Head-to-head reliability
Dodge Stratus vs Honda Accord
How the Dodge Stratus 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 Stratus vs Honda Accord: The Stratus averaged about 140 complaints per year over 7 years, while the Accord averaged about 444 per year over 10 years. The Stratus had 51 recalls and 1 death; the Accord had 38 recalls and 3 deaths. Both have airbag-related recalls. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Dodge Stratus or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Dodge Stratus
The Dodge Stratus is a mid-size car that, based on owner complaints, can be a high-maintenance used purchase. Over seven years, it averaged about 140 complaints per year, with frequent reports of engine stalling, oil leaks, suspension noises, and steering problems. Recalls cover airbag inflators and front suspension parts, so checking for open recalls is critical. Buyers should expect to budget for repairs and verify that safety fixes have been done.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular mid-size car with a much higher annual complaint rate—about 444 per year over ten years—but many reports involve newer models with advanced electronics. Owners describe engine noises, electrical glitches, forward collision warnings, and brake issues. Recalls address hybrid software, antilock brakes, airbag sensors, and fuel pumps. While the volume is high, the types of problems vary widely, and some may be covered by warranties on newer models.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Dodge Stratus | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 978 Better | 4,438 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 51 | 38 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 102 Better | 160 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 139.7 Better | 443.8 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 84 Better | 144 |
| 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 Stratus
- 01ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING198
- 02SUSPENSION185
- 03STEERING147
- 04AIR BAGS113
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM104
Owners report the engine shutting off while driving at highway speeds, as well as massive oil leaks that can require costly repairs like timing cover work. These failures can leave you stranded and lead to expensive engine damage if not addressed.
Complaints include crunching or clunking noises when turning, often traced to worn front suspension parts. Recalls exist for lower ball joints and control arms, which can affect steering control and tire wear.
Drivers describe the steering wheel turning to an angled position after alignments and a crunching sound when backing out. These symptoms suggest steering components wear out, making the car hard to keep straight and increasing crash risk.
Reports include airbags failing to deploy in severe frontal crashes, and there are recalls for passenger-side inflator modules. A non-deploying airbag can turn a survivable crash into a serious injury.
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE STILL HAD STEERING AND BRAKING ABILITY SO THE CONTACT PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. SHE TURNED THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY OFF AND IT WAS ABLE TO RESTART IMMEDIATEL…”
“DECEMBER 2010 I NOTICED A MASSIVE OIL LEAK/SPILL UNDER MY CAR. TOOK TO SHOP IMMEDIATELY. THEY TOOK APART TIMING COVER SET AND DID SOME REPLACEMENTS. COST APPROXIMATELY $900. A FEW WEEKS LATER, AN EVEN BIGGER OIL LEAK/SPILL. TOOK TO SHOP IMMEDIATELY. THEY REPL…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE985
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM863
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE821
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER725
- 05SERVICE BRAKES592
Owners of newer Accords report noises and, in some cases, the vehicle losing speed with multiple dashboard alarms. These issues can appear at low mileage and may require dealer diagnosis, potentially leaving you without reliable transportation.
Complaints include tire pressure warnings followed by tire failure, and rodent damage to wiring harnesses even on nearly new cars. Electrical gremlins can be hard to trace and may cause safety systems to malfunction.
Drivers report intermittent warnings for adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, and automatic high beams, sometimes with no obstruction. These false alerts can distract the driver and erode trust in the safety features.
There are complaints about brake system failures, and a recall covers the antilock brake control module. Brake problems directly affect stopping ability and should be taken seriously.
“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 Stratus — 51 recalls
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2000-2005 Eclipse vehicles manufactured April 5, 1999, to December 17, 2004, 2001-2005 Eclipse Spyder vehicles manufactured January 19, 2000, to March 18, 2005, 2001-2005 Chrysler Sebring vehicles manufactured April 17, 20…
The risk: If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.
The fix: MMNA will notify their owners, and Chrysler will notify the Chrysler and Dodge owners. Dealers will install a tether strap to retain the passenger sun visor, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact MMNA custom…
The defect: QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BALL JOINTS SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SOCKET MAY HAVE BEEN EXCESSIVELY HARDENED WHICH COULD CAUSE IT TO CRACK NEAR THE RETAINING RING GROOVE ALLOWING THE BALL STUD TO SEPARATE UNDER IMPACT LOAD. THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS WERE SO…
The risk: SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE SOCKET OF THE BALL JOINT HOUSING WOULD ALLOW THE CONTROL ARM TO COLLAPSE AND THE WHEEL TO FOLD IN CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
The fix: QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE WILL REPLACE THE BALL JOINTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 9, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE AT 1-800-493-4128.
The defect: FEDERAL-MOGUL IS RECALLING CERTAIN REPLACEMENT CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES, PART NUMBERS K7425, 10945, FA4510X, K7427, 10946, AND FA4611X, SOLD FOR USE ON VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE BALL JOINT ON THE CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY CAN FAIL CAUSING THE BALL STUD TO WEAR THROUGH THE CONTROL ARM HO…
The risk: IF THERE IS A SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE HOUSING, THE DRIVER CAN LOOSE STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED CONTROL ARMS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 28, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 1-877-489-6659.
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2000-2005 Eclipse vehicles manufactured April 5, 1999, to December 17, 2004, 2001-2005 Eclipse Spyder vehicles manufactured January 19, 2000, to March 18, 2005, 2001-2005 Chrysler Sebring vehicles manufactured April 17, 20…
The risk: If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.
The fix: MMNA will notify their owners, and Chrysler will notify the Chrysler and Dodge owners. Dealers will install a tether strap to retain the passenger sun visor, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact MMNA custom…
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 Stratus or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Dodge Stratus has far fewer complaints per year (about 140) than the Honda Accord (about 444), but the Stratus complaints often involve older, mechanical failures like engine stalling and suspension noises. The Accord's higher rate is partly due to many reports on newer models with complex electronics. In practice, the Stratus may need more frequent hands-on repairs, while the Accord may have more electronic quirks that require dealer visits.
Key differences
- The Dodge Stratus has about 140 complaints per year, while the Honda Accord has about 444 per year, but the Accord's data covers more recent model years with advanced electronics.
- Stratus owners frequently report engine stalling and oil leaks, whereas Accord owners report engine noises and loss of power with multiple alarms.
- Suspension and steering noises are common Stratus complaints, while Accord complaints often involve forward collision avoidance warnings and electrical glitches.
- Both have airbag-related recalls, but the Stratus also has suspension recalls, and the Accord has hybrid and brake recalls.
- During a test drive, listen for crunching or clunking noises when turning the steering wheel, especially at low speeds—this could indicate worn suspension or steering parts.
- Check for oil leaks under the car and ask for service records; repeated oil leaks may signal timing cover or engine seal problems.
- Test all driver-assist features like adaptive cruise control and lane keeping; intermittent warnings may indicate sensor or software issues.
- Inspect tires for uneven wear or damage, and check for any electrical oddities such as random warning lights, which could point to wiring or module problems.
Before you buy
- Ask for the vehicle identification number (VIN) and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website for both models.
- Take the car to an independent mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on engine, suspension, and steering for the Stratus, and electronics and brakes for the Accord.
- Request a complete service history to see if known issues like oil leaks or electrical repairs have been addressed.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any unusual noises, warning lights, or changes in steering feel.
- Verify that any safety recalls, especially airbag and suspension fixes, have been completed by a dealer.
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 Stratus or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Dodge Stratus vs Honda Accord
- Dodge Stratus total complaints
- 978
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,438
- Dodge Stratus total recalls
- 51
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Dodge Stratus avg complaints/year
- 139.7
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 443.8
- More reliable overall
- Dodge Stratus
- Dodge Stratus top complaint area
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE