Vehicle 1

FORD Focus

1,701 complaints · 0 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Honda Accord

1,441 complaints · 6 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

FORD Focus vs Honda Accord: The Focus averages 170.1 complaints per year with 0 recalls, while the Accord averages 144.1 complaints per year with 6 recalls. The Focus has more powertrain issues (757), while the Accord has more electrical complaints (333). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

2
FORD Focus
wins 2 of 4 categories
2
Honda Accord
wins 2 of 4 categories
CategoryFORD FocusHonda Accord
Total Complaints
All years combined
1,701
1,441
✓ lower
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
0
✓ lower
6
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
33
✓ lower
79
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
170.1
144.1
✓ lower

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

FORD Focus

1. POWER TRAIN757
2. ENGINE450
3. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM241
4. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING201
5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER156

Honda Accord

1. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM333
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER273
3. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE244
4. ENGINE210
5. SERVICE BRAKES203
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Ford Focus has more complaints per year (170.1) than the Honda Accord (144.1), but the Accord has 6 recalls versus none for the Focus. This means the Focus may have more frequent issues, while the Accord's recalls indicate known safety defects that have been addressed.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer recalls and are willing to check that all recall repairs are done, choose the Honda Accord. If you want to avoid recall-related hassles and can tolerate higher complaint rates, the Ford Focus might be acceptable, but be aware of its powertrain and engine issues.

Key Differences
  • Ford Focus has 170.1 complaints per year vs Honda Accord's 144.1.
  • Ford Focus has 0 recalls; Honda Accord has 6 recalls.
  • Ford Focus top issue: POWER TRAIN (757 complaints); Honda Accord top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (333).
  • Honda Accord has more crash complaints (79) than Ford Focus (33).
⚠ Watch on FORD Focus
  • Watch for powertrain problems, which account for 757 complaints.
  • Engine issues are also common, with 450 complaints.
⚠ Watch on Honda Accord
  • Check for electrical system issues, with 333 complaints.
  • Forward collision avoidance problems are notable, with 244 complaints.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check NHTSA recall status for the specific VIN.
  • Test drive and listen for unusual noises from the powertrain or engine.
  • Inspect the electrical system, including lights and infotainment.
  • Verify that all forward collision avoidance recalls have been performed.
  • Review service history for any brake-related repairs.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

FORD FocusHonda Accord
2026
0
1
2025
0
68
2024
0
0
2023
0
213
2022
0
0
2021
0
200
2020
0
330
2019
0
0
2018
816
111
2017
885
518
FORD Focus vs Honda Accord — comparison facts
Comparison
FORD Focus vs Honda Accord
FORD Focus total complaints
1,701
Honda Accord total complaints
1,441
FORD Focus total recalls
0
Honda Accord total recalls
6
FORD Focus avg complaints/year
170.1
Honda Accord avg complaints/year
144.1
More reliable overall
Honda Accord
FORD Focus top complaint area
POWER TRAIN
Honda Accord top complaint area
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

FORD Focus Reliability & Problems

1,701 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Honda Accord Reliability & Problems

1,441 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific FORD Focus or Honda Accord?

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