Head-to-head reliability
Infiniti G35 vs Honda Accord
How the Infiniti G35 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
Infiniti G35 vs Honda Accord: The G35 has 1,825 complaints over 7 years (about 261 per year), while the Accord has 4,524 over 10 years (about 452 per year). The G35 has 5 deaths and 62 injuries in 91 crash reports; the Accord has 3 deaths and 146 injuries in 162 crash reports. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Infiniti G35 or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Infiniti G35
The Infiniti G35 is a sporty luxury car that can be affordable to buy but may come with frequent electrical and engine problems. Owners report stalling while driving, hesitation on start-up, and dashboard warning lights, which can be alarming. Airbag sensor failures are also common, meaning the passenger airbag may not deploy in a crash. With 1,825 complaints over 7 years, it averages about 261 complaints per year, suggesting a higher rate of owner-reported issues than some rivals.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular family sedan and hybrid, known for practicality, but recent models have generated many complaints. Owners describe sudden loss of power, braking and steering failures, and forward collision avoidance systems that may activate unexpectedly. There are also reports of fuel pump issues and electrical glitches. With 4,524 complaints over 10 years, it averages about 452 complaints per year, indicating a high volume of owner-reported problems, though the Accord is sold in much larger numbers.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Infiniti G35 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,825 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 17 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 91 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 260.7 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 62 Better | 146 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 5 | 3 Better |
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.
Infiniti G35
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM392
- 02AIR BAGS265
- 03ENGINE239
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING202
- 05ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING194
Owners report stalling at low speeds with multiple warning lights (check engine, slip, battery) before the engine shuts down, and hesitation when starting. These issues can leave you stranded and are a safety concern if they happen in traffic.
A recurring problem is the front passenger seat airbag sensor failing, which illuminates a warning light and may prevent the airbag from deploying. Even well-maintained, low-mileage G35s have had this issue, so it's not just about wear.
Some owners experience runaway acceleration where RPMs surge without pressing the gas, often at low speeds. Others report repeated stalling while driving, which can be terrifying, especially with children in the car.
Headlight-related complaints are common, though specific symptoms aren't detailed in the sample. This could mean flickering, failure, or poor visibility, which affects nighttime driving safety.
“PURCHASED CAR, USED, 6/2011. WAS TOLD IT WAS A OWNER BUY BACK DUE TO IT NOT STARTING. FINANCE MANAGER GUARANTEED PROBLEM HAD BEEN FIXED. IN SEPTEMBER 2011 CAR STARTED HESITATING TO START-REQUIRING ME TO LET MY FOOT OFF BRAKE/CLUTCH. INSTRUMENT PANEL WOULD ILL…”
“MY CAR HAS BEEN STALLING WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEED. SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS COME UP (CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, SLIP LIGHT, BATTERY LIGHT) AND THEN THE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN COMPLETELY. UPON PLACING THE CAR IN PARK, I AM ABLE TO RE-START IT. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report sudden power loss at highway speeds with alarms for brake, hill descent, and ABS, as well as rattling noises and rough transitions between EV and gas modes in hybrids. These can cause dangerous situations if the car loses speed unexpectedly.
There are reports of electronic power steering and braking systems failing simultaneously at highway speeds, leading to near-collisions. Also, TPMS warnings may be followed by tire failure, suggesting sensor or tire issues.
The system may activate unexpectedly, such as braking suddenly with no obstruction, or fail to respond when needed. This can startle the driver and increase crash risk if it intervenes incorrectly.
Fuel pump problems are noted in recalls and complaints, which can cause engine stalling or failure to start. In hybrids, propulsion system issues may lead to loss of power.
“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.
Infiniti G35 — 17 recalls
The defect: NISSAN IS RECALLING 204,361 MY 2007-2008 ALTIMA, ALTIMA HYBRID, 350Z, 350Z ROADSTER, MY 2008 ALTIMA COUPE, ROGUE, MY 2009 MURANO, AND INFINITI MY 2007-2008 G35 SEDAN, MY 2008 G37 COUPE AND EX35 PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS' OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) CON…
The risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN THE PASSENGER AIR BAG BEING SUPPRESSED WHICH COULD FAIL TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL TEST THE SIGNAL BETWEEN THE OCS AND ACU SYSTEMS USING A SPECIAL TOOL TO CHECK THAT IT IS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. IF NECESSARY, THE SEAT CUSHION (CONTAINING OCS HARDWARE) WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE MANUFACTURED TO SPECIFI…
The defect: NISSAN IS RECALLING 204,361 MY 2007-2008 ALTIMA, ALTIMA HYBRID, 350Z, 350Z ROADSTER, MY 2008 ALTIMA COUPE, ROGUE, MY 2009 MURANO, AND INFINITI MY 2007-2008 G35 SEDAN, MY 2008 G37 COUPE AND EX35 PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS' OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) CON…
The risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN THE PASSENGER AIR BAG BEING SUPPRESSED WHICH COULD FAIL TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL TEST THE SIGNAL BETWEEN THE OCS AND ACU SYSTEMS USING A SPECIAL TOOL TO CHECK THAT IT IS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. IF NECESSARY, THE SEAT CUSHION (CONTAINING OCS HARDWARE) WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE MANUFACTURED TO SPECIFI…
The defect: NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2007 INFINITI G35 SEDANS MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 29, 2004 THROUGH AUGUST 25, 2006 AND INFINITI G35 COUPES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 1, 2004 THROUGH MAY 30, 2007. THE WIRE HARNESS CONNECTING THE BELT TENSION SENSOR (BTS) AND THE OCCUPANT DETECTION SE…
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
The fix: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-662-6200.
The defect: CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE "VERTICAL GRADIENT" AND "HEADLAMP PHOTOMETRIC VALUES" REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, 'LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.'
The risk: THIS STANDARD IS TO REDUCE CRASHES, INJURIES AND DEATHS BY PROVIDING ADEQUATE ILLUMINATION OF THE ROADWAY, AND BY ENHANCING THE CONSPICUITY OF MOTOR VEHICLES ON THE PUBLIC ROADS SO THAT THEIR PRESENCE IS PERCEIVED AND THEIR SIGNALS UNDERST…
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT APRIL 16, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.
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
Infiniti G35 or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Infiniti G35 has fewer complaints per year (about 261) compared to the Honda Accord (about 452), but the Accord is sold in far greater numbers, so the rate per vehicle may be lower. In practice, the G35's issues tend to be electrical and airbag-related, while the Accord's complaints include serious safety systems like braking and steering. Both have concerning patterns, but the Accord's higher annual complaint count suggests more owners are reporting problems.
Key differences
- The Infiniti G35 has 1,825 complaints over 7 years (about 261 per year), while the Honda Accord has 4,524 over 10 years (about 452 per year), meaning the Accord has more complaints annually.
- G35 owners frequently report stalling and airbag sensor failures, whereas Accord owners report sudden loss of braking/steering and forward collision avoidance malfunctions.
- The G35 has 17 recalls, including airbags and headlights; the Accord has 38 recalls, covering hybrid software, fuel pumps, and seat belts.
- Crash-related complaints: G35 has 91 with 62 injuries and 5 deaths; Accord has 162 with 146 injuries and 3 deaths, showing the Accord has more crash reports but fewer fatalities.
- Check for any history of stalling or hesitation: test drive at low speeds and listen for warning chimes or dashboard lights. Ask if the car has ever been a buyback for starting issues.
- Inspect the passenger airbag sensor: ensure the airbag indicator light behaves correctly (illuminates briefly then goes off). If it stays on, the airbag may be disabled.
- Test the electronic power steering and brakes: during a test drive, feel for any hesitation, warning lights, or loss of assist. These failures have been reported at highway speeds.
- Check for forward collision avoidance issues: if equipped, see if the system activates unexpectedly or fails to warn. Also, look for any signs of fuel pump problems like rough idling or stalling.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and look for repeated electrical or airbag-related repairs.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the electrical system, including battery, alternator, and all warning lights.
- For the G35, specifically test the passenger airbag sensor and check for recalls on airbags and headlights.
- For the Accord, test the brakes, steering, and forward collision avoidance system, and check for recalls on fuel pump and hybrid software.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any stalling, hesitation, or unexpected warnings at both low and highway speeds.
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 Infiniti G35 or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Infiniti G35 vs Honda Accord
- Infiniti G35 total complaints
- 1,825
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Infiniti G35 total recalls
- 17
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Infiniti G35 avg complaints/year
- 260.7
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Infiniti G35
- Infiniti G35 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE