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: The Jeep has 331.9 complaints per year and 96 recalls, while the Accord has 443.8 complaints per year and 38 recalls. Jeep owners report sudden loss of propulsion, while Accord owners report false collision warnings. 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, over the past decade, has accumulated a high volume of complaints, averaging over 330 per year, with electrical system issues dominating the reports. Owners describe hybrid and electric system malfunctions, sudden loss of propulsion at highway speeds, and persistent warning lights, indicating potential reliability and safety concerns. The high number of recalls (96) further suggests systemic issues that could affect long-term ownership.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord, while having a higher average complaint count per year (443.8), shows a different pattern, with engine and electrical issues being prominent, alongside a significant number of complaints about forward collision avoidance systems. Owners report engine noises, sudden loss of power, and false activations of safety features, which can be both annoying and potentially dangerous. With fewer recalls (38) than the Jeep, the Accord may have fewer widespread defects, but the issues reported are still serious.
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 | 3,319 Better | 4,438 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 96 | 38 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 174 | 160 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 331.9 Better | 443.8 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 122 Better | 144 |
| 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 SYSTEM1,177
- 02ENGINE705
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER687
- 04POWER TRAIN449
- 05SERVICE BRAKES321
Owners report serious malfunctions between hybrid and electric systems, causing loud engine noises and failure of both modes. Warning lights for fuel and oil refresh remain on even after refueling, indicating software or sensor issues.
Sudden loss of propulsion at highway speeds is a repeated complaint, requiring towing on multiple occasions. This dangerous defect can leave drivers stranded and poses a significant safety risk.
A strange thump at 70-75 mph and shuddering at lower speeds (25-40 mph) are reported, with dealers often dismissing them as normal. These symptoms suggest drivetrain or suspension issues that may worsen over time.
“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
- 01ENGINE985
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM863
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE821
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER725
- 05SERVICE BRAKES592
Engine noises reported shortly after purchase, with some owners experiencing a cascade of warning lights (brake, hill descent, ABS) and loss of speed on the highway, indicating potential engine or electronic control failures.
TPMS warnings that lead to catastrophic tire failure, and rodent damage to wiring harnesses, highlight vulnerabilities in the electrical system that can affect safety and reliability.
The system can activate unexpectedly at 35 mph with no obstructions, and adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, and other driver aids show intermittent errors, undermining driver trust and potentially causing accidents.
“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 — 96 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 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…
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 or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Honda Accord has a higher number of complaints per year (443.8) compared to the Jeep Grand Cherokee (331.9), but the Jeep has far more recalls (96 vs 38). In practice, the Accord's issues are more focused on driver-assistance and engine problems, while the Jeep's electrical and propulsion failures may be more severe. Neither is clearly more reliable, but the Accord's higher complaint rate suggests more frequent issues, albeit possibly less dangerous.
Key differences
- Jeep Grand Cherokee has more recalls (96) than Honda Accord (38), indicating more widespread factory defects.
- Honda Accord has a higher average complaints per year (443.8) than Jeep (331.9), suggesting more frequent owner-reported issues.
- Jeep owners report sudden loss of propulsion at highway speeds, a critical safety concern, while Accord owners report engine noises and false activations of safety systems.
- Electrical system issues dominate Jeep complaints, while Accord complaints are more evenly spread across engine, electrical, and forward collision avoidance.
- Check for any history of sudden loss of propulsion or towing incidents, and have the hybrid/electric system thoroughly inspected.
- Look for persistent warning lights related to fuel or oil refresh, and test the vehicle at highway speeds for any thumping or shuddering.
- Verify that all forward collision avoidance and driver-assist systems are functioning correctly, and ask about any previous false activations.
- Inspect the wiring harnesses for signs of rodent damage, and ensure the TPMS system is working properly to avoid tire failures.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full service history and check for any open recalls on the specific VIN.
- Test drive at highway speeds to feel for any vibrations, thumps, or loss of power.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the electrical system, including battery and wiring, for both vehicles.
- For the Accord, specifically test the adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist in a safe area.
- For the Jeep, ask about any previous hybrid system repairs and check the condition of the traction battery.
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 | 45 | 5 |
| 2025 | 70 | 101 |
| 2024 | 240 | 214 |
| 2023 | 381 | 224 |
| 2022 | 366 | 238 |
| 2021 | 401 | 226 |
| 2020 | 234 | 355 |
| 2019 | 365 | 677 |
| 2018 | 853 | 1864 |
| 2017 | 364 | 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 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
- 3,319
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,438
- JEEP Grand Cherokee total recalls
- 96
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- JEEP Grand Cherokee avg complaints/year
- 331.9
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 443.8
- More reliable overall
- JEEP Grand Cherokee
- JEEP Grand Cherokee top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE