Head-to-head reliability
JEEP Gladiator vs Honda Accord
How the JEEP Gladiator 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
JEEP Gladiator vs Honda Accord: The Gladiator averages 141.7 complaints per year with 34 recalls, while the Accord averages 452.4 per year with 38 recalls. The Gladiator’s top issues are steering and electrical, including fire risk; the Accord’s are engine and forward collision avoidance. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the JEEP Gladiator or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
JEEP Gladiator
The Jeep Gladiator is a pickup truck that averages about 142 complaints per year, with steering and electrical problems dominating owner reports. Many complaints describe power steering pump wiring issues that can cause fires, and some owners report sudden loss of communication across control modules. It also has 34 recalls, including for steering and fuel pump problems, so living with one means staying on top of open recalls.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a family sedan with a much higher complaint volume—about 452 per year—but it sells in far greater numbers. The most common trouble spots are engine, electrical, and forward collision avoidance systems, with some owners reporting sudden power loss or unintended braking. It has 38 recalls, including for hybrid power control software and fuel pumps, so buyers should verify recall repairs.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | JEEP Gladiator | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 992 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 34 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 25 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 141.7 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 22 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.
JEEP Gladiator
- 01STEERING329
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM289
- 03POWER TRAIN157
- 04ENGINE130
- 05SUSPENSION106
Owners report power steering pump wiring harness/connector failures that can cause high electrical resistance and fire risk, tied to an active recall. Some also describe a sudden loss of communication across control modules, which can make the steering feel firm or unresponsive.
Complaints include software that fails to turn off Wi-Fi after the vehicle is stopped, and the same power steering wiring issue that poses a fire risk. These electrical gremlins can drain the battery or create safety hazards if not addressed.
Owners report erratic acceleration, surging, shuddering, and chugging at light throttle, as well as complete transfer case and rear axle replacements at low mileage. These issues can affect drivability and lead to expensive repairs.
Some owners describe engine fires under the hood, including a 2024 model that was a total loss. Others report the steering wheel becoming firm with check engine and battery lights, and the temperature gauge rising—symptoms that could indicate a serious failure.
“-The power steering pump electrical wiring harness/connector. The vehicle is subject to active Mopar safety Recall 21D (NHTSA Campaign 26v-363) for an un remedied vehicle fire risk caused by high electrical resistance. Yes, the vehicle and affected component…”
“The vehicle suffered a catastrophic, systemic high-speed CAN C data bus loop collapse (Diagnostic Trouble Code U0002-00 "Bus Off"), resulting in an immediate, total loss of communication across almost all primary factory control modules—including the Body Con…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report sudden loss of speed with multiple warning lights (brake, hill descent, ABS, critical failure), and rattling noises during acceleration with rough transitions between EV and gas modes. These can leave a driver stranded or cause a crash.
Complaints include electronic power steering and braking systems failing and locking up at highway speeds, and a tire failure shortly after a TPMS repair. Such failures can be catastrophic if they occur while driving.
Owners describe the system failing to prevent collisions, with incidents occurring under similar conditions and adaptive cruise control suddenly braking or not reacting. This undermines a key safety feature that buyers may rely on.
Some report a persistent rotten-egg/sulfur odor that remains after filter replacement, and fuel pump recalls are listed. This can indicate fuel system issues that may affect performance or safety.
“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.
JEEP Gladiator — 34 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Jeep Wrangler, Wrangler 4XE, and Jeep Gladiator vehicles. The electric hydraulic power steering pump wiring may overheat and cause a vehicle fire, even when the vehicle is parked with the ignition in the "Off" position.
The risk: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures, until their vehicle is repaired. Dealers will inspect and replace the wiring and electric hydraulic power steering pump, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Jeep Wrangler, Wrangler 4XE, and Jeep Gladiator vehicles. The electric hydraulic power steering pump wiring may overheat and cause a vehicle fire, even when the vehicle is parked with the ignition in the "Off" position.
The risk: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures, until their vehicle is repaired. Dealers will inspect and replace the wiring and electric hydraulic power steering pump, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Jeep Gladiator and 2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The instrument panel cluster may experience an internal short circuit and fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101…
The risk: An instrument panel that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the instrument panel cluster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed between October 3, 2024, and January 23, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recal…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler, and 2020-2023 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.
The risk: Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the clutch assembly and update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed from November 16, 2023 through July 25, 2024. Owners may contact (FCA US, LLC) customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA…
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
JEEP Gladiator or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Jeep Gladiator has far fewer complaints per year (about 142) than the Honda Accord (about 452), but the Gladiator’s complaints often involve fire risk and severe steering failures. The Accord’s higher volume is partly due to much higher sales, but it also has more crash-related complaints and three deaths reported. In practice, the Gladiator may have fewer reported issues overall, but the ones it has can be more immediately dangerous.
Key differences
- The Jeep Gladiator has about 142 complaints per year, while the Honda Accord has about 452 per year, but the Accord sells in much higher numbers.
- Gladiator owners frequently report steering pump wiring fires and sudden control module communication loss; Accord owners report engine power loss and forward collision avoidance failures.
- The Gladiator has 34 recalls, including steering and fuel pump; the Accord has 38 recalls, including hybrid power control software and fuel pump.
- The Accord has 162 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths reported, while the Gladiator has 25 crash-related and 0 deaths, though these numbers must be interpreted with sales volume in mind.
- Check for open recall 21D (NHTSA Campaign 26v-363) on the power steering pump wiring harness—if not remedied, it poses a fire risk.
- Listen for rattling or clunking from the transfer case and rear axle, and test drive at light throttle for surging or shuddering, as some owners needed complete replacements.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system and adaptive cruise control; some owners report failures to brake or sudden unintended braking.
- Ask for proof that the hybrid power control unit software recall was performed, and check for any rotten-egg odor that could indicate fuel system issues.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to see all open recalls for the specific vehicle and confirm they have been fixed.
- Take a test drive that includes highway speeds and light-throttle acceleration to feel for surging, shuddering, or sudden power loss.
- Have a mechanic inspect the steering system, including the power steering pump wiring, for signs of overheating or damage.
- For the Accord, test the forward collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control in a safe area to ensure they engage and disengage properly.
- Ask for maintenance records and check if the fuel pump recall (both models) and any electrical software updates have been completed.
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 | JEEP Gladiator | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 10 |
| 2025 | 15 | 109 |
| 2024 | 23 | 219 |
| 2023 | 56 | 226 |
| 2022 | 120 | 252 |
| 2021 | 292 | 234 |
| 2020 | 483 | 362 |
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 JEEP Gladiator or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- JEEP Gladiator vs Honda Accord
- JEEP Gladiator total complaints
- 992
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- JEEP Gladiator total recalls
- 34
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- JEEP Gladiator avg complaints/year
- 141.7
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- JEEP Gladiator
- JEEP Gladiator top complaint area
- STEERING
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE