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 793 complaints per year and has 102 recalls, while the Accord averages 452 complaints per year with 38 recalls. Both have serious safety complaints, but the Accord has fewer overall issues. 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 is a rugged SUV that generates a high volume of owner complaints—averaging nearly 793 per year over the past decade. Electrical and steering problems dominate the reports, with many owners of newer models describing sudden power loss, battery drain, and power steering failures. With 102 recalls and 163 crash-related complaints, it's a vehicle that demands vigilance and patience from a used buyer.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a mainstream sedan with a lower complaint rate—about 452 per year—but still has notable issues. Engine and electrical complaints are most common, including power steering and braking failures, and forward collision avoidance problems. It has fewer recalls (38) but more reported injuries (146) and 3 deaths, so safety defects can be serious.
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 | 7,929 | 4,524 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 102 | 38 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 163 | 162 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 792.9 | 452.4 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 102 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 Wrangler
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,850
- 02STEERING2,455
- 03ENGINE2,155
- 04POWER TRAIN1,209
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,075
Owners of 2025 Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrids report the 12-volt auxiliary battery repeatedly drains after the vehicle sits plugged in, and some experience sudden loss of electric drive power with dashboard warnings. These failures can leave you stranded or force reduced power while driving.
Multiple owners of new 2026 Wrangler Rubicon models saw 'Power Steering System Hot' and 'Electric Power Steering Fail' warnings within the first 30 miles. This suggests a potential defect that could make steering difficult, especially at low speeds.
Complaints include odd operational patterns and the same 12-volt battery drain issue, which can affect engine starting and overall reliability. For a used buyer, this means checking for battery health and any history of electrical gremlins.
Reports describe unexpected loss of electric drive power in stages, with electric mode disabled and warnings displayed. This can reduce performance and leave you with limited propulsion, a serious concern in traffic.
“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
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report rattling noises while accelerating, rough transitions between EV and gas modes, and sudden loss of speed with multiple dashboard alarms. These issues can indicate deeper engine or hybrid system problems that are costly to fix.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds, as well as tire pressure monitoring system warnings followed by tire failure. Such failures can be extremely dangerous if they occur while driving.
Some owners experienced unexpected activation or failure of adaptive cruise control and collision avoidance systems, sometimes under clear conditions. This can lead to sudden braking or a lack of assistance when needed.
Reports of persistent rotten-egg odors and fuel system issues suggest potential problems with fuel delivery or emissions components. These may require repeated dealer visits and can be a sign of larger fuel system defects.
“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 Wrangler — 102 recalls
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…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The walls for the steel wheels may be too thin, allowing them to crack or detach, which can result in a loss of vehicle control.
The risk: Loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steel wheels and valve stems, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 4, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's numbe…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Compass, Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Wagoneer L, Ram Promaster, Ram Promaster EV, Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid, Chrysler Voyage…
The risk: A rearview camera image that fails to display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Radio software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning September 2, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler'…
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…
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 Wrangler or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Honda Accord has fewer complaints per year (about 452 vs. 793 for the Wrangler) and far fewer recalls (38 vs. 102). In practice, this means you're likely to encounter fewer owner-reported problems with the Accord, though both vehicles have serious safety-related complaints that warrant a thorough inspection.
Key differences
- The Wrangler has nearly double the annual complaint rate of the Accord, with electrical and steering problems being most frequent.
- The Wrangler has 102 recalls versus 38 for the Accord, indicating more widespread defect campaigns.
- Accord owners report serious safety failures like simultaneous power steering and brake loss, while Wrangler owners report power loss and battery drain.
- The Accord has more reported injuries (146) and 3 deaths, while the Wrangler has 102 injuries and 0 deaths, though crash-related complaints are similar (163 vs. 162).
- Check the 12-volt auxiliary battery and charging system on 4xe models—look for signs of repeated draining or replacement.
- Test the electric power steering at low speeds and listen for warnings; any 'Power Steering System Hot' message is a red flag.
- Inspect for any history of electronic power steering or braking failures—ask for service records and test drive at highway speeds.
- Listen for rattling noises during acceleration and check for rough transitions between EV and gas modes on hybrid models.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on electrical, steering, and engine systems.
- Test drive the vehicle under various conditions, including highway speeds and, for the Wrangler, engaging 4WD.
- Ask the seller for all maintenance records, especially any related to battery, steering, or fuel system repairs.
- For the Accord, verify that forward collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control function correctly during the test drive.
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 | 30 | 10 |
| 2025 | 225 | 109 |
| 2024 | 2485 | 219 |
| 2023 | 365 | 226 |
| 2022 | 397 | 252 |
| 2021 | 943 | 234 |
| 2020 | 610 | 362 |
| 2019 | 742 | 691 |
| 2018 | 1823 | 1884 |
| 2017 | 309 | 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 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
- 7,929
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- JEEP Wrangler total recalls
- 102
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- JEEP Wrangler avg complaints/year
- 792.9
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Honda Accord
- JEEP Wrangler top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE