Head-to-head reliability
FORD Taurus X vs Honda Accord
How the FORD Taurus X 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 Taurus X vs Honda Accord: The Taurus X averages 82 complaints per year with 2 recalls, while the Accord averages 452 per year with 38 recalls. Both have reported safety issues like unintended acceleration and steering problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Taurus X or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Taurus X
The Ford Taurus X is a used wagon that shows a moderate complaint rate of 82 per year over two years, with 164 total complaints. Owners frequently report power train and steering problems, including transmission jerking and sudden steering loss. There are also reports of unintended acceleration and structural issues like paint peeling and tow hitch detachment. With only 2 recalls, it may have fewer open recall campaigns, but the reported failures can be serious and costly.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord has a much higher complaint volume, averaging 452 complaints per year over ten years, totaling 4,524. The most common issues involve the engine, electrical system, and forward collision avoidance, with some owners experiencing sudden power loss, steering and braking failures, and false automatic braking. There are 38 recalls, indicating many safety-related campaigns. While the Accord is popular, the data shows a wide range of reported problems that potential buyers should be aware of.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Taurus X | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 164 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 2 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 7 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 82.0 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 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 Taurus X
- 01POWER TRAIN45
- 02STEERING44
- 03VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL26
- 04STRUCTURE18
- 05SERVICE BRAKES14
Owners report transmission issues such as jerking, popping, slipping, and failure to go into overdrive, often noticed at highway speeds. These problems can lead to expensive repairs and unsafe driving conditions.
Complaints include sudden steering loss, popping sounds, and power steering failure, sometimes due to rusted subframes or rack and pinion failure. This can cause loss of control, especially at high speeds.
Reports describe unintended acceleration, such as a vehicle accelerating independently while idling at a red light, and failure to stop even with the brake depressed. This poses a serious crash risk.
Issues include paint peeling off the hood, rough metal underneath, and tow hitch detachment while driving, which can lead to trailer collapse. These affect both appearance and safety.
“I bought this vehicle used from a lot. It had 2 previous owners and came with all the service history. I first noticed the vehicle seemed like it didn’t want to go into overdrive . It would get to about 70 mph which would have the rpm’s at 3k! The 2nd time or…”
“WE HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING SINCE 2016 TO TED BRITT FORD AND TO FORD ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION AND THE JERKING, POPPING, SLIPPING, ESPECIALLY WHILE TURNING, AND THEY TOLD US THAT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME WE COMPLAINED. AT ONE…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report sudden power loss, alarms for brake and stability systems, and rattling noises during acceleration. Some experience rough transitions between EV and gas modes, leading to jerking.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds, and tire pressure monitoring system issues that may lead to tire failure. These can cause loss of control.
Owners describe false activations of automatic braking or collision warnings under normal driving conditions, sometimes occurring repeatedly on the same route. This can startle drivers and increase crash risk.
Reports include persistent rotten-egg odors and potential fuel pump issues, which may indicate fuel delivery problems. These can 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 Taurus X — 2 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ford Flex, 2008 and 2010-2012 Ford Taurus, 2008-2009 Ford Taurus X, 2008 Mercury Sable, 2009 and 2011 Lincoln MKS vehicles. The driver frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high spe…
The risk: An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the driver's frontal air bag module, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on June 13, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ford Flex, 2008 and 2010-2012 Ford Taurus, 2008-2009 Ford Taurus X, 2008 Mercury Sable, 2009 and 2011 Lincoln MKS vehicles. The driver frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high spe…
The risk: An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the driver's frontal air bag module, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on June 13, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.…
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 Taurus X or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Ford Taurus X has far fewer complaints per year (82 vs. 452 for the Honda Accord), but both have serious reported issues. The Accord's higher volume means more frequent problems, while the Taurus X's lower rate may reflect fewer vehicles on the road. In practice, the Taurus X may have fewer overall complaints, but the severity of issues like unintended acceleration and steering loss is concerning.
Key differences
- The Ford Taurus X has 164 complaints over 2 years, while the Honda Accord has 4,524 over 10 years, showing a much higher annual rate for the Accord.
- Taurus X owners frequently report transmission and steering failures, while Accord owners report engine, electrical, and forward collision avoidance issues.
- The Accord has 38 recalls compared to 2 for the Taurus X, indicating more manufacturer safety campaigns.
- Both vehicles have reports of unintended acceleration or sudden power loss, but the specific components differ.
- Check for transmission slipping or jerking, especially when shifting into overdrive or at highway speeds.
- Inspect the front subframe and steering components for rust or cracks, as these can lead to sudden steering loss.
- Test the electronic power steering and braking systems for any warning lights or intermittent failures.
- Check for false forward collision warnings or automatic braking by test driving at various speeds and conditions.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and steering system, especially for the Taurus X.
- For the Accord, test all electronic safety features, including adaptive cruise control and collision avoidance.
- Ask for maintenance records and look for signs of repeated repairs in the same area.
- During a test drive, listen for unusual noises and feel for any hesitation or jerking.
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 Taurus X or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Taurus X vs Honda Accord
- FORD Taurus X total complaints
- 164
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- FORD Taurus X total recalls
- 2
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- FORD Taurus X avg complaints/year
- 82.0
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- FORD Taurus X
- FORD Taurus X top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE