Head-to-head reliability
FORD Explorer Sport TRAC vs Honda Accord
How the FORD Explorer Sport TRAC 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 Explorer Sport TRAC vs Honda Accord: The Ford averaged 786 complaints per year with 345 crash-related reports, while the Honda averaged 452 per year with 162 crash-related reports. The Honda has more recalls (38 vs 17) but fewer annual complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Explorer Sport TRAC or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Explorer Sport TRAC
The Ford Explorer Sport Trac is a mid-size pickup that averaged about 786 complaints per year over nine years, with power train and structure issues dominating. Owners frequently report transmission problems, excessive vibration, and sudden acceleration, which can make daily driving stressful. With 345 crash-related complaints and 10 deaths, the pattern suggests serious safety concerns that a buyer should weigh carefully.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a mid-size sedan with a lower complaint rate of about 452 per year over ten years, but it has more recalls (38 vs 17). Complaints cluster around engine, electrical, and forward collision avoidance systems, including stalling, power steering failure, and unintended braking. While the overall complaint volume is lower, the nature of the issues can still pose safety risks.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Explorer Sport TRAC | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 7,071 | 4,524 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 17 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 345 | 162 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 785.7 | 452.4 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 415 | 146 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 10 | 3 Better |
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 Explorer Sport TRAC
- 01POWER TRAIN2,552
- 02STRUCTURE1,537
- 03SUSPENSION595
- 04ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING408
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM390
Owners report the transmission failing to upshift from low gear, triggering a wrench light and disabling cruise control. Some also describe sudden acceleration or lurching when braking, which can lead to loss of control.
Complaints include excessive vibration when rear windows are open and front windows are closed, and a serious issue where the accelerator engages when the brakes are applied, causing unintended acceleration and crashes.
Drivers report shimmying and loss of control at moderate speeds, sometimes with wheel studs missing, indicating potential wheel detachment risks.
Sudden engine revving and lurching forward have been reported, along with radiator leaks that are hard to locate, leading to coolant loss and overheating concerns.
“I BOUGHT THE TRUCK NEW IN MAY 2010. I HAD ALL THE SCHEDULED DEALER MAINTENANCE COMPLETED AS SCHEDULED AND THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN OFF ROAD. THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE HAS BEEN ENGAGED TWICE, AND THE MAJORITY OF THE MILES HAVE BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY. THIRTY MILES FR…”
“THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT UPSHIFT FROM LOW GEAR, FROM TAKE OFF FOR AWHILE AND GIVE ME THE WRENCH SIGN, ALSO WILL CUT OFF THE CRUSE CONTROL IF BEING USED OR WILL NOT ALLOW ME TO USE IT. AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP IT WAS DIAGNOSED TO A FAUL…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners describe the vehicle losing speed with multiple alarms (brake, hill descent, ABS) and rattling noises during acceleration, suggesting potential hybrid system or engine management faults.
Reports include simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds, and TPMS warnings followed by tire failure, indicating critical safety system vulnerabilities.
Complaints involve unintended braking or failure to respond to obstacles, sometimes under adaptive cruise control, which could increase collision risk.
Issues with fuel delivery or hybrid propulsion can cause stalling or rough transitions between EV and gas modes, affecting drivability and safety.
“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 Explorer Sport TRAC — 17 recalls
The defect: FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 FUSION, EXPLORER, EXPLORER SPORT TRAC, AND MERCURY MILAN AND MOUNTAINEER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN DECEMBER 15, 2009 THROUGH FEBRUARY 3, 2010 EQUIPPED WITH FRONT SEAT MANUAL RECLINERS. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR…
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEATBACK AND HEAD RESTRAINT MAY MOVE REARWARD, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MANUAL RECLINERS FOR BOTH POWER AND MANUAL SEATS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE APRIL 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
The defect: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 4.6L ENGINE AND 6R TRANSMISSION, THE BOLT SECURING THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE FITTINGS AT THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENTLY TORQUED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY. AS A RESULT, THE BOLT MAY LOOSEN AND THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINES…
The risk: IF LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID CONTACTS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, IT MAY POSE A RISK OF FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND HAVE THE TRANSMISSION COOLER LINE ATTACHMENT BOLT TIGHTENED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
The defect: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE TWO BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY TO THE FRAME MAY HAVE BEEN OVER-TIGHTENED. THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN ONE OR BOTH OF THE BOLTS FRACTURING, CAUSING THE STEERING GEAR TO BECOME LOOSE.
The risk: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE "CLUNKING" NOISE WHEN STEERING AS WELL AS DECREASED STEERING EFFECTIVENESS POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY MOUNTING BOLTS AND NUTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
The defect: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE D…
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
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 Explorer Sport TRAC or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Honda Accord has fewer complaints per year (about 452 vs 786 for the Ford Explorer Sport Trac), suggesting a lower frequency of reported problems. However, the Accord has more recalls, and both vehicles have safety-related complaints. In practice, the Accord may require less frequent repair visits, but buyers should still be vigilant about the specific issues reported.
Key differences
- The Ford Explorer Sport Trac has a much higher complaint rate per year (786 vs 452), with power train and structure issues being most common.
- The Honda Accord has more recalls (38 vs 17), including electrical and fuel system recalls, but fewer crash-related complaints (162 vs 345).
- Ford owners frequently report transmission and sudden acceleration problems, while Honda owners report electrical failures and forward collision avoidance glitches.
- The Ford Explorer Sport Trac has 10 reported deaths vs 3 for the Honda Accord, indicating a higher severity of outcomes in reported incidents.
- Check for transmission issues: test drive at various speeds and listen for delayed upshifts or warning lights.
- Inspect suspension and wheel studs: look for missing studs, shimmying at highway speeds, and unusual vibrations.
- Test all electronic safety systems: ensure power steering, braking, and forward collision avoidance work without warnings.
- Check for engine rattles and hybrid transitions: listen for unusual noises during acceleration and smooth EV-to-gas switching.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the transmission, suspension, and electrical systems specific to the model.
- Test drive on highways and in stop-and-go traffic to replicate reported conditions.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and software updates.
- Verify that all safety recalls have been addressed and ask for proof of repair.
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 Explorer Sport TRAC or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Explorer Sport TRAC vs Honda Accord
- FORD Explorer Sport TRAC total complaints
- 7,071
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- FORD Explorer Sport TRAC total recalls
- 17
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- FORD Explorer Sport TRAC avg complaints/year
- 785.7
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Honda Accord
- FORD Explorer Sport TRAC top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE