Head-to-head reliability
Chrysler 300 vs Honda Accord
How the Chrysler 300 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
Chrysler 300 vs Honda Accord: The 300 averages 74.6 complaints per year with 31 recalls, while the Accord averages 452.4 complaints per year with 38 recalls. The 300 has 43 injuries reported, the Accord 146 injuries and 3 deaths. Both have safety-related issues, so check recalls carefully. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chrysler 300 or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chrysler 300
The Chrysler 300 is a full-size sedan with a 10-year average of about 75 complaints per year, which is relatively low compared to some rivals. However, the complaints that do come in often describe serious issues like sudden shutdowns, rear differential failures, and airbag problems. With 31 recalls and 43 injuries reported, living with a 300 means staying on top of recalls and being alert for electrical and drivetrain symptoms.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular midsize sedan with a much higher complaint volume—about 452 per year over the same period. That's partly because there are many more Accords on the road, but the complaints include troubling patterns like engine stalling, electronic power steering and braking failures, and forward collision avoidance glitches. With 38 recalls and 3 deaths reported, buyers should be aware of these safety-related trends.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chrysler 300 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 746 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 31 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 59 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 74.6 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 43 Better | 146 |
| 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.
Chrysler 300
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM221
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER156
- 03POWER TRAIN135
- 04AIR BAGS100
- 05ENGINE54
Owners report the vehicle shutting down completely while driving, often accompanied by a 'SERVICE THE SHIFTER' message and a total loss of power. This can leave you stranded or cause a crash, and it's the most common complaint area.
The rear differential can fail before 100,000 miles, sometimes with a loud metal-on-metal noise and sudden loss of movement. Another owner described the car decelerating on its own at 55 mph and demanding to be put in park.
There are complaints involving Takata airbag recalls, where the inflator can explode and send shrapnel into the cabin. One owner also reported a brake failure that led to a crash, though it's unclear if the airbag deployed properly.
Some owners report interior panels (center console and door panels) pulling away, which could affect side airbag performance. Others mention persistent check engine lights after emissions recalls, pointing to ongoing electronic gremlins.
“This issue has been going on since February 2024. The vehicle will completely shutdown while driving ( no matter what speed I'm going ) it will say SERVICE THE SHIFTER and stop. The first time this happened I took (towed bc vehicle willl have no power since t…”
“1. Rear differential failed before 100,000 miles. I was driving and I heard something metal fall in the back of the car. I pressed gas but was not able to move. After inspection and call for help, the part that fell on the ground was the rear differential. Ho…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners describe the vehicle losing speed and showing multiple alarms (Brake, hill descent, ABS, critical failure) while driving, which can be frightening. Another common complaint is a rattling noise during acceleration and rough transitions between electric and gas modes in hybrids.
There are reports of the electronic power steering and braking systems failing simultaneously at highway speeds, causing a near-collision. A separate complaint involved a tire failure shortly after a TPMS repair, suggesting possible service-related issues.
Owners report the system activating unexpectedly or failing to intervene when needed, sometimes under identical driving conditions. This can lead to sudden braking or a false sense of security, increasing crash risk.
Some owners complain of a persistent rotten-egg or sulfur odor, which may indicate fuel system or catalytic converter issues. In hybrids, there are also concerns about the hybrid management software, addressed by a recall.
“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.
Chrysler 300 — 31 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, Ram 4500/5500, 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota, 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger, 2010-2015 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause t…
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2019. Owners may…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain Mopar Stage 1 Kit Performance Packages Powertrain Control Modules (PCM) Part Numbers P5160023, P5160025, and Demon Crate PCM Part Number 68412287AA. The PCMs are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengagi…
The risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will either perform a software update or replace the PCM, free of charge. The recall began July 26 , 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysle…
The risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-8…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD). The front driveshaft bolts may loosen and allow the front driveshaft to disconnect, potentially causing a loss of motive power.
The risk: A loss of motive power can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace all eight front driveshaft bolts, free of charge. The recall began April 7, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T0…
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
Chrysler 300 or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Chrysler 300 has far fewer complaints per year (about 75 vs. 452 for the Accord), but the Accord's higher volume is partly due to its much larger sales. In practice, the 300's issues tend to be sudden and mechanical, while the Accord's are more varied and often electronic. Neither is trouble-free, but the 300 may be easier to live with if you can find a well-maintained example.
Key differences
- The Chrysler 300 averages about 75 complaints per year, while the Honda Accord averages about 452 per year, but the Accord sells in much higher numbers.
- Chrysler 300 owners frequently report sudden shutdowns and rear differential failures, whereas Honda Accord owners report engine stalling and electronic steering/braking failures.
- The Chrysler 300 has 31 recalls and 43 injuries reported; the Honda Accord has 38 recalls and 146 injuries, including 3 deaths.
- Both have airbag-related recalls, but the Accord also has recalls for fuel pumps and hybrid software, while the 300 has axle and transmission control module recalls.
- Check for any signs of electrical gremlins: ask if the 'SERVICE THE SHIFTER' message has ever appeared, and test all electronics thoroughly.
- Listen for clunking or whining from the rear differential during a test drive, and ask for maintenance records to see if the differential fluid was ever changed.
- Test the electronic power steering and brakes at low and high speeds; any warning lights or unusual noises could indicate a pending failure.
- Ask about any forward collision avoidance system updates or repairs, and test the system in a safe environment to ensure it doesn't false-activate.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the car, focusing on the areas mentioned in complaints (electrical, drivetrain, airbags).
- During the test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, or hesitation in acceleration or braking.
- Ask the seller for all maintenance records, especially for transmission, differential, and software updates.
- For the Accord, specifically test the forward collision avoidance and lane-keeping systems; for the 300, test the shifter and electrical accessories.
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 | Chrysler 300 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 6 | 226 |
| 2022 | 5 | 252 |
| 2021 | 20 | 234 |
| 2020 | 10 | 362 |
| 2019 | 60 | 691 |
| 2018 | 153 | 1884 |
| 2017 | 82 | 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 Chrysler 300 or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chrysler 300 vs Honda Accord
- Chrysler 300 total complaints
- 746
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Chrysler 300 total recalls
- 31
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Chrysler 300 avg complaints/year
- 74.6
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Chrysler 300
- Chrysler 300 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE