Head-to-head reliability
JEEP Wrangler vs Honda Accord
How the JEEP Wrangler 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 Wrangler vs Honda Accord: The Wrangler averages 759 complaints per year, with major issues in electrical (2738) and steering (2421), while the Accord averages 443.8, with top problems in engine (985) and forward collision avoidance (821). The Wrangler has 102 recalls, the Accord 38. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the JEEP Wrangler or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
JEEP Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler, especially the 4xe plug-in hybrid, shows a heavy reliance on its electrical system, with owners reporting repeated 12-volt battery discharges and unexpected loss of electric drive power. Steering and engine complaints are also prominent, suggesting potential issues with power assist and hybrid powertrain management. With 759 complaints per year on average, buyers should expect a higher likelihood of visits to the dealer for electrical and drivetrain gremlins.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord, while having fewer complaints per year (443.8), still shows significant issues with its engine, electrical system, and forward collision avoidance features. Owners report engine noises, sudden loss of power, and intermittent false alerts from driver-assist systems. The Accord's problems are more spread out, but the safety-related nature of the forward collision issues and the potential for sudden power loss are concerning for daily driving.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | JEEP Wrangler | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 7,590 | 4,438 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 102 | 38 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 155 Better | 160 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 759.0 | 443.8 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 96 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 Wrangler
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,738
- 02STEERING2,421
- 03ENGINE2,069
- 04POWER TRAIN1,155
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,054
Owners report the 12-volt auxiliary battery repeatedly discharging, especially when the 4xe is plugged in, and the vehicle losing electric drive power in stages, eventually disabling electric mode. This can leave you stranded or with a vehicle that won't start.
Complaints in this area are numerous, though specific details are not provided in the sample. However, with 2421 complaints, it suggests issues like power assist failure or steering column problems that could affect control.
Engine-related complaints often tie back to the hybrid system, with owners describing odd operational patterns and power loss. This could indicate problems with the engine management or hybrid integration, leading to reduced performance.
A notable complaint involves the vehicle unexpectedly shifting into PARK while in traffic, which is a serious safety hazard. This suggests potential issues with the transmission or shift interlock system.
“The 12-volt auxiliary battery and related electrical system in my 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4XE plug-in hybrid (leased new 8/25/2025) repeatedly fail. The battery completely discharges after the vehicle sits plugged into a standard home charger, undisturbed, for sev…”
“While driving my 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe in normal conditions, the vehicle unexpectedly loses electric drive power. Power is reduced in stages — to approximately 50%, then 25% — then electric mode is disabled and the dash displays "Electric Mode Temporarily Un…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE985
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM863
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE821
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER725
- 05SERVICE BRAKES592
Owners report engine noises and sudden loss of power accompanied by warning lights for brake, hill descent, and ABS systems. This could indicate a serious engine or drivetrain fault that affects drivability.
Issues include TPMS warnings leading to tire failure and rodent damage to wiring harnesses, which can cause electrical malfunctions. The tire failure is particularly concerning as it happened shortly after service.
The system triggers false alerts and warnings for adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, and automatic high beams. These intermittent messages can be distracting and may indicate sensor or software problems.
While not detailed in the sample, the high number of brake complaints suggests potential issues with braking performance or the antilock system, which is critical for 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 Wrangler — 102 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The remote start antenna cable may be pinched, which can cause the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light not to illuminate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federa…
The risk: A TPMS warning light that fails to notify the driver of a problem increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the remote start antenna cable as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 2, 2025. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number…
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 2019 and 2023 Chrysler Pacifica, 2024 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and 2024-2025 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Contamination in the central vision processing module or improper programming may cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail…
The risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the central vision processing module software or replace the module, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed beginning July 16, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer servi…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The child seat tether welds on the second-row, right-side seat frame may be insufficient, which can reduce the seat's ability to properly restrain a child during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the require…
The risk: A child that is not properly restrained during a crash can have an increased risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the second-row, right-side seat frame, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 29, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 27D. Vehicle Identi…
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 Wrangler or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Honda Accord has fewer complaints per year (443.8 vs 759.0) and fewer recalls (38 vs 102), indicating a lower overall issue rate. However, the Accord's problems include safety-critical systems like forward collision avoidance and brakes, so the difference in frequency may not translate to a clear safety advantage.
Key differences
- The Wrangler has over 2.5 times more electrical system complaints (2738) than the Accord (863), reflecting its hybrid battery and charging issues.
- The Wrangler has a serious report of unexpected shift into PARK, while the Accord has reports of sudden power loss and false collision warnings.
- The Accord has more complaints about forward collision avoidance (821) than the Wrangler has for any single component except electrical, steering, and engine.
- The Wrangler has 102 recalls over 10 years, while the Accord has only 38, suggesting more widespread factory defects.
- Check the 12-volt battery and charging system, especially if it's a 4xe hybrid, for signs of repeated discharge or failure.
- Test the steering at low speeds and listen for unusual noises, as steering complaints are high.
- Verify the forward collision avoidance system doesn't produce false alerts by test driving at various speeds.
- Inspect the wiring harness for rodent damage, especially if the car is parked outdoors, and check the brakes for any warning signs.
Before you buy
- For the Wrangler, ask for service records related to battery and electrical system repairs, and have a mechanic test the hybrid battery health.
- For the Accord, check if all recalls have been performed, especially the fuel pump and brake control module recalls.
- Test drive both vehicles and pay attention to any warning lights or unusual behavior, especially during acceleration and braking.
- Inspect the Accord's sunroof for any signs of stress or damage, as there is a report of glass exploding.
- For the Wrangler, verify the steering feels smooth and responsive, and for the Accord, ensure the forward collision warning doesn't activate without reason.
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 Wrangler | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 26 | 5 |
| 2025 | 192 | 101 |
| 2024 | 2275 | 214 |
| 2023 | 342 | 224 |
| 2022 | 383 | 238 |
| 2021 | 909 | 226 |
| 2020 | 606 | 355 |
| 2019 | 734 | 677 |
| 2018 | 1814 | 1864 |
| 2017 | 309 | 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 Wrangler or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- JEEP Wrangler vs Honda Accord
- JEEP Wrangler total complaints
- 7,590
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,438
- JEEP Wrangler total recalls
- 102
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- JEEP Wrangler avg complaints/year
- 759.0
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 443.8
- More reliable overall
- Honda Accord
- JEEP Wrangler top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE