Head-to-head reliability
FIAT 500 vs Honda Accord
How the FIAT 500 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
FIAT 500 vs Honda Accord: The FIAT has 806 complaints over 8 years (100.8/yr) with powertrain issues, while the Accord has 4438 over 10 years (443.8/yr) with engine and ADAS problems. The Accord has more recalls (38 vs 26) and reported injuries. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FIAT 500 or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FIAT 500
The FIAT 500 is a compact city car that, in ownership terms, shows a pattern of powertrain and electrical gremlins that can affect daily usability. Owners report issues with gear shifting, brake response, and electrical components like headlamps and battery systems. While not every car will have problems, the frequency of these complaints suggests a need for careful inspection and maintenance history review.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a midsize sedan with a higher total complaint count, but that's partly due to its larger sales volume and longer reporting period. The complaints cluster around engine performance, electrical glitches, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like forward collision avoidance. Owners describe sudden warning lights and system failures that can be alarming, but the overall pattern indicates a vehicle with more complex technology that may have intermittent issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FIAT 500 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 806 Better | 4,438 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 26 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 48 Better | 160 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 100.8 Better | 443.8 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 38 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.
FIAT 500
- 01POWER TRAIN388
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM135
- 03ENGINE108
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER88
- 05AIR BAGS52
Owners report the car hesitates or fails to respond when downshifting, and the brake pedal can feel slow to stop at low speeds. This suggests potential transmission and brake system issues that could affect drivability and safety.
Problems include headlamps failing to operate and warning lights illuminating, as well as issues with the high-voltage battery system, especially after long storage. These electrical gremlins can lead to inconvenient and potentially unsafe situations.
Some owners report the engine refusing to start without explanation, and others mention persistent brake squeal even after warranty replacement. These issues point to possible starting system and brake component defects.
“The contact owns a 2015 Fiat 500. The contact stated that after driving at low speeds, upon parking the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle was slow to respond while stopping. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken…”
“The contact owns a 2015 Fiat 500. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH and attempting to downshift, the vehicle failed to respond as intended while the RPM continued to rev. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the gear s…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE985
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM863
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE821
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER725
- 05SERVICE BRAKES592
Owners describe sudden loss of power and warning lights for brake, hill descent, and ABS systems while driving at highway speeds. This suggests potential engine or electronic control issues that could cause unexpected slowdowns.
Reports include tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warnings followed by tire failure, and rodent damage to wiring harnesses. These electrical issues can lead to safety-critical failures and costly repairs.
The system may trigger false alerts or show intermittent messages for adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, and automatic high beams. This can be distracting and may undermine driver trust in safety features.
“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.
FIAT 500 — 26 recalls
The defect: DLT, LLC. is recalling certain CravenSpeed Fiat Short Shifter shafts sold for use in 2011-2019 Fiat 500 vehicles. The Shifter Shaft may have been improperly manufactured with a through hole for the set screw rather than a blind hole, which may lead to the breakage of the Shifter Shaft.
The risk: If the shifter breaks while the vehicle is in motion, it can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: DLT has notified owners, and will provide a complete replacement shifter assembly with an updated shaft, free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2019. Owners may contact DLT customer service at 1-503-505-6886.
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Fiat 500 vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not illuminate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitori…
The risk: A TPMS warning light that fails to illuminate can result in the vehicle being driven with improperly inflated tires, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the TPMS electronic control unit module, free of charge. Owners were mailed July 11, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 80B.
The defect: DLT, LLC. is recalling certain CravenSpeed Fiat Short Shifter shafts sold for use in 2011-2019 Fiat 500 vehicles. The Shifter Shaft may have been improperly manufactured with a through hole for the set screw rather than a blind hole, which may lead to the breakage of the Shifter Shaft.
The risk: If the shifter breaks while the vehicle is in motion, it can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: DLT has notified owners, and will provide a complete replacement shifter assembly with an updated shaft, free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2019. Owners may contact DLT customer service at 1-503-505-6886.
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Fiat 500 vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not illuminate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitori…
The risk: A TPMS warning light that fails to illuminate can result in the vehicle being driven with improperly inflated tires, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the TPMS electronic control unit module, free of charge. Owners were mailed July 11, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 80B.
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
FIAT 500 or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The FIAT 500 has fewer complaints per year (about 100.8) compared to the Honda Accord (about 443.8), but the Accord's higher volume reflects its popularity. In practice, the FIAT's issues are more concentrated in powertrain and electrical, while the Accord's are spread across engine, electrical, and driver-assist systems. Neither is clearly more reliable, but the FIAT's lower complaint rate may suggest fewer systemic problems per vehicle.
Key differences
- The FIAT 500 has a higher proportion of powertrain complaints (388 out of 806) compared to the Accord's engine (985 out of 4438), indicating a more focused issue area.
- The Accord has a significant number of forward collision avoidance complaints (821), which the FIAT doesn't have, reflecting its more advanced safety tech.
- Electrical system complaints are common in both, but the Accord's are more numerous (863) and include issues like TPMS failures and rodent damage.
- The FIAT's sunroof explosion and brake squeal issues are unique, while the Accord has reports of sudden power loss and false ADAS alerts.
- Test the transmission thoroughly, especially downshifting and low-speed braking, as owners report hesitation and slow response.
- Check all electrical components, including headlamps and warning lights, and ask about battery condition if the car was stored for long periods.
- Verify the forward collision avoidance system works correctly and doesn't show intermittent warnings, as owners report false alerts.
- Inspect the wiring harness for rodent damage and ensure the TPMS is functioning properly, as tire failures have been reported.
Before you buy
- Get a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic, focusing on the transmission and electrical system for the FIAT, and engine and ADAS for the Accord.
- Check the vehicle's recall history and ensure all recalls have been addressed.
- Test drive at various speeds, including highway, to see if any warning lights appear or if there are any drivability issues.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for brake and electrical repairs.
- If possible, have a diagnostic scan done to check for any stored trouble codes.
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 | FIAT 500 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 0 | 677 |
| 2018 | 5 | 1864 |
| 2017 | 13 | 534 |
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 FIAT 500 or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FIAT 500 vs Honda Accord
- FIAT 500 total complaints
- 806
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,438
- FIAT 500 total recalls
- 26
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- FIAT 500 avg complaints/year
- 100.8
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 443.8
- More reliable overall
- FIAT 500
- FIAT 500 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE