Vehicle 1

Lexus ES

50 complaints · 8 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Honda Accord

3,563 complaints · 30 recalls

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

Lexus ES vs Honda Accord: The Lexus ES has only 50 complaints over 10 years (5.0/year) compared to the Honda Accord's 3563 complaints (356.3/year). The Accord also has 30 recalls vs 8 for the ES. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

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

4
Lexus ES
wins all 4 categories
0
Honda Accord
no category wins
CategoryLexus ESHonda Accord
Total Complaints
All years combined
50
✓ lower
3,563
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
8
✓ lower
30
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
5
✓ lower
125
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
5.0
✓ lower
356.3

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

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Lexus ES

1. AIR BAGS34
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER5
3. SERVICE BRAKES3
4. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE2
5. STEERING2

Honda Accord

1. ENGINE770
2. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE702
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM644
4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER547
5. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM497
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Lexus ES has far fewer complaints per year (5.0) than the Honda Accord (356.3), indicating a much lower rate of reported issues. For a first-time used-car buyer, this suggests the Lexus ES is likely to be more reliable and trouble-free based on owner feedback.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize low complaint rates and fewer potential headaches, choose the Lexus ES. If you need a larger vehicle or lower upfront cost, the Honda Accord may still be acceptable, but be prepared for a higher likelihood of engine, collision avoidance, and electrical issues.

Key Differences
  • Lexus ES has 50 total complaints over 10 years vs Honda Accord's 3563 complaints.
  • Honda Accord has 30 recalls vs Lexus ES's 8 recalls.
  • Honda Accord has 125 crash complaints vs Lexus ES's 5 crash complaints.
  • Honda Accord's top issue is ENGINE (770 complaints) while Lexus ES's top issue is AIR BAGS (34 complaints).
⚠ Watch on Lexus ES
  • Check for air bag-related complaints (34 reported) and ensure all air bag recalls are performed.
  • Inspect forward collision avoidance system (2 complaints) for proper operation.
⚠ Watch on Honda Accord
  • Watch for engine problems (770 complaints) and forward collision avoidance issues (702 complaints).
  • Be aware of electrical system complaints (644) and fuel system issues (497).
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles and ensure all recalls are completed.
  • For Lexus ES, verify air bag system functionality and any prior repairs.
  • For Honda Accord, request service records for engine, electrical, and fuel system.
  • Test drive to check forward collision avoidance system on both vehicles.
  • Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Lexus ESHonda Accord
2026
0
0
2025
0
0
2024
0
0
2023
0
0
2022
0
180
2021
27
190
2020
16
324
2019
0
617
2018
5
1736
2017
2
516
Lexus ES vs Honda Accord — comparison facts
Comparison
Lexus ES vs Honda Accord
Lexus ES total complaints
50
Honda Accord total complaints
3,563
Lexus ES total recalls
8
Honda Accord total recalls
30
Lexus ES avg complaints/year
5.0
Honda Accord avg complaints/year
356.3
More reliable overall
Lexus ES
Lexus ES top complaint area
AIR BAGS
Honda Accord top complaint area
ENGINE
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Lexus ESReliability & Problems

50 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Honda AccordReliability & Problems

3,563 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Lexus ES or Honda Accord?

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