Head-to-head reliability
FORD Escape vs Honda Accord
How the FORD Escape 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 Escape vs Honda Accord: The Escape averages about 740 complaints per year and has 102 recalls, while the Accord averages about 452 complaints per year with 38 recalls. The Escape is more prone to engine and power train issues, while the Accord has more electrical and driver-assist complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Escape or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Escape
The Ford Escape is a compact SUV that has generated an average of about 740 owner complaints per year over the past decade, with 102 recalls. The most common trouble spots are the engine, power train, and engine cooling systems, where owners describe sudden power loss, unintended acceleration, and exhaust fumes entering the cabin. These are not just minor annoyances; they can leave you stranded or frightened behind the wheel. Living with an Escape means staying on top of recalls and being alert for warning signs.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a midsize sedan with roughly 452 complaints per year over the same period and 38 recalls. Its top complaint areas are the engine, electrical system, and forward collision avoidance, with reports of simultaneous power steering and braking failure, adaptive cruise control surprises, and persistent sulfur odors. While the Accord has fewer complaints overall, the nature of some electrical and driver-assist issues can be serious. A used Accord still demands a careful inspection and recall check.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Escape | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 7,397 | 4,524 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 102 | 38 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 131 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 739.7 | 452.4 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 163 | 146 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 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 Escape
- 01ENGINE3,281
- 02POWER TRAIN1,130
- 03ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING975
- 04STRUCTURE820
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER722
Owners of recent Ford Escape models report sudden loss of power while accelerating or pulling into traffic, sometimes with hesitation or a complete stall. Some also notice exhaust fumes entering the cabin and loud under-hood noises, which could indicate a serious mechanical or cooling problem.
Complaints include unintended acceleration, where the vehicle speeds up without throttle input, and high-voltage battery fire risks that have led to multiple recalls. These issues can make the car unpredictable and dangerous in everyday driving.
Drivers describe the engine revving unexpectedly while parked and losing power during acceleration, often accompanied by exhaust smells. Such symptoms may point to cooling system failures or engine management faults that are costly to diagnose and repair.
Some owners report that trim pieces, like the rear liftgate hinge cover, fly off at highway speeds or in car washes. While not a mechanical failure, missing trim can lead to water leaks and is a sign of build-quality issues.
“I am reporting a recurring safety issue involving sudden loss of power while driving in my 2023 Ford Escape. The vehicle has experienced multiple incidents where, while accelerating or pulling into traffic, it suddenly loses power, hesitates, or fails to resp…”
“Purchased brand new 11/2023, immediately started with electrical problems 01/2024, also would put car in reverse and car would cut off, was dropped off at service but never given a reason for the issue or a repair. 01/2025 car had acceleration issues, dropped…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Honda Accord owners report rattling noises during acceleration, rough transitions between electric and gas modes, and sudden loss of speed with multiple dashboard warnings. These symptoms can indicate hybrid system or engine management problems that may be expensive to fix.
There are reports of electronic power steering and braking systems failing simultaneously at highway speeds, causing a near-collision. Other electrical complaints include tire pressure monitoring system failures that were not resolved after service, leading to tire blowouts.
Owners describe adaptive cruise control and collision-avoidance systems activating unexpectedly or failing to respond, sometimes under clear driving conditions. These glitches can surprise the driver and increase the risk of a crash.
Some complaints mention a persistent rotten-egg or sulfur odor, which may be related to fuel delivery or catalytic converter issues. This odor can be a nuisance and may signal a problem that is hard to diagnose and repair.
“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.
FORD Escape — 102 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will update the engine control software to include fuel injector leak detection and install a drain tube, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed January 9, 2023. Remedy pa…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2022-2023 Maverick, and 2021-2023 Corsair vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources s…
The risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will replace the engine long-block in 2023 Escape and Corsair vehic…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Escape, Super Duty F-250, Super Duty F-350, Super Duty F-450, and Super Duty F-550 vehicles equipped with a digital instrument panel cluster. The module may have been improperly soldered, preventing the instrument panel from illuminating. As such,…
The risk: An inoperable instrument panel cannot show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, which may increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the module or instrument panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 4, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C2…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Escape two-wheel drive vehicles equipped with adaptive cruise control. The cruise control radar module was misaligned during production.
The risk: Misalignment of the radar module can result in the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) misclassifying an overhead object as an object in the vehicle's path, causing the vehicle to unexpectedly slow and/or stop. Other safety systems that depend o…
The fix: Dealers will adjust the angle of the radar module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S39.
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
FORD Escape or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Honda Accord has far fewer complaints per year (about 452) than the Ford Escape (about 740), and fewer recalls (38 vs 102). In practice, that means you are less likely to face frequent repair visits with the Accord, but you still need to watch for its electrical and driver-assist quirks. The Escape demands more vigilance for engine and power train failures.
Key differences
- The Ford Escape has about 740 complaints per year versus about 452 for the Honda Accord, meaning you are more likely to encounter reported problems with the Escape.
- Escape owners frequently report sudden power loss and unintended acceleration, while Accord owners more often report electrical failures like power steering and braking lock-ups.
- The Escape has 102 recalls compared to 38 for the Accord, so Escape owners should expect more frequent trips to the dealer for recall work.
- Both vehicles have crash-related complaints, but the Accord has more crash-related reports (162 vs 131) despite fewer total complaints, suggesting some issues may be more severe.
- During a test drive, accelerate firmly and watch for hesitation, sudden loss of power, or unintended acceleration, which owners commonly report.
- Check for exhaust fumes inside the cabin and listen for loud noises from the engine bay, as these can indicate engine cooling or exhaust leaks.
- Test the electronic power steering and brakes at low and highway speeds; any warning lights or loss of assist could signal the reported simultaneous failure.
- Try the adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning systems to ensure they do not activate unexpectedly or fail to respond.
Before you buy
- Ask the seller for a complete recall history and verify that all open recalls have been fixed by checking the NHTSA website with the VIN.
- Take the vehicle to a trusted mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection, specifically asking them to check for the engine, power train, and electrical issues described in owner complaints.
- During the test drive, simulate stop-and-go traffic, highway merging, and parking maneuvers to feel for hesitation, unintended acceleration, or braking problems.
- Inspect all trim pieces, especially around the liftgate on the Escape and the center console on the Accord, for loose or missing parts.
- Request maintenance records to see if the previous owner addressed any recurring problems, such as transmission fluid changes or software updates.
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 Escape | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 10 |
| 2025 | 29 | 109 |
| 2024 | 76 | 219 |
| 2023 | 99 | 226 |
| 2022 | 234 | 252 |
| 2021 | 348 | 234 |
| 2020 | 1531 | 362 |
| 2019 | 588 | 691 |
| 2018 | 1801 | 1884 |
| 2017 | 2687 | 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 FORD Escape or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Escape vs Honda Accord
- FORD Escape total complaints
- 7,397
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- FORD Escape total recalls
- 102
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- FORD Escape avg complaints/year
- 739.7
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Honda Accord
- FORD Escape top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE