Head-to-head reliability
FORD F 350 vs Honda Accord
How the FORD F 350 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 F 350 vs Honda Accord: The F 350 has 42 complaints over 10 years (4.2/year) and 30 recalls, while the Accord has 4,524 complaints (452.4/year) and 38 recalls. The F 350 reports driveshaft separation and electrical smoke; the Accord reports engine power loss and electronic steering/braking failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD F 350 or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD F 350
The Ford F 350 is a heavy-duty truck that sees relatively few complaints for its class: 42 over 10 years, or about 4.2 per year. The most common trouble spots are the power train and electrical system, with owner reports of driveshaft separation at highway speed and smoke from the A/C vents. There are 30 recalls and 6 crash-related complaints, but no deaths reported in this data. For a buyer, the pattern suggests a truck that can have serious but less frequent failures, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is key.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular family sedan with a much higher complaint volume: 4,524 over 10 years, averaging 452.4 per year. The top areas are the engine, electrical system, and forward collision avoidance, with owners describing sudden power loss, electronic steering and braking lockups, and adaptive cruise control issues. There are 38 recalls and 162 crash-related complaints, plus 146 injuries and 3 deaths in this data. That means a used Accord buyer should expect more frequent reports of problems, especially with advanced electronics and driver-assist features.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD F 350 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 42 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 30 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 6 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 4.2 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 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.
FORD F 350
- 01POWER TRAIN15
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM12
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER9
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE6
- 05ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING6
Owners report the driveshaft separating while driving at highway speeds, causing a loss of power and loud noises. This can leave you stranded and is a serious safety concern because it happens without warning.
Complaints describe a burnt odor and smoke coming from the A/C vents, sometimes shortly after leaving the dealer. This points to potential wiring or component overheating that could lead to a fire.
Drivers say the rear camera screen can freeze or flash when reversing, and the collision braking may not work. That means you could back into something because the safety tech fails when you need it.
While fewer details are given, this area appears in the top components, suggesting owners have reported engine or cooling problems. It is worth checking for leaks, overheating, or unusual noises.
“The driveshaft separated resulting in a loss of motive power while we were driving on the highway at around 65-70mph. We heard/felt vibrations, and a harsh noise then a loud popping noise right before/ during the failure. Then heard dragging as we came toward…”
“The driveshaft separated resulting in a loss of motive power while we were driving on the highway at around 65-70mph. We heard/felt vibrations, and a harsh noise then a loud popping noise right before/ during the failure. Then heard dragging as we came toward…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners describe sudden warnings for brakes, hill descent, and ABS, followed by the vehicle losing speed. Others report rattling noises while accelerating and rough transitions between electric and gas modes, which can mean costly repairs.
Reports include electronic power steering and braking failing and locking up at highway speeds, as well as tire failures after TPMS warnings. These are severe safety issues that can cause a crash.
Complaints say adaptive cruise control can suddenly brake or fail to respond, and collision avoidance may not work as expected. This undermines driver confidence and increases crash risk.
Owners report a persistent rotten-egg or sulfur odor, which can indicate fuel or emissions problems. It may require repeated repairs and could affect performance or pass emissions tests.
“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 F 350 — 30 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causin…
The risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also…
The risk: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's num…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 F-250 and F-350, single rear wheel and dual rear wheel, 4X4 vehicles. The front axles may contain a wheel end yoke that was not properly welded to the axle tube end.
The risk: An improperly welded axle may affect vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners and dealers will inspect the front axle wheel yoke weld location. If the weld is found to be inaccurately located, the axle assembly will be replaced free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2020. Owners may con…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 F-250 and F-350 vehicles equipped with electronically locking rear differentials. The passenger side rear axle shaft may fail prematurely due to a material issue.
The risk: A broken passenger side rear axle could result in a loss of drive power and the inability to hold the vehicle still when in Park. If the parking brake is not applied, unintended vehicle movement can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the passenger side rear axle shaft, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number f…
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 F 350 or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Ford F 350 has far fewer complaints per year (4.2 vs. 452.4), so on paper it has fewer reported issues. But the Accord's higher volume means you are more likely to find a complaint about almost any system. In practice, the F 350 may have less frequent but potentially severe problems, while the Accord has many more reports, including some very serious safety failures.
Key differences
- The Ford F 350 averages 4.2 complaints per year, while the Honda Accord averages 452.4, a huge difference in reported problem frequency.
- Ford F 350 owners report driveshaft separation and electrical smoke, while Honda Accord owners report engine power loss and electronic steering/braking lockups.
- The Accord has 162 crash-related complaints and 146 injuries, compared to 6 crash-related and 3 injuries for the F 350.
- Both have recalls, but the Accord's recalls include hybrid power control software and fuel pumps, while the F 350's include axle and seat issues.
- Listen for vibrations, harsh noises, or popping sounds from underneath, which could indicate a failing driveshaft.
- Check for burnt odors or smoke from the A/C vents, and have the electrical system inspected for overheating.
- Test the electronic power steering and braking at low and high speeds; any warning lights or lockup is a major red flag.
- Check for rattling noises during acceleration and rough transitions between EV and gas modes, which may signal engine or hybrid system problems.
Before you buy
- Ask for the vehicle's complete recall history and confirm all open recalls have been fixed.
- Take a test drive that includes highway speeds and reversing to check for driveshaft noises (F 350) or steering/braking issues (Accord).
- Have a mechanic inspect the power train, electrical system, and driver-assist features for both vehicles.
- For the Accord, specifically test the adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning in a safe area.
- For the F 350, inspect the underside for driveshaft condition and check the A/C system for any burnt smell.
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 F 350 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 10 |
| 2025 | 42 | 109 |
| 2024 | 0 | 219 |
| 2023 | 0 | 226 |
| 2022 | 0 | 252 |
| 2021 | 0 | 234 |
| 2020 | 0 | 362 |
| 2019 | 0 | 691 |
| 2018 | 0 | 1884 |
| 2017 | 0 | 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 F 350 or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD F 350 vs Honda Accord
- FORD F 350 total complaints
- 42
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- FORD F 350 total recalls
- 30
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- FORD F 350 avg complaints/year
- 4.2
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- FORD F 350
- FORD F 350 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE