Head-to-head reliability
FORD Fiesta vs Honda Accord
How the FORD Fiesta 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 Fiesta vs Honda Accord: The Fiesta averages 350.9 complaints per year, with transmission failures causing loss of power, while the Accord averages 443.8, with engine and forward collision issues. The Fiesta has 23 recalls, the Accord 38. Choose based on your tolerance for drivetrain vs. electronic problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Fiesta or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta, particularly the 2018 model, is a subcompact car that owners often buy used for its low price and fuel economy. However, the complaint data reveals a persistent and serious problem with the automatic transmission, which frequently loses power, shudders, or fails entirely, leaving drivers stranded. Engine stalling, especially after refueling, and structural issues like delayed repairs for known problems add to the ownership burden. While not every Fiesta will fail, the pattern suggests that buyers should be prepared for potential drivetrain and engine troubles.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord, including recent models like the 2025 and 2026, is a midsize sedan known for reliability, but the complaints show a different set of concerns. Owners report engine issues that trigger multiple warning lights and loss of power, electrical system problems including wiring damage and tire pressure monitoring failures, and a significant number of complaints about forward collision avoidance systems that may activate unexpectedly or show errors. These issues, while not as frequent as the Fiesta's transmission problems, indicate that even modern Accords can have complex electronic and safety system glitches.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Fiesta | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3,158 Better | 4,438 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 23 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 129 Better | 160 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 350.9 Better | 443.8 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 132 Better | 144 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 6 | 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 Fiesta
- 01POWER TRAIN1,497
- 02ENGINE504
- 03STRUCTURE409
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER395
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM337
The most common issue is the automatic transmission, which can shudder, hesitate, or lose power while driving, often accompanied by a 'Transmission Malfunction' warning. Some owners report the car suddenly accelerating or failing to engage gears, creating a safety hazard.
Engine problems include stalling after refueling, difficulty starting, and stalling when shifting into second gear. These issues can occur intermittently and may be related to fuel system components like the purge valve, which some owners had to replace shortly after purchase.
Structural complaints are less specific but include issues with body integrity and delays in getting repairs authorized by Ford, leaving owners with unresolved safety concerns.
Some owners report sudden unintended acceleration, often preceded by a shudder, which is alarming and could be related to the transmission or engine management system.
“Hello, I have zero idea why I am emailing, I may be secretly hoping for...anything. I drive a 2018 Ford Fiesta SE, I have owned it since 2019 as that is when I purchased it used. Over the weekend I experienced transmission issues and an auto shop informed me…”
“The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power and the "Transmission Malfunction Service Now” message was displayed. The contact was able to pull over to the shou…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE985
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM863
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE821
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER725
- 05SERVICE BRAKES592
Engine complaints range from unusual noises to sudden loss of power accompanied by warning lights for brake, hill descent, and ABS systems. This can happen at highway speeds, causing the vehicle to slow down unexpectedly.
Electrical issues include tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warnings that lead to tire failures, and rodent damage to wiring harnesses, which can cause engine or sensor malfunctions. These problems can be costly to repair and may affect safety systems.
Many owners report that the forward collision warning and braking systems activate without reason or display intermittent errors for adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, and other driver assistance features. This can be distracting and may erode trust in the vehicle's safety tech.
Brake-related complaints include issues with the antilock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control, which may trigger warning lights and affect braking performance.
“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 Fiesta — 23 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Fiesta vehicles. The brake calipers may have been manufactured with the incorrect assembly fluid, which can cause the caliper's rubber seals to swell.
The risk: The swollen seals can cause the brakes to drag, potentially overheating the brakes and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will flush the brake fluid and replace the front brake calipers and brake hoses, free of charge. The recall began October 10, 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 Flex, Fiesta, and Lincoln MKT vehicles. The rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image.
The risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the drivers view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed January 22, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated March 2…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when…
The risk: A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of t…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Escape, 2014-2015 Fiesta ST, 2013-2014 Fusion and 2013-2015 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 1.6L GTDI engines. If the vehicle is started and driven with an insufficient level of coolant within the engine cooling system, the engine cylinder…
The risk: If the cylinder head cracks and leaks oil, the oil may contact a hot engine or exhaust component, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a coolant level sensor and the supporting hardware and software, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed April 21, 2017. The recall began on January…
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 Fiesta or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Honda Accord has a higher average number of complaints per year (443.8) compared to the Ford Fiesta (350.9), but the nature of the issues differs. The Fiesta's transmission problems are more likely to leave you stranded, while the Accord's issues are more often related to electronic glitches and safety systems. In practice, the Fiesta may require more frequent and costly drivetrain repairs, while the Accord might have more annoying but less immobilizing electronic issues.
Key differences
- The Fiesta's most frequent issue is a failing automatic transmission that can cause loss of power and stalling, while the Accord's top issue is engine-related but often involves warning lights and loss of power.
- The Accord has a significant number of complaints about forward collision avoidance systems that may act erratically, whereas the Fiesta has fewer such complaints but more structural and unknown issues.
- The Fiesta has a higher number of crash-related complaints (129) and injuries (132) compared to the Accord (160 and 144), but the Accord has more recalls (38 vs 23).
- The Accord's electrical system complaints include wiring damage and TPMS issues, while the Fiesta's electrical complaints are less prominent.
- Test the automatic transmission thoroughly: check for shuddering, hesitation, or slipping during a test drive, especially when shifting from first to second gear.
- Ask about any history of transmission repairs or replacements, and check for open recalls related to the powertrain.
- Verify that all driver assistance systems (forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control) are working correctly and have no stored error codes.
- Inspect the engine wiring harness for signs of rodent damage, especially if the car is parked outdoors, and check the tire pressure monitoring system for proper function.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the transmission for the Fiesta and the electrical/electronic systems for the Accord.
- During the test drive, simulate stop-and-go traffic to see if the Fiesta's transmission acts up, and on the Accord, test the adaptive cruise control and lane keeping on a highway.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for the Fiesta's transmission fluid changes and the Accord's software updates.
- Check online forums for common issues with the specific model year you're considering.
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 Fiesta | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 99 | 677 |
| 2018 | 35 | 1864 |
| 2017 | 73 | 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 Fiesta or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Fiesta vs Honda Accord
- FORD Fiesta total complaints
- 3,158
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,438
- FORD Fiesta total recalls
- 23
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- FORD Fiesta avg complaints/year
- 350.9
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 443.8
- More reliable overall
- FORD Fiesta
- FORD Fiesta top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE