Head-to-head reliability
Infiniti QX30 vs Honda Accord
How the Infiniti QX30 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 QX30 vs Honda Accord: The QX30 averaged 20 complaints per year with 8 recalls, while the Accord averaged 452 per year with 38 recalls. The QX30 has 0 deaths and 4 injuries reported; the Accord has 3 deaths and 146 injuries. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Infiniti QX30 or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Infiniti QX30
The Infiniti QX30 is a compact luxury SUV that averaged 20 complaints per year over three years, with 8 recalls and 5 crash-related reports. Owners frequently describe electrical glitches that can cause the car to slip into neutral at speed, plus airbag and steering problems. Living with it means staying on top of recalls and being alert for sudden warning lights or loss of drive.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a mainstream sedan with a much higher total complaint count—4,524 over ten years, or about 452 per year—and 38 recalls. Reports include engine stalling, electrical failures that can lock steering and brakes, and forward collision avoidance that may brake unexpectedly. It has 3 deaths and 146 injuries reported, so buyers should check recall history carefully.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Infiniti QX30 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 60 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 8 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 5 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 20.0 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 4 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.
Infiniti QX30
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM19
- 02AIR BAGS16
- 03STEERING11
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER9
- 05POWER TRAIN8
Owners report the QX30 slipping into neutral at high speeds with a vague 'Service required' message, which can cause sudden loss of power. This is a serious drivability and safety concern because it happens without warning.
Complaints include airbags not deploying in a crash and possible steering angle sensor issues. A non-deploying airbag in a collision is a critical safety failure that owners have experienced.
Some owners link steering angle sensor or steering wheel problems to airbag warnings, and others struggle to get recall repairs done due to parts or loaner shortages. This can leave you driving with an unresolved safety recall.
Reports include a sagging headliner that blocks rear visibility, which is a distraction and visibility hazard. It shows that even non-mechanical issues can affect safety.
“Hello, My 2018 Infiniti QX30 slips into neutral while driving on the road at high speeds and without any warning. The message on the dash is vague “Service required. Do not shift gears. Visit Dealer.” I almost got into an accident more than once while driving…”
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I am not entirely sure what specific part of my car is causing this issue, but from the research I have done regarding other people with my make/model of the ca…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners describe losing speed at highway speeds with multiple alarms (brake, hill descent, ABS, critical failure), and rattling noises or rough transitions between EV and gas modes. These can leave you stranded or cause sudden power loss.
Complaints include electronic power steering and braking systems failing and locking up simultaneously at highway speeds, plus TPMS issues leading to tire failure. This is a severe safety risk because it can happen without warning.
Owners report the system braking unexpectedly on open roads or with adaptive cruise control set, even with no obstructions. Unintended braking can cause a rear-end collision or loss of control.
There are reports of fuel pump and hybrid management issues, including a recall for fuel pump failure. A failing fuel pump can cause stalling, and hybrid software glitches may affect power delivery.
“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 QX30 — 8 recalls
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additio…
The risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018 Infiniti QX30 vehicles. The bolt securing the right-hand side lower seat belt anchorage may have been incorrectly installed during production. This can result in the lower seat belt anchorage detaching in a crash. As such, these vehicles…
The risk: If the lower seat belt anchorage detaches in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will weld in a new retaining plate and secure the seat belt anchorage with a new anchor bolt, free of charge. All vehicles were repaired July 17, 2018. Owners may contact Infiniti customer service at…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017 Infiniti QX30 vehicles. The steering shaft bore hole for the universal joint bearing may allow excessive movement that, over time, could result in the separation of the bearing and universal joint.
The risk: A separated universal joint bearing can cause a loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the lower steering shaft, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 30, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PG1CF.
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additio…
The risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-…
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 QX30 or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Infiniti QX30 has far fewer complaints per year (20 vs. 452) and fewer recalls (8 vs. 38), but its issues—like slipping into neutral and airbag non-deployment—are serious. The Honda Accord’s much higher volume means more reported problems, including 3 deaths and 146 injuries, though many may be tied to specific model years. In practice, the QX30 may have fewer overall headaches, but both require careful recall checks.
Key differences
- The QX30 has 20 complaints per year vs. the Accord’s 452, but the QX30’s top issue is electrical system failures that can cause sudden neutral at speed.
- The Accord has 3 deaths and 146 injuries reported, while the QX30 has 0 deaths and 4 injuries, though the QX30 has airbag non-deployment complaints.
- The QX30 has 8 recalls including steering and airbags; the Accord has 38 recalls including fuel pump and hybrid software.
- Accord owners report forward collision avoidance braking unexpectedly, while QX30 owners report steering angle sensor and headliner issues.
- Check for any open recalls on the steering and airbags, and confirm the steering angle sensor has been inspected or replaced.
- Test drive at highway speeds and watch for any sudden neutral engagement or vague 'Service required' warnings.
- Verify the fuel pump recall has been performed, as a failing pump can cause stalling.
- Test the forward collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control on a clear road to see if it brakes unexpectedly.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to see all open recalls for the specific vehicle and confirm they are fixed.
- Ask for service records showing recall repairs, especially for steering, airbags, and fuel pump.
- During a test drive, accelerate to highway speeds and note any warning lights, loss of power, or unexpected braking.
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system, steering angle sensor, and airbag components on the QX30.
- For the Accord, check the hybrid system, fuel pump, and forward collision avoidance software version.
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 | Infiniti QX30 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 3 | 691 |
| 2018 | 24 | 1884 |
| 2017 | 33 | 537 |
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 QX30 or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Infiniti QX30 vs Honda Accord
- Infiniti QX30 total complaints
- 60
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Infiniti QX30 total recalls
- 8
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Infiniti QX30 avg complaints/year
- 20.0
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Infiniti QX30
- Infiniti QX30 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE