Head-to-head reliability
Dodge Journey vs Honda Accord
How the Dodge Journey 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 Journey vs Honda Accord: The Journey averaged 195 complaints per year with 27 recalls, while the Accord averaged 452 complaints per year with 38 recalls. The Journey's top issue is rearview camera failure; the Accord's is engine problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Dodge Journey or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Dodge Journey
The Dodge Journey is a mid-size SUV that averaged about 195 complaints per year over a decade, with 27 recalls. Owners most often report electrical gremlins, especially rearview camera failures, and engine misfires from faulty coil packs and spark plugs. These issues can be frustrating and costly, but the Journey has a lower complaint rate than the Accord.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular mid-size sedan with a much higher complaint volume—about 452 per year—and 38 recalls. Common trouble spots include engine problems, electrical failures, and forward collision avoidance glitches. Some complaints describe serious safety risks like power steering and braking loss, though such events are rare relative to the total number of Accords on the road.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Dodge Journey | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,954 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 27 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 101 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 195.4 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 125 Better | 146 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 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 Journey
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM482
- 02ENGINE436
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER328
- 04SERVICE BRAKES299
- 05POWER TRAIN260
Owners frequently report the rearview camera failing intermittently or staying off, which can hinder visibility when backing up. A recall was issued for this camera defect, but complaints persist even after repairs.
Faulty coil packs and spark plugs cause engine misfires, rough running, and repeated repair attempts. Some owners say dealership fixes didn't solve the problem, leading to ongoing frustration and expense.
Brake-related complaints are common, though specific symptoms aren't detailed in the sample. Buyers should have the braking system thoroughly inspected, as brake issues can affect safety.
Power train complaints appear in the data, but the sample text doesn't specify the exact failures. This area still warrants a careful test drive and mechanic check for transmission or drivability problems.
“Vehicle: 2019 Dodge Journey Issue: Rearview Camera Failure / Malfunction I am reporting an ongoing issue with the factory-installed backup camera in my 2019 Dodge Journey. The camera has been malfunctioning for several years. The camera intermittently display…”
“The rear backup camera will fail often and stay off without any warning I was just pulling into my garage and it stopped halfway. This type of equipment failure seems to be a big issue because if I am around my kids at school or really anywhere where I use my…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report sudden loss of power, multiple warning lights (brake, hill descent, ABS), and rattling noises during acceleration. These symptoms can indicate serious engine or hybrid system faults that may be expensive to diagnose and fix.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds, as well as tire pressure monitoring issues leading to tire failure. Such electrical faults can create dangerous driving conditions.
The system may activate unexpectedly or fail to respond, with owners describing near-misses under adaptive cruise control. This undermines a key safety feature and can distract or startle the driver.
Fuel pump and hybrid management problems are noted in recalls and complaints, potentially causing stalling or loss of motive power. Buyers should verify that any open recalls have been addressed.
“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 Journey — 27 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Ram ProMaster and 2019-2020 Dodge Journey vehicles. Cracks in the microprocessor may cause the vehicle's rearview camera image not to display properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety…
The risk: A rearview image that does not display properly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed beginning September 30, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticip…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Ram ProMaster and 2019-2020 Dodge Journey vehicles. Cracks in the microprocessor may cause the vehicle's rearview camera image not to display properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety…
The risk: A rearview image that does not display properly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed beginning September 30, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticip…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysle…
The risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-8…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Dodge Journey vehicles. The amber side reflex reflector assembled into the headlamp may not reflect brightly enough. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflec…
The risk: A dim reflector may reduce the visibility of the vehicle to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the headlamp assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 16, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z99.
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 Journey or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Dodge Journey has fewer complaints per year (about 195) compared to the Honda Accord (about 452), suggesting the Journey may have a lower rate of reported issues. However, the Accord's higher volume means problems are more widely documented, and some involve critical safety systems. In practice, the Journey might mean fewer trips to the shop, but the Accord's issues can be more severe when they occur.
Key differences
- The Dodge Journey's most common complaint is rearview camera failure, while the Honda Accord's top issue is engine problems that can cause power loss and multiple warning lights.
- Honda Accord owners report simultaneous failure of power steering and braking, a severe safety concern not highlighted in Journey complaints.
- The Accord has more than twice the annual complaint rate of the Journey, but also more recalls (38 vs 27).
- Forward collision avoidance complaints are prominent for the Accord, whereas the Journey's electrical issues are mainly camera-related.
- Test the rearview camera multiple times—put the car in reverse and check for intermittent display or total failure.
- Listen for engine misfires or rough idling, and ask for records of coil pack or spark plug replacements.
- During a test drive, watch for sudden warning lights (brake, ABS, hill descent) and any loss of power or steering assist.
- Check for unusual rattling noises during acceleration and verify that all recalls, especially for fuel pump and hybrid software, have been completed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all safety recalls have been repaired.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic, focusing on the engine, electrical system, and brakes.
- For the Dodge Journey, specifically test the backup camera and ask about any engine misfire history.
- For the Honda Accord, test the forward collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control, and check for any hybrid system warnings.
- Verify tire condition and TPMS functionality, as tire-related complaints appear for the Accord.
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 Journey | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 0 | 226 |
| 2022 | 0 | 252 |
| 2021 | 0 | 234 |
| 2020 | 65 | 362 |
| 2019 | 101 | 691 |
| 2018 | 234 | 1884 |
| 2017 | 197 | 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 Journey or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Dodge Journey vs Honda Accord
- Dodge Journey total complaints
- 1,954
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Dodge Journey total recalls
- 27
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Dodge Journey avg complaints/year
- 195.4
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Dodge Journey
- Dodge Journey top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE