Head-to-head reliability
FORD Maverick vs Honda Accord
How the FORD Maverick 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 Maverick vs Honda Accord: The Maverick averages 119 complaints per year over 5 years, while the Accord averages 452 per year over 10 years. The Maverick has 83 recalls and 16 injuries; the Accord has 38 recalls and 146 injuries. Both have 3 deaths. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Maverick or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Maverick
The Ford Maverick is a compact pickup that has been on the road for five years, averaging about 119 complaints per year. Owners frequently report serious power train and electrical problems, including sudden loss of acceleration and 12-volt battery failures that can shut down the truck. With 83 recalls and 16 injuries reported, it's a vehicle that demands careful attention to its service history.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a long-running midsize sedan with a decade of data, averaging about 452 complaints per year. The most common trouble spots are the engine, electrical system, and forward collision avoidance, with owners describing stalling, power steering and braking failures, and unintended automatic braking. It has 38 recalls and 146 injuries reported, so while it's a popular car, some safety systems have raised concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Maverick | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 596 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 83 | 38 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 35 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 119.2 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 16 Better | 146 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 3 | 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 Maverick
- 01POWER TRAIN171
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM162
- 03ENGINE112
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER85
- 05SERVICE BRAKES69
Owners report the vehicle completely losing the ability to accelerate while driving, with the accelerator pedal going dead to the floor. Another complaint describes a violent shudder and loss of braking during the hand-off between regenerative and friction braking, which could be dangerous in traffic.
The reverse camera can freeze or show a false image, and the 12-volt battery may fail to hold a charge, causing the truck to enter a 'sleep mode' and even shut down all instrumentation while driving. These electrical glitches can leave you stranded or without critical displays.
Some owners report a total electrical and mechanical shutdown while driving, where the 12-volt power system fails completely and turns off all instrumentation. There are also complaints about the engine control unit location making repairs difficult on certain models.
A reported braking failure includes a violent shudder and loss of deceleration when the vehicle switches between regenerative and friction braking. This could reduce stopping power when you need it most.
“Twice in the last two months the vehicle completely lost the ability to accelerate while driving. While the vehicle was in motion, the accelerator lost all tension and you could put your foot the floor without the vehicle moving. The vehicle still had all oth…”
“RITICAL BRAKING FAILURE & DEALER NEGLIGENCE: The vehicle exhibits a violent shudder and loss of deceleration during the hand-off between regenerative and friction braking. This defect was first reported to the dealer (Rich Ford) at 35,399 miles (RO #[XXX]) wi…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners describe the vehicle losing speed and showing multiple alarms for brakes, hill descent, and ABS, often accompanied by rattling noises while accelerating. These symptoms suggest engine or hybrid system issues that can affect drivability and safety.
Complaints include the electronic power steering and braking systems failing and locking up simultaneously at highway speeds, as well as tire pressure monitoring system warnings followed by tire failure. Such failures can lead to a near-collision or loss of control.
Owners report the system activating unexpectedly, such as sudden braking with adaptive cruise control set, even when no obstruction is present. This can cause a rear-end collision or loss of vehicle control.
Some complaints mention a persistent rotten-egg or sulfur odor, which may indicate fuel or emissions problems. While not always a safety risk, it can be a sign of a costly repair.
“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 Maverick — 83 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. In the event that one of the rear turn signals stops working, the vehicle will not adjust the turn signal flash rate frequency to warn the driver that a turn signal is not working correctly. As such, these vehicles fail to…
The risk: A nonfunctioning exterior turn signal will not notify other drivers that the vehicle is turning, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 16, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C41.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Maverick vehicles. The tire and loading information label may state the incorrect vehicle capacity, tire pressure, and spare tire size. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 11…
The risk: Incorrect tire and capacity information may result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will mail new labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 1, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C08.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick, 2020-2022 Escape, and 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the HPCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S33.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Maverick vehicles. The fuel tanks may have an open pinch joint between the two molds, which can allow fuel to leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
The fix: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine immediately if a fuel leak is detected or the Malfunction Indicator Lamp illuminates. Dealers will replace the fuel tanks, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 10…
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 Maverick or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Ford Maverick has far fewer complaints per year (about 119) than the Honda Accord (about 452), but the Maverick's issues often involve sudden loss of power or braking, which can be severe. The Accord's higher complaint volume includes many forward collision avoidance and electrical problems, but it also has a longer track record. In practice, the Maverick may have fewer overall problems, but the ones it has can be more immediately dangerous.
Key differences
- The Ford Maverick averages about 119 complaints per year, while the Honda Accord averages about 452 per year, meaning the Accord has more reported issues annually.
- Maverick owners frequently report sudden loss of acceleration and braking problems, whereas Accord owners more often report forward collision avoidance malfunctions and electrical failures.
- The Maverick has 83 recalls over 5 years, while the Accord has 38 recalls over 10 years, so the Maverick has a higher recall rate per year.
- Both vehicles have 3 reported deaths, but the Accord has 146 injuries versus 16 for the Maverick, though these totals are over different time periods.
- Check for any history of power train issues, especially sudden loss of acceleration or transmission shudder, by test-driving at highway speeds and asking for service records.
- Inspect the 12-volt battery and electrical system for signs of sleep mode or camera freezing, and ensure all electrical recalls have been performed.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system and adaptive cruise control for unexpected braking, and ask if any software updates have been applied.
- Listen for engine rattling or rough transitions between EV and gas mode, and check for any lingering sulfur odor that could indicate fuel system problems.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm that all open recalls for the specific model year have been completed.
- Take a long test drive that includes highway speeds, braking, and reversing to check for power loss, brake shudder, and camera function.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the power train, electrical system, and brakes, focusing on the components mentioned in complaints.
- For the Honda Accord, specifically test the forward collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control in various conditions.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and check for any repeated repairs related to the same issue.
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 Maverick | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 13 | 10 |
| 2025 | 96 | 109 |
| 2024 | 72 | 219 |
| 2023 | 265 | 226 |
| 2022 | 150 | 252 |
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 Maverick or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Maverick vs Honda Accord
- FORD Maverick total complaints
- 596
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- FORD Maverick total recalls
- 83
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- FORD Maverick avg complaints/year
- 119.2
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- FORD Maverick
- FORD Maverick top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE