Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Ioniq 6 vs Honda Accord
How the Hyundai Ioniq 6 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 Ioniq 6 vs Honda Accord: The Ioniq 6 averages 32.3 complaints per year with 4 crash-related reports, while the Accord averages 452.4 complaints per year with 162 crash-related and 146 injuries. The Ioniq 6's main issues are electrical and power train; the Accord's are engine and forward collision avoidance. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Ioniq 6 or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Ioniq 6
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is an electric sedan that has been on the road for about four years, with an average of 32.3 complaints per year. The most common trouble spots are the electrical system, especially the 12-volt battery and charging-related components, followed by power train and fuel/propulsion issues. Many owner reports describe sudden loss of power, inability to start, or warnings that require dealer attention. Recalls have addressed some of these, but some owners say the fix wasn't fully performed.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a long-running family sedan with a much larger owner base, averaging 452.4 complaints per year over ten years. The most frequent complaints involve the engine, electrical system, and forward collision avoidance features. Owners report issues like loss of power, warning lights, and unexpected braking or steering failures. With 162 crash-related complaints and 146 injuries reported, these are serious patterns that buyers should weigh carefully.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Ioniq 6 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 129 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 13 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 4 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 32.3 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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.
Hyundai Ioniq 6
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM74
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER25
- 03POWER TRAIN18
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM14
- 05VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL11
Owners report 12-volt battery failures that leave the car undrivable even when voltage looks normal, and some say a recall update for the ICCU was done without replacing the fuse. This matters because a dead 12-volt battery can strand you without warning.
Complaints describe the shift-by-wire system failing so the car won't shift out of Drive or engage Park, and others report a 'Check Electrical System' warning followed by sudden deceleration to under 10 mph. These issues can leave you unable to move the car safely.
Some owners say the charge door won't open, which could leave you unable to charge if you're away from home. Another report ties a propulsion problem to the same sudden deceleration event.
Reports include loud warnings and red dashboard indicators when backing out, and cellular connectivity that stops working until the head unit is reset. These are annoying but less likely to strand you.
“Recall 272 - ICCU Ioniq 6 : ICCU fuse and update were required. Dealership ONLY did update. Did not replace fuse. Vehicle was "updated" for Recall 272 on 2/19/2025. Jenkins Hyundai Service Mgr, Savannah, confirmed on 5/18/2026 that this information is correct…”
“I own a 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 that experienced a complete 12V battery failure at under 500 miles of use, despite showing normal voltage levels (12.5V off, 13.25V while attempting a jump). The vehicle was undrivable and could not start, even though the main bat…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners describe rattling noises while accelerating, rough transitions between EV and gas modes, and a jerky engine when the charge button is pressed. Some also report sudden loss of speed with multiple warning lights, which can be dangerous on the highway.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of power steering and braking at highway speeds, and a tire failure shortly after a TPMS repair. These are severe safety concerns that could lead to a crash.
Owners report the system braking unexpectedly or failing to respond under similar driving conditions, sometimes with adaptive cruise control set. This can cause near-collisions or loss of control.
Reports include a persistent rotten-egg odor that wasn't fixed by a filter replacement, and a foot getting stuck behind a plastic panel. These are less dangerous but still frustrating.
“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.
Hyundai Ioniq 6 — 13 recalls
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2022-2024 IONIQ 5, 2023-2024 IONIQ 6, Genesis GV60, Genesis GV70 "Electrified," and Genesis G80 "Electrified" vehicles. The Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) may become damaged and stop charging the 12-Volt battery, which can result in a lo…
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: This recall is replaced by NHTSA recall number 24V-868. Vehicles already repaired under this recall will need to have the new remedy completed. Dealers will inspect and replace the ICCU and its fuse, as necessary. In addition, dealers will…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024 IONIQ 6 vehicles. The differential gear bolts in the gear drive unit may not be tightened properly, which can result in a loss of drive power or cause the differential to lock up.
The risk: A loss of drive power or differential lock up can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the gear drive unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 17, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 259.
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2022-2024 IONIQ 5, 2023-2025 IONIQ 6, Genesis GV60, Genesis GV70 "Electrified," and Genesis G80 "Electrified" vehicles. The Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) may become damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery, which can result in a lo…
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the ICCU and its fuse, as necessary. In addition, dealers will update the ICCU software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2024. Owners may co…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6, 2023-2026 Genesis G90, 2024-2026 Hyundai Santa Fe, and Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid vehicles. The driver and passenger seat belt anchors may detach.
The risk: A detached seat belt anchor will not adequately restrain the seat occupant, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and reinforce or replace the seat belt anchors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning May 29, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460 and Genesis cus…
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
Hyundai Ioniq 6 or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 has far fewer complaints per year (32.3) than the Honda Accord (452.4), and the Accord also has many more crash-related reports and injuries. In practice, the Ioniq 6's issues tend to be electrical and can strand you, while the Accord's issues more often involve engine and safety systems that could lead to a crash. Neither is problem-free, but the Accord's much higher complaint volume and injury count suggest a higher risk profile.
Key differences
- The Ioniq 6 averages 32.3 complaints per year, while the Accord averages 452.4—about 14 times more per year.
- The Ioniq 6's top issue is the electrical system (74 complaints), often 12-volt battery failures; the Accord's top issue is the engine (1006 complaints), with reports of rattling and sudden power loss.
- The Accord has 162 crash-related complaints and 146 injuries, while the Ioniq 6 has 4 crash-related and 1 injury—a major difference in reported safety outcomes.
- Both have recalls, but the Ioniq 6's recalls include battery and driveline issues, while the Accord's include hybrid power control software and fuel pump problems.
- Check for any history of 12-volt battery failure or ICCU recall work—ask for proof that both the software update and fuse replacement were done.
- Test the shift-by-wire system thoroughly: shift in and out of Park, Drive, and Reverse multiple times, and watch for any 'Park malfunction' warnings.
- Listen for rattling noises during acceleration and feel for rough transitions between EV and gas modes on a test drive.
- Test the forward collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control at highway speeds if possible, and check for any warning lights related to steering, braking, or TPMS.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all open recalls have been completed, especially the ICCU recall on the Ioniq 6 and hybrid power control software on the Accord.
- Have a mechanic inspect the 12-volt battery and charging system on the Ioniq 6, and the engine and hybrid system on the Accord.
- On a test drive, specifically test the shift-by-wire on the Ioniq 6 and the forward collision avoidance on the Accord.
- Ask the seller for any repair invoices related to electrical, engine, or safety system complaints.
- Check for the latest software updates for both vehicles, as some issues may be addressed by dealer reprogramming.
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 Ioniq 6 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 10 |
| 2025 | 35 | 109 |
| 2024 | 38 | 219 |
| 2023 | 56 | 226 |
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 Ioniq 6 or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Ioniq 6 vs Honda Accord
- Hyundai Ioniq 6 total complaints
- 129
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Hyundai Ioniq 6 total recalls
- 13
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Hyundai Ioniq 6 avg complaints/year
- 32.3
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai Ioniq 6
- Hyundai Ioniq 6 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE