Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Accent vs Honda Accord
How the Hyundai Accent 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
Hyundai Accent vs Honda Accord: The Accent averages 55 complaints per year over 10 years, while the Accord averages 444. Accent owners report engine overheating and brake failure, while Accord owners face electrical and forward collision system glitches. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Accent or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Accent
The Hyundai Accent is a subcompact sedan that, in ownership terms, shows a moderate complaint rate of about 55 per year over the last decade. The pattern suggests that while many owners experience engine troubles, airbag concerns, and brake issues, these are not overwhelmingly frequent. Living with an Accent may involve periodic visits to the dealer for check engine lights and occasional safety system worries, but it's not a vehicle that dominates with constant failures.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord, a midsize sedan, has a much higher complaint volume at about 444 per year, reflecting its larger sales base and possibly more complex systems. Owners report a wide range of issues, from engine and electrical problems to advanced driver assistance system glitches. This suggests that while the Accord is generally reliable, its technology and hybrid components can be sources of frustration, and the sheer number of complaints indicates a need for careful inspection.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Accent | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 551 Better | 4,438 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 16 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 57 Better | 160 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 55.1 Better | 443.8 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 70 Better | 144 |
| 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.
Hyundai Accent
- 01ENGINE165
- 02AIR BAGS110
- 03SERVICE BRAKES98
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM81
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER72
Owners report overheating and engine failure, often with check engine lights that persist despite multiple dealer visits. For example, a 2019 Accent overheated on a highway, and another engine failed at 65,000 miles after months of unresolved warnings.
There are reports of airbags not deploying in crashes, which is a critical safety concern. One owner described a crash where the airbags failed to deploy, and another complained about a complex seat belt warning system that may be confusing.
Brake failure without warning is reported, leading to crashes and even a fire in one instance. Owners describe pressing the pedal but the car not slowing properly, which is a serious hazard.
The car can shut off completely while driving, with no warning lights, as reported by an owner of a 2022 model. This can happen suddenly and is extremely dangerous, especially at speed.
“I am reporting a severe and hazardous failure involving my 2019 Hyundai Accent. On August 8, 2025, between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., while driving on Mopac (Loop 1), a heavily traveled highway in Austin, Texas, the vehicle abruptly experienced an overheating…”
“My 2019 Hyundai Accent engine failed at 65,004 miles. I've taken my car to a local Hyundai dealership from December 2020 up until it failing in December 2021, I've had an appointment at least once a month for my check engine light being on. They scheduled me…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE985
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM863
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE821
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER725
- 05SERVICE BRAKES592
Engine issues include unusual noises and sudden loss of power accompanied by multiple warning lights (brake, hill descent, ABS). One owner reported the car losing speed on the highway, indicating potential powertrain problems.
Electrical problems range from TPMS warnings leading to tire failure to rodent damage on wiring harnesses. Owners also report intermittent system malfunctions that can affect driving.
The collision avoidance system can trigger false alerts or show errors for adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, and other driver aids. These intermittent messages can be distracting and undermine trust in safety features.
Brake-related complaints include issues with the antilock brake system and traction control, sometimes causing warning lights and potential loss of braking assist. This is a safety concern that needs attention.
“I purchased this vehicle at 0 miles in July 2025 from Honda Accord in Pensacola Florida. I reported in July 2025 that there was a noise and I was unhappy with the vehicle and would like to exchange the vehicle within the 30 days months later, the noise got lo…”
“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…”
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.
Hyundai Accent — 16 recalls
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Accent vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.
The risk: Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the lower steering column u-joint retention bolt, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 5, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Accent, 2021-2022 Elantra, and 2021-2022 Elantra HEV vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment.
The risk: An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, strike vehicle occupants, and result in injury.
The fix: Dealers will secure the seat belt pretensioner(s) with a cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 28, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 229. T…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Accent vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioner(s) may explode upon deployment.
The risk: An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, striking vehicle occupants and resulting in injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat belt pretensioners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 24, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 219. This recall…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Accent vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioner(s) may explode upon deployment.
The risk: An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, striking vehicle occupants and resulting in injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat belt pretensioners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 24, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 219. This recall…
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 (America Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023 Civic, Acura RDX, Acura Integra, and 2022 Honda Accord vehicles. A ball valve in the vehicle stability assist (VSA) modulator may leak brake fluid, which can result in unintended vehicle movement when the brake hold feature is engaged or an…
The risk: Unintended vehicle movement or an unexpected increase in brake pedal travel can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the VSA modulator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are OEJ, XEK, AEY, XEX and OEW.
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
Hyundai Accent or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Accent has fewer complaints per year (55) compared to the Honda Accord (444), but the Accent's issues include serious safety concerns like brake failure and engine shutdown. The Accord's higher volume reflects its popularity, but its problems are more varied and often involve advanced technology. In practice, the Accent may require fewer visits, but the nature of its failures could be more alarming.
Key differences
- The Accent has a higher proportion of engine and airbag complaints relative to its total, while the Accord has a significant number of forward collision avoidance issues.
- Accent owners report sudden engine shutdowns and brake failures, which are immediate safety hazards, whereas Accord owners more often deal with intermittent warning lights and system errors.
- The Accord's electrical system complaints are more numerous, possibly due to its hybrid and advanced driver assistance features, while the Accent's electrical issues are less frequent but can cause complete power loss.
- Recall subjects differ: Accent recalls focus on steering column and seat belts, while Accord recalls involve hybrid power control unit software, spare tires, ABS control unit, airbag sensor, and fuel pump.
- Check for any history of engine overheating or check engine light issues, as these are common and may indicate serious problems.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including sudden stops, and look for any signs of brake failure or warning lights.
- Verify that all forward collision avoidance and driver assistance systems are functioning properly, as false alerts or errors are common.
- Inspect the electrical system, especially wiring harnesses, for damage (e.g., rodent bites) and ensure no intermittent shutdowns occur.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full service history and check for open recalls on both vehicles.
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine and brakes on the Accent, and the electrical and driver assistance systems on the Accord.
- Test drive at highway speeds to see if any warning lights appear or if the car loses power.
- Ask about any previous repairs related to the specific issues mentioned in complaints.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a certified technician familiar with these models.
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 | Hyundai Accent | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 16 | 238 |
| 2021 | 16 | 226 |
| 2020 | 12 | 355 |
| 2019 | 30 | 677 |
| 2018 | 19 | 1864 |
| 2017 | 68 | 534 |
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 Hyundai Accent or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Accent vs Honda Accord
- Hyundai Accent total complaints
- 551
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,438
- Hyundai Accent total recalls
- 16
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Hyundai Accent avg complaints/year
- 55.1
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 443.8
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai Accent
- Hyundai Accent top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE