Head-to-head reliability
Isuzu FTR vs Honda Accord
How the Isuzu FTR 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
Isuzu FTR vs Honda Accord: The FTR has only 3 complaints over 10 years (0.3/yr) versus the Accord's 4438 (443.8/yr). FTR issues include bright headlights and loose steering; Accord issues include engine, electrical, and false collision warnings. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Isuzu FTR or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Isuzu FTR
The Isuzu FTR is a commercial truck, often used as a rental or fleet vehicle, with a very low complaint rate of 0.3 per year. Owners report two main issues: overly bright headlights that can blind other drivers and cause near-misses, and a loose steering feel that makes the truck wander at highway speeds. Despite 42 recalls, the actual complaints are few, suggesting that most FTRs are reliable in daily use, but the steering and lighting issues can be significant safety concerns when they occur.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular passenger sedan with a much higher complaint volume, averaging 443.8 per year. Owners report a wide range of issues, including engine problems, electrical system failures, and false activations of forward collision avoidance systems. The high number of crash-related complaints (160) and injuries (144) indicates that some of these failures can lead to dangerous situations. While the Accord has fewer recalls (38), the sheer number of complaints suggests that reliability and safety are more variable than in the FTR.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Isuzu FTR | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3 Better | 4,438 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 42 | 38 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 160 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.3 Better | 443.8 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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.
Isuzu FTR
- 01EXTERIOR LIGHTING2
- 02STEERING1
Owners report that the headlights are too bright, causing other drivers to flash their high beams or be blinded, leading to near-crashes. This is a safety hazard for both the FTR driver and others on the road.
The steering is described as extremely loose, causing the truck to wander in the lane at speeds above 45 mph. Even after alignment and balancing, the problem persists, making highway driving dangerous.
“This is a long term rental truck, 2024 Isuzu FTR, and not owned by me. The headlights are too bright. Other drivers flash me thinking I have the brights on but they are the regular headlights. My wife was driving in front of me in a car and almost crashed bec…”
“This was a rental truck and I am not the owner, just the operator. The headlights are too bright and I have almost been crashed onto when other drivers were blinded by the headlights. I am not sure but believe this is the first year this model truck has these…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE985
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM863
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE821
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER725
- 05SERVICE BRAKES592
Owners report unusual noises and sudden loss of power accompanied by warning lights for brake, hill descent, and ABS systems. These issues can lead to unexpected breakdowns and potential accidents.
Problems include TPMS warnings that lead to tire failures and rodent damage to wiring harnesses, which can cause various electrical malfunctions. These issues are unpredictable and may require costly repairs.
The system can activate falsely, causing the vehicle to brake unexpectedly on open roads, or display intermittent error messages for adaptive cruise control and lane keeping. This can be startling and increase the risk of rear-end collisions.
“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.
Isuzu FTR — 42 recalls
The defect: Isuzu Technical Center of America, Inc. (Isuzu) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Isuzu FTR and 2018-2021 Chevrolet 6500XD vehicles. A bolt on the left front steering knuckle may come loose, resulting in an increased turning radius and difficulty steering to the left.
The risk: An unexpected change in turning radius and difficulty steering can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace both right and left side stopper bolt jam nuts and clean or replace the extensions, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 28, 2022. Owners may contact Isuzu customer service a…
The defect: Isuzu Technical Center of America, Inc. (Isuzu) is recalling certain 2018-2021 FTR and Chevrolet 6500XD vehicles. The ground cable connecting the starter motor to the vehicle frame may break at the starter-side eyelet, resulting in an engine no-crank or slow-crank condition, causing the vehicle not…
The risk: If the cable is broken and repeated attempts are made to start the vehicle, the starter may ground through the steel braiding of the power steering hose, allowing it to heat up and possibly rupture, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Isuzu and Chevrolet will notify their respective owners and dealers to replace the ground cable and to inspect and replace the power steering hose is damage exists, free of charge. The recall began October 9, 2020. Isuzu owners may contact…
The defect: Isuzu Technical Center of America, Inc. (Isuzu) is recalling certain 2018-2020 FTR and Chevrolet 6500XD vehicles. The jam nut for the steering stopper bolt on the left front knuckle may loosen and allow the bolt to back away from the steering knuckle, increasing the turning radius of the vehicle in…
The risk: If the vehicle's turning radius is increased, there is an increased risk of a crash.
The fix: Isuzu will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing left and right jam nuts with a Grade 8 jam nut, torque the nut to a new torque specification and apply Loctite to the nut and bolt, free of charge. The recall began July 19, 2…
The defect: Isuzu Technical Center of America, Inc. (Isuzu) is recalling certain 2018-2020 FTR and Chevrolet 6500XD vehicles. The chassis wire harness outside the relay box may have been improperly routed, potentially allowing the harness to contact the suspension's leaf spring hanger bracket, allowing the har…
The risk: Depending on which wires get damaged, the vehicle can experience stalling and/or reduced functionality of the ABS, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Isuzu will notify owners, and dealers will repair or replace the existing wire harness, as necessary, and install additional clamps to ensure the wire harness is secured away from the hanger bracket, free of charge. The recall began May 15…
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
Isuzu FTR or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Isuzu FTR has far fewer complaints per year (0.3) compared to the Honda Accord (443.8), indicating a much lower rate of reported issues. In practice, this means FTR owners are less likely to encounter problems, but the Accord's issues are more varied and can affect safety systems. If you prioritize minimal complaints, the FTR is the better choice, but consider the nature of the issues each vehicle faces.
Key differences
- The FTR has only 3 complaints in 10 years, while the Accord has 4438, a massive difference in reported issues.
- FTR complaints focus on headlight brightness and steering looseness, both safety-related but limited in scope.
- Accord complaints span engine, electrical, and forward collision systems, with many reports of false activations and sudden power loss.
- The Accord has 160 crash-related complaints and 144 injuries, whereas the FTR has none, indicating more severe consequences from its issues.
- Test the steering at highway speeds to ensure it doesn't wander; if it does, be aware that alignment may not fix it.
- Check the headlights for excessive brightness; if they are too bright, consider adjusting them or adding anti-glare measures.
- Inspect the wiring harness for signs of rodent damage, especially if the vehicle is parked outdoors.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system in a safe area to see if it activates without obstacles; if it does, it may need recalibration.
Before you buy
- For the FTR, take a test drive on a highway and check for steering wander and headlight glare.
- For the Accord, ask for service records related to engine and electrical system repairs.
- Check for any open recalls on both vehicles and ensure they have been addressed.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Accord's wiring harness and sensors for damage.
- For the FTR, verify the headlight alignment and consider aftermarket adjustments if needed.
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 | Isuzu FTR | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 5 |
| 2025 | 0 | 101 |
| 2024 | 2 | 214 |
| 2023 | 0 | 224 |
| 2022 | 0 | 238 |
| 2021 | 0 | 226 |
| 2020 | 1 | 355 |
| 2019 | 0 | 677 |
| 2018 | 0 | 1864 |
| 2017 | 0 | 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 Isuzu FTR or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Isuzu FTR vs Honda Accord
- Isuzu FTR total complaints
- 3
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,438
- Isuzu FTR total recalls
- 42
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Isuzu FTR avg complaints/year
- 0.3
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 443.8
- More reliable overall
- Isuzu FTR
- Isuzu FTR top complaint area
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE