Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet Uplander vs Honda Accord
How the Chevrolet Uplander 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 Uplander vs Honda Accord: The Uplander has 584 complaints over 5 years (116.8/year) and 11 recalls, while the Accord has 4524 complaints over 10 years (452.4/year) and 38 recalls. Uplander issues often involve doors and suspension; Accord issues often involve engine and electronics. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet Uplander or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet Uplander
The Chevrolet Uplander is a minivan that owners report living with a steady stream of electrical and structural problems. Over five years, NHTSA logged 584 complaints, with the most common issues involving the electrical system, body structure, and door latches. Owners describe alarming failures like sliding doors opening while driving and suspension parts fracturing. With 11 recalls and 59 injuries reported, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection before purchase.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular midsize car with a much higher annual complaint rate—452.4 per year over ten years—but many of those complaints involve advanced driver-assistance features and infotainment quirks. Engine and electrical problems are frequently reported, including loss of power and electronic steering failures. With 38 recalls and 146 injuries, it's a complex vehicle where software and sensor issues can create safety risks.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet Uplander | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 584 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 11 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 24 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 116.8 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 59 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 Uplander
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM142
- 02STRUCTURE126
- 03LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES82
- 04SERVICE BRAKES73
- 05STEERING55
Owners report the alarm going off randomly and automatic sliding doors opening unexpectedly while driving at highway speeds. This can lead to pets or children falling out, making it a serious safety concern.
Complaints include the rear suspension fracturing and falling to the ground while driving, as well as the same sliding door issue. A collapsing suspension can cause loss of control and is expensive to repair.
Problems with door latches and linkages are common, often tied to the sliding doors opening on their own. This undermines the basic security of the vehicle and can happen without warning.
Owners describe intermittent ABS/traction control warnings followed by brakes locking up, sometimes on the interstate. This creates a terrifying situation where the vehicle may not stop as expected.
“SAFETY ISSUE: THE FIRST OCCURRENCE DATE IS AN ESTIMATE, AS I DO NOT REMEMBER, BUT THE PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED AGAIN THIS NIGHT: FOR NO REASON AT ALL THE ALARM BEGAN GOING OFF (OF COURSE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT). I WAS AWAKE. I LIVE IN A PRETTY SAFE PARK. AT A…”
“BOTH AUTOMATIC SLIDING SIDE DOORS WOULD OPEN WITH NO WARNING TRAVELING 55 MPH, AFRAID MY TRIPLET GRAND CHILDREN OR MY 2 DOGS WOULD FALL OUT, THE DOGS DID GET OUT ONE DAY WHEN THE DOORS OPENED BY THEIR SELF, ONE OF MY DOGS RAN ACROSS THE BUSY STREET. AUTOMOBIL…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report rattling noises during acceleration, rough transitions between EV and gas modes, and sudden loss of power with multiple dashboard alarms. These issues can leave you stranded and may be difficult to diagnose.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds, as well as TPMS warnings followed by tire failure. Such failures can cause near-collisions and require immediate attention.
Owners describe the system failing to resolve threats, with adaptive cruise control suddenly braking or not reacting. This undermines a key safety feature and can lead to rear-end collisions.
Fuel pump and hybrid management issues are reported, including stalling and loss of power. These problems can occur without warning and may require costly repairs.
“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 Uplander — 11 recalls
The defect: THE BRAUN CORPORATION HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2008 GENERAL MOTORS MOBILITY CONVERSION, HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE LOW FLOOR MINIVANS. DURING CONVERSION, THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE TRAILING ARM MODIFICATION MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY WELDED.
The risk: A SQUEAKING OR CLUNKING NOISE MAY DEVELOP. THE TRAILING ARM BUSHINGS MAY PREMATURELY WEAR AND THE TRAILING ARM MAY FRACTURE OR SEPARATE, ALLOWING THE REAR AXLE TO BECOME PARTIALLY SEPARATED FROM THE CHASSIS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND WILL HAVE A SUPPLY OF RETROFIT PARTS AVAILABLE TO REMEDY THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 4, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BRAUN AT 1-800-488-0359.
The defect: DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN…
The risk: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-24…
The defect: THE BRAUN CORPORATION HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2008 GENERAL MOTORS MOBILITY CONVERSION, HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE LOW FLOOR MINIVANS. DURING CONVERSION, THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE TRAILING ARM MODIFICATION MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY WELDED.
The risk: A SQUEAKING OR CLUNKING NOISE MAY DEVELOP. THE TRAILING ARM BUSHINGS MAY PREMATURELY WEAR AND THE TRAILING ARM MAY FRACTURE OR SEPARATE, ALLOWING THE REAR AXLE TO BECOME PARTIALLY SEPARATED FROM THE CHASSIS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND WILL HAVE A SUPPLY OF RETROFIT PARTS AVAILABLE TO REMEDY THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 4, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BRAUN AT 1-800-488-0359.
The defect: DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN…
The risk: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-24…
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 Uplander or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Uplander has far fewer complaints per year (116.8) than the Honda Accord (452.4), but the Uplander's issues often involve basic mechanical failures like doors opening and suspension breaking. The Accord's higher complaint count reflects its greater complexity and advanced features, but many issues are software-related. In practice, the Uplander may have fewer but more severe problems, while the Accord has more frequent but sometimes less critical complaints.
Key differences
- The Uplander has 584 complaints over 5 years, while the Accord has 4524 over 10 years—the Accord averages about four times more complaints per year.
- Uplander owners report sliding doors opening while driving and rear suspension fracturing, which are immediate physical safety risks.
- Accord owners report electronic steering and braking failures, as well as forward collision avoidance malfunctions, which are often tied to complex electronics.
- The Uplander has 11 recalls and 1 death; the Accord has 38 recalls and 3 deaths, indicating more widespread safety actions for the Accord.
- Test the automatic sliding doors multiple times, including while driving at low speed, to see if they open unexpectedly.
- Inspect the rear suspension for cracks, rust, or signs of repair, as owners report it fracturing and falling.
- Check for any history of electronic power steering or braking failures by test-driving at highway speeds and feeling for hesitation or warning lights.
- Ask about software updates for the forward collision avoidance system and test adaptive cruise control to ensure it doesn't suddenly brake.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Uplander's sliding doors, latches, and rear suspension before purchase.
- For the Accord, scan for stored error codes related to the engine, electrical system, and driver-assist features.
- Test-drive both vehicles on highways and in stop-and-go traffic to replicate reported failure conditions.
- Budget for potential repairs: Uplander door and suspension fixes can be costly, while Accord electronic repairs may require dealer tools.
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 Uplander or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet Uplander vs Honda Accord
- Chevrolet Uplander total complaints
- 584
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Chevrolet Uplander total recalls
- 11
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Chevrolet Uplander avg complaints/year
- 116.8
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Uplander
- Chevrolet Uplander top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE