Vehicle 1

Honda Pilot

3,483 complaints · 65 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Honda Accord

3,930 complaints · 35 recalls

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

Honda Pilot vs Honda Accord: The Pilot averages 348.3 complaints per year (3483 total) with 65 recalls, while the Accord averages 393.0 per year (3930 total) with 35 recalls. The Pilot has fewer crash complaints (71 vs 139) but more engine issues (1052 vs 846). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

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

3
Honda Pilot
wins 3 of 4 categories
1
Honda Accord
wins 1 of 4 categories
CategoryHonda PilotHonda Accord
Total Complaints
All years combined
3,483
✓ lower
3,930
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
65
35
✓ lower
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
71
✓ lower
139
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
348.3
✓ lower
393.0

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

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Honda Pilot

1. ENGINE1,052
2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM989
3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER599
4. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE402
5. POWER TRAIN388

Honda Accord

1. ENGINE846
2. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE757
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM744
4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER614
5. SERVICE BRAKES545
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Honda Pilot has fewer complaints per year (348.3) than the Accord (393.0), suggesting slightly lower owner-reported issues on average. However, both have high complaint volumes, so neither is clearly superior based on this metric alone.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer engine and electrical complaints, the Accord has fewer engine issues (846 vs 1052) but more forward collision avoidance complaints (757 vs 402). If you want fewer crash complaints, the Pilot has fewer (71 vs 139). Check service history for both, especially for the Pilot's engine and the Accord's brakes.

Key Differences
  • Pilot has 65 recalls vs Accord's 35, indicating more safety-related campaigns.
  • Pilot has 71 crash complaints vs Accord's 139, so fewer reported crashes.
  • Pilot's top issue is ENGINE (1052) vs Accord's ENGINE (846), but Pilot has more electrical complaints (989 vs 744).
  • Accord has more FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE complaints (757 vs 402), a key safety system.
⚠ Watch on Honda Pilot
  • High engine complaint count (1052) – check for known engine problems like oil consumption or timing chain issues.
  • Many electrical system complaints (989) – inspect battery, alternator, and wiring harness.
⚠ Watch on Honda Accord
  • High forward collision avoidance complaints (757) – test the system for false alerts or malfunction.
  • Service brake complaints (545) – check brake pads, rotors, and ABS function.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check for open recalls on the specific VIN and ensure they were completed.
  • Review service records for engine and electrical repairs on the Pilot, or brakes and collision avoidance on the Accord.
  • Test drive and listen for unusual engine noises or transmission behavior.
  • Inspect the forward collision avoidance system operation on both vehicles.
  • Get a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Honda PilotHonda Accord
2026
0
0
2025
148
88
2024
93
0
2023
111
212
2022
122
196
2021
393
200
2020
459
329
2019
844
627
2018
423
1760
2017
890
518
Honda Pilot vs Honda Accord — comparison facts
Comparison
Honda Pilot vs Honda Accord
Honda Pilot total complaints
3,483
Honda Accord total complaints
3,930
Honda Pilot total recalls
65
Honda Accord total recalls
35
Honda Pilot avg complaints/year
348.3
Honda Accord avg complaints/year
393.0
More reliable overall
Honda Pilot
Honda Pilot top complaint area
ENGINE
Honda Accord top complaint area
ENGINE
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Honda Pilot Reliability & Problems

3,483 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Honda Accord Reliability & Problems

3,930 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Honda Pilot or Honda Accord?

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