Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet Traverse vs Honda Accord
How the Chevrolet Traverse 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 Traverse vs Honda Accord: The Traverse averages 208 complaints per year with 23 recalls, while the Accord averages 452 complaints per year with 38 recalls. The Accord has more crash-related reports (162 vs. 66) and deaths (3 vs. 1). Both have serious power train and electrical issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet Traverse or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet Traverse
The Chevrolet Traverse is a large three-row SUV that owners often buy for family hauling, but the complaint pattern shows a vehicle that can develop multiple, overlapping problems as it ages. Over 10 years, it has averaged about 208 complaints per year, with the most common issues in the power train, electrical system, and engine. Owners frequently report sudden loss of power, transmission jerking, and warning lights for steering and brakes, which can make the vehicle feel unpredictable. While not every Traverse will have these issues, the volume and severity of reports suggest that a thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a midsize sedan known for its reliability, but the data shows a high number of complaints—about 452 per year—with major categories being engine, electrical system, and forward collision avoidance. Owners report serious issues like simultaneous failure of power steering and brakes, engine rattling, and unintended activation of automatic braking. These problems can occur even in newer models, and some have led to crashes and injuries. Despite its reputation, the Accord's complaint volume and the nature of the defects mean buyers should carefully check for these specific faults.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet Traverse | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,075 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 23 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 66 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 207.5 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 69 Better | 146 |
| 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 Traverse
- 01POWER TRAIN542
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM401
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER360
- 04ENGINE335
- 05AIR BAGS293
Owners report repeated safety-related failures including engine/cooling system issues, fuel-injector misfires, and transmission jerking during acceleration. These can cause the vehicle to lose power or shift harshly, making it unsafe to drive and potentially leading to costly repairs.
Complaints include dashboard warnings like 'Service Brake Assist' and 'Steering Assist Reduced,' often accompanied by hard brakes or reduced steering effort. These symptoms suggest electronic failures that can compromise control, especially at higher speeds.
Reported problems include exhaust leaks from the front pipe and recurring misfires. An exhaust leak can allow dangerous fumes into the cabin, while misfires can cause rough running and trigger the check engine light.
With 293 complaints and recalls for frontal impact sensors and side curtain air bags, owners may face issues with air bag deployment or warning lights. This is critical because air bags may not function properly in a crash.
“I own a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse RS, VIN [XXX]. This vehicle has repeated safety-related failures involving the engine/cooling system, fuel-injector/misfire system, steering-assist warning system, and electronic parking brake system. The vehicle is currently a…”
“The contact's husband leases a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that after the vehicle had been parked for approximately 10 minutes, the contact who was occupying the front passenger's side seat turned off the vehicle while the driver's seat was un…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners describe rattling noises while accelerating, rough transitions between EV and gas modes, and sudden loss of speed with multiple dashboard alarms. These symptoms can indicate internal engine damage or hybrid system faults that are expensive to fix.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds, as well as tire pressure monitoring system issues that may lead to tire failure. Such failures can cause loss of control and increase crash risk.
Owners report unintended activation of automatic braking or failure to detect obstacles, sometimes under consistent driving conditions. This can cause sudden stops or prevent the system from intervening when needed, leading to collisions.
Issues include fuel pump failures and hybrid management software problems, which can cause stalling or loss of power. A recall for fuel pump delivery confirms this is a known safety risk.
“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 Traverse — 23 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Blazer and Traverse vehicles. The left-side half-shaft assemblies may be missing a retaining ring.
The risk: A missing retaining ring on the half-shaft can cause half-shaft inner joint separation, resulting in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the left-side half-shaft assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 23, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N222390180.
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac XT6, GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Blazer, Traverse, and 2022-2023 Cadillac XT5 vehicles. The transmission may have been built with an incorrect sun gear, which can result in the driver-side half-shaft disengaging from the transmission.
The risk: A half-shaft disengaging from the transmission can result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the sun gears, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2023. The remedy is expected to become available August 31, 2023. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevro…
The defect: Braun Corporation (Braun) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Chevrolet Traverse wheelchair accessible vehicles with Power In-floor Ramp conversion. The screw and clip that hold the inner wheel-well plastic shroud in place may chafe against the transmission case, possibly resulting in a transmission flu…
The risk: A transmission fluid leak can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, a leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the screw and clip, and inspect for signs of contact with the transmission, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2021. Owners may contact Braun customer service at 1-800-488-0359.
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave vehicles. During service by dealers, certain vehicles may have received incorrect air bag calibration software that may affect frontal airbag deployment.
The risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the air bag calibration software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 29, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM…
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 Traverse or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Traverse has fewer complaints per year (about 208) compared to the Honda Accord (about 452), but both have serious safety-related reports. The Accord's higher volume means you're more likely to encounter problems, but the Traverse's issues often involve multiple systems at once. In practice, the Traverse may have fewer overall complaints, but the severity of power train and electrical failures in both means neither is immune to costly repairs.
Key differences
- The Traverse has far fewer complaints per year (208 vs. 452), but its power train complaints often involve transmission jerking and loss of power, while the Accord's engine issues include hybrid system rattles and sudden speed loss.
- The Accord has more than double the crash-related complaints (162 vs. 66) and triple the deaths (3 vs. 1), with forward collision avoidance and electrical failures being major contributors.
- The Traverse's electrical complaints center on brake and steering assist warnings, whereas the Accord's electrical issues include simultaneous steering and brake failure at highway speeds.
- Both have air bag and fuel system recalls, but the Accord also has a recall for hybrid power control software, indicating a broader range of electronic vulnerabilities.
- During a test drive, listen for harsh shifting or jerking during acceleration, and check for any dashboard warnings related to steering assist or brake assist.
- Inspect for exhaust leaks, especially around the front pipe, and look for signs of coolant leaks or misfire-related check engine lights.
- Test the electronic power steering and brakes at low and high speeds; any warning lights or unusual noises could indicate impending failure.
- Check for rattling noises from the engine, especially during acceleration, and verify that the forward collision avoidance system engages properly without false alarms.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially for power train, electrical, and air bag issues.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on transmission, electrical systems, and engine performance.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, or changes in steering and braking feel.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for transmission fluid changes and software updates.
- For the Accord, specifically test the forward collision avoidance system and hybrid mode transitions; for the Traverse, test the electronic parking brake and steering assist.
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 Traverse | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 24 | 10 |
| 2025 | 179 | 109 |
| 2024 | 137 | 219 |
| 2023 | 89 | 226 |
| 2022 | 98 | 252 |
| 2021 | 89 | 234 |
| 2020 | 229 | 362 |
| 2019 | 407 | 691 |
| 2018 | 462 | 1884 |
| 2017 | 361 | 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 Traverse or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet Traverse vs Honda Accord
- Chevrolet Traverse total complaints
- 2,075
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Chevrolet Traverse total recalls
- 23
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Chevrolet Traverse avg complaints/year
- 207.5
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Traverse
- Chevrolet Traverse top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE