Head-to-head reliability
Ferrari 550 Barchetta vs Honda Accord
How the Ferrari 550 Barchetta 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
Ferrari 550 Barchetta vs Honda Accord: The Ferrari has 0 complaints over 1 year, while the Honda has 4438 over 10 years, averaging 443.8 per year. The Honda also has 160 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths. The Ferrari's 3 recalls are its main concern, whereas the Honda's issues span engine, electrical, and safety systems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Ferrari 550 Barchetta or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Ferrari 550 Barchetta
The Ferrari 550 Barchetta is a rare, high-performance roadster with a very limited ownership footprint. With zero complaints on record, there is no owner-reported data to indicate common failure points, making it a reliability unknown. Its three recalls, however, point to potential issues with the parking brake, seats, and automatic transmission cooling lines that buyers should verify were addressed. Overall, it presents a low-volume, high-cost ownership experience with little real-world reliability data to guide expectations.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a mass-market sedan with a high volume of owner complaints, averaging over 440 per year. The most frequent issues center on the engine, electrical system, forward collision avoidance, and service brakes, with many complaints describing sudden power loss, warning lights, and system malfunctions. While not all complaints indicate severe failures, the sheer number and the presence of crash-related incidents (160) and injuries (144) suggest that buyers should be vigilant about these systems. The 38 recalls also highlight recurring safety-related defects that have been addressed over the years.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Ferrari 550 Barchetta | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 4,438 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 160 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 Better | 443.8 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 144 |
| 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.
Ferrari 550 Barchetta
No component data available.
No owner complaints are on record, but a recall was issued for the parking brake. This suggests a potential defect that could affect the ability to hold the vehicle stationary, which is critical for safety. Buyers should verify the recall was performed.
A recall was issued for seats, indicating a possible structural or adjustment issue. Without owner complaints, the exact nature is unclear, but it could affect occupant protection or comfort. Check that the recall remedy was applied.
A recall was issued for the automatic transmission cooling unit and lines, which could lead to transmission overheating or fluid leaks. This is a critical area for drivetrain reliability. Ensure the recall was completed to avoid potential transmission damage.
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE985
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM863
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE821
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER725
- 05SERVICE BRAKES592
Owners report engine noises and sudden loss of power, with warning lights for brake, hill descent, and ABS appearing. Some describe the vehicle losing speed and becoming unable to accelerate, which is a serious safety concern. This suggests possible engine or drivetrain management failures.
Complaints include TPMS warnings leading to tire failure and rodent damage to wiring harnesses. These issues can cause warning lights, loss of monitoring, and potential electrical shorts. The rodent damage points to a vulnerability in wiring placement.
Owners report the system falsely activating or displaying errors for adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, and automatic high beams. Some incidents occur at highway speeds, causing sudden braking or warnings, which can be startling and potentially hazardous.
While specific complaints are not shown, the high number of brake-related complaints and a recall for the ABS control unit suggest issues with braking performance or system malfunctions. This is a critical safety area that buyers should have inspected.
“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.
Ferrari 550 Barchetta — 3 recalls
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE HAND BRAKE RATCHET MECHANISM DID NOT RECEIVE THE PROPER HARDNESS TREATMENT OF THE RATCHET TEETH. AS A RESULT, THE RATCHET TEETH COULD BECOME DAMAGED.
The risk: IF THE RATCHET MECHANISM TEETH BECOME DAMAGED, FAILURE OF THE HAND BRAKE TO OPERATE AS EXPECTED WOULD RESULT. IF THE PROBLEM EXISTED AND THE VEHICLE'S USE WAS CONTINUED, IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE THAT THE HAND BRAKE WOULD NOT FUNCTION AND COULD…
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE PRODUCTION CODE OF THE RATCHET MECHANISM AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE HAND BRAKE RATCHET MECHANISM. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 20, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON…
The defect: ON CERTAIN MODEL PASSENGER VEHICLES, AS A RESULT OF IMPROPER WELDING OF THE SEAT RAIL ASSEMBLIES, ONE SIDE OF THE SEAT MAY NOT FULLY LOCK INTO THE SET POSITION. UNDER EXTREME ACCELERATION OR DEACCELERATION CONDITIONS, THIS COULD CAUSE A ROCKING MOTION OF THE SEAT.
The risk: IF THE SEAT STARTED A ROCKING MOTION WHILE THE CUSTOMER WAS DRIVING, IT COULD POSE A SAFETY RISK TO THE DRIVER AS WELL AS OTHER VEHICLES AND COULD RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE OR PROPERTY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENTIRE SEAT RAIL ASSEMBLIES ON BOTH SEATS. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FERRARI AT 1-201-816-2651.
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE TRANSMISSION OIL LINES TO THE OIL COOLER MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED PROPERLY. THE LINES COULD BECOME DISCONNECTED FROM THE METAL FITTING AND LEAK OIL. IF THE LINES LEAK OIL, INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION TO THE TRANSMISSION COULD RESULT. IF THIS CONDITION WAS TO EX…
The risk: IF THE TRANSMISSION BECAME INOPERATIVE WHILE THE CUSTOMER WAS DRIVING, IT COULD POSE A POTENTIAL SAFETY RISK TO THE DRIVER AS WELL AS OTHER VEHICLES AND POTENTIALLY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE OR PROPERTY, AND A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TWO EXISTING TRANSMISSION OIL LINES TO THE COOLER WITH NEW LINES WHICH HAVE A PROPERLY CRIMPED METAL FITTING CONNECTOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 4, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEAL…
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
Ferrari 550 Barchetta or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Ferrari 550 Barchetta has far fewer reported issues per year (0 complaints vs. 443.8 for the Accord), but this is largely due to its extremely low production volume and limited owner base. In practice, the Accord's higher complaint count reflects its widespread use and more complex systems, but it also indicates a higher likelihood of encountering problems. The Barchetta's recalls are few but serious, while the Accord's many recalls and complaints suggest a need for thorough inspection.
Key differences
- The Ferrari has zero owner complaints, while the Honda has thousands, but the Ferrari's tiny sample size makes it unreliable to compare.
- The Honda's top issues are engine and electrical problems, with owners reporting power loss and wiring damage, whereas the Ferrari's only known issues are from recalls, not owner reports.
- The Honda has 160 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths, indicating real-world safety incidents, while the Ferrari has none on record.
- The Honda's forward collision avoidance system is a frequent source of complaints, with false activations, while the Ferrari lacks such advanced systems.
- Verify that all three recalls (parking brake, seats, transmission cooling) have been performed, as they address potential safety and drivetrain issues.
- Inspect the condition of the parking brake and transmission cooling lines for any signs of leakage or wear, even if no complaints exist.
- Check for any engine-related warning lights or unusual noises, and have the engine and transmission control modules scanned for codes.
- Inspect the wiring harnesses for rodent damage, especially around the engine bay, and ensure the forward collision avoidance system is functioning correctly without false alerts.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to confirm all recalls have been completed for both vehicles.
- For the Ferrari, have a pre-purchase inspection by a specialist familiar with the model, focusing on the parking brake, seats, and transmission cooling system.
- For the Honda, test drive at highway speeds to check for any sudden power loss or warning lights, and test the forward collision avoidance system in a safe area.
- Check the Honda's electrical system for any aftermarket modifications that could affect wiring integrity.
- Review the NHTSA website for the latest complaints and recalls on the specific model year you are considering.
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 Ferrari 550 Barchetta or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Ferrari 550 Barchetta vs Honda Accord
- Ferrari 550 Barchetta total complaints
- 0
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,438
- Ferrari 550 Barchetta total recalls
- 3
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Ferrari 550 Barchetta avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 443.8
- More reliable overall
- Ferrari 550 Barchetta
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE