Head-to-head reliability
JEEP Grand Cherokee L vs Honda Accord
How the JEEP Grand Cherokee L 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 Grand Cherokee L vs Honda Accord: The Jeep averages 79 complaints per year with 24 recalls, while the Honda averages 444 complaints per year with 38 recalls. The Jeep's issues often involve gear shifting and airbag failures, whereas the Honda's include engine power loss and brake problems. Both have safety concerns, so inspect carefully. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the JEEP Grand Cherokee L or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
JEEP Grand Cherokee L
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L is a three-row SUV that, based on NHTSA data, has a relatively low complaint rate of about 79 per year over six years. However, the complaints cluster around serious electrical and forward collision avoidance issues, including gear shifting failures and airbags not deploying. With 24 recalls and 15 injuries reported, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection of its electrical and safety systems before purchase.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a midsize sedan with a much higher complaint volume—about 444 per year over ten years—but that's partly because it's a very popular vehicle with a long history. The complaints span engine, electrical, and forward collision avoidance systems, with some reports of sudden power loss and brake failures. It has 38 recalls and 3 deaths reported, so while issues are more frequent, they may be spread across many more vehicles on the road.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | JEEP Grand Cherokee L | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 474 Better | 4,438 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 24 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 25 Better | 160 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 79.0 Better | 443.8 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 15 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.
JEEP Grand Cherokee L
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM152
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE110
- 03ENGINE75
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER66
- 05STEERING63
Owners report the vehicle failing to shift properly from Reverse into Drive, and some say it won't transition correctly between gears. This can leave you stuck or cause unexpected movement, which is a serious safety concern in parking lots or traffic.
Complaints include the airbag system failing to deploy in a crash, and issues with automatic braking or collision warnings. One owner said all systems worked flawlessly until a crash where airbags didn't go off, which is alarming for a new vehicle.
Reports mention abnormal hissing and tapping sounds from the engine compartment, often with the check engine light on. This could indicate internal engine problems that might lead to costly repairs if ignored.
Although specific complaint text isn't provided, steering is a top component with 63 complaints. Owners may experience difficulty steering or unusual noises, which affects control and safety.
“I am reporting recurring safety-related shifting and vehicle gear/park-state concerns involving my 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve. On multiple occasions, the vehicle has failed to transition properly from Reverse into Drive. I reported this Reverse…”
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Component: Engine/Powertrain and Electrical System. Availability: Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection. ⸻ 2. How was your safety or the safety of others…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE985
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM863
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE821
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER725
- 05SERVICE BRAKES592
Owners report noises and sudden loss of power at highway speeds, with multiple warning lights (brake, hill descent, ABS) appearing. One driver said the vehicle started losing speed and could not accelerate, which is dangerous in fast-moving traffic.
Complaints include tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warnings followed by catastrophic tire failure, and rodent damage to wiring harnesses. These electrical gremlins can cause unexpected breakdowns and expensive fixes.
Drivers report intermittent dashboard warnings for adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and automatic high beams. One owner experienced the system failing to intervene when needed, raising concerns about reliability of these safety features.
With 592 complaints, brake issues are common. Owners may experience premature wear, ABS malfunctions, or reduced braking performance, which directly impacts stopping distance and 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.
JEEP Grand Cherokee L — 24 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L vehicles. A software error in the instrument panel cluster may cause the speedometer to display the incorrect vehicle speed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicl…
The risk: Driving without knowing the vehicle's actual speed increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and update the instrument panel cluster software as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 3, 2024. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this r…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2021-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. An improperly secured connector for the front seat side air bags (SAB) may prevent the air bags from deploying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Fed…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers secured the connector, free of charge. All affected vehicles have been remedied. Owner notification letters were mailed December 17, 2024. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is B…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L vehicles. The radiator crossmember bolts may not be properly secured, which can lead to improper air bag deployments and a fuel leak during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements…
The risk: An improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury. A fuel leak can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and secure the crossmember bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 9, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is D1B.
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024 Jeep Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer, Grand Cherokee, and Grand Cherokee L vehicles. Incorrect software in the rearview camera module may cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal…
The risk: A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 21, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is D5B.
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
JEEP Grand Cherokee L or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L has far fewer complaints per year (79 vs. 444), but the Honda Accord's higher volume is partly due to its much larger sales base over a longer period. In practice, the Jeep's issues tend to be more severe and safety-critical, like gear shifting and airbag failures, while the Accord's problems are more widespread but often less catastrophic. Neither is trouble-free, but the Jeep demands closer scrutiny of its electrical and safety systems.
Key differences
- Complaint rate: Jeep averages 79 per year vs. Honda's 444 per year, but Honda sells many more vehicles, so per-vehicle risk may be similar.
- Safety-critical issues: Jeep owners report gear shifting failures and airbags not deploying; Honda owners report sudden power loss and brake problems.
- Recalls: Jeep has 24 recalls in 6 years, Honda has 38 in 10 years, indicating both have ongoing quality concerns.
- Injuries: Jeep reports 15 injuries and 0 deaths; Honda reports 144 injuries and 3 deaths, but again, this is over a longer period and larger fleet.
- Test the gear shifter thoroughly: shift between Reverse and Drive multiple times, and check for any hesitation or failure to engage.
- Ask for a diagnostic scan of the electrical system and airbag module to ensure no stored fault codes, especially if the vehicle has been in any accident.
- Listen for engine noises and check for any hesitation or power loss during a test drive, especially at highway speeds.
- Inspect tires and TPMS sensors for signs of damage or uneven wear, and ask if the tire pressure monitoring system has been problematic.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to check for accidents, recalls, and service records.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the electrical, engine, and safety systems.
- Verify that all outstanding recalls have been addressed by the manufacturer.
- Test drive the vehicle in various conditions, including highway and stop-and-go traffic, to replicate potential issues.
- Ask the seller for any warranty or service bulletins related to the reported problem areas.
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 Grand Cherokee L | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 24 | 5 |
| 2025 | 32 | 101 |
| 2024 | 40 | 214 |
| 2023 | 85 | 224 |
| 2022 | 216 | 238 |
| 2021 | 77 | 226 |
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 Grand Cherokee L or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- JEEP Grand Cherokee L vs Honda Accord
- JEEP Grand Cherokee L total complaints
- 474
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,438
- JEEP Grand Cherokee L total recalls
- 24
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- JEEP Grand Cherokee L avg complaints/year
- 79.0
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 443.8
- More reliable overall
- JEEP Grand Cherokee L
- JEEP Grand Cherokee L top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE