Head-to-head reliability
FORD FLEX vs Honda Accord
How the FORD FLEX 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 FLEX vs Honda Accord: The Flex averaged 174 complaints per year with 33 recalls, while the Accord averaged 452 complaints per year with 38 recalls. Both have safety-related issues, but the Accord's higher rate suggests more frequent problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD FLEX or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD FLEX
The Ford Flex is a three-row crossover that averaged about 174 complaints per year over a decade, with 33 recalls. Owners frequently report electrical glitches like backup cameras showing blank or upside-down images, and power steering problems that can cause fishtailing or loss of control. There are also complaints about rear suspension toe links failing outside recall coverage, which can affect handling. Overall, it's a vehicle where you'll want to verify that safety recalls were actually completed.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a midsize sedan with a much higher complaint rate—about 452 per year—and 38 recalls. Common owner reports include engine stalling or losing power at highway speeds, electronic power steering and braking failures, and forward collision avoidance systems that may brake unexpectedly. Some complaints also mention fuel pump issues and electrical problems. While popular, the volume of complaints suggests that certain model years may have recurring safety-related defects.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD FLEX | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,744 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 33 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 57 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 174.4 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 50 Better | 146 |
| 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 FLEX
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM363
- 02STEERING363
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER235
- 04BACK OVER PREVENTION229
- 05STRUCTURE179
Owners report backup cameras that display a blank screen or an upside-down image, and power liftgates that open unexpectedly. These issues can make reversing less safe and may be tied to open recalls.
Complaints describe sudden fishtailing or swerving at highway speeds, and power steering failures that dealerships sometimes link to unfixed recalls. This is a serious safety concern that could lead to loss of control.
The rearview camera system is a frequent problem, with images that fail to display or show incorrectly. This directly affects visibility when backing up, increasing the risk of hitting a person or object.
Some owners report rear suspension toe link failures that fall outside a recall VIN range, which can cause unstable handling. This suggests that even recalled vehicles may have related parts that weren't covered.
“My 2017 Ford Flex has an open safety recall for the rearview camera system (Ford Recall 25S49 / NHTSA Recall 25V695). The recall states the camera may display a blank image or show the message “Camera Unavailable” when the vehicle is placed in reverse. My veh…”
“Hello, I recently submitted a safety complaint regarding my 2017 Ford Flex. The complaint number is XXX. I would like to add additional information that I forgot to include in the original report. The vehicle’s power liftgate has intermittently opened on its…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report sudden power loss, rough transitions between electric and gas modes, and rattling noises while accelerating. These issues can leave you stranded or cause dangerous slowdowns on the highway.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds, as well as tire pressure monitoring system problems that may lead to tire failure. Such failures can be catastrophic if they occur while driving.
The system may unexpectedly brake or fail to respond, even with no obstacles present. This can cause near-collisions or loss of control, especially when adaptive cruise control is engaged.
Some owners report fuel pump issues and hybrid management problems that can cause stalling or power loss. These defects may be addressed by recalls, but not all vehicles may have been repaired.
“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 FLEX — 33 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Lincoln MKT and Ford Flex and Taurus vehicles with the Police Interceptor or SHO Performance Pack. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
The risk: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. Remedy parts are not currently available. Owners were notified about the recall on March 3, 2020. A second notice will be mailed when remedy p…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Taurus, 2016-2017 Ford Flex, Lincoln MKT, 2017 Ford Explorer and Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines. Improperly brazed turbocharger oil supply tubes may leak oil on engine components.
The risk: An oil leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the turbocharger oil supply tubes, free of charge. The recall began on January 31, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number…
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 2017-2019 Flex vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
The risk: Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will repair or replace the B-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 17, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated M…
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 FLEX or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Ford Flex has far fewer complaints per year (about 174) compared to the Honda Accord (about 452), but both have dozens of recalls. In practice, the Flex may have fewer reported problems overall, but the Accord's higher volume means you're more likely to encounter a wider range of issues. Neither is trouble-free, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential.
Key differences
- The Ford Flex has about 174 complaints per year, while the Honda Accord has about 452 per year, indicating more frequent owner-reported issues with the Accord.
- Ford Flex owners often report backup camera and steering problems, whereas Honda Accord owners more frequently report engine stalling and forward collision avoidance malfunctions.
- Both vehicles have recalls for safety systems, but the Accord's recalls include fuel pumps and hybrid software, while the Flex's include suspension and air bags.
- The Flex has 1 reported death and 50 injuries in complaints, while the Accord has 3 deaths and 146 injuries, suggesting potentially more severe outcomes in Accord incidents.
- Check for open recalls on the rearview camera and power steering; ask for proof of repair, as owners report these systems failing even after recall notices.
- Inspect the rear suspension toe links for wear or damage, especially if the vehicle is outside a known recall VIN range, as failures can cause unstable handling.
- Test drive at highway speeds and listen for rattling or rough transitions between EV and gas modes, which owners report as signs of engine issues.
- Verify that recalls for fuel pump, hybrid software, and forward collision avoidance have been performed; ask for documentation, as some owners report failures after repairs.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA's recall website to see all open recalls for the specific vehicle and confirm they have been fixed.
- Take a test drive that includes highway speeds, reversing, and using adaptive cruise control to check for steering, braking, and collision-avoidance issues.
- Ask for a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the model, focusing on the components mentioned in complaints (e.g., steering for Flex, engine for Accord).
- Request service records to see if recurring problems like backup camera failures or engine stalling have been addressed.
- Check for any aftermarket repairs or software updates that might affect safety systems, and ensure they were done by a qualified technician.
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 FLEX | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 251 | 691 |
| 2018 | 67 | 1884 |
| 2017 | 42 | 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 FLEX or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD FLEX vs Honda Accord
- FORD FLEX total complaints
- 1,744
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- FORD FLEX total recalls
- 33
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- FORD FLEX avg complaints/year
- 174.4
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- FORD FLEX
- FORD FLEX top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE