Head-to-head reliability
FORD Mustang vs Honda Accord
How the FORD Mustang 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 Mustang vs Honda Accord: The Mustang averages 110 complaints per year with 68 recalls, while the Accord averages 452 complaints and 38 recalls. The Mustang has fewer yearly complaints but more recalls; the Accord has more crash-related reports. Both have distinct failure patterns. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Mustang or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Mustang
The Ford Mustang is a sporty coupe that sees about 110 complaints per year over the last decade, with 68 recalls. Owners frequently report electrical glitches like sudden power loss and steering lockups, plus engine stumbles from EVAP purge valve issues. While it has fewer total complaints than the Accord, the severity of some electrical failures can be alarming.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a mainstream family sedan with a much higher complaint rate—about 452 per year—and 38 recalls. Common trouble spots include engine problems, electrical failures, and forward collision avoidance system malfunctions. The higher volume of complaints suggests more frequent visits to the shop, though not all are safety-critical.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Mustang | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,098 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 68 | 38 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 76 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 109.8 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 41 Better | 146 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 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 Mustang
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM243
- 02ENGINE199
- 03POWER TRAIN168
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER167
- 05BACK OVER PREVENTION107
Owners report sudden power loss at highway speeds and electronic steering that jerks and locks, leading to collisions. These failures can be terrifying and expensive to diagnose.
The EVAP purge valve often fails, causing rough idle, stuttering, and a check engine light, especially after refueling. This can lead to failed emissions tests and drivability issues.
The 10R80 automatic transmission may shift into neutral unexpectedly, leaving drivers unable to accelerate. Some also face delays in recall repairs for engine cooling issues.
Complaints include rear window shattering spontaneously and backup camera or sensor failures. These defects increase the risk of accidents when reversing.
“While driving my 2025 Ford Mustang GT at highway speed, the vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly lost power. The vehicle was unable to maintain normal power while I was traveling in active highway traffic. This created a serious safety risk because surrounding v…”
“The vehicle experienced a sudden steering malfunction involving the electronic steering gear. While backing out of a parking structure, the steering wheel suddenly jerked and locked instead of naturally correcting, resulting in collision with a pillar. There…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners describe rattling noises, rough transitions between EV and gas modes, and sudden loss of power with multiple warning lights. These issues can strand drivers and are hard to fix.
Electronic power steering and braking can fail simultaneously at highway speeds, causing near-collisions. Tire pressure monitoring system failures have also led to tire blowouts.
The system may activate unexpectedly or fail to warn, even with adaptive cruise control set. This undermines a key safety feature and can cause sudden braking.
Persistent rotten-egg odors and fuel pump issues are reported, sometimes requiring repeated repairs. These can indicate fuel delivery problems that affect performance and safety.
“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 Mustang — 68 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Bronco, 2024 Ranger, 2025 Mustang, Explorer, and Aviator vehicles. The transmission valve body may have been machined incorrectly, which can cause reverse gear failure, or unexpected forward movement in reverse or neutral gear.
The risk: Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the transmission main control valve body, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S19.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Lincoln Nautilus, Mustang Mach E, and Mustang vehicles. The LED Driver Modules may contain a burnt diode, which can cause the low-beam and high-beam headlights, daytime running lights, front position lights, and front turn signals to fail in the a…
The risk: Exterior lighting failure can reduce visibility for the driver and other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the LED Driver Modules, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Mustang, and Mustang GTD vehicles. Water may enter the body control module and cause a loss of communication with the exterior lighting, including the license plate light, side marker, and tail lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply w…
The risk: License plate, side marker, and tail lights that fail to illuminate as intended can reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and seal the body seams as necessary. Dealers will also inspect the body control module for corrosion and replace it, if necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed Octob…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger, Lincoln Nautilus, Mustang, Maverick, Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Corsair, Bronco Sport, and Bronco vehicles. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may fail, resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power.
The risk: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the EGR valves, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 31, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (…
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 Mustang or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Ford Mustang averages about 110 complaints per year, while the Honda Accord averages about 452—roughly four times more. In practice, the Mustang may need fewer repair visits, but its electrical failures can be more dramatic. The Accord's higher volume means more frequent, though sometimes less severe, issues.
Key differences
- The Mustang has far fewer complaints per year (110 vs. 452), but its electrical failures often involve sudden power loss or steering lockup.
- The Accord's most common complaint area is the engine, with reports of rattling and power loss, while the Mustang's top issue is electrical.
- Forward collision avoidance is a major concern for the Accord (837 complaints), but not a top category for the Mustang.
- The Mustang has 68 recalls versus 38 for the Accord, yet the Accord has more crash-related complaints (162 vs. 76).
- Check for any history of electrical gremlins: test all lights, infotainment, and power accessories; listen for odd noises from the steering when turning.
- Inspect the EVAP system and look for a check engine light; rough idle after refueling is a common sign of a failing purge valve.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system and adaptive cruise control if equipped; ensure no warning lights are on and that the system engages smoothly.
- Listen for engine rattles or rough transitions between EV and gas modes on hybrid models; also check for sulfur odors from the exhaust or cabin.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for the Mustang's power train and the Accord's fuel pump.
- Take a lengthy test drive at highway speeds to check for sudden power loss, transmission slipping, or unexpected warning lights.
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system, including battery, alternator, and electronic steering components, on both vehicles.
- For the Accord, specifically test the forward collision avoidance and lane-keeping systems in various conditions.
- For the Mustang, check the rear window and backup camera for cracks or malfunctions, and verify the automatic transmission shifts smoothly.
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 Mustang | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 13 | 10 |
| 2025 | 18 | 109 |
| 2024 | 82 | 219 |
| 2023 | 153 | 226 |
| 2022 | 50 | 252 |
| 2021 | 55 | 234 |
| 2020 | 120 | 362 |
| 2019 | 149 | 691 |
| 2018 | 193 | 1884 |
| 2017 | 265 | 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 Mustang or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Mustang vs Honda Accord
- FORD Mustang total complaints
- 1,098
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- FORD Mustang total recalls
- 68
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- FORD Mustang avg complaints/year
- 109.8
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- FORD Mustang
- FORD Mustang top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE