Head-to-head reliability
GMC Sonoma vs Honda Accord
How the GMC Sonoma 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 Sonoma vs Honda Accord: The Sonoma averaged 65.8 complaints per year over 5 years, while the Accord averaged 452.4 per year over 10 years. The Sonoma had 7 recalls and 27 crash-related complaints; the Accord had 38 recalls and 162 crash-related complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the GMC Sonoma or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
GMC Sonoma
The GMC Sonoma is a compact pickup that owners often rely on for hauling and daily driving. Over five years, it averaged about 66 complaints per year, with many focused on structural parts like tailgate cables and brakes. Owners report serious brake failures and rear-end problems, so a used Sonoma needs a careful inspection of these areas.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular midsize car with many advanced features. It averaged about 452 complaints per year over ten years, with frequent reports about engine, electrical, and forward collision avoidance systems. Some owners describe sudden power loss and braking failures, so a used Accord should be checked for these electronic and safety issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | GMC Sonoma | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 329 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 7 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 27 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 65.8 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 19 Better | 146 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 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 Sonoma
- 01STRUCTURE89
- 02SERVICE BRAKES72
- 03HYDRAULIC62
- 04POWER TRAIN28
- 05LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES25
Owners report tailgate support cables breaking, sometimes even when a service bulletin exists but doesn't cover their truck. This can cause the tailgate to fall suddenly, risking injury or cargo loss.
Complaints describe brakes failing completely, with the pedal going to the floor and the vehicle not stopping. This is a critical safety issue that could lead to a crash.
Similar to brake complaints, hydraulic system failures are reported, often involving the same brake failure scenario. This reinforces that the braking system is a weak point.
Owners report rear differential problems, such as water entering the vent tube and destroying the oil, leading to differential failure. This can be expensive to repair and leave the truck undrivable.
“THE SUPPORT CABLES FOR THE TAILGATE ON MY 2004 GMC SONOMA BROKE. THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN OUT FOR THIS BUT GM AND THE DEALER BOTH STATE IT DOESN'T COVER MY TRUCK. THE PARTS ARE THE EXACT SAME PARTS, SAME PART NUMBER AND ALL. CAMPAIGN - TAILGATE CABLE REPLA…”
“WAS SLOWING DOWN FOR UPCOMING LIGHT AND OUT THE CORNER OF MY EYE I SAW A DEER LEAP OVER TALL GRASS ON LEFT ONCOMING SIDE OF ROAD, WAS ALREADY AT 40 MILES HIT BRAKE TO HOPEFULLY NOT HIT HER SO BY THE TIME SHE AND I HAD IMPACT THE VEHICLE WAS GOING BOUT 35 MILE…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners describe sudden power loss, alarms for brake and stability systems, and rattling noises during acceleration. These issues can leave the car undrivable and may be costly to diagnose.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of power steering and braking at highway speeds, as well as tire pressure monitoring system problems leading to tire failure. These are serious safety concerns.
Owners report the system failing to prevent collisions, with incidents occurring under similar conditions. This undermines a key safety feature that buyers may expect to work.
Issues include rough transitions between electric and gas modes, jerking when the engine starts, and fuel pump problems. These can affect drivability and reliability.
“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 Sonoma — 7 recalls
The defect: CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."
The risk: SOME OF THESE VEHICLES INCLUDE INCORRECT STATEMENTS ON ONE OF THE AIR BAG WARNING LABELS.
The fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECT LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 4, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
The defect: CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."
The risk: SOME OF THESE VEHICLES INCLUDE INCORRECT STATEMENTS ON ONE OF THE AIR BAG WARNING LABELS.
The fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECT LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 4, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
The defect: CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
The risk: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
The fix: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH INCORRECT PAYLOAD INFORMATION ON THE VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL. THE PAYLOAD SHOWN ON THE LABEL IS GREATER THAN THE MAXIMUM VALIDATED PAYLOAD. IF THE VEHICLE WERE LOADED TO THE INCORREC…
The risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE OR AN INABILITY TO STOP THE VEHICLE WITHIN EXPECTED STOPPING DISTANCES.
The fix: OWNERS WILL BE SENT A NEW LABEL FOR INSTALLATION ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR OF THE VEHICLE.
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 Sonoma or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The GMC Sonoma has far fewer complaints per year (about 66) compared to the Honda Accord (about 452). However, the Sonoma's issues often involve basic mechanical failures like brakes and structure, while the Accord's problems are more complex electronic and safety system failures. In practice, the Sonoma may be simpler to maintain, but the Accord's higher complaint rate suggests more frequent visits to the shop.
Key differences
- The GMC Sonoma has 329 complaints over 5 years, while the Honda Accord has 4,524 over 10 years, meaning the Accord has many more complaints per year.
- Sonoma owners report tailgate cable breaks and brake failures, while Accord owners report engine power loss and electrical failures affecting steering and braking.
- The Sonoma has 7 recalls, including fuel system and seat belt issues; the Accord has 38 recalls, covering hybrid software, fuel pumps, and air bag sensors.
- The Accord has more crash-related complaints (162 vs 27) and injuries (146 vs 19), but these numbers don't account for the different time periods and vehicle populations.
- Check the tailgate support cables for fraying or breaks, as owners report sudden failure.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for any sponginess or failure to stop, and inspect the rear differential for leaks or water contamination.
- During a test drive, watch for warning lights related to brakes, stability control, or power steering, and listen for rattling noises from the engine.
- Ask if the forward collision avoidance system has been recalibrated or repaired, and check for any history of electrical issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a mechanic inspect the brakes, suspension, and rear differential on the Sonoma, and the hybrid/electrical systems on the Accord.
- Test drive both vehicles under various conditions, including highway speeds, to replicate reported failure scenarios.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for brake and electrical repairs.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a brand-specific specialist for the Accord due to complex electronics.
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 Sonoma or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- GMC Sonoma vs Honda Accord
- GMC Sonoma total complaints
- 329
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- GMC Sonoma total recalls
- 7
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- GMC Sonoma avg complaints/year
- 65.8
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- GMC Sonoma
- GMC Sonoma top complaint area
- STRUCTURE
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE