Head-to-head reliability
Ferrari California T vs Honda Accord
How the Ferrari California T 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 California T vs Honda Accord: The Ferrari California T has 1 complaint over 9 years (0.1/year) and 12 recalls, while the Honda Accord has 4,524 complaints over 10 years (452.4/year), 38 recalls, 162 crash-related complaints, 146 injuries, and 3 deaths. The Ferrari's lone complaint concerns a Takata airbag recall delay; the Accord's top issues are engine, electrical, and forward collision avoidance. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Ferrari California T or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Ferrari California T
The Ferrari California T is a low-volume exotic, so it accumulates very few complaints—just 1 over 9 years, or about 0.1 per year. That single complaint is about a Takata airbag recall and the owner's frustration with how long the repair took, not a new failure. With 12 recalls but no crashes, injuries, or deaths reported in the data, the main ownership concern is staying on top of recall notices. For a buyer, this means the car's reliability record is thin but not alarming, though any exotic can be expensive to fix when something does go wrong.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a high-volume family sedan, and that shows in the data: 4,524 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 452 per year. Owners report a wide range of issues, especially with the engine, electrical system, and forward collision avoidance. There are also 162 crash-related complaints, 146 injuries, and 3 deaths, which is a serious signal even if most cars never experience these problems. Recalls cover hybrid power control software, fuel pumps, seat belts, and airbag sensors, so buyers should check that all recall work is done.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Ferrari California T | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 12 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.1 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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.
Ferrari California T
- 01AIR BAGS1
The only owner complaint is about a Takata airbag recall (campaign 19V006000) and the manufacturer taking too long to complete the repair. This matters because the passenger-side inflator can be dangerous if not replaced, so buyers must confirm the recall was performed.
A recall exists for hydraulic service brakes, though no owner complaint describes the exact symptom. A buyer should ask whether this recall was addressed, as brake issues can affect stopping performance.
Another recall covers the air bag restraint control module. If this module fails, airbags may not deploy correctly in a crash, so verifying the recall fix is essential.
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FERRARI CALIFORNIA T. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V006000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. FERRARI OF…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report rattling noises while accelerating, rough transitions between EV and gas modes, and sudden loss of speed with multiple dashboard alarms (brake, hill descent, ABS, critical failure). These symptoms can leave a driver stranded or unable to maintain highway speeds.
Complaints include electronic power steering and braking systems locking up at highway speeds, causing near-collisions, and a tire failure shortly after a TPMS warning was supposedly fixed. Electrical glitches can disable safety-critical systems without warning.
Owners describe the system failing to prevent collisions or activating unexpectedly, including incidents under adaptive cruise control at 70 mph. This undermines a key safety feature that many buyers rely on.
There is a recall for the fuel pump, and owners report fuel/propulsion issues. A failing fuel pump can cause stalling or loss of power, which is especially risky at speed.
“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.
Ferrari California T — 12 recalls
The defect: Ferrari North America (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2014 Ferrari California, 2014-2015 Ferrari 458 Italia, 458 Spider, 2014-2016 Ferrari FF, 2014-2017 Ferrari F12, 2015-2018 Ferrari California T, 2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale A, 2016 Ferrari F60 America, 2016-2017 Ferrari F12 tdf, 2016-2018 Ferrari 48…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Ferrari will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began March 8, 2019. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-866-551-2828. Ferrari's number for this recall is…
The defect: Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2018 488 Spider, 488 Pista, 2015 458 Speciale A, 2016-2018 488 GTB, 2015-2017 F12 Berlinetta, 2016 F12 tdf, and 2016-2018 Carlifornia T vehicles. The air bag Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may malfunction, possibly causing the non-deployment…
The risk: In the event of a crash, air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Ferrari will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag ECU, free of charge. The recall began August 2, 2019. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-201-816-2668. Ferrari's number for this recall is 70.
The defect: Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2005-2009 430, 2019-2020 488 Pista, 2016 F60 America, 2005-2011 612 Scaglietti, 2010-2011 612, 2018-2022 812, 2020-2022 F8 Spider, 2020-2022 F8 Tributo, 2021-2022 Roma, 2009-2017 California, 2015-2017 California T, 2013-2017 F12 Berlinetta,…
The risk: A loss of brake function can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the brake fluid reservoir cap and update the software to provide a new warning message for low brake fluid, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed September…
The defect: Ferrari North America (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2014 Ferrari California, 2014-2015 Ferrari 458 Italia, 458 Spider, 2014-2016 Ferrari FF, 2014-2017 Ferrari F12, 2015-2018 Ferrari California T, 2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale A, 2016 Ferrari F60 America, 2016-2017 Ferrari F12 tdf, 2016-2018 Ferrari 48…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Ferrari will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began March 8, 2019. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-866-551-2828. Ferrari's number for this recall is…
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
Ferrari California T or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Ferrari California T has far fewer issues per year (0.1 vs. 452.4), but that is partly because so few are on the road. The Honda Accord's much higher complaint volume reflects its popularity and a broader range of reported problems, including crashes and injuries. In practice, the Ferrari's main concern is completing recalls, while the Accord demands more vigilance for engine, electrical, and safety-system faults.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: Ferrari California T has 1 complaint over 9 years; Honda Accord has 4,524 over 10 years, including 162 crash-related, 146 injuries, and 3 deaths.
- Reported failure types: Ferrari's only complaint is about a Takata airbag recall delay; Honda owners report engine rattles, EV-to-gas jerks, power steering/brake lockups, and forward collision avoidance failures.
- Recalls: Ferrari has 12 recalls (airbags, brakes, restraint module); Honda has 38 recalls (hybrid power control software, fuel pump, seat belts, airbag sensors, spare tire).
- Ownership impact: Ferrari issues are mostly recall-related and low-volume; Honda issues are more frequent and can affect daily driving safety and reliability.
- Confirm the Takata airbag recall (NHTSA campaign 19V006000) was completed; the owner complaint specifically mentions a long wait for this repair.
- Check that the hydraulic service brake and air bag restraint control module recalls were performed, as these affect safety systems.
- Listen for engine rattling during acceleration and feel for rough transitions between EV and gas modes, which owners report as early signs of engine problems.
- Test the forward collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control at highway speeds; owners describe failures and unexpected braking that could lead to a crash.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to see all open recalls for the specific car and confirm they were fixed.
- For the Ferrari California T, ask for written proof that the Takata airbag, brake, and restraint module recalls were completed.
- For the Honda Accord, have a mechanic scan for hybrid system error codes and check the fuel pump recall status.
- During a test drive of the Honda Accord, test the forward collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, and electronic power steering at various speeds.
- Obtain a pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic familiar with the model, focusing on the engine, electrical system, and safety features.
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 | Ferrari California T | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 0 | 1884 |
| 2017 | 1 | 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 Ferrari California T or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Ferrari California T vs Honda Accord
- Ferrari California T total complaints
- 1
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Ferrari California T total recalls
- 12
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Ferrari California T avg complaints/year
- 0.1
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Ferrari California T
- Ferrari California T top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE