Head-to-head reliability
FIAT 500E vs Honda Accord
How the FIAT 500E 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 500E vs Honda Accord: The 500E has 5 complaints over 3 years (1.7/year) and 3 recalls, while the Accord has 4,524 complaints over 10 years (452.4/year) and 38 recalls. The 500E reports charging failures and stalling; the Accord reports engine and electrical failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FIAT 500E or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FIAT 500E
The FIAT 500E is a small electric car with very few complaints—only 5 over 3 years—but those complaints describe serious problems like charging failures that leave owners stranded and stalls while driving. Recalls cover air bags and headlights, and some owners report difficulty getting recall repairs due to a lack of nearby service centers. For a buyer, the low complaint count is reassuring, but the nature of the issues and limited dealer network are worth considering.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular midsize car with thousands of complaints over 10 years, including 162 crash-related reports and 3 deaths. Common trouble spots are the engine, electrical system, and forward collision avoidance, with owners describing sudden power loss, steering and brake failures, and unintended automatic braking. Recalls address hybrid software, fuel pumps, and air bag sensors. While many Accords are reliable, the volume of complaints means a used buyer should check for these specific issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FIAT 500E | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 5 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.7 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.
FIAT 500E
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
- 03POWER TRAIN1
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE1
Owners report windows failing to roll down, abnormal brake noises, and the need to press the start button multiple times. Another complaint describes the car failing to fully charge and stopping without notice, leaving the driver stranded. These electrical glitches can make the car unreliable for daily use.
A owner reported the vehicle unable to fully charge, stopping without notice and leaving them stranded, with the car at the dealership for seven months. This suggests potential issues with the electric drivetrain that could be costly and time-consuming to fix.
One complaint describes the car stalling twice while driving on a fully charged battery in one-pedal mode, with the system applying brakes and the steering wheel locking. This is a serious safety concern because it can happen unexpectedly while moving.
Although only one complaint, it falls under this category, indicating potential issues with advanced driver-assist features. Buyers should test these systems carefully.
“The contact leased a 2024 Fiat 500E. The contact stated that the windows failed to roll down and the brakes made an abnormal sound while the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the vehicle required the Push to Start button to be pressed three t…”
“Vehicle is unable to fully charge. It stops without notice and has left us stranded. The car has been at the dealership for seven months. The dealership duplicated the problem, but has been unable to repair it. There are now six (6) other 2024 500e’s at Larry…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report alarms for brake, hill descent, ABS, and critical failure, followed by loss of speed. Another mentions rattling noises while accelerating and rough transitions between EV and gas modes. These engine problems can lead to sudden power loss and expensive repairs.
Complaints include electronic power steering and braking systems failing and locking up at highway speeds, causing near-collisions. Another describes a tire failure after a TPMS warning was supposedly fixed. Electrical faults can disable critical safety systems.
Owners report the system failing to prevent collisions, with incidents occurring under similar conditions. One complaint describes sudden braking or failure to brake with adaptive cruise control engaged. This undermines a key safety feature.
While not detailed in the samples, this is a top component with 602 complaints, suggesting fuel delivery issues that could cause stalling or poor performance. Recalls include fuel pump problems, so buyers should verify recall repairs.
“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.
FIAT 500E — 3 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia, 2018-2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, 2019-2023 Fiat 500X, Jeep Renegade, and 2024 Fiat 500E vehicles. A seat belt buckle switch sensor may be improperly connected, preventing the front seat air bag from deploying as intended.
The risk: A front seat air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will repair the connection, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning August 27, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 82B.
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Fiat 500e Battery Electric (BEV) vehicles. The headlight horizontal aim adjustment is not covered as intended, which can result in improperly adjusted headlights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehi…
The risk: Improperly adjusted headlights can reduce driver visibility or create a glare for oncoming traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install headlight adjustment plugs. Owner notification letters were mailed December 10, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is A4C. Vehicle Identification Numbe…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Fiat 500e Battery Electric (BEV) vehicles. The headlight horizontal aim adjustment is not covered as intended, which can result in improperly adjusted headlights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehi…
The risk: Improperly adjusted headlights can reduce driver visibility or create a glare for oncoming traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install headlight adjustment plugs. Owner notification letters were mailed December 10, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is A4C. Vehicle Identification Numbe…
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
FIAT 500E or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The FIAT 500E has far fewer issues per year (1.7 vs. 452.4), but its problems can be severe, like stalling and charging failures. The Honda Accord's higher complaint rate means more potential for trouble, but many are isolated and the car is more widely serviced. In practice, the 500E may be simpler but riskier if something breaks, while the Accord has more reported issues but easier access to repairs.
Key differences
- The FIAT 500E has only 5 complaints over 3 years, while the Honda Accord has 4,524 over 10 years, but the Accord's complaints include 162 crash-related and 3 deaths.
- FIAT 500E owners report charging failures and stalling, while Honda Accord owners report engine power loss, steering/brake failures, and forward collision avoidance malfunctions.
- The FIAT 500E has 3 recalls (air bags, headlights), while the Honda Accord has 38 recalls covering hybrid software, fuel pumps, and air bag sensors.
- Service access differs: some FIAT 500E owners struggle to find a qualified service center, whereas Honda has a widespread dealer network.
- Check the charging system thoroughly: ensure the car charges fully without stopping unexpectedly, as owners report being stranded.
- Test all electrical functions, including windows, brakes, and push-to-start, and verify that any open recalls (air bags, headlights) have been repaired.
- Listen for engine rattles or rough transitions between EV and gas modes during a test drive, and check for any warning lights related to brakes, ABS, or hill descent.
- Verify that all recalls, especially for hybrid software and fuel pump, have been performed, and test the forward collision avoidance system for proper operation.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all safety recalls have been completed for the specific car.
- For the FIAT 500E, test the charging process from low to full and check for any error messages or interruptions.
- For the Honda Accord, scan for stored trouble codes and take a long test drive including highway speeds to check for power loss or warning alarms.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on the components listed in complaints (electrical, engine, forward collision avoidance).
- Research local service options: ensure a qualified dealership or mechanic is within a reasonable distance for the model you choose.
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 500E | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 10 |
| 2025 | 0 | 109 |
| 2024 | 5 | 219 |
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 500E or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FIAT 500E vs Honda Accord
- FIAT 500E total complaints
- 5
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- FIAT 500E total recalls
- 3
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- FIAT 500E avg complaints/year
- 1.7
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- FIAT 500E
- FIAT 500E top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE