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 19.3 complaints per year with 8 recalls, while the Accord averaged 443.8 complaints per year with 38 recalls. The QX30 has reports of sudden neutral engagement and airbag non-deployment, whereas the Accord has more engine and forward collision avoidance complaints. 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 about 19 complaints per year over three years, with 8 recalls. Owners frequently report electrical glitches that can cause the car to slip into neutral at speed, plus airbag and steering problems. With 5 crash-related complaints and 4 injuries, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection before purchase.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a mainstream midsize sedan with a much higher complaint volume—about 444 per year over ten years—but that reflects its huge sales numbers. The most common issues involve the engine, electrical system, and forward collision avoidance, with 160 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths. Recalls cover hybrid software, brakes, airbags, and fuel pumps.
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 | 58 Better | 4,438 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 8 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 5 Better | 160 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 19.3 Better | 443.8 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 4 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.
Infiniti QX30
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM18
- 02AIR BAGS16
- 03STEERING11
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER9
- 05POWER TRAIN7
Owners report the QX30 suddenly slipping into neutral at highway speeds with a vague 'Service required' message, which can leave you without power in traffic. This is a serious safety concern because it happens without warning.
Complaints include airbags failing to deploy in a crash, such as after hydroplaning into a barrier. Another owner linked airbag issues to the steering angle sensor, suggesting a possible connection between steering and airbag readiness.
Some owners describe a significant change in steering performance and difficulty getting recall repairs done due to parts or loaner shortages. This matters because steering problems can affect control and may be tied to airbag warnings.
There are reports of the car rolling backwards while in Drive, which is alarming and could lead to collisions. This suggests transmission or control module issues that a buyer should test thoroughly.
“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
- 01ENGINE985
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM863
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE821
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER725
- 05SERVICE BRAKES592
Owners report noises, loss of power, and multiple dashboard alarms (brake, hill descent, ABS) that can cause the vehicle to lose speed on the highway. These symptoms point to engine or sensor failures that may be intermittent and hard to diagnose.
Complaints include TPMS warnings followed by catastrophic tire failure, and rodent damage to wiring harnesses even on new cars. Electrical gremlins can lead to unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs.
Many owners report intermittent warnings for adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, and automatic high beams, sometimes with no obstruction. This can erode trust in the safety systems and may indicate software or sensor problems.
Brake-related complaints are common, and there is a recall for the ABS/traction control module. Owners may experience reduced braking performance or warning lights, which is critical for safety.
“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.
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 (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
Infiniti QX30 or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Infiniti QX30 has far fewer complaints per year (about 19 vs. 444 for the Accord), but its issues are often severe, including sudden neutral slips and airbag failures. The Honda Accord's higher volume is partly due to its popularity, but it also has more crash-related complaints and deaths. In practice, the QX30 may have fewer problems overall, but the ones it has can be more dangerous.
Key differences
- The QX30 has reports of sudden neutral engagement at speed, while the Accord's engine issues often cause power loss and multiple alarms.
- Airbag non-deployment in a crash is reported for the QX30, whereas the Accord has a recall for occupant classification sensor but fewer direct non-deployment complaints.
- The Accord has a much higher rate of forward collision avoidance complaints, with intermittent warnings for adaptive cruise and lane keeping.
- The QX30 has steering-related complaints and recall repair difficulties, while the Accord has brake and fuel pump recalls.
- During a test drive, check for any hesitation or sudden neutral engagement, especially at highway speeds, and ask if the electrical system has been inspected.
- Inspect the airbag warning light and steering angle sensor; ensure all recalls, especially for airbags and steering, have been completed.
- Listen for engine noises and check for any dashboard warning lights related to brakes, ABS, or forward collision systems during a test drive.
- Verify that the hybrid power control unit software and fuel pump recalls have been addressed, and inspect tires for uneven wear or damage.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls are repaired, especially for the QX30's airbags/steering and the Accord's brakes/fuel pump.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and electrical system for the QX30, and the engine and ABS for the Accord.
- Test drive at highway speeds to check for sudden neutral engagement (QX30) or power loss and alarms (Accord).
- Check for any signs of rodent damage to wiring (Accord) and ensure the sunroof operates without issue.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and specifically inquire about any recurring electrical or sensor problems.
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 | 677 |
| 2018 | 22 | 1864 |
| 2017 | 33 | 534 |
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
- 58
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,438
- Infiniti QX30 total recalls
- 8
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Infiniti QX30 avg complaints/year
- 19.3
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 443.8
- More reliable overall
- Infiniti QX30
- Infiniti QX30 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE