Vehicle 1

FIAT 500

806 complaints · 26 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Honda Accord

3,932 complaints · 35 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

FIAT 500 vs Honda Accord: The FIAT 500 has 806 complaints over 8 years (100.8/year) and 26 recalls, while the Accord has 3932 complaints over 10 years (393.2/year) and 35 recalls. The FIAT's top issue is powertrain (388), the Accord's is engine (845). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

4
FIAT 500
wins all 4 categories
0
Honda Accord
no category wins
CategoryFIAT 500Honda Accord
Total Complaints
All years combined
806
✓ lower
3,932
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
26
✓ lower
35
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
48
✓ lower
139
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
100.8
✓ lower
393.2

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

FIAT 500

1. POWER TRAIN388
2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM135
3. ENGINE108
4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER88
5. AIR BAGS52

Honda Accord

1. ENGINE845
2. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE757
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM745
4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER615
5. SERVICE BRAKES545
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Honda Accord has more total complaints and recalls, but when adjusted for sales volume, the FIAT 500 has a higher complaint rate per year. This suggests the FIAT 500 may have more frequent issues relative to its popularity, so a buyer should expect more potential problems per mile driven.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize lower complaint frequency and fewer recalls, the FIAT 500 has fewer total complaints per year (100.8 vs 393.2) and fewer recalls (26 vs 35). However, if you need more space and reliability in common areas like engine and brakes, the Accord may be better despite higher numbers. Check specific issue histories before buying.

Key Differences
  • FIAT 500 has 100.8 complaints/year vs Accord's 393.2/year.
  • FIAT 500 has 26 recalls; Accord has 35 recalls.
  • FIAT 500's top issue is POWER TRAIN (388); Accord's top is ENGINE (845).
  • Accord has 757 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE complaints; FIAT has none.
⚠ Watch on FIAT 500
  • Watch for POWER TRAIN issues (388 complaints) – transmission or drivetrain problems.
  • Check for AIR BAGS complaints (52) – potential deployment failures.
⚠ Watch on Honda Accord
  • Watch for ENGINE issues (845 complaints) – possible stalling or performance loss.
  • Check FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (757 complaints) – system may malfunction.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles using VIN.
  • Test drive and listen for unusual noises from powertrain (FIAT) or engine (Accord).
  • Verify airbag system operation (FIAT) and forward collision system (Accord).
  • Review service records for electrical system repairs (both).
  • Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

FIAT 500Honda Accord
2019
0
628
2018
5
1759
2017
13
519
FIAT 500 vs Honda Accord — comparison facts
Comparison
FIAT 500 vs Honda Accord
FIAT 500 total complaints
806
Honda Accord total complaints
3,932
FIAT 500 total recalls
26
Honda Accord total recalls
35
FIAT 500 avg complaints/year
100.8
Honda Accord avg complaints/year
393.2
More reliable overall
FIAT 500
FIAT 500 top complaint area
POWER TRAIN
Honda Accord top complaint area
ENGINE
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

FIAT 500 Reliability & Problems

806 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Honda Accord Reliability & Problems

3,932 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific FIAT 500 or Honda Accord?

Run a free VIN check to see that exact car's accident history, open recalls, and title records.