Head-to-head reliability
Chrysler Pacifica vs Honda Accord
How the Chrysler Pacifica 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 Pacifica vs Honda Accord: Over 10 years, the Pacifica averaged 375 complaints per year and had 91 recalls, while the Accord averaged 452 complaints per year and had 38 recalls. Both have reported deaths and injuries. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chrysler Pacifica or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chrysler Pacifica
The Chrysler Pacifica is a minivan that has been on the road for about a decade, and owner complaints suggest a pattern of serious issues that can leave you stranded. Over 10 years, it has averaged about 375 complaints per year, with the engine, electrical system, and power train drawing the most attention. Many reports describe sudden loss of power, charging failures, and clunking noises that come with dashboard warnings. For a buyer, this means budgeting for potential repairs and being extra careful about checking service history.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a midsize car with a long-standing reputation, but the data shows it also has its share of problems. It averages about 452 complaints per year over the past decade, with engine, electrical, and forward collision avoidance systems being the most common areas. Owners report issues like loss of speed, electronic steering and braking failures, and false alarms from safety systems. While some problems are similar to the Pacifica, the Accord has fewer recalls and a different mix of complaints.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chrysler Pacifica | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3,753 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 91 | 38 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 119 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 375.3 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 97 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.
Chrysler Pacifica
- 01ENGINE1,317
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,134
- 03POWER TRAIN999
- 04STEERING575
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER526
Owners report sudden loss of power, clunking sounds, and dashboard lights coming on, often related to the engine or hybrid system. One complaint describes a 2025 Pacifica making a 'clunk' when turning left, followed by all dashboard lights and ABS turning off. Another mentions the van dying after a failed charging attempt. These issues can leave you stranded and are costly to diagnose.
Charging system failures and repeated loss-of-power events are common, especially in hybrid models. A wheelchair-accessible van owner reported dangerous loss-of-power events while driving. Another complaint describes a charging system light and the van dying after a failed public charge. Electrical gremlins can affect safety and reliability.
Complaints include loss of acceleration at highway speeds and clunking noises when turning. One owner reported that at 70 mph, the van lost the ability to accelerate or maintain speed with no warning. Another had a clunk sound and dashboard lights. These power train issues can be dangerous in traffic.
Steering problems are reported, though fewer than engine or electrical. Owners mention ABS turning off and dashboard warnings, which can affect steering control. While not detailed in the sample, the high count suggests a pattern worth checking during a test drive.
“[XXX]- bought new 2025 Chrysler Pacifica w/ 29 mi at Troncalli Chrysler Dodge Jeep (TCDJ). [XXX]- 1st time -I was driving the car when it made a “clunk” sound when turning left. All the lights on the dashboard came on and the ABS system turned off.The car saf…”
“The charging system light came on. My wife went to charge at public charging station due to being close to one. After plugging in the van, it said charging failed. She unplugged the charged went to back up and the van died. Had to have it towed to dealer. Dea…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report alarms showing brake, hill descent, and ABS critical failures, leading to loss of speed. One complaint describes the vehicle losing speed and unable to maintain highway speeds. Another mentions rattling noises and rough transitions between EV and gas modes. These engine issues can cause sudden power loss.
Electronic power steering and braking systems can fail simultaneously, as reported in a 2025 Accord Hybrid at highway speeds. Another complaint describes a TPMS warning followed by a tire failure. Electrical failures can be sudden and dangerous, affecting steering and braking.
Owners report false activations of forward collision avoidance, sometimes under clear conditions. One complaint describes the system engaging at 35 mph with no obstructions. Another mentions adaptive cruise control suddenly braking at 70 mph. These false alarms can cause near-collisions and erode trust in safety features.
Fuel and propulsion issues include a persistent rotten-egg odor and fuel pump recalls. One owner paid for a filter replacement but the odor persisted. A recall involves the fuel pump, which can cause stalling. These issues affect drivability and safety.
“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 Pacifica — 91 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Pacifica and Voyager vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bags may have insufficient pressure retention from improperly sealed seams. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard…
The risk: An air bag with insufficient pressure retention increases the risk of ejection and injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the side curtain air bags, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning October 14, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's numbers for this recal…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles. The vehicles were built with an incorrect radio, which can cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS)…
The risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers replaced the radio, free of charge. All affected vehicles have been repaired. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025 Pacifica and Voyager vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bags may have insufficient pressure retention from improperly sealed seams. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVS…
The risk: An air bag with insufficient pressure retention increases the risk of ejection and injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the side curtain air bags, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 14, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's numbers for this recall are 82C,…
The defect: Rollx Vans (Rollx) is recalling certain GMC Yukon, Sierra, Chevrolet Express 2500, Ford Transit, E-250, Toyota Sienna, Sienna Hybrid, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Voyager, Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ram Promaster vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restrain…
The risk: An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Rollx will work with Q'Straint to inspect and replace the retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 5, 2026. Owners may contact Rollx's customer service at 1-800-956-6668.
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 Pacifica or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Honda Accord has more complaints per year (about 452) than the Chrysler Pacifica (about 375), but the Pacifica has more than double the recalls (91 vs 38). In practice, the Accord may have more frequent owner-reported issues, while the Pacifica has more widespread safety recalls. Both have serious reported failures, so neither stands out as clearly more reliable.
Key differences
- The Chrysler Pacifica has 91 recalls over 10 years, while the Honda Accord has 38, meaning the Pacifica has more than twice as many recall campaigns.
- Pacifica owners frequently report sudden loss of power, charging failures, and clunking noises, while Accord owners report electronic steering/braking failures and false forward collision warnings.
- The Accord has more complaints per year (452 vs 375) but fewer recalls, suggesting different types of problems.
- Both vehicles have reported deaths (1 for Pacifica, 3 for Accord) and injuries, but the Accord has more crash-related complaints (162 vs 119).
- Check for any history of sudden loss of power or stalling, especially in hybrid models, by asking for service records and test driving at highway speeds.
- Inspect the charging system and battery health on plug-in hybrid versions, as owners report charging failures and subsequent no-start conditions.
- Test the electronic power steering and braking systems at low and high speeds, as some owners report simultaneous failure.
- Check for any signs of fuel odor or fuel pump issues, and verify that the fuel pump recall has been performed if applicable.
Before you buy
- Run a VIN check for open recalls on both vehicles, as the Pacifica has many and the Accord has some.
- Ask for a complete service history and look for repeated repairs in engine, electrical, or power train areas.
- During a test drive, listen for clunking noises when turning (Pacifica) and check for smooth acceleration and braking (both).
- Have a mechanic inspect the hybrid system and charging components if considering a Pacifica Hybrid.
- For the Accord, test the forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control to ensure they don't false-activate.
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 Pacifica | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 17 | 10 |
| 2025 | 28 | 109 |
| 2024 | 43 | 219 |
| 2023 | 153 | 226 |
| 2022 | 214 | 252 |
| 2021 | 372 | 234 |
| 2020 | 170 | 362 |
| 2019 | 357 | 691 |
| 2018 | 875 | 1884 |
| 2017 | 1524 | 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 Pacifica or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chrysler Pacifica vs Honda Accord
- Chrysler Pacifica total complaints
- 3,753
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Chrysler Pacifica total recalls
- 91
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Chrysler Pacifica avg complaints/year
- 375.3
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Chrysler Pacifica
- Chrysler Pacifica top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE