Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Veracruz vs Honda Accord
How the Hyundai Veracruz 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 Veracruz vs Honda Accord: The Veracruz averaged 94 complaints per year over 7 years, while the Accord averaged 444 per year over 10 years. The Veracruz had 30 recalls and 14 crash-related complaints; the Accord had 38 recalls and 160 crash-related complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Veracruz or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Veracruz
The Hyundai Veracruz is a mid-size SUV that, based on owner complaints, can be a mixed bag in terms of reliability. Over seven years, it averaged about 94 complaints per year, with the most common issues involving the electrical system, engine, and brakes. Many owners report stalling, warning lights, and brake problems, and there are 30 recalls to be aware of. While it has fewer complaints per year than some rivals, the severity of issues like stalling means you should have any used Veracruz thoroughly inspected.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular midsize sedan with a generally strong reputation, but owner complaints show a high volume of issues, averaging about 444 per year over ten years. The most frequent complaints involve the engine, electrical system, and forward collision avoidance systems. There are also 38 recalls and a notable number of crash-related complaints and injuries. This suggests that while many Accords are reliable, certain model years may have persistent problems that require attention.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Veracruz | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 659 Better | 4,438 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 30 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 14 Better | 160 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 94.1 Better | 443.8 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 25 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 Veracruz
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM185
- 02ENGINE178
- 03ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING153
- 04SERVICE BRAKES91
- 05ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)51
Owners report warning lights (ABS, seatbelt, and others) illuminating unexpectedly, sometimes accompanied by stalling. This can be dangerous if it happens while driving, and multiple recalls for electrical issues suggest a pattern that may require ongoing attention.
Complaints include unusual noises, loss of power, and stalling while driving. Some owners have had to pull over due to sudden slowdowns and warning lights, indicating potential engine or sensor failures that could be costly to diagnose and repair.
Similar to engine complaints, issues with cooling and lubrication seals/gaskets are noted in recalls. Owners may experience overheating or fluid leaks, which can lead to engine damage if not addressed promptly.
Owners report brake system problems, including leaks and recall-related issues where parts were unavailable. Brake failures are a serious safety concern, so any used Veracruz should have its brake system carefully checked.
“I have received three recall letters form Hyundai VeraCruz regarding an interim recall in January 2021, March 2021 and May 2021. I had the vehicle in for mechanical repairs to the rear brake system in Late February 2021 and was informed there was several leak…”
“The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Veracruz. The contact stated that while driving at 40-45 MPH, the ABS warning light, seatbelt warning light, and other unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact veered to the side of the road but…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE985
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM863
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE821
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER725
- 05SERVICE BRAKES592
Complaints include noises, loss of power, and multiple warning lights (brake, hill descent, ABS) appearing at highway speeds. Some owners report the vehicle losing speed and entering a critical failure mode, which can be frightening and may indicate complex electronic or mechanical faults.
Issues range from TPMS warnings and tire failures to rodent damage on wiring harnesses. Electrical gremlins can be intermittent and hard to trace, potentially leading to safety systems malfunctioning without warning.
Owners report problems with adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and automatic high beams, often with intermittent dashboard warnings. These advanced safety features may not work reliably, reducing the car's ability to prevent collisions.
Brake-related complaints include ABS and traction control issues, with some recalls for control unit/module problems. Brake malfunctions can compromise stopping ability, so a thorough brake inspection is essential.
“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 Veracruz — 30 recalls
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2007-2012 Veracruz vehicles that were previously recalled under recall number 14V-415. Oil may leak from the front cylinder bank cover gasket, potentially dripping onto the alternator and causing the charging system to become inoperative.
The risk: An inoperative charging system can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the valve cover gasket and repair it as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 7, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's n…
The defect: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2007-2012 Veracruz vehicles manufactured from December 26, 2006, through July 24, 2012. The affected vehicles may experience an oil leak from the front cylinder bank valve cover gasket. If there is a sufficient amount of oil dropped on…
The risk: If the alternator is damaged, the charging system warning lamp in the instrument cluster will illuminate, and the engine will lose power and the vehicle will eventually stop operating while being driven. An unexpected failure of motive pow…
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect/repair or replace the alternator and the front valve cover gasket, free of charge. Hyundai sent out an interim letter to owners on September 3, 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer…
The defect: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2007-2012 Veracruz vehicles manufactured from December 26, 2006, through July 24, 2012. The affected vehicles may experience an oil leak from the front cylinder bank valve cover gasket. If there is a sufficient amount of oil dropped on…
The risk: If the alternator is damaged, the charging system warning lamp in the instrument cluster will illuminate, and the engine will lose power and the vehicle will eventually stop operating while being driven. An unexpected failure of motive pow…
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect/repair or replace the alternator and the front valve cover gasket, free of charge. Hyundai sent out an interim letter to owners on September 3, 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer…
The defect: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2007-2012 Veracruz vehicles manufactured from December 26, 2006, through July 24, 2012. The affected vehicles may experience an oil leak from the front cylinder bank valve cover gasket. If there is a sufficient amount of oil dropped on…
The risk: If the alternator is damaged, the charging system warning lamp in the instrument cluster will illuminate, and the engine will lose power and the vehicle will eventually stop operating while being driven. An unexpected failure of motive pow…
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect/repair or replace the alternator and the front valve cover gasket, free of charge. Hyundai sent out an interim letter to owners on September 3, 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer…
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 Veracruz or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Veracruz has far fewer complaints per year (about 94) compared to the Honda Accord (about 444), but the Veracruz's issues often involve stalling and brake problems that can be serious. The Accord's higher complaint volume suggests more frequent visits to the shop, though many may be for less critical issues. In practice, the Veracruz may have fewer overall problems, but the Accord's issues are more numerous and include advanced safety system faults.
Key differences
- The Veracruz averages about 94 complaints per year, while the Accord averages about 444, indicating the Accord has more frequent owner-reported issues.
- Veracruz complaints often involve stalling and brake problems, whereas Accord complaints frequently mention engine and electrical issues, including advanced safety system faults.
- The Accord has more crash-related complaints (160 vs. 14) and injuries (144 vs. 25), though these numbers don't necessarily mean the Accord is less safe overall.
- Both have recalls, but the Veracruz has 30 over 7 years and the Accord has 38 over 10 years, so recall frequency is similar when adjusted for time.
- Check for any signs of electrical gremlins: test all warning lights, ensure no intermittent stalling, and verify that recalls for electrical and brake issues have been performed.
- Inspect the engine for unusual noises, leaks, and check the cooling system and gaskets, as these are common complaint areas.
- Test all advanced safety features (forward collision warning, lane keeping, adaptive cruise) for proper operation, as complaints about these systems are common.
- Look for evidence of electrical issues: check tire pressure monitoring system, inspect wiring for rodent damage, and ensure no warning lights are illuminated.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical system.
- Test drive the vehicle under various conditions, including highway speeds, to check for stalling, warning lights, and proper function of safety systems.
- For the Veracruz, specifically ask about and inspect the brake system and any recall repairs for engine and electrical issues.
- For the Accord, verify that all software updates and recalls related to the hybrid system, brakes, and fuel pump have been completed.
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 Veracruz or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Veracruz vs Honda Accord
- Hyundai Veracruz total complaints
- 659
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,438
- Hyundai Veracruz total recalls
- 30
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Hyundai Veracruz avg complaints/year
- 94.1
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 443.8
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai Veracruz
- Hyundai Veracruz top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE