Head-to-head reliability
FORD Taurus vs Honda Accord
How the FORD Taurus 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 vs Honda Accord: The Taurus averaged 176.2 complaints per year with 510 steering reports, while the Accord averaged 452.4 complaints per year with 1,006 engine reports. Both had 3 deaths, but the Accord had more crash-related reports (162 vs. 86). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Taurus or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Taurus
The Ford Taurus is a full-size sedan that, in used form, shows a pattern of steering and engine complaints that can mean costly repairs. Over 10 years, owners filed 1,762 complaints, with steering issues alone accounting for 510. Recalls cover exterior trim, backup cameras, and steering, so checking for open recalls is essential. The Taurus can be a comfortable highway car, but its age-related failures demand a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular midsize sedan with a much higher complaint volume—4,524 over 10 years—but many involve advanced driver-assist and hybrid systems on newer models. Engine and electrical complaints are most common, with 1,006 and 895 reports respectively. Recalls address hybrid power control software, fuel pumps, and seat belt retractors. While the Accord has a strong reputation, the data shows that specific model years can have serious electronic and powertrain issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Taurus | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,762 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 46 | 38 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 86 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 176.2 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 82 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 Taurus
- 01STEERING510
- 02ENGINE228
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM228
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM226
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER166
Owners report the steering can 'hang up' or feel stuck, which may cause a crash. This is the most complained-about system on the Taurus, with 510 reports, so a test drive should include slow and high-speed turns to check for binding.
Complaints include a failed water pump that can lead to engine damage with little warning, and a 'Key Not Detected' message that may cause stalling. These issues can strand a driver, so a mechanic should check for coolant leaks and electronic key function.
Owners report the fuel tank won't fill completely—often stopping 4–5 gallons short—and the gas gauge reads full when it isn't. This can cause unexpected run-outs, so verify the fuel gauge accuracy and tank capacity during a test drive.
Reports include battery corrosion that causes smoke and no-start conditions, and a key that can be removed while the car is still in drive, letting it roll. Check battery terminals for corrosion and ensure the ignition interlock works properly.
“There is a recall on moldings also possible accordinng to recalls by ford the steering could cause a crash which i am having a problem with it hanging up i called ford motor and was told we do not have anything about it I am concerned because i sometimes have…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners describe sudden loss of power with multiple dashboard alarms (brake, hill descent, ABS) and rattling noises during acceleration. These can indicate hybrid system faults, so a pre-purchase scan for stored codes is critical.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds, and tire pressure monitor issues that may lead to tire failure. This makes a test drive that includes highway speeds and a check of all warning lights important.
Owners report the system can suddenly brake or fail to respond under consistent conditions, such as with adaptive cruise control set. This is a safety concern, so verify that all driver-assist features work and check for related recalls.
Some owners report a persistent rotten-egg or sulfur odor from the fuel system that remains after repairs. This can indicate a fuel delivery issue, so a thorough smell test and service history review are advised.
“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 — 46 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Taurus vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
The risk: Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will repair or replace the B-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 20, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S91.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when…
The risk: A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of t…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Explorer, Taurus and Police Interceptor Utility and Sedan vehicles. The steering gear heat shield fasteners may corrode, allowing the heat shield to detach.
The risk: If the heat shield detaches, the steering gear may overheat, increasing the steering effort required by the driver, especially at lower speeds, and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers to inspect and replace the heat shield fasteners as needed, free of charge. The recall began on September 13, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this rec…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Taurus vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
The risk: Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will repair or replace the B-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 20, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S91.
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 or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Ford Taurus has far fewer complaints per year (176.2) than the Honda Accord (452.4), but the Taurus's issues often involve basic mechanical systems like steering and engine. The Accord's higher complaint rate is partly due to complex electronics and driver-assist features on newer models. In practice, a Taurus may need more frequent steering and engine attention, while an Accord could have costly electronic or hybrid repairs.
Key differences
- The Ford Taurus has 510 steering complaints, often described as 'hanging up,' while the Honda Accord's top issue is engine complaints (1,006), including sudden power loss with multiple alarms.
- Taurus owners report fuel tank filling problems and inaccurate gas gauges; Accord owners report forward collision avoidance system failures that can cause sudden braking.
- The Accord has more crash-related reports (162 vs. 86) and injuries (146 vs. 82), but both have 3 deaths, so neither is free from serious risk.
- Recalls on the Taurus focus on exterior trim, backup cameras, and steering; Accord recalls cover hybrid power control software, fuel pumps, and seat belt retractors.
- During a test drive, turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock and at highway speeds to check for any binding or 'hanging up' sensation.
- Check the coolant level and look for leaks around the water pump area; also verify the fuel gauge reads accurately after filling the tank.
- Scan the vehicle's computer for stored trouble codes, especially for the hybrid power control unit and forward collision avoidance system.
- Test all driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking, and check for any warning lights on the dashboard.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all safety recalls have been performed by a dealer.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the steering system (Taurus) or hybrid/electronic systems (Accord) before purchase.
- During a test drive, listen for unusual engine noises and check that all dashboard warning lights illuminate and then go out.
- Verify the fuel gauge accuracy by filling the tank and comparing the gauge to the actual amount of fuel added.
- For the Accord, test the forward collision avoidance system in a safe environment and ensure it does not falsely activate.
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 Taurus | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 16 | 691 |
| 2018 | 49 | 1884 |
| 2017 | 44 | 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 Taurus or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Taurus vs Honda Accord
- FORD Taurus total complaints
- 1,762
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- FORD Taurus total recalls
- 46
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- FORD Taurus avg complaints/year
- 176.2
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- FORD Taurus
- FORD Taurus top complaint area
- STEERING
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE