Head-to-head reliability
JEEP Grand Cherokee vs Honda Accord
How the JEEP Grand Cherokee 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 vs Honda Accord: Over 10 years, the Grand Cherokee averaged 338.4 complaints/year and 99 recalls, while the Accord averaged 452.4 complaints/year and 38 recalls. Both have serious reported issues like sudden power loss and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the JEEP Grand Cherokee or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
JEEP Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a popular SUV that, over the past decade, has generated an average of 338 complaints per year, with electrical and engine issues dominating owner reports. Many complaints describe serious problems such as sudden loss of propulsion, hybrid system malfunctions, and persistent warning lights, often requiring repeated dealership visits. With 99 recalls in ten years, owners should expect frequent safety campaigns. While not every vehicle will experience these issues, the volume and severity of reported failures suggest that living with a Grand Cherokee can demand patience and a robust warranty.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord, a midsize sedan, averages 452 complaints per year over the same period, with engine and electrical problems being the most common. Owners report alarming symptoms like simultaneous power steering and braking failure, unintended forward collision avoidance braking, and engine rattles. Although the Accord has far fewer recalls (38) than the Grand Cherokee, the higher annual complaint rate indicates that many owners still face significant reliability concerns. The data shows that even a well-regarded sedan can have persistent, safety-related defects.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | JEEP Grand Cherokee | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3,384 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 99 | 38 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 176 | 162 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 338.4 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 122 Better | 146 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 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
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,185
- 02ENGINE730
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER700
- 04POWER TRAIN463
- 05SERVICE BRAKES325
Owners frequently report hybrid and electric system malfunctions, including loud engine noises, failure of hybrid/electric modes, and persistent fuel and oil refresh warnings. These issues can leave the vehicle undrivable and often require dealer intervention.
Complaints include sudden loss of propulsion at highway speeds, catastrophic internal engine failure (e.g., DTC P2338), and rough running. Such failures can strand drivers and may not be covered by existing recalls, leading to costly repairs.
Reports describe serious malfunctions between hybrid and electric systems, causing jerking, loss of power, and warning lights. These problems affect drivability and can be dangerous in traffic.
Some owners experience brake-related issues, though fewer complaints than electrical or engine. Brake problems in a heavy SUV can increase stopping distances and risk.
“See attached document for complaint. This letter is to fo rmally notify you of my vehicle's fai lure to conform to the express warranties under the Ill inois Lemon Law, and to demand compensation. The vehicle had a significant defect that was not, and r bel i…”
“There is a serious malfunction between the hybrid and electric systems. The engine is making a loud noise, and neither the hybrid nor electric mode functions properly. In addition, the fuel and oil refresh warning remains on, even after refueling. These issue…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report rattling noises during acceleration, rough transitions between EV and gas modes, and sudden loss of speed with multiple dashboard alarms. These symptoms can indicate internal engine damage or hybrid system faults.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds, as well as TPMS warnings followed by tire failure. Such failures can cause immediate loss of control.
Drivers describe unintended automatic braking under adaptive cruise control, sometimes on clear roads, leading to near-collisions. This defect undermines trust in the safety system.
Issues include persistent rotten-egg odors and fuel pump problems, which may indicate fuel delivery faults that can cause stalling or performance loss.
“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 Grand Cherokee — 99 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. A software error within the hybrid control processor may result in a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the hybrid control processer software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 14, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 73C. Veh…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Jeep Wrangler 4Xe and 2022-2026 Grand Cherokee 4Xe vehicles. The high voltage battery may fail internally and lead to a vehicle fire while parked or driving.
The risk: A vehicle fire can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures and not to charge their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Dealers will update the high voltage battery software, and replace the high voltage battery, as necessary, free of…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2023-2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. A software error in the occupant restraint controller module may cause the delayed deployment of the side air bags during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the…
The risk: Delayed air bag deployment during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the occupant restraint controller module software, free of charge. Some owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 18, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Jeep Wagoneer, 2024-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Jeep Grand Cherokee 4XE, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, 2025 Jeep Wagoneer L, 2025-2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer L, and 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. Due to a software error, the tire pressure…
The risk: A TPMS warning light that fails to notify the driver of low tire pressure increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the radio frequency hub software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning September 17, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this rec…
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 Grand Cherokee or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Honda Accord has a higher average annual complaint rate (452.4 vs. 338.4) but far fewer recalls (38 vs. 99). In practice, this means Accord owners report more frequent problems per year, while Grand Cherokee owners face more safety recall campaigns. Both vehicles have serious reported defects, so neither stands out as clearly more reliable.
Key differences
- The Jeep Grand Cherokee has 99 recalls in 10 years, while the Honda Accord has only 38, meaning Jeep owners will likely deal with more safety campaigns.
- Honda Accord owners report more forward collision avoidance problems (837 complaints) than any Grand Cherokee component except electrical and engine, indicating a specific safety-system concern.
- Jeep Grand Cherokee complaints frequently mention hybrid/electric system failures and sudden loss of propulsion, while Accord complaints include simultaneous power steering and braking failure.
- The Accord has a higher annual complaint rate (452.4 vs. 338.4), but the Grand Cherokee's complaints often involve more severe outcomes like engine failure and fires.
- Check for any history of hybrid/electric system malfunctions, including warning lights for fuel/oil refresh and loss of hybrid mode; test drive at highway speeds to detect sudden power loss.
- Inspect for engine noises, especially rattles or knocking, and verify that any open recalls (especially electrical/propulsion) have been addressed.
- Test the electronic power steering and braking systems at various speeds; any warning lights or intermittent failure is a red flag.
- Check for forward collision avoidance system behavior—unexpected braking or alerts—and ensure any related recalls are completed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been repaired by a dealer.
- Take a long test drive that includes highway speeds, stop-and-go traffic, and use of all driver-assist features.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the hybrid/electrical systems, engine, and brakes for signs of the reported failures.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially any repairs related to the top complaint areas.
- Consider an extended warranty that covers electrical, engine, and hybrid components, given the costly nature of reported defects.
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 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 77 | 10 |
| 2025 | 76 | 109 |
| 2024 | 242 | 219 |
| 2023 | 388 | 226 |
| 2022 | 370 | 252 |
| 2021 | 406 | 234 |
| 2020 | 239 | 362 |
| 2019 | 368 | 691 |
| 2018 | 854 | 1884 |
| 2017 | 364 | 537 |
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 or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- JEEP Grand Cherokee vs Honda Accord
- JEEP Grand Cherokee total complaints
- 3,384
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- JEEP Grand Cherokee total recalls
- 99
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- JEEP Grand Cherokee avg complaints/year
- 338.4
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- JEEP Grand Cherokee
- JEEP Grand Cherokee top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE