Head-to-head reliability
FORD Fusion vs Honda Accord
How the FORD Fusion 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 Fusion vs Honda Accord: The Fusion averages 1,361 complaints per year and has 91 recalls, while the Accord averages 444 complaints per year with 38 recalls. The Fusion also has more crash-related reports (472 vs 160). This suggests the Accord may require less frequent repair visits. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Fusion or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Fusion
The Ford Fusion is a mid-size sedan that generates a high volume of owner complaints—over 13,600 in 10 years, averaging about 1,361 per year. The most common trouble spots are steering, engine, and power train, with reports of snapped control arms, cooling fan failures that destroy engines, and transmission fluid leaks. With 91 recalls and 472 crash-related complaints, living with a Fusion often means staying on top of open recalls and being alert to warning signs like noises or leaks.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a mid-size sedan with far fewer complaints—about 4,438 over 10 years, or 444 per year. Owner reports cluster around engine, electrical, and forward collision avoidance systems, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping glitches, plus occasional tire and sunroof failures. With only 38 recalls and 160 crash-related complaints, the Accord generally presents fewer ownership headaches, though electronic driver-assist issues can still be annoying.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Fusion | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 13,611 | 4,438 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 91 | 38 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 472 | 160 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1361.1 | 443.8 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 310 | 144 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 7 | 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 Fusion
- 01STEERING4,151
- 02ENGINE2,545
- 03POWER TRAIN2,020
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,293
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,153
Owners report front lower control arms snapping while turning, which can cause loss of control, and horns that stop working after repeated fuse replacements. These are safety-critical because a broken control arm can lead to a crash.
A common complaint is the engine cooling fan failing and blowing fuses, leading to overheating that destroys the head gasket and requires a full engine replacement. Another report describes odd shifting behavior in sport mode, which could signal transmission stress.
Failed transmission cooling lines cause fluid leaks that owners often don't notice until the transmission is damaged, and some experience loud knocking and vibration after routine service. These failures can leave you stranded and facing costly repairs.
There are reports of sudden engine failure with smoke and fire from the high-voltage battery in plug-in hybrid models, as well as situations where the car cannot be moved after being placed in park. These electrical faults pose fire and mobility risks.
“I’ve learned a while ago that the vehicle doesn’t have a working horn, I’ve replaced the fuse at least five times and it’s still not working. Yes the car was sold to me this way. Also I’ve been getting this warning to my ford app: “The Blind Spot Information…”
“The front left lower control arm (driver's side) snapped off (broke) while turning a corner. There was no reason for the breakage other than turning. It was repaired through insurance. The driver's safety as well as the safety of pedestrians were put at risk…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE985
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM863
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE821
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER725
- 05SERVICE BRAKES592
Owners describe noises that persist after purchase and sudden loss of power with multiple dashboard alarms (brake, hill descent, ABS) at highway speeds. These symptoms can indicate serious engine or sensor problems that may recur.
Complaints include tire pressure monitoring system warnings followed by catastrophic tire failure, and rodent damage to wiring harnesses even on new cars. Such issues can lead to blowouts or expensive electrical repairs.
Many report intermittent warnings for adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and automatic high beams, sometimes with no obstruction present. These glitches can undermine trust in the safety features and distract the driver.
Some owners experience sunroof glass exploding spontaneously while driving, and TPMS-related tire failures. These unexpected failures can cause injury or force an emergency stop.
“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 Fusion — 91 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Fusion PHEV vehicles. The battery energy control module (BECM) may become damaged due to excessive voltage and current flow.
The risk: A damaged BECM can result in a loss of drive power or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Dealers will replace the battery and update the BECM software for free, or Ford will repurchase the vehicle. If your vehicle is currently operating normally, Fo…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2…
The risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations ca…
The fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it…
The risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded bl…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Fusion PHEV vehicles. The battery energy control module (BECM) may become damaged due to excessive voltage and current flow.
The risk: A damaged BECM can result in a loss of drive power or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Dealers will replace the battery and update the BECM software for free, or Ford will repurchase the vehicle. If your vehicle is currently operating normally, Fo…
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 Fusion or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Honda Accord has far fewer complaints per year—about 444 versus 1,361 for the Ford Fusion—and fewer recalls and crash-related reports. In practice, that means an Accord is likely to spend less time in the shop for major safety defects, though both cars have their own recurring issues.
Key differences
- The Fusion has over three times as many complaints per year as the Accord, with steering and power train problems being especially common.
- Accord complaints often involve electronic driver-assist glitches and occasional tire or sunroof failures, while Fusion complaints more often involve mechanical failures like snapped control arms or engine overheating.
- The Fusion has 91 recalls versus 38 for the Accord, meaning more frequent trips for recall fixes.
- Crash-related complaints are much higher for the Fusion (472) than the Accord (160), suggesting a higher rate of incidents reported by owners.
- Listen for clunking or popping from the front suspension when turning—this could signal a failing lower control arm, which has been reported to snap.
- Check for transmission fluid leaks or a burning smell, and test the cooling fan operation; a failed fan can quickly lead to engine overheating and head gasket damage.
- Test all driver-assist features (adaptive cruise, lane keeping, automatic high beams) for intermittent warnings or failures, as these are commonly reported.
- Inspect tires for uneven wear or bulges, and check the sunroof for any cracks or signs of stress, since sudden tire failures and exploding sunroofs have been reported.
Before you buy
- Ask for the full recall history and confirm all open recalls have been repaired, especially for the Fusion's electrical and back-over prevention recalls.
- Take a test drive that includes highway speeds and turning to check for steering noises, transmission slipping, or warning lights.
- Have a mechanic inspect the front suspension and cooling system on the Fusion, and the electrical system and driver-assist sensors on the Accord.
- Check tire age and condition on both cars, and on the Accord specifically look for TPMS warning history.
- Review the NHTSA complaint database for the specific model year you're considering to see if common issues apply.
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 Fusion | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 178 | 355 |
| 2019 | 373 | 677 |
| 2018 | 436 | 1864 |
| 2017 | 1104 | 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 Fusion or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Fusion vs Honda Accord
- FORD Fusion total complaints
- 13,611
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,438
- FORD Fusion total recalls
- 91
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- FORD Fusion avg complaints/year
- 1361.1
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 443.8
- More reliable overall
- Honda Accord
- FORD Fusion top complaint area
- STEERING
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE