Head-to-head reliability
FORD Freestar vs Honda Accord
How the FORD Freestar 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 Freestar vs Honda Accord: The Freestar has 2533 complaints over 4 years (633/yr) with severe transmission failures, while the Accord has 4438 over 10 years (444/yr) with engine and ADAS issues. The Freestar's higher complaint rate and dangerous power loss make it less reliable. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Freestar or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Freestar
The Ford Freestar is a minivan that, based on owner complaints, has serious transmission and electrical reliability issues. Many complaints describe sudden loss of drive power, which can be dangerous in traffic. The high complaint rate and multiple recalls suggest that buyers should expect significant repair costs and potential safety concerns.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a sedan with a broad range of complaints, but the most frequent are engine, electrical, and advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) issues. Owners report problems with adaptive cruise control and other sensors, as well as engine performance and electrical glitches. While the Accord has more total complaints, it spans a longer model period and includes newer models with complex technology.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Freestar | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,533 Better | 4,438 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 14 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 29 Better | 160 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 633.3 | 443.8 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 41 Better | 144 |
| 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 Freestar
- 01POWER TRAIN1,819
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM248
- 03ENGINE157
- 04STRUCTURE136
- 05SEATS121
Owners report the transmission slipping into neutral or failing entirely, sometimes at low speeds, leading to loss of drive power. This is a critical safety issue, especially in traffic.
Electrical failures can cause sudden loss of all gears and speed, with no warning lights. Water entering the computer has been reported, requiring replacement.
Engine stalling or loss of power at intersections is reported, sometimes forcing drivers to shift into a lower gear to move.
Rust and corrosion on rear quarter panels and dimming headlamp covers are common, affecting visibility and body integrity.
“WHEN I TOUCHED THE TRANSMISSION GEAR SHIFT ONE MORNING, THE CAR BEGAN ROLLING DOWN MY DRIVEWAY & ROLLED INTO THE STREET. I HAD A HARD TIME STOPPING THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE ENGINE WAS NOT YET RUNNING & THE POWER BRAKES WERE NOT ON. THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER WOULD N…”
“I HAVE A 2007 FORD FREESTAR SE. VIN# [XXX]. AT 102,296 MILES THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. I WAS DRIVING IT ON A SIDE STREET AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MILES PER HOUR. I WAS ACCELERATING FROM A STOP SIGN, WHEN THE TRANSMISSION APPEARED TO SLIP INTO NEUTRAL. I LOOKED AND…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE985
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM863
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE821
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER725
- 05SERVICE BRAKES592
Engine noise and loss of power with warning lights (brake, hill descent, ABS) have been reported, sometimes at highway speeds, causing speed reduction.
Electrical issues include TPMS warnings and rodent damage to wiring harnesses, leading to sensor failures and potential safety risks.
The adaptive cruise control and lane keeping systems can malfunction, showing intermittent warnings and potentially affecting braking and steering assistance.
Brake system warnings and failures have been reported, including critical failure messages, which could increase stopping distances.
“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 Freestar — 14 recalls
The defect: Ford is recalling certain model year 2004-2007 Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles manufactured from March 24, 2003, through November 7, 2006, equipped with a third row seat and originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massa…
The risk: In the event that the vehicle is crashed into from the rear, an unlatched seat may increase the risk of personal injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install new third row seat latch striker mounting brackets, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.
The defect: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE…
The risk: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The fix: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
The defect: Ford is recalling certain model year 2004-2007 Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles manufactured from March 24, 2003, through November 7, 2006, equipped with a third row seat and originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massa…
The risk: In the event that the vehicle is crashed into from the rear, an unlatched seat may increase the risk of personal injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install new third row seat latch striker mounting brackets, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.
The defect: ON CERTAIN VANS EQUIPPED WITH THE POWER LIFTGATE OPTION, THE POWER LIFTGATE MOTOR AUTOMATICALLY DISENGAGES AFTER THE LIFTGATE IS POWERED OPEN.
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A LIFTGATE STRUT MALFUNCTION, THE LIFTGATE CAN FALL FREELY WITH NO PRIOR WARNING. ANYONE STANDING BENEATH THE LIFTGATE MAY BE INJURED IF THE LIFTGATE FALLS.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE POWER LIFTGATE MODULE TO REDUCE THE LIKELIHOOD THAT THE LIFTGATE COULD FALL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
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 Freestar or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Ford Freestar has a higher complaint rate per year (633 vs 444) and more severe transmission issues, making it less reliable overall. The Honda Accord, while having more total complaints, spreads them over a longer period and includes more modern features, but still has notable issues with engine and electronics.
Key differences
- The Freestar's transmission failures are more frequent and dangerous, with many reports of sudden loss of drive power.
- The Accord has more complaints about advanced safety systems like forward collision avoidance, which can be annoying but less catastrophic.
- The Freestar has a higher rate of complaints per year, indicating a more problematic ownership experience.
- The Accord's engine issues often involve warning lights and loss of power, but not as many reports of complete transmission failure.
- Inspect the transmission for any signs of slipping or delayed engagement, and check for any recall repairs completed.
- Look for water damage around the engine computer and check for rust on the rear quarter panels.
- Test all driver assistance features (adaptive cruise control, lane keep) to ensure they work without warnings.
- Check for any electrical issues, such as TPMS warnings or wiring damage, and verify the engine runs smoothly without unusual noises.
Before you buy
- Get a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, focusing on the transmission for the Freestar and the engine/electrical for the Accord.
- Check the vehicle's recall status on the NHTSA website and ensure all recalls have been addressed.
- Test drive at various speeds, including highway, to see if any loss of power or warning lights occur.
- Review the vehicle's service history for any major repairs, especially transmission or engine work.
- Consider the age and mileage: the Freestar is older, so expect more wear; the Accord may have newer tech that could be costly to fix.
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 Freestar or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Freestar vs Honda Accord
- FORD Freestar total complaints
- 2,533
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,438
- FORD Freestar total recalls
- 14
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- FORD Freestar avg complaints/year
- 633.3
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 443.8
- More reliable overall
- Honda Accord
- FORD Freestar top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE