Head-to-head reliability
Dodge DART vs Honda Accord
How the Dodge DART 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 DART vs Honda Accord: The Dart averages 578.5 complaints per year, with powertrain issues like transmission shift cable failures, while the Accord averages 443.8, with engine and forward collision problems. The Dart has 2 deaths, the Accord 3. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Dodge DART or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Dodge DART
The Dodge Dart, a compact sedan sold from 2013 to 2016, shows a high complaint rate of about 578 per year, with powertrain issues dominating. Owners frequently report transmission shift cable problems, including a recall (25V674000) that left many waiting for parts, causing loss of Park function. Engine and electrical complaints also surface, with reports of unexpected shutdowns and battery failures. Brake issues, including a caliper coming off, add to the reliability concerns.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord, a midsize sedan with a longer production history, averages about 444 complaints per year, with engine and electrical issues leading. Owners report engine noises and sudden loss of power with warning lights, as well as electrical problems like TPMS failures and rodent damage to wiring. Forward collision avoidance systems are a notable source of complaints, with false activations and system errors. Despite these issues, the Accord's complaint rate is lower than the Dart's.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Dodge DART | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,314 Better | 4,438 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 16 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 131 Better | 160 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 578.5 | 443.8 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 85 Better | 144 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 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 DART
- 01POWER TRAIN906
- 02ENGINE483
- 03SERVICE BRAKES446
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM423
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
The most common issue is the transmission shift cable, which can cause an unexpected loss of Park function. Owners report waiting months for recall repairs due to part unavailability, leaving them with a vehicle that may roll away.
Some owners describe unusual noises from under the hood, like an electric motor spinning after shutdown, and others report the engine shutting down while driving, which can be dangerous.
Brake problems include a caliper coming off completely, leading to brake failure. Other reports mention the car shutting down and battery dying, which could affect braking assist.
Electrical issues manifest as battery failures requiring jump starts, and the car shutting down unexpectedly. These can leave owners stranded and may be linked to the engine shutdowns.
“The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Dart. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V674000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of ti…”
“I am requesting assistance regarding an unresolved safety recall affecting my 2016 Dodge Dart GT. In October 2025, a recall was issued for the transmission shift cable. My vehicle is included in the affected population, and I had been experiencing issues with…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE985
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM863
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE821
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER725
- 05SERVICE BRAKES592
Owners report engine noises from new, and in some cases, a sudden loss of power with warning lights for brake, hill descent, and ABS systems, indicating a possible engine or sensor failure.
Electrical problems include TPMS warnings that lead to tire failures, and rodent damage to wiring harnesses, which can cause engine issues. These are often intermittent and hard to diagnose.
The system can falsely activate at highway speeds or show intermittent errors for adaptive cruise control and lane keeping, which can be startling and undermine driver confidence.
Brake-related complaints often tie into the forward collision system, with warnings and potential unintended braking, though direct brake component failures are less common.
“I purchased this vehicle at 0 miles in July 2025 from Honda Accord in Pensacola Florida. I reported in July 2025 that there was a noise and I was unhappy with the vehicle and would like to exchange the vehicle within the 30 days months later, the noise got lo…”
“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…”
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 DART — 16 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Dodge Dart vehicles equipped with 6-speed automatic transmissions. The shifter cable bushing may fail allowing the shift cable to detach from the transmission.
The risk: If the shifter cable detaches from the transmission, the vehicle may not perform the shifts performed by the driver. Additionally, despite selecting PARK with the shifter, the vehicle may roll away. These scenarios may increase the risk of…
The fix: This recall will be replaced by NHTSA recall number 25V674. Vehicles already repaired under this recall will need to have the new remedy completed. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission side shifter cable b…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may…
The risk: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured April 13, 2015, to June 7, 2016. Due to voltage spikes caused by a problem within the windshield washer pump, the windshield wiper circuit may fail.
The risk: Without functioning windshield wipers, the driver's visibility may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windshield washer pumps, free of charge. The recall began on December 28, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured July 25, 2015, to December 16, 2015 and equipped with a 2.0L engine and a manual transmission. Additionally included are certain 2015 Dodge Dart vehicles similarly equipped and brought in for dealer service…
The risk: Without a backup layer of software, the control module may fail to prevent an un-commanded torque event, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the Engine Control Module software, free of charge. The recall began on March 25, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall…
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 (America Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023 Civic, Acura RDX, Acura Integra, and 2022 Honda Accord vehicles. A ball valve in the vehicle stability assist (VSA) modulator may leak brake fluid, which can result in unintended vehicle movement when the brake hold feature is engaged or an…
The risk: Unintended vehicle movement or an unexpected increase in brake pedal travel can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the VSA modulator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are OEJ, XEK, AEY, XEX and OEW.
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 DART or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Honda Accord has fewer complaints per year (443.8) compared to the Dodge Dart (578.5), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. In practice, this means the Accord may offer more predictable reliability, though both have significant problem areas. The Dart's powertrain and brake issues are more severe, while the Accord's are more electronic and driver-assistance related.
Key differences
- The Dart has a higher complaint rate per year (578.5) than the Accord (443.8), indicating more frequent issues.
- Dart's top problem is the transmission shift cable causing loss of Park, while Accord's top is engine and electrical issues.
- Accord has many complaints about forward collision avoidance false activations, which the Dart lacks.
- Dart owners report brake calipers coming off, a severe safety issue, while Accord brake complaints are more about system warnings.
- Check the transmission shift cable for recall completion and any signs of wear or difficulty shifting.
- Inspect the brake calipers and rotors for looseness or uneven wear, and listen for unusual engine noises after shutdown.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system for false activations or error messages, and check for any pending recalls.
- Inspect the engine wiring harness for rodent damage, especially if the car is parked outdoors, and verify TPMS function.
Before you buy
- Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles and confirm any open recalls are completed.
- For the Dart, test the transmission shift cable by shifting into Park and ensuring the car stays put on a slope.
- For the Accord, take it on a highway drive to see if any driver assistance warnings appear.
- Have a mechanic inspect the brake system on the Dart, especially calipers and lines.
- For the Accord, check the battery and charging system, and look for signs of rodent chewing under the hood.
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 DART or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Dodge DART vs Honda Accord
- Dodge DART total complaints
- 2,314
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,438
- Dodge DART total recalls
- 16
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Dodge DART avg complaints/year
- 578.5
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 443.8
- More reliable overall
- Honda Accord
- Dodge DART top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE