Vehicle 1

KIA Sorento

1,978 complaints · 30 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Honda Accord

2,232 complaints · 35 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

KIA Sorento vs Honda Accord: The Sorento has 197.8 complaints per year vs Accord's 223.2. However, the Sorento has 795 engine complaints, while the Accord has 441 forward collision avoidance complaints. Both have similar recall counts (30 vs 35). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

4
KIA Sorento
wins all 4 categories
0
Honda Accord
no category wins
CategoryKIA SorentoHonda Accord
Total Complaints
All years combined
1,978
✓ lower
2,232
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
30
✓ lower
35
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
60
✓ lower
83
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
197.8
✓ lower
223.2

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

KIA Sorento

1. ENGINE795
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER362
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM302
4. POWER TRAIN207
5. EXTERIOR LIGHTING200

Honda Accord

1. ENGINE592
2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM449
3. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE441
4. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM343
5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER340
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Honda Accord has more complaints per year (223.2 vs 197.8), but the Kia Sorento has a higher proportion of engine complaints. For a buyer, this means the Sorento may have more frequent engine-related issues, while the Accord has broader concerns including collision avoidance systems.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer overall complaints per year, the Kia Sorento edges out slightly. However, if you are concerned about engine reliability, the Honda Accord has fewer engine complaints (592 vs 795). Consider a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the specific top issues for each model.

Key Differences
  • Kia Sorento has 795 engine complaints vs Honda Accord's 592.
  • Honda Accord has 441 forward collision avoidance complaints; Sorento has none listed.
  • Sorento has 200 exterior lighting complaints; Accord has none listed.
  • Accord has 343 fuel/propulsion system complaints; Sorento has none listed.
⚠ Watch on KIA Sorento
  • Check for engine problems, as 795 complaints (40% of total) relate to the engine.
  • Inspect exterior lighting, which has 200 complaints.
⚠ Watch on Honda Accord
  • Verify forward collision avoidance system functionality, with 441 complaints.
  • Review fuel/propulsion system history, as 343 complaints were reported.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Obtain a vehicle history report for recalls and complaint records.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the engine thoroughly, especially on the Sorento.
  • Test the forward collision avoidance system on the Accord.
  • Check exterior lighting operation on the Sorento.
  • Review service records for fuel system issues on the Accord.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

KIA SorentoHonda Accord
2026
3
1
2025
65
0
2024
35
0
2023
103
0
2022
181
200
2021
21
201
2020
128
330
2019
412
500
2018
247
500
2017
783
500
KIA Sorento vs Honda Accord — comparison facts
Comparison
KIA Sorento vs Honda Accord
KIA Sorento total complaints
1,978
Honda Accord total complaints
2,232
KIA Sorento total recalls
30
Honda Accord total recalls
35
KIA Sorento avg complaints/year
197.8
Honda Accord avg complaints/year
223.2
More reliable overall
KIA Sorento
KIA Sorento top complaint area
ENGINE
Honda Accord top complaint area
ENGINE
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

KIA Sorento Reliability & Problems

1,978 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Honda Accord Reliability & Problems

2,232 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

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