Head-to-head reliability
GMC Sierra 1500 vs Honda Accord
How the GMC Sierra 1500 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
GMC Sierra 1500 vs Honda Accord: the Sierra logged 4,049 complaints and 55 recalls over 10 years, about 405 per year, while the Accord logged 4,524 complaints and 38 recalls, about 452 per year. Sierra reports center on 6.2L engine failures; Accord reports on electrical and driver-assist issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the GMC Sierra 1500 or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
GMC Sierra 1500
The GMC Sierra 1500 is a full-size pickup that generated 4,049 complaints over 10 years, about 405 per year, plus 55 recalls. The complaint pattern is dominated by engine and powertrain reports, many tied to the 6.2L L87 V8, including repeated engine failures and full engine replacements at low mileage. Electrical and brake complaints add to a picture of a truck that can be capable but demands attention to its drivetrain.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a midsize sedan with 4,524 complaints over 10 years, about 452 per year, and 38 recalls. Its complaints cluster around engine, electrical, and forward collision avoidance systems, with owner reports of warning-light cascades, power steering and braking failures, and unexpected automatic braking. It also shows more crash-related reports and injuries in the data than the Sierra, so driver-assist behavior deserves scrutiny.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | GMC Sierra 1500 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 4,049 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 55 | 38 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 84 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 404.9 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 52 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.
GMC Sierra 1500
- 01ENGINE1,713
- 02POWER TRAIN958
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM573
- 04SERVICE BRAKES429
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER374
Owners of 2023 Sierra 1500 trucks with the 6.2L L87 V8 report catastrophic engine failure, sometimes more than once at low mileage, leading to complete engine replacement by dealers. This is the single largest complaint category and the biggest ownership risk.
Complaints describe repeated powertrain failures on the same 6.2L trucks, including a second catastrophic failure after an engine replacement. Buyers should treat service history on these trucks as essential.
Owners report multiple malfunction indicator lights after engine replacement and cases where the vehicle lost power, became hard to steer, and hazard lights would not activate. These are sudden, safety-relevant failures rather than minor annoyances.
Brake complaints are numerous, and recalls cover a brake fluid low warning lamp issue. A buyer should confirm brake warning systems work and that recall repairs were completed.
“I am a Canadian owner of a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 equipped with the 6.2L L87 engine. VIN: [XXX]. I purchased the vehicle new. I am reporting this because my experience appears directly relevant to NHTSA Engineering Analysis EA26005 concerning L87 engine fai…”
“I own a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8 engine. The vehicle previously experienced an engine failure that resulted in the complete replacement of the 6.2L engine by an authorized GMC dealership. The replacement engine was in…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report warning alarms for brake, hill descent, ABS, and critical failure while at highway speed, with the vehicle losing speed. Others describe rattling on acceleration and rough transitions between EV and gas mode on hybrids.
Reports include simultaneous failure and lockup of electronic power steering and braking at highway speed, plus a tire failure shortly after a TPMS warranty repair. These are sudden failures that affect control of the car.
Owners describe unexpected automatic braking under adaptive cruise control on the same route and conditions, occurring more than once. This can cause a near-collision or rear-end risk if it activates without cause.
Fuel and propulsion complaints are frequent, and a recall covers the gasoline fuel pump. Persistent sulfur-like odors after paid repairs also appear in owner reports, suggesting diagnosis can be difficult.
“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.
GMC Sierra 1500 — 55 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Escalade ESV vehicles. The electronic brake control module software may fail to display a warning light when a loss of brake…
The risk: Without a warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: The Electronic Brake Control Module (eBCM) software will be updated through an over-the-air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2024. Owners can contact GMC customer service at 1-…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate wh…
The risk: DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chev…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing d…
The risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repai…
The defect: Rollx Vans (Rollx) is recalling certain GMC Yukon, Sierra, Chevrolet Express 2500, Ford Transit, E-250, Toyota Sienna, Sienna Hybrid, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Voyager, Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ram Promaster vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restrain…
The risk: An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Rollx will work with Q'Straint to inspect and replace the retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 5, 2026. Owners may contact Rollx's customer service at 1-800-956-6668.
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
GMC Sierra 1500 or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Sierra 1500 has fewer complaints per year, about 405 versus 452 for the Accord, but its complaints concentrate on severe engine and powertrain failures. The Accord spreads issues across engine, electrical, and driver-assist systems and shows more crash-related reports and injuries in the data. In practice, the Sierra's risk is a costly drivetrain failure, while the Accord's risk is sudden electronic and braking behavior.
Key differences
- Sierra complaints center on 6.2L L87 engine failures and repeat powertrain replacements; Accord complaints center on warning-light cascades and electronic steering/braking lockup.
- Accord data shows 162 crash-related reports and 146 injuries versus 84 and 52 for the Sierra, though these counts alone do not establish cause.
- Sierra has 55 recalls including brake warning lamp and internal engine hardware; Accord has 38 recalls including hybrid power control software and fuel pump.
- Accord forward collision avoidance complaints describe unexpected automatic braking, a pattern not prominent in the Sierra sample.
- On 6.2L L87 trucks, check for engine replacement records and any repeat powertrain repairs, since owners report failures at low mileage.
- Test all warning lights and confirm brake fluid warning lamp and other recall repairs were completed.
- During a test drive, watch for warning-light cascades and any steering or braking hesitation, which owners report as sudden failures.
- Ask whether hybrid power control software and fuel pump recalls were performed, and test adaptive cruise control for unexpected braking.
Before you buy
- Pull the full NHTSA recall history by VIN for the specific truck or car and confirm each recall was repaired.
- For the Sierra, obtain dealer service records for the 6.2L engine and any replacement work.
- For the Accord, verify software updates for hybrid management and forward collision avoidance.
- Test drive at highway speed and check for warning lights, steering feel, braking response, and unexpected automatic braking.
- Have an independent mechanic inspect the engine, electrical system, and brakes before purchase.
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 | GMC Sierra 1500 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 66 | 10 |
| 2025 | 117 | 109 |
| 2024 | 365 | 219 |
| 2023 | 485 | 226 |
| 2022 | 588 | 252 |
| 2021 | 578 | 234 |
| 2020 | 469 | 362 |
| 2019 | 648 | 691 |
| 2018 | 304 | 1884 |
| 2017 | 429 | 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 GMC Sierra 1500 or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- GMC Sierra 1500 vs Honda Accord
- GMC Sierra 1500 total complaints
- 4,049
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- GMC Sierra 1500 total recalls
- 55
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- GMC Sierra 1500 avg complaints/year
- 404.9
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- GMC Sierra 1500
- GMC Sierra 1500 top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE