Vehicle 1

Honda Accord

2,232 complaints · 35 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Nissan Altima

1,147 complaints · 22 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

Honda Accord vs Nissan Altima: The Accord has 223.2 complaints per year, nearly double the Altima's 114.7. The Accord leads in engine (592) and forward collision avoidance (441) complaints, while the Altima has more crash complaints (94 vs 83). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

1
Honda Accord
wins 1 of 4 categories
3
Nissan Altima
wins 3 of 4 categories
CategoryHonda AccordNissan Altima
Total Complaints
All years combined
2,232
1,147
✓ lower
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
35
22
✓ lower
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
83
✓ lower
94
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
223.2
114.7
✓ lower

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Honda Accord

1. ENGINE592
2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM449
3. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE441
4. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM343
5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER340

Nissan Altima

1. UNKNOWN OR OTHER232
2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM194
3. POWER TRAIN189
4. ENGINE149
5. SERVICE BRAKES143
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Honda Accord has nearly double the complaints per year (223.2) compared to the Nissan Altima (114.7), suggesting the Altima may have fewer reported issues on average. However, the Accord's higher complaint count could also reflect higher sales volume, so buyers should focus on specific problem areas rather than just totals.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you are concerned about engine or forward collision avoidance issues, the Nissan Altima has far fewer complaints in those categories. If electrical system reliability is a priority, the Altima also has fewer electrical complaints. However, the Altima has more crash complaints (94 vs 83) and notable power train and brake issues, so inspect those areas carefully.

Key Differences
  • Honda Accord has 223.2 complaints/year vs Nissan Altima's 114.7.
  • Accord has 592 engine complaints vs Altima's 149.
  • Accord has 441 forward collision avoidance complaints vs Altima's 0 in that category.
  • Altima has 94 crash complaints vs Accord's 83.
⚠ Watch on Honda Accord
  • Watch for engine problems (592 complaints) and forward collision avoidance system issues (441 complaints).
  • Check for fuel/propulsion system complaints (343) which may indicate drivability concerns.
⚠ Watch on Nissan Altima
  • Watch for power train issues (189 complaints) and service brake problems (143 complaints).
  • Be aware of electrical system complaints (194) which could affect multiple components.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles and ensure all recalls have been performed.
  • Test drive and listen for unusual engine noises or hesitation, especially on the Accord.
  • Inspect the forward collision avoidance system on the Accord for proper operation.
  • On the Altima, test brakes for unusual feel or noise, and check transmission smoothness.
  • Obtain a vehicle history report to see if any of the common complaints have been addressed.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Honda AccordNissan Altima
2026
1
0
2025
0
6
2024
0
39
2023
0
27
2022
200
20
2021
201
61
2020
330
171
2019
500
221
2018
500
222
2017
500
380
Honda Accord vs Nissan Altima — comparison facts
Comparison
Honda Accord vs Nissan Altima
Honda Accord total complaints
2,232
Nissan Altima total complaints
1,147
Honda Accord total recalls
35
Nissan Altima total recalls
22
Honda Accord avg complaints/year
223.2
Nissan Altima avg complaints/year
114.7
More reliable overall
Nissan Altima
Honda Accord top complaint area
ENGINE
Nissan Altima top complaint area
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Honda Accord Reliability & Problems

2,232 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Nissan Altima Reliability & Problems

1,147 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

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