Head-to-head reliability
Dodge Intrepid vs Honda Accord
How the Dodge Intrepid 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 Intrepid vs Honda Accord: The Intrepid averaged 465 complaints per year over 5 years, with 84 crash-related reports, while the Accord averaged 443.8 complaints per year over 10 years, with 160 crash-related reports. The Intrepid's complaints often involve catastrophic engine failure, whereas the Accord's are more varied. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Dodge Intrepid or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Dodge Intrepid
The Dodge Intrepid is a full-size sedan that can be affordable to buy but may bring high ownership risk. Over five years, it averaged 465 complaints per year, with 84 crash-related reports, 80 injuries, and 2 deaths. The complaint pattern is dominated by engine and cooling failures, often described as sudden and catastrophic, which can leave a buyer facing major repair bills or dangerous breakdowns.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular midsize sedan with a generally broad owner base, but recent model years show a high volume of complaints. Over ten years, it averaged 443.8 complaints per year, with 160 crash-related reports, 144 injuries, and 3 deaths. The complaints cluster around engine, electrical, and forward collision avoidance systems, with some owners reporting sudden power loss or warning lights.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Dodge Intrepid | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,325 Better | 4,438 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 21 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 84 Better | 160 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 465.0 | 443.8 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 80 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 Intrepid
- 01ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING1,663
- 02POWER TRAIN166
- 03STEERING151
- 04SERVICE BRAKES80
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM80
Owners frequently report cloudy smoke, oil lights, overheating, and sudden engine stoppage, often linked to timing chain or internal failure. Some complaints describe catastrophic engine failure at highway speeds, which can be dangerous and expensive.
Complaints include stalling on highways, random acceleration, and bucking, with one owner mentioning a recall notice. These symptoms suggest transmission or control issues that can affect drivability and safety.
A loud pop from the front while parking, followed by loss of steering, is reported. This points to a steering component failure that could happen at low speed but still risk a crash.
Owners describe scraping noises, rear wheel lockup, and unintended acceleration after shifting into reverse. One complaint notes the parking brake came apart and locked the brake, causing a crash.
“I NEVER HAD A MAJOR PROBLEM, EXCEPT CLOUDY SMOKE COMING FROM THE TAILPIPE AND AN OIL. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON IT BEGAN TO OVER HEAT AND STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSTATE. I HAD IT TOWED TO LANDMARK DODGE, THE MECHANIC SAID IT WAS THE TIMIN…”
“2003 DODGE INTREPID WITH 2.7 L ENGINE- EXPERIENCE SUDDEN AND CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE WHILE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. VERY DANGEROUS THAT THESE ENGINES EXPERIENCE THIS TYPE OF SUDDEN LOSS, AND IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. PUBLIC WEB SITES STATE THIS ENG…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE985
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM863
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE821
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER725
- 05SERVICE BRAKES592
Owners report noises, loss of speed, and multiple alarms including brake and hill descent warnings. Some complaints involve new vehicles with low mileage, suggesting potential early engine or sensor problems.
Complaints include TPMS warnings, tire failure after service, and rodent damage to wiring harnesses. These issues can lead to unexpected breakdowns or safety warnings.
Owners report intermittent warnings for adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, and automatic high beams. Some say the system fails to resolve, which could reduce driver confidence in safety aids.
Brake-related complaints appear among the top components, with some owners reporting brake system warnings and potential ABS issues. This matters because braking performance is critical to safety.
“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 Intrepid — 21 recalls
The defect: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES…
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
The defect: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES…
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
The defect: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES…
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
The defect: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES…
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
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 Intrepid or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Honda Accord has a slightly lower complaint rate per year (443.8 vs. 465.0), but it also has more recalls (38 vs. 21) and more crash-related reports (160 vs. 84). In practice, the Intrepid's complaints are heavily concentrated in engine failures that can strand a driver, while the Accord's issues are spread across engine, electrical, and driver-assist systems. Neither is problem-free, but the Intrepid's pattern suggests a higher risk of sudden, severe mechanical failure.
Key differences
- The Dodge Intrepid's complaints are dominated by engine and cooling failures, with owners describing sudden engine stoppage and catastrophic failure at highway speeds.
- The Honda Accord's complaints are more varied, including engine noises, electrical glitches, and forward collision avoidance warnings that may not always be resolved.
- The Intrepid has fewer recalls (21) than the Accord (38), but the Accord's recalls cover systems like hybrid power control, brakes, air bags, and fuel pumps.
- Crash-related reports are higher for the Accord (160) than the Intrepid (84), but the Intrepid's engine failures could directly cause dangerous stalls.
- Check for oil leaks, coolant loss, or overheating signs, as engine and cooling complaints often start with cloudy smoke or oil lights.
- Listen for unusual noises from the engine and test the steering at low speed for any popping sounds, which owners reported before steering loss.
- Test all driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control and lane keeping, for intermittent warnings or failures.
- Inspect tires and TPMS sensors, and check for any electrical gremlins such as warning lights or rodent damage to wiring.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for the Intrepid's lighting and the Accord's electrical and brake systems.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine, transmission, and brakes for both vehicles.
- For the Intrepid, specifically ask the mechanic to check the timing chain, cooling system, and steering components.
- For the Accord, test the forward collision avoidance system and all electrical features, and check for any signs of tire or brake issues.
- Take a test drive that includes highway speeds and parking maneuvers to reproduce any stalling, unintended acceleration, or steering noises.
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 Intrepid or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Dodge Intrepid vs Honda Accord
- Dodge Intrepid total complaints
- 2,325
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,438
- Dodge Intrepid total recalls
- 21
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Dodge Intrepid avg complaints/year
- 465.0
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 443.8
- More reliable overall
- Honda Accord
- Dodge Intrepid top complaint area
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE