Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Tiburon vs Honda Accord
How the Hyundai Tiburon 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 Tiburon vs Honda Accord: The Tiburon averaged 75.7 complaints per year over 9 years, while the Accord averaged 452.4 per year over 10 years. The Tiburon has 19 recalls and 86 crash-related complaints; the Accord has 38 recalls and 162 crash-related complaints. Both show 3 deaths. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Tiburon or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Tiburon
The Hyundai Tiburon is a sporty coupe that, based on owner complaints, can be a mixed bag for used-car shoppers. Over nine years, it averaged about 76 complaints per year, with the most common issues involving the power train, air bags, and seat belts. Many owners report transmission shifting problems, air bag warning lights, and seat belts that won't retract or seats that slide unexpectedly. These are not just minor annoyances; some complaints describe safety systems failing when needed.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular midsize sedan with a much higher annual complaint rate—about 452 per year over ten years—but that's partly because far more Accords are on the road. The complaints cluster around engine problems, electrical glitches, and forward collision avoidance systems. Owners describe issues like sudden power loss, electronic steering and braking failures, and adaptive cruise control malfunctions. While the Accord has more complaints in total, the per-vehicle risk may be lower given its much larger sales volume.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Tiburon | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 681 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 19 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 86 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 75.7 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 62 Better | 146 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 3 | 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 Tiburon
- 01POWER TRAIN295
- 02AIR BAGS147
- 03SEAT BELTS58
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM54
- 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING35
Owners report transmission problems such as the transaxle not shifting and staying in third gear, often requiring a control module replacement. Another complaint describes the hydraulic clutch pedal sticking in the depressed position while driving, which can make the car hard to control.
The air bag warning light comes on repeatedly, and some owners say the air bag control module failed. In at least one case, the air bags did not deploy in a significant collision, raising concerns about whether they will work in a crash.
Drivers report seat belts that won't retract or extend properly, and seats that slide forward or backward unexpectedly while driving. This can be distracting and potentially dangerous if it happens in an emergency.
Electrical gremlins include the alarm going off while driving and dealers refusing warranty repairs for issues like a failed catalytic converter. These problems can be frustrating and costly if not covered.
“AS THE ORIGINAL OWNER, I HAVE 4 TRANSMISSION REPAIRS FOR MY HYUNDAI TIBURON: 05/28/04 JIM BURKE HYUNDAI SERVICE INVOICE COMMENTS: ?CUSTOMER STATES TRANSAXLE WILL NOT SHIFT ? STAYS IN 3RD GEAR ? STATES HAS BEEN ADVISED NEEDS TCM REPLACED ? CHECK TRANSAXLE OPER…”
“The contact owns 2008 Hyundai Tiburon. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, the hydraulic clutch was depressed and ceased in the depressed position. The contact was able to switch lanes and pulled the vehicle into a parking lot. The vehicle was restarted…”
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. Some report rough transitions between electric and gas modes in hybrids, which can affect drivability.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds, as well as tire pressure monitoring system issues that may not be resolved after service. These failures can be extremely dangerous.
The adaptive cruise control and collision avoidance systems may malfunction, with reports of sudden braking or failure to detect obstacles. This can lead to near-collisions or loss of control.
Some owners report a persistent rotten-egg or sulfur odor, which could indicate fuel system or catalytic converter problems. There are also complaints about fuel pump failures that can cause stalling.
“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 Tiburon — 19 recalls
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY" A VALVE ON THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY MAY NOT CLOSE PROPERLY. IF A VEHICLE ROLLS OVER AND THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE IS NOT PROPERLY CLOSED, FUEL SPILLAGE MAY OCCU…
The risk: FUEL SPILLAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI DE PUERTO RICO AT 1-800-981-0188.
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR BRAKE TUBES PASS BEHIND THE FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER. TWO STEERING GEARBOX MOUNTING BRACKETS ARE WELDED TO THE CROSSMEMBER. ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS), THE REAR BRAKE TUBES COULD CONTACT BOTH STEERING GEARBOX MOUNTING BRACKET…
The risk: FLUID LEAKAGE COULD RESULT IN REDUCED BRAKING CAPABILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPOSITION THE REAR BRAKE TUBES SO THEY DO NOT CONTACT THE MOUNTING BRACKETS, INSTALL BRAKE TUBE CLIPS TO CONTROL THE LOCATION OF THE REAR BRAKE TUBES, AND APPLY ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL TO THE TUBES IN THE AREAS WHERE CONTACT…
The defect: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburo…
The risk: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved…
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.
The defect: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburo…
The risk: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved…
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.
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 Tiburon or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Tiburon has far fewer complaints per year (about 76) compared to the Honda Accord (about 452), but the Accord is far more common on the road, so the per-vehicle rate may be similar. In practice, the Tiburon's issues tend to be transmission and air bag related, while the Accord's are more often engine and electronic failures. Both have safety-related complaints, so a thorough inspection is essential for either.
Key differences
- The Tiburon's most common complaint area is the power train, with reports of transmission shifting failures and clutch problems, while the Accord's top area is the engine, with sudden power loss and rough hybrid transitions.
- Air bag issues are prominent for the Tiburon, including warning lights and non-deployment in crashes, whereas the Accord's safety complaints focus more on forward collision avoidance and electronic steering/braking failures.
- The Tiburon has 19 recalls over 9 years, including fuel system and brake line issues, while the Accord has 38 recalls over 10 years, covering hybrid software, tires, seat belts, air bag sensors, and fuel pumps.
- Both vehicles have 3 reported deaths in the data, but the Accord has more crash-related complaints (162 vs. 86) and injuries (146 vs. 62), though this may reflect its higher sales volume.
- Check for transmission shifting problems: test drive at various speeds and ensure it shifts smoothly through all gears, especially third gear, as owners report it sticking.
- Inspect the air bag system: look for a persistent air bag warning light and ask if the control module has been replaced, as failures are reported.
- Test the electronic power steering and braking: during a test drive, feel for any hesitation or locking up, as simultaneous failures have been reported at highway speeds.
- Check for engine rattles and power loss: accelerate firmly and listen for diesel-like rattling, and ensure the car maintains speed without alarms or loss of power.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to see if recalls (like fuel pump or air bag issues) have been addressed.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, focusing on the transmission (Tiburon) or engine and electronics (Accord).
- Test drive on both city streets and highways to replicate conditions where owners report failures, such as highway speed power loss or transmission shifting.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission repairs (Tiburon) or software updates (Accord hybrid).
- Verify that all safety recalls have been completed by checking the NHTSA website with the VIN.
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 Tiburon or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Tiburon vs Honda Accord
- Hyundai Tiburon total complaints
- 681
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Hyundai Tiburon total recalls
- 19
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Hyundai Tiburon avg complaints/year
- 75.7
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai Tiburon
- Hyundai Tiburon top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE