Head-to-head reliability
Isuzu NRR vs Honda Accord
How the Isuzu NRR 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 NRR vs Honda Accord: The NRR has just 1 complaint over 10 years (0.1/yr) versus 4,438 for the Accord (443.8/yr). The NRR's issues are mostly recalls for suspension and frame, while the Accord faces engine and electrical problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Isuzu NRR or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Isuzu NRR
The Isuzu NRR is a commercial-grade truck, typically used for delivery or heavy-duty work, and its reliability record is remarkably quiet: just one complaint over a decade. That single complaint involves a severe crash where the airbags deployed, but the low volume suggests that in everyday operation, owners rarely report mechanical or electrical issues. With 17 recalls, mostly for suspension and structural components, it's a vehicle that needs periodic attention to known factory fixes, but the absence of chronic complaints points to a durable workhorse.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular midsize sedan with a high volume of owner complaints—over 4,400 in ten years—reflecting its large sales base. The top problem areas are engine, electrical, and forward collision avoidance systems, with owners describing noises, warning lights, and sudden power loss. While many complaints are about modern driver-assist features and electrical gremlins, the sheer number indicates that buyers should expect more frequent visits to the dealer compared to the NRR. Recalls cover hybrid software, brakes, airbags, and fuel pumps, so staying current on recalls is essential.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Isuzu NRR | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1 Better | 4,438 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 17 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 160 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.1 Better | 443.8 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 144 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 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 NRR
- 01AIR BAGS1
The only complaint describes a crash where the bumper underrode a tractor-trailer, and the impact was through the A-pillar. Owners should ensure airbags are functional, but the lack of other complaints suggests no systemic issue.
Recalls for rear leaf spring U-bolts indicate a risk of loose or broken fasteners that could affect axle alignment. Inspect these components for wear or corrosion.
A recall on frame and members suggests potential frame integrity issues. Check for any signs of rust or damage, especially if the truck has been used in harsh conditions.
“ISUZU NRR VS RIGHT REAR OF A TRACTOR OF A TRACTOR TRAILER COMBINATION. THE ISUZU'S BUMPER TRAVELED UNDER THE TRACTOR AND FULL IMPACT WAS THROUGH THE "A" PILLAR AREA OF THE ISUZU NRR CAB. *TT *JS”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE985
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM863
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE821
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER725
- 05SERVICE BRAKES592
Owners report unusual noises and sudden loss of power at highway speeds, with warning lights for brake, hill descent, and ABS. This suggests possible engine or drivetrain control issues that could be dangerous if they occur in traffic.
Complaints include TPMS warnings leading to tire failure and rodent damage to wiring harnesses. Electrical gremlins can cause intermittent warning lights and unexpected failures, so check all wiring and sensors.
Multiple owners report the system malfunctioning, showing warnings for adaptive cruise, lane keep, and automatic high beams. These intermittent issues can be annoying and may affect safety features, so test them thoroughly.
With 592 complaints, brake issues are common. Owners describe critical failure warnings and loss of speed, which could indicate problems with the ABS or brake control module. Have a mechanic inspect the braking system.
“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 NRR — 17 recalls
The defect: Isuzu Technical Center of America, Inc. (Isuzu) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Isuzu NPR, Reach, 2016-2020 Isuzu NPR XD, NPR HD, NQR, 2016-2021 Isuzu NRR, 2017-2020 Chevrolet 4500XD, 4500HD, 5500HD, and 2020 Chevrolet 5500XD vehicles. The U-bolt nuts for the rear axle may not have been properly tig…
The risk: The misalignment may cause the propeller shaft to separate, causing a loss of power to the rear wheels and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Isuzu will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace and tighten the rear axle U-bolt nuts, free of charge. The recall began on April 23, 2021. Owners may contact Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638. Isuzu's numb…
The defect: Isuzu Technical Center of America, Inc. (Isuzu) is recalling certain 2015-2017 NPR HD, NPR XD, NQR and NRR trucks. During manufacturing, the stamping equipment may have created burrs on the frame crossmember that the transmission is mounted to. These burrs may cause the transmission mounting studs…
The risk: If the studs break, the transmission may not be properly supported, preventing it from shifting correctly and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Isuzu will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and install a metal shim to prevent stress on the mounting studs, free of charge. The recall on April 17, 2017. Owners may contact Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638.
The defect: Isuzu Technical Center of America, Inc. (Isuzu) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Isuzu NPR, 2008 NPR HD and NPR-HD Gas, 2011-2018 NPR HD and NRR, 2015-2018 NPR XD, 2012-2018 NQR, 2012-2017 NPR Gas and NPR-HD Gas, 2016-2017 Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 3500 HD, 3500 and 4500 and 2017-2018 Chevrolet Low C…
The risk: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Isuzu will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde to get a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in December 2017. Owners may contact Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638 or Walter Kid…
The defect: Isuzu Technical Center of America, Inc. (Isuzu) is recalling certain 2011-2016 NPR, 2011-2017 NPR-HD, NQR, NRR, 2015-2017 NPR-XD, 2012-2016 Reach, NPR Gas and NPR-HD Gas incomplete trucks. The left rear wheel bearing hub locking bolts may not have been properly tightened during assembly.
The risk: The loose bolts can allow the wheel assembly to move outward from the axle housing, affecting the control of the vehicle and reducing braking performance, thereby increasing a risk of a crash.
The fix: Isuzu will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left rear wheel bearing hub locking bolts, tightening them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 19, 2017. Owners may contact Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638.
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 NRR or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Isuzu NRR has far fewer complaints per year (0.1) compared to the Honda Accord (443.8), indicating a much lower rate of reported problems. In practice, the NRR is likely to be more reliable in terms of owner-reported issues, but it is a commercial truck with different usage. The Accord's higher complaint volume means buyers should expect more frequent repairs, especially with engine and electronic systems.
Key differences
- The NRR has almost no owner complaints, while the Accord has thousands, but the NRR is a commercial truck with limited consumer feedback.
- The Accord's top issues are engine and electrical, with reports of power loss and warning lights; the NRR's only complaint is a crash-related airbag deployment.
- The Accord has 38 recalls, including for hybrid software and fuel pumps, while the NRR has 17 recalls, mostly for suspension and frame.
- The NRR's recalls focus on structural and suspension parts, suggesting a need for periodic inspections; the Accord's recalls target advanced systems like collision avoidance and brakes.
- Inspect the rear leaf spring U-bolts for looseness or corrosion, as recalls indicate a known weakness.
- Check the frame for any signs of rust or damage, given the structural recall.
- Test the forward collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control systems for intermittent warnings, a common complaint.
- Look for any engine warning lights or unusual noises, and have the electrical system checked for wiring issues.
Before you buy
- For the NRR, verify that all 17 recalls have been performed, especially the suspension and frame ones.
- For the Accord, check the recall status for hybrid software, brakes, and fuel pump, and ensure they are up to date.
- Take the Accord for a test drive at highway speeds to listen for engine noises and watch for warning lights.
- On the NRR, have a mechanic inspect the leaf spring U-bolts and frame for any signs of wear or damage.
- For both, review the vehicle's service history for any repeated repairs or unresolved issues.
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 NRR | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 5 |
| 2025 | 0 | 101 |
| 2024 | 0 | 214 |
| 2023 | 0 | 224 |
| 2022 | 0 | 238 |
| 2021 | 0 | 226 |
| 2020 | 0 | 355 |
| 2019 | 0 | 677 |
| 2018 | 0 | 1864 |
| 2017 | 1 | 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 NRR or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Isuzu NRR vs Honda Accord
- Isuzu NRR total complaints
- 1
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,438
- Isuzu NRR total recalls
- 17
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Isuzu NRR avg complaints/year
- 0.1
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 443.8
- More reliable overall
- Isuzu NRR
- Isuzu NRR top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE