Head-to-head reliability
Chrysler LHS vs Honda Accord
How the Chrysler LHS 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 LHS vs Honda Accord: The LHS averaged 61 complaints per year over 2 years with 8 recalls, while the Accord averaged 452 per year over 10 years with 38 recalls. The LHS reports dashboard cracks and steering popping; the Accord reports engine and electrical failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chrysler LHS or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chrysler LHS
The Chrysler LHS is a large sedan with a relatively low complaint volume—122 over two years—but the pattern shows chronic, low-cost-to-moderate problems that can be annoying and sometimes safety-related. Owners frequently report dashboard cracks near the passenger airbag, steering noises and failures, and airbag clock-spring defects. With 8 recalls and 9 crash-related complaints, it demands careful inspection of interior trim and steering before purchase.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord has a much higher complaint volume—4,524 over ten years—but that reflects its huge population and long production run. The pattern includes serious powertrain and electrical issues, especially in newer hybrid models, with forward-collision avoidance and fuel-system problems also common. With 38 recalls and 3 deaths reported, it is not a trouble-free choice, but many issues are covered by recalls or warranties.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chrysler LHS | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 122 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 8 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 9 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 61.0 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 8 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 LHS
- 01STRUCTURE25
- 02STEERING24
- 03AIR BAGS17
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM12
- 05ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING8
Owners report dashboard cracks that start as hairline splits and grow across the passenger side, often right above the airbag. This matters because a cracked dash can affect airbag deployment and is expensive to replace.
Complaints include a popping noise when turning the wheel and a speedometer sensor failure that forces the car into a 25-mph safety mode. These can leave you with sudden loss of power assist or limited speed.
The airbag clock spring is a recurring defect, which can disable the horn and driver’s airbag. Owners describe it as a safety issue that may not trigger a recall.
The speedometer sensor failure is also filed under electrical, causing the car to drop into a limp mode. This can strand you or force slow driving until repaired.
“ONE CRACK STARTED OUT AS 2" LONG HAIRLINE, BUT HAVE GOTTEN BIGGER AND NOW IT IS ACROSS THE PASSENGER SIDE DASHBOARD. AND RIGHT BELOW IS SUPPOSE TO HAVE THE PASSENGER SIDE SAFETY AIRBAG. HAVE CALLED SEVERAL PLACES TO FIND OUT HOW TO GET IT FIXED/ REPLACED - TH…”
“SPLITTING DASHBOARD I NOTICED THAT IS WAS A SLIGHT SLIT IN THE DASHBOARD THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER IT STARTED GETTING BIGGER, AS TIME WENT ON IT HAS GOTTEN ALMOST HALF FOOT LONG. I PAID TO HAVE IT REPAIRED IT CRACKED AGAIN IN THE SAME SPOT, I TRIED TO REPAIR IT M…”
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 alarms with loss of speed. These suggest hybrid powertrain issues that can be costly and leave you stranded.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds, and tire failure after TPMS service. These are severe safety risks that may recur even after dealer visits.
Owners describe the system braking or alarming unexpectedly under consistent conditions, such as with adaptive cruise control set. This can cause near-collisions and erode trust in the safety features.
A persistent rotten-egg odor after refueling is reported, sometimes requiring repeated dealer visits. This points to fuel-system or emissions problems that are hard to diagnose.
“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 LHS — 8 recalls
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SEAT BACK RECLINER BOLT BREAKAGE CAN OCCUR RESULTING IN THE SEAT BACK RECLINING UNEXPECTEDLY.
The risk: IF THE SEAT BACK UNEXPECTEDLY RECLINES WHILE THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN, IT COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RECLINER BOLTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD C…
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SEAT BACK RECLINER BOLT BREAKAGE CAN OCCUR RESULTING IN THE SEAT BACK RECLINING UNEXPECTEDLY.
The risk: IF THE SEAT BACK UNEXPECTEDLY RECLINES WHILE THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN, IT COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RECLINER BOLTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD C…
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES (NON-SUNROOF ONLY) FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT."
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR INJURY IF THE OCCUPANT'S HEAD WERE TO CONTACT THE B-PILLAR.
The fix: OWNERS WILL BE SENT A STORAGE BIN ACCESSORY UNIT THAT CAN BE ATTACHED TO THE B-PILLAR ALONG WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. HOWEVER, IF AN OWNER WISHES, THE DEALER CAN PERFORM THE INSTALLATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 17, 2001. O…
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES (NON-SUNROOF ONLY) FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT."
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR INJURY IF THE OCCUPANT'S HEAD WERE TO CONTACT THE B-PILLAR.
The fix: OWNERS WILL BE SENT A STORAGE BIN ACCESSORY UNIT THAT CAN BE ATTACHED TO THE B-PILLAR ALONG WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. HOWEVER, IF AN OWNER WISHES, THE DEALER CAN PERFORM THE INSTALLATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 17, 2001. O…
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 LHS or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Chrysler LHS has far fewer complaints per year (61 vs. 452), but its issues are older and often trim-related, while the Accord’s higher rate includes many serious powertrain and electrical failures. In practice, the LHS may be simpler but needs scrutiny for airbag and steering defects; the Accord demands attention to hybrid and safety-system complaints.
Key differences
- The LHS’s top complaints are structure (dashboard cracks) and steering (popping, limp mode), while the Accord’s are engine and electrical failures, including hybrid system alarms.
- Airbag clock-spring defects are a recurring LHS complaint; the Accord has forward-collision avoidance complaints about unexpected braking.
- The LHS has 8 recalls over 2 years; the Accord has 38 recalls over 10 years, covering hybrid software, fuel pumps, and seat belts.
- The Accord reports 3 deaths and 146 injuries in complaints, versus 0 deaths and 8 injuries for the LHS, though exposure differs greatly.
- Inspect the dashboard for cracks, especially above the passenger airbag, and confirm the airbag warning light works.
- Test the steering for popping noises and check that the speedometer and horn function correctly.
- Check for hybrid system warning lights and any history of engine rattling or rough EV-to-gas transitions.
- Verify that all safety recalls, especially for forward-collision avoidance and fuel pump, have been completed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all open recalls are repaired.
- Test-drive at highway speeds to check for steering noises (LHS) or unexpected braking (Accord).
- Inspect the dashboard and airbag areas for cracks or warning lights on the LHS.
- For the Accord, ask for hybrid battery health check and software update records.
- Have a mechanic scan for stored codes, especially in steering, airbag, and powertrain systems.
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 LHS or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chrysler LHS vs Honda Accord
- Chrysler LHS total complaints
- 122
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Chrysler LHS total recalls
- 8
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Chrysler LHS avg complaints/year
- 61.0
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Chrysler LHS
- Chrysler LHS top complaint area
- STRUCTURE
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE