Head-to-head reliability
Chrysler Cirrus vs Honda Accord
How the Chrysler Cirrus 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 Cirrus vs Honda Accord: The Cirrus averages 53.5 complaints per year with 9 recalls, while the Accord averages 452.4 per year with 38 recalls. Cirrus issues often involve steering and brake failures; Accord complaints include engine and electrical faults. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chrysler Cirrus or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chrysler Cirrus
The Chrysler Cirrus is a mid-1990s to early-2000s sedan that, based on owner complaints, demands close attention to steering and brake systems. With 107 complaints over two years and 9 recalls, the volume is modest but the failure patterns are serious—power steering hose failures that can lead to fire, and brake lines that collapse and leave rear brakes engaged. Buyers should expect a car that needs a thorough pre-purchase inspection and may require ongoing repairs to safety-critical hydraulic systems.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord, especially recent hybrid models, shows a much higher complaint volume—4,524 over ten years—with engine, electrical, and forward collision avoidance systems dominating. Owners report alarming issues like simultaneous loss of power steering and braking at highway speeds, engine rattles, and false or missed forward collision warnings. While the Accord is a popular, long-running model, the data suggests that certain model years, particularly 2025 hybrids, have notable electronic and powertrain complaints that buyers should investigate.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chrysler Cirrus | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 107 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 9 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 18 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 53.5 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 16 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 Cirrus
- 01STEERING30
- 02SERVICE BRAKES16
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM15
- 04HYDRAULIC15
- 05AIR BAGS10
Owners report power steering hose failures, sometimes after a recall repair, leading to fluid leaks, belt slipping, and in one case an engine fire. This matters because a sudden loss of steering assist can make the car hard to control, and fire risk is a serious safety concern.
Complaints describe rear brake lines collapsing, causing brakes to stay engaged, which wears out pads and calipers prematurely. Another owner reported total brake failure resulting in a crash, so buyers should verify brake line condition and repair history.
Owners report stalling at highway speeds and restarting on its own, as well as engine compartment fires while parked. These electrical faults can leave a driver stranded or worse, so a thorough electrical inspection is essential.
The hydraulic system complaints overlap with brake line failures, where rear lines collapse and brakes drag. This can lead to overheating, reduced braking performance, and costly repairs, making it a key area to check.
“I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL FROM CHRYSLER. THE RECALL WAS FOR A HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE. SMITH CHRYSLER MADE THE REPAIR ON 07-06-06. WHEN I STARTED THE CAR I NOTICED THAT THE DRIVE BELTS WERE SLIPPING AND MAKING A STRANGE SOUND. LATER THA…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER, RAISED THE HOOD, AND A FIRE IGNITED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC AND A REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. WHEN THE CONTACT ARRIVED TO PICK UP HIS…”
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 suggest powertrain or hybrid control issues that can affect drivability and safety.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds, as well as tire failure after a TPMS repair. Such failures can be catastrophic, so buyers should check for open recalls and software updates.
Owners report the system failing to intervene or activating unexpectedly, sometimes under identical driving conditions. This inconsistency undermines trust in a safety feature, so testing the system during a test drive is wise.
Some complaints involve persistent sulfur odors and interior trim issues that can trap a foot near the accelerator. While not always safety-critical, these annoyances can indicate build quality or design problems.
“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 Cirrus — 9 recalls
The defect: QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BALL JOINTS SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SOCKET MAY HAVE BEEN EXCESSIVELY HARDENED WHICH COULD CAUSE IT TO CRACK NEAR THE RETAINING RING GROOVE ALLOWING THE BALL STUD TO SEPARATE UNDER IMPACT LOAD. THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS WERE SO…
The risk: SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE SOCKET OF THE BALL JOINT HOUSING WOULD ALLOW THE CONTROL ARM TO COLLAPSE AND THE WHEEL TO FOLD IN CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
The fix: QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE WILL REPLACE THE BALL JOINTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 9, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE AT 1-800-493-4128.
The defect: FEDERAL-MOGUL IS RECALLING CERTAIN REPLACEMENT CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES, PART NUMBERS K7425, 10945, FA4510X, K7427, 10946, AND FA4611X, SOLD FOR USE ON VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE BALL JOINT ON THE CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY CAN FAIL CAUSING THE BALL STUD TO WEAR THROUGH THE CONTROL ARM HO…
The risk: IF THERE IS A SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE HOUSING, THE DRIVER CAN LOOSE STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED CONTROL ARMS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 28, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 1-877-489-6659.
The defect: IMPORT PRODUCTS IS RECALLING 30,351 FUEL FILTERS SOLD TO AND BRANDED BY THE AFFINIA GROUP AS CARQUEST P/N 86523, NAPA P/N 3523, AND WIX P/N 33523 FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THESE FILTERS MAY DEVELOP A LEAK IN THE HOSE ASSEMBLY AND/OR CONNECTORS DUE TO IMPROPERLY…
The risk: THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
The fix: THE AFFINIA GROUP WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE FILTERS WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT WIX FILTER RETURN CENTER AT 1-704-869-7411 OR IMPORT PRODUCTS AT 1-508-279-8207.
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.4 LITER ENGINES, THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE MAY PREMATURELY HEAT AGE AND DEVELOP A LEAK.
The risk: POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE FREE OF CHARGE. THE THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 10, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
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 Cirrus or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Chrysler Cirrus has far fewer complaints per year (about 54) than the Honda Accord (about 452), but the Cirrus complaints often involve severe safety issues like steering fires and brake failure. The Accord's higher volume reflects its longer production run and popularity, but recent hybrid models show concerning electronic and powertrain faults. In practice, the Cirrus may need more frequent repairs to aging hydraulic systems, while the Accord's issues are more varied and model-year dependent.
Key differences
- The Cirrus has 9 recalls over 2 years, including steering hose and suspension issues, while the Accord has 38 recalls over 10 years, covering hybrid software, fuel pumps, and airbag sensors.
- Cirrus complaints center on hydraulic failures (steering and brakes) that can cause fires or loss of control; Accord complaints often involve electronic glitches and engine rattles.
- The Accord's complaint volume is about 8.5 times higher per year, but it also sold in far greater numbers, so rates per vehicle may be closer.
- Cirrus has 0 reported deaths in the data, while Accord has 3 deaths and 146 injuries, though these figures are not normalized by sales.
- Check the power steering hose and pump for leaks or signs of replacement, and confirm any open steering recalls were performed.
- Inspect rear brake lines for corrosion or collapse, and test that brakes release fully after application.
- For hybrid models, test the transition between EV and gas modes for jerks or rattles, and verify all hybrid software recalls are completed.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system and electronic power steering at highway speeds if possible, and check for any warning lights.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a mechanic inspect the power steering system (Cirrus) or hybrid/electrical systems (Accord) before purchase.
- Test drive at highway speeds to check for stalling, steering assist loss, or unusual noises.
- Verify that all recall repairs have been completed and ask for documentation.
- Check brake lines and pads for wear or leaks, especially on the Cirrus.
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 Cirrus or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chrysler Cirrus vs Honda Accord
- Chrysler Cirrus total complaints
- 107
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Chrysler Cirrus total recalls
- 9
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Chrysler Cirrus avg complaints/year
- 53.5
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Chrysler Cirrus
- Chrysler Cirrus top complaint area
- STEERING
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE