adaptive cruise control and collision warning.
- Ask for service records to see if any of the common issues have been addressed.
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 Suburban | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 13 | 5 |
| 2025 | 30 | 101 |
| 2024 | 39 | 214 |
| 2023 | 119 | 224 |
| 2022 | 119 | 238 |
| 2021 | 189 | 226 |
| 2020 | 44 | 355 |
| 2019 | 77 | 677 |
| 2018 | 81 | 1864 |
| 2017 | 141 | 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 Suburban or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet Suburban vs Honda Accord
- Chevrolet Suburban total complaints
- 852
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,438
- Chevrolet Suburban total recalls
- 36
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Chevrolet Suburban avg complaints/year
- 85.2
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 443.8
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Suburban
- Chevrolet Suburban top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE