Head-to-head reliability
Chrysler Aspen vs Honda Accord
How the Chrysler Aspen 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 Aspen vs Honda Accord: The Aspen averages about 148 complaints per year with 9 recalls, while the Accord averages about 452 per year with 38 recalls. Aspen owners report fuel spills and stalling; Accord owners report engine, electrical, and collision-avoidance issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chrysler Aspen or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chrysler Aspen
The Chrysler Aspen is a full-size SUV that averages about 148 complaints per year over three years, with 9 recalls and 29 crash-related reports. Owners frequently report fuel spilling or spitting back during refueling, and some describe stalling while driving, which can cause loss of steering and control. Air bag inflator recalls are also common, and several owners say parts were unavailable for long periods. This pattern suggests a vehicle that may need extra attention to fuel and safety systems.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a midsize car that averages about 452 complaints per year over ten years, with 38 recalls and 162 crash-related reports. Owners report engine rattles, rough transitions between electric and gas modes, and sudden loss of power or braking. Electrical issues include power steering and braking failures, and forward collision avoidance problems include unexpected braking. This pattern suggests a vehicle with a wide range of reported issues, some involving critical safety systems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chrysler Aspen | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 443 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 9 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 29 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 147.7 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 22 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 Aspen
- 01AIR BAGS108
- 02FUEL SYSTEM95
- 03GASOLINE95
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM89
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM48
Owners report that air bag inflator recalls were not completed because parts were unavailable, leaving them driving with unresolved safety recalls. This matters because a recalled air bag may not deploy correctly in a crash.
Many owners say fuel burps up and spills out when filling the tank, sometimes pouring down the side of the vehicle. This creates a fire risk and a strong gasoline odor, and some report it is a known problem not covered by warranty.
Complaints about gasoline often mirror fuel system issues, with fuel spitting back and spilling during refueling. This can expose the buyer to repeated fuel spills and potential safety hazards.
Owners describe the vehicle stalling repeatedly after filling the tank, sometimes losing all steering and control for 30-45 seconds. This is a serious safety concern because a stall at speed can lead to a crash.
“2009 CHRYSLER ASPEN HYBRID HAS 3 RECALLS. THE FIRST RECALL UPDATE WASN'T SUCCESSFULLY DONE AND SUBSEQUENTLY I CANT GET THE OTHER 2, S43 AND S92 RECALLS ADDRESSED. FOR SEVERAL YEARS PRIOR TO P48 RECALL, MY TRUCK WOULD DROP DEAD WHILE DRIVING AND THE DEALERSHIP…”
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHRYSLER ASPEN 4X4. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V947000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V352000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER FAILED TO SUPPLY THE REMEDY PARTS TO THE DEALER TO RECEIVE THE REPAIR IN A REASO…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report rattling noises while accelerating, rough transitions between EV and gas modes, and sudden loss of speed with multiple warning lights. These issues can leave a driver unable to maintain speed or control the car.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds, as well as tire pressure warning issues that may not be resolved. Such failures can make the car very hard to steer or stop.
Owners describe unexpected braking or failure to resolve a defect even after service visits, sometimes under adaptive cruise control. This can cause sudden speed changes and increase crash risk.
Reports include persistent rotten-egg or sulfur odors that remain after paid repairs, and a foot slipping behind a plastic side panel. These issues may point to hidden problems that are hard to diagnose and fix.
“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 Aspen — 9 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2009 Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen vehicles manufactured January 17, 2007, to December 18, 2008, and 2010 RAM 3500 cab chassis manufactured September 25, 2009, to February 1, 2010. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver f…
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 11, 2017. Owners may…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas,…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants 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 28, 2018. Owners may…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2…
The risk: These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occur…
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger front…
The defect: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured from February 27, 2008, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through October 20, 2011; model year 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota trucks manufactured from February 27, 2007, through June 30, 2009, and from December…
The risk: If the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the axle can lock up and cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash with little warning.
The fix: On November 7, 2013 Chrysler notified owners that dealers would install a pinion nut retainer, free of charge. In July 2015, and under a consent order with NHTSA, the company agreed to offer owners three options for remedying their vehicle…
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 Aspen or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Chrysler Aspen has far fewer complaints per year (about 148) than the Honda Accord (about 452), but the Aspen's issues often involve fuel spills and stalling. The Accord's higher volume includes many engine, electrical, and collision-avoidance complaints, some involving sudden loss of power or braking. In practice, the Aspen may have fewer reported problems overall, but the Accord's problems are more varied and sometimes affect advanced safety features.
Key differences
- The Chrysler Aspen has about 148 complaints per year, while the Honda Accord has about 452 per year, but the Aspen's complaints often involve fuel spills and stalling.
- Air bag inflator recalls are a major theme for the Aspen, with owners reporting parts shortages, while the Accord has recalls for hybrid power control software and fuel pumps.
- The Accord's top complaint areas include engine, electrical, and forward collision avoidance, with reports of sudden power loss and braking failure; the Aspen's top areas are air bags and fuel system.
- The Aspen has 0 reported deaths in the data, while the Accord has 3 deaths and more crash-related reports, though these numbers alone do not prove cause.
- Check for fuel spills or strong gasoline odors when refueling, and ask if the fuel tank has been inspected for the burping/spitting issue.
- Verify that all air bag inflator recalls have been completed, and get written proof, because owners report parts shortages and unresolved recalls.
- Test drive at highway speeds and listen for engine rattles or rough transitions between EV and gas modes, and check for warning lights.
- Ask for service records on electronic power steering, braking, and forward collision avoidance repairs, since owners report sudden failures and unresolved defects.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all open recalls are closed, especially air bag recalls on the Aspen and hybrid power control or fuel pump recalls on the Accord.
- Have a mechanic inspect the fuel system on the Aspen for leaks or spill issues, and check the Accord's engine, electrical, and braking systems for stored codes.
- During a test drive, refuel the Aspen to see if fuel spits back, and drive the Accord at highway speeds to check for power loss or unexpected braking.
- Ask the seller for receipts showing recent repairs to the specific complaint areas, such as fuel tank, air bags, engine, or electrical components.
- Check the NHTSA website by VIN for any unrepaired recalls and confirm the remedy parts are available before purchase.
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 Aspen or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chrysler Aspen vs Honda Accord
- Chrysler Aspen total complaints
- 443
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Chrysler Aspen total recalls
- 9
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Chrysler Aspen avg complaints/year
- 147.7
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Chrysler Aspen
- Chrysler Aspen top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE