Head-to-head reliability
Dodge Caravan vs Honda Accord
How the Dodge Caravan 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
Dodge Caravan vs Honda Accord: the Caravan logged 321 complaints over two years (about 160.5 per year) with 18 recalls, while the Accord logged 4,524 over ten years (about 452.4 per year) with 38 recalls. The Caravan's issues center on air bags and steering; the Accord's on engine, electrical, and collision-avoidance systems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Dodge Caravan or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Dodge Caravan
The Dodge Caravan is a minivan whose ownership experience, based on owner complaints, centers on aging electrical and steering hardware rather than crash-avoidance tech. Over the two years covered, it logged 321 complaints (about 160.5 per year) and 18 recalls, with air bags, steering, and the electrical system topping the list. The recurring themes are warning lights, stalling after refueling, and sudden electronic failures, which suggests a van that can be affordable but demands attention to safety systems. It is a vehicle where a pre-purchase inspection of the air bag and electrical systems matters more than cosmetics.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord, as described in these complaints, is a high-volume vehicle with a much larger complaint pool: 4,524 over ten years (about 452.4 per year) and 38 recalls. The dominant themes are engine and electrical faults, plus a large cluster of forward collision avoidance complaints, many tied to newer model years. Owners describe alarms, loss of speed, power steering and braking lockups, and adaptive cruise control behaving unexpectedly. It is a vehicle where the advanced driver-assistance systems and hybrid electronics are the areas to scrutinize, not just the engine.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Dodge Caravan | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 321 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 18 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 18 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 160.5 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 13 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.
Dodge Caravan
- 01AIR BAGS65
- 02STEERING43
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM42
- 04POWER TRAIN33
- 05ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING27
Owners report the air bag warning light coming on because of a broken clockspring inside the steering column, which can disable the air bag system. Several note the same part was recalled on earlier Caravans but not completed on their newer models, so a buyer should confirm recall status.
Complaints describe stalling and hesitation shortly after refueling, especially with a full tank, recurring for years. Others report a whine and high-frequency vibration in the steering wheel, most noticeable in cold weather and when turning.
Owners describe the engine control module failing with no warning, leaving the van suddenly undrivable, and separate failures where the horn and then the air conditioning stopped working. These are the kind of faults that strand a driver rather than annoy them.
The same post-refuel stalling pattern appears under power train complaints, along with steering-wheel vibration and noise at low mileage. Buyers should treat repeat stalling after fill-ups as a known pattern, not a one-off.
“I OWN A 2004 DODGE CARAVAN. THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED TWO DAYS AGO. BROUGHT IT TO THE CHRYSLER DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A BROKEN AIRBAG CLOCKSPRING WHICH IS HOUSED INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN AND ALSO NOT COVERED UNDER THE EXTE…”
“THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED DUE TO A MALFUNCTIONING CLOCKSPRING. THIS DISABLES THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. THIS WAS RECALLED ON EARLIER MODEL CARAVANS BUT HAS NOT BEEN COMPLETED ON 2001 AND NEWER MODELS WHICH HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. THE LIGHT HAS BEEN ILLUMIN…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report alarms for brake, hill descent, ABS, and critical failure appearing at highway speed while the vehicle loses speed, plus rattling under acceleration and rough transitions between EV and gas mode on hybrids. These are drivability and safety concerns, not just noise.
Complaints include electronic power steering and braking failing and locking up simultaneously at highway speed, and a tire failing catastrophically shortly after a TPMS service. Electrical faults here can affect steering and braking, which raises the stakes.
Owners describe the system failing to resolve a threat and adaptive cruise control behaving unexpectedly under repeatable conditions on the same route. Because these systems are meant to intervene, unexpected behavior is a real concern for buyers.
Complaints include persistent sulfur or rotten-egg odors that survived a paid filter replacement and odor treatment. Odor complaints are less dangerous but signal fuel or emissions issues worth checking before purchase.
“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.
Dodge Caravan — 18 recalls
The defect: CURT MFG IS RECALLING CERTAIN CLASS 3 RECEIVER HITCHES, P/N 13347, SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON 1997-2007 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY VANS, 1996-2007 DODGE CARAVANS, AND 1996-2004 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER VANS. WHEN THE HITCH IS LOADED TO THE MAXIMUM RATING, THE HITCH MAY FRACTURE OR BREAK AT THE…
The risk: IF THE AREA IN QUESTION FRACTURES OR BREAKS, THIS COULD CAUSE AN UNSTABLE DRIVING CONDITION, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
The fix: CURT MFG WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND WILL REPLACE THE HITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CURT MFG AT 1-715-831-8713.
The defect: MAXZONE IS RECALLING 2,520 HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES, DEPO BRAND, P/NOS. 3341103L-AS AND 334-1103R-AS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR 2001-2007 DODGE CARAVAN PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECT…
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: MAXZONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLIGHTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 16, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAXZONE AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS: 1-888-286-1188 (WA, OR, CA, ID, NV, AZ, MT, WY, UT, CO, KS, NM, O…
The defect: EAGLE EYES IS RECALLING 11,534 HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS. CS090-B001L AND CS090-B001R, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE LOWER BEAM PHOTOMETRY REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS,…
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: EAGLE EYES WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REPLACEMENT HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT EAGLE EYES AT 1-800-568-1098.
The defect: CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDE…
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.
The fix: SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIMBURSE WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS FOR CURRENT I…
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
Dodge Caravan or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Dodge Caravan has far fewer complaints per year (about 160.5 versus about 452.4 for the Accord), but its complaints cluster around air bags, steering, and electrical failures that can disable safety systems. The Accord's larger volume reflects a much bigger population and includes advanced driver-assist complaints. In practice, the Caravan looks simpler but older-tech; the Accord looks more complex, with more electronics to verify.
Key differences
- Complaint volume per year is much lower on the Caravan (about 160.5) than the Accord (about 452.4), but the Caravan's top issues are air bags and steering, which are safety-critical.
- Caravan owners report stalling after refueling and sudden ECM failure; Accord owners report highway-speed loss of power and simultaneous power steering and braking lockup.
- The Accord's complaint list is dominated by forward collision avoidance and hybrid/electrical faults, while the Caravan's is dominated by older air bag clockspring and electrical module failures.
- Both have recalls, but the Caravan's listed recall subjects are lighting, glass, and brakes, while the Accord's include hybrid power control software, seat belt retractors, and fuel pump delivery.
- Check whether the air bag clockspring recall was completed and whether the air bag warning light is off; a lit light can mean the air bag is disabled.
- Test drive after a full refuel and watch for stalling or hesitation in the first minute or two, and listen for steering whine or vibration when turning in cold weather.
- During the test drive, exercise adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning at highway speed and note any unexpected braking or alarms.
- Have the electronic power steering and braking systems scanned for stored faults, and check for persistent fuel or sulfur odors that survived service.
Before you buy
- Pull the full NHTSA recall history by VIN for the specific vehicle and confirm all open recalls were completed.
- Have a mechanic scan all modules for stored codes, especially air bag, steering, and hybrid or propulsion codes.
- Test drive the Caravan after a full tank of gas and the Accord at highway speed with driver-assist features engaged.
- Inspect the steering column and air bag warning light on the Caravan, and the TPMS and tire condition on the Accord.
- Ask for service records showing prior fixes for the reported patterns, such as clockspring replacement or ECM work.
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 Dodge Caravan or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Dodge Caravan vs Honda Accord
- Dodge Caravan total complaints
- 321
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Dodge Caravan total recalls
- 18
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Dodge Caravan avg complaints/year
- 160.5
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Dodge Caravan
- Dodge Caravan top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE