Head-to-head reliability
GMC Sierra Limited vs Honda Accord
How the GMC Sierra Limited 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 Limited vs Honda Accord: The Sierra averaged 202 complaints per year with 0 recalls, while the Accord averaged 452 complaints per year with 38 recalls. The Sierra had 9 injuries and 0 deaths; the Accord had 146 injuries and 3 deaths. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the GMC Sierra Limited or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
GMC Sierra Limited
The GMC Sierra Limited is a full-size pickup that generated 404 complaints over two years, averaging 202 per year, with no recalls on record. Owners frequently report engine misfires, rough running, and stalling, as well as brake module warnings and transmission issues that can cause rear wheels to lock. The pattern suggests a truck that may need frequent attention to engine and brake systems, though the absence of recalls means fixes are often out-of-pocket.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a midsize car with 4,524 complaints over ten years, averaging 452 per year, and 38 recalls. Complaints cover engine rattles, electrical failures like power steering and braking lockups, and forward collision avoidance system malfunctions. The higher complaint rate and multiple recalls indicate a vehicle with a broader range of potential problems, but many are addressed through recalls.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | GMC Sierra Limited | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 404 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 10 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 202.0 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 9 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 Limited
- 01ENGINE134
- 02SERVICE BRAKES106
- 03POWER TRAIN91
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM78
- 05STEERING36
Owners report misfiring, rough running, and sudden shutdowns while driving, often linked to the 5.3L V8. These issues can leave a buyer stranded and may require costly repairs.
Complaints describe dash warnings for service trailer brake system and brake module failures, sometimes after battery replacement. This can affect braking performance and safety.
Reports include transmission or drivetrain seizing, causing rear wheels to lock and drag at low speeds. This makes the truck hard to control and could lead to accidents.
Owners note battery saver alerts, low voltage readings, and misfire codes like P0308 with exhaust fumes in the cabin. Electrical gremlins can be intermittent and frustrating to diagnose.
“I am writing to formally document an ongoing and serious issue with our 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 (VIN: [XXX] ), which I strongly believe may be related to the current GM recall involving L87 V8 engines—despite my vehicle not yet being included. Early last year, o…”
“I am reporting a serious mechanical and safety issue with my 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 (5.3L engine). The truck began misfiring, running rough, and would frequently “jump” and shut off while driving — creating an unsafe situation on the road. We attempted several…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Complaints include rattling noises while accelerating, rough transitions between EV and gas modes, and sudden loss of speed with multiple alarms. These can indicate hybrid system issues that are complex to repair.
Reports describe electronic power steering and braking systems failing and locking up at highway speeds, as well as TPMS warnings and tire failures. Such failures pose serious safety risks.
Owners report the system failing to resolve threats, with incidents occurring under similar conditions. This undermines a key safety feature and may require dealer intervention.
Complaints include persistent rotten-egg odors and potential fuel pump issues, with recalls for fuel delivery. These can lead to performance problems and costly fixes.
“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 Limited
No recalls on record.
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 Limited or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The GMC Sierra Limited has far fewer complaints per year (202 vs. 452) and no recalls, while the Honda Accord has more than double the annual complaint rate and 38 recalls. In practice, the Sierra may have fewer overall issues, but the Accord's problems are more often addressed through recalls. Buyers should weigh the Sierra's engine and brake concerns against the Accord's broader electrical and safety system complaints.
Key differences
- The GMC Sierra Limited has 202 complaints per year and no recalls, while the Honda Accord has 452 complaints per year and 38 recalls.
- Sierra owners report engine misfires and brake module failures; Accord owners report electrical failures like power steering lockup and forward collision avoidance malfunctions.
- The Accord has 3 deaths and 146 injuries reported, compared to 0 deaths and 9 injuries for the Sierra, though these figures are not adjusted for vehicle numbers on the road.
- The Sierra's top issues are engine, brakes, and power train; the Accord's top issues are engine, electrical, and forward collision avoidance.
- Check for engine misfire codes (e.g., P0308) and listen for rough running or ticking noises during a test drive.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for warning lights and ensure the brake module has no pending recalls or service bulletins.
- Verify that all recalls, especially for fuel pump and electrical systems, have been performed and documented.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system and electronic power steering for any warnings or intermittent failures during a test drive.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been addressed, especially for the Honda Accord.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, and electrical systems for both vehicles.
- For the Sierra, check for transmission shudder or rear wheel lockup at low speeds.
- For the Accord, test the hybrid system transitions and forward collision avoidance features.
- Review NHTSA complaints for specific model years to identify common patterns before buying.
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 Limited | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 0 | 252 |
| 2019 | 404 | 691 |
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 Limited or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- GMC Sierra Limited vs Honda Accord
- GMC Sierra Limited total complaints
- 404
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- GMC Sierra Limited total recalls
- 0
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- GMC Sierra Limited avg complaints/year
- 202.0
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- GMC Sierra Limited
- GMC Sierra Limited top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE