Head-to-head reliability
FORD C MAX vs Honda Accord
How the FORD C MAX 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
FORD C MAX vs Honda Accord: The C-Max has 14 complaints over 6 years (2.3/year) and 27 recalls, with no crashes or injuries reported. The Accord has 4,438 complaints over 10 years (443.8/year), 38 recalls, and 160 crash-related complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD C MAX or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD C MAX
The Ford C-Max is a compact hybrid that, based on NHTSA data, has a relatively low complaint rate of about 2.3 per year over six years. The most common owner complaint involves the rear-view camera failing or being unavailable, often tied to a recall for back-over prevention. There are also reports of touchscreen and electrical glitches, and a few instances of stalling or failure to accelerate. With 27 recalls but no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in the data, it appears to be a vehicle with manageable but persistent electronic and backup camera issues.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular midsize sedan with a much higher complaint volume—averaging about 444 complaints per year over ten years. Owners report a wide range of problems, especially with the engine, electrical system, and forward collision avoidance features. Some complaints describe serious safety events like loss of power, brake system failures, and unintended automatic braking. The data also shows 160 crash-related complaints, 144 injuries, and 3 deaths, indicating that some issues may have severe consequences.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD C MAX | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 14 Better | 4,438 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 27 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 160 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 2.3 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.
FORD C MAX
- 01BACK OVER PREVENTION6
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
- 03FUEL SYSTEM1
- 04GASOLINE1
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
Owners frequently report that the rear-view camera stops working or displays a blank or distorted image. This is the top complaint category and is serious because it can hinder visibility when reversing, though a recall exists for this issue.
Complaints describe touchscreen failures that begin with GPS glitches and progress to the entire dashboard becoming nonfunctional, affecting rear-view camera, hands-free features, and audio. This can be distracting and costly to repair.
A few owners of 2017 C-Max Energi models report stalling and failure to accelerate at low speeds without warning lights. This is a rare but potentially dangerous issue that could leave a driver stranded.
A customer satisfaction program (not a recall) addresses contamination in the electronic throttle body that may cause the vehicle to enter limp mode or stall. Buyers should verify if this service was performed.
“See attached document for complaint. RE: NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 25V695 To whom it may concern, In August 2025 we took our 2016 CMAX into the Ford Dealer we purchased it from to have the check out the back-up camera that was not working and have a service done. T…”
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rear-view camera displayed a…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE985
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM863
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE821
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER725
- 05SERVICE BRAKES592
The most common complaint area, with owners reporting noises, loss of power, and critical failure warnings while driving. Some describe the vehicle losing speed and unable to accelerate, which can be hazardous on highways.
Issues include TPMS warnings leading to tire failure, rodent damage to wiring, and various electronic glitches. These can cause unexpected breakdowns and expensive repairs.
Owners report problems with adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and automatic braking systems, sometimes with false alerts or failures to operate. This undermines driver confidence in advanced safety features.
Complaints involve brake system failures, including ABS and traction control issues, which can affect stopping ability. This is a critical safety concern.
“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.
FORD C MAX — 27 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
The risk: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either sc…
The fix: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are ex…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
The risk: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either sc…
The fix: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are ex…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
The risk: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either sc…
The fix: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are ex…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
The risk: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either sc…
The fix: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are ex…
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
FORD C MAX or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Ford C-Max has far fewer complaints per year (2.3 vs. 443.8) and no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in the data, while the Honda Accord has a much higher volume of complaints and some severe outcomes. In practice, this means the C-Max may have fewer day-to-day problems, but the Accord's issues are more numerous and sometimes more serious.
Key differences
- The Ford C-Max has 14 total complaints over 6 years, while the Honda Accord has 4,438 over 10 years—a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- The C-Max's top complaint is backup camera failure, a convenience/safety issue; the Accord's top complaints include engine and electrical failures that can cause loss of power or brake problems.
- The Accord has 160 crash-related complaints, 144 injuries, and 3 deaths in the data; the C-Max has none of these reported.
- Both have recalls, but the C-Max's recalls include transmission gear position and door latches, while the Accord's include hybrid software, tires, brakes, air bags, and fuel pump.
- Check if the rear-view camera recall (25V695) has been performed; if not, the camera may not work, affecting reversing visibility.
- Test the touchscreen and all electronic features thoroughly; owners report progressive failure of the dashboard display and audio system.
- Listen for engine noises and check for any loss of power or warning lights during a test drive; multiple owners report stalling and critical failure messages.
- Verify that all safety recalls, especially for brakes, air bags, and fuel pump, have been completed; incomplete recalls could pose serious risks.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- For the Ford C-Max, test the backup camera and touchscreen, and ask if the electronic throttle body customer satisfaction program was done.
- For the Honda Accord, have a mechanic inspect the engine, electrical system, and brakes, and scan for any stored trouble codes.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any hesitation, warning lights, or unusual noises, especially in the Accord.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and confirm that all recall repairs have been completed.
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 | FORD C MAX | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 0 | 1864 |
| 2017 | 1 | 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 FORD C MAX or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD C MAX vs Honda Accord
- FORD C MAX total complaints
- 14
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,438
- FORD C MAX total recalls
- 27
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- FORD C MAX avg complaints/year
- 2.3
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 443.8
- More reliable overall
- FORD C MAX
- FORD C MAX top complaint area
- BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE