Head-to-head reliability
Dodge Grand Caravan vs Honda Accord
How the Dodge Grand 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 Grand Caravan vs Honda Accord: The Grand Caravan averaged 254.8 complaints per year with 27 recalls, while the Accord averaged 452.4 complaints per year with 38 recalls. The Caravan's top issue is electrical system failures, often involving sliding doors, whereas the Accord's top issue is engine problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Dodge Grand Caravan or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Dodge Grand Caravan
The Dodge Grand Caravan is a minivan that owners often rely on for family hauling, but the complaint pattern shows a vehicle with persistent electrical and structural gremlins. Over 10 years, it averaged about 255 complaints per year, with the electrical system being the most common trouble spot. Owners frequently report sliding doors that won't open, alarms going off randomly, and even power loss while driving. These issues can strand you or trap kids inside, making it a van that demands careful inspection before purchase.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a midsize sedan with a generally strong reputation, but the data shows a higher volume of complaints per year—about 452—than the Grand Caravan. The most common areas are the engine, electrical system, and forward collision avoidance, with some owners reporting sudden power loss, braking failures, and false automatic braking. While many Accords serve reliably, the sheer number of complaints suggests that certain model years or hybrid variants have notable electronic and powertrain quirks. Buyers should verify that recall work and software updates have been performed.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Dodge Grand Caravan | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,548 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 27 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 74 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 254.8 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 93 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 Grand Caravan
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM766
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER513
- 03STRUCTURE435
- 04POWER TRAIN427
- 05ENGINE318
Owners report automatic sliding doors that won't unlock or open by any method, and some describe the van losing power and steering sway while driving. These failures can trap children inside or cause a crash, so testing every door function and checking for electrical recalls is critical.
Complaints include sliding door failures (also listed under structure) and a case where a front headrest exploded outward. Structural issues like these affect safety and daily usability, so inspect door mechanisms and seat hardware carefully.
One owner reported a catastrophic transmission failure at 86,000 miles, requiring a tow. Another mentioned a fuel door that wouldn't close after refueling. These suggest that transmission health and fuel system components deserve a pre-purchase inspection.
While not the top category, engine complaints appear in the data. Combined with power train issues, it points to potential costly repairs if maintenance has been neglected. A thorough mechanical check is advised.
“Automatic sliding doors will not unlock or open at all- not manually, not with the inside door buttons, not with my key fob, and not with the automatic buttons on the front ceiling of the van. I have 3 young children all 5 and under. This is an EXTREMELY dang…”
“The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that on one occasion while driving at while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power. Additionally, the vehicle failed to steer as intended, with the front of the vehicle swaying. The ve…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners describe sudden loss of power, alarms for brake and stability systems, and rattling noises during acceleration. These symptoms can leave you stranded or cause a crash, so a test drive and diagnostic scan are essential.
Reports include simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds, and a tire failure after a TPMS repair. Electrical glitches can disable critical safety systems, so check for open recalls and have the battery and charging system tested.
Some owners say the system activates unexpectedly, braking hard on open roads or with adaptive cruise control engaged. This can cause a rear-end collision, so verify that any software updates or recalls for the collision avoidance system have been applied.
Complaints include a persistent rotten-egg odor and fuel pump issues (also a recall subject). These can indicate fuel delivery problems that affect performance and safety, so inspect for fuel leaks and confirm recall repairs.
“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 Grand Caravan — 27 recalls
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.
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles. The welds on the outboard rear seat strikers for the second row bench and second row bucket seats may fail during a front impact crash. The front outboard seat strikers for the third row bench seats may fail in the event…
The risk: If the seat strikers fail, the seat or seat belt may not adequately restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will weld in a striker reinforcement bracket on the second and third row outboard seat strikers, free of charge. The recall began December 19, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-8…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan and Jeep Compass, 2018 Dodge Journey, and 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
The risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began September 29, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U86.
The defect: Vantage Mobility International, LLC (Vantage) is recalling certain Vantage-modified 2016-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles. The fuel pump gasket may deteriorate, allowing fuel to leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Vantage will notify owners, and will provide parts and reimbursement to owners for repair facilities to replace the fuel tank gasket, free of charge. The recall began May 19, 2020. Owners may contact Vantage customer service at 1-800-488-9…
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 Grand Caravan or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Dodge Grand Caravan has fewer complaints per year (about 255) than the Honda Accord (about 452), but the Caravan's issues often involve doors that won't open or power loss, which can be immediately dangerous. The Accord's higher complaint count includes many electronic and engine problems that may be addressed by recalls. In practice, the Caravan may need more urgent attention to electrical and door systems, while the Accord demands vigilance about software and powertrain updates.
Key differences
- The Grand Caravan's most common complaint is electrical system failures, especially sliding doors that won't open, while the Accord's top complaint is engine issues like sudden power loss.
- The Accord has more than double the fatal crash reports (3 deaths vs. 1) and more injuries (146 vs. 93) in the data, though these are raw counts not rates.
- The Grand Caravan has 27 recalls over 10 years, including wheelchair restraint and brake caliper issues, while the Accord has 38 recalls, including hybrid software and fuel pump problems.
- Owners of the Grand Caravan report being locked in or out by malfunctioning doors, whereas Accord owners report unexpected automatic braking and electronic steering/braking failures.
- Test every automatic sliding door multiple times—from the key fob, inside buttons, and manual handles—because owners report total failure to open or unlock.
- Listen for transmission whine or rough shifting during a test drive, and ask for service records, as one owner experienced a catastrophic transmission failure at 86,000 miles.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any sudden braking or warnings from the forward collision avoidance system, as owners report false activations at highway speeds.
- Check for a rotten-egg or sulfur smell from the exhaust or cabin, which some owners link to fuel system issues, and confirm that the fuel pump recall has been performed.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to see all open recalls for the specific vehicle and confirm they have been repaired.
- Take a long test drive that includes highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic to check for power loss, transmission shudder, or unexpected braking.
- For the Grand Caravan, operate every power door and window repeatedly, and inspect the seat belts and airbag wiring for fraying or intermittent connections.
- For the Accord, ask for proof that the hybrid power control unit software update and fuel pump recall were completed, if applicable.
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the electrical system, transmission, and any stored diagnostic trouble codes.
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 | Dodge Grand Caravan | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 0 | 226 |
| 2022 | 0 | 252 |
| 2021 | 0 | 234 |
| 2020 | 20 | 362 |
| 2019 | 46 | 691 |
| 2018 | 270 | 1884 |
| 2017 | 414 | 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 Dodge Grand Caravan or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Dodge Grand Caravan vs Honda Accord
- Dodge Grand Caravan total complaints
- 2,548
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Dodge Grand Caravan total recalls
- 27
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Dodge Grand Caravan avg complaints/year
- 254.8
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Dodge Grand Caravan
- Dodge Grand Caravan top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE