Head-to-head reliability
Lexus TX vs Honda Accord
How the Lexus TX 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
Lexus TX vs Honda Accord: The Lexus TX averages 63 complaints per year with 13 recalls, while the Honda Accord averages 452 complaints per year with 38 recalls. The Accord has 162 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths; the TX has 9 crash-related complaints and 0 deaths. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lexus TX or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lexus TX
The Lexus TX is a newer three-row luxury SUV with only three years of complaint history, averaging about 63 complaints per year. Owners report issues with air bags, electrical systems, and fuel/propulsion, including a clock spring noise and electronic throttle failures. With 13 recalls and 9 crash-related complaints, it's a vehicle where you should verify recall work and test electronic features carefully.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a long-running midsize sedan with a decade of complaint data, averaging about 452 complaints per year. The most common trouble spots are the engine, electrical system, and forward collision avoidance, with reports of power loss, steering/braking failures, and false automatic braking. With 38 recalls and 162 crash-related complaints, it's a vehicle that demands a thorough pre-purchase inspection and recall check.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lexus TX | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 190 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 13 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 9 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 63.3 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 8 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.
Lexus TX
- 01AIR BAGS52
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER46
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM26
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM20
- 05ENGINE19
Owners describe an intermittent crackling noise from the SRS spiral cable assembly (clock spring) behind the steering wheel. If this part fails, the air bag may not deploy in a crash, so any noise or warning light should be checked immediately.
Complaints include electronic throttle control failure where pressing the gas pedal produces no power, even though the vehicle remains in Drive. This can leave you unable to accelerate in traffic, a serious safety concern.
Reports mention the electronic fuel filler door failing to open and hybrid models delivering much lower fuel economy than the EPA estimate. These issues affect everyday usability and ownership costs.
Some owners report engine-related problems, though fewer details are available in the sample. Any engine hesitation or warning lights should be diagnosed before purchase.
“The SRS spiral cable assembly (clock spring), located directly behind the driver's instrument display in the steering column, is producing an intermittent crackling noise. The component is available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: The clock spring i…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report sudden power loss at highway speeds with multiple dashboard alarms (Brake, hill descent, ABS, critical failure). Others hear rattling noises while accelerating and rough transitions between EV and gas modes, which can indicate internal engine or hybrid system problems.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds, causing a near-collision. Another owner had a tire fail catastrophically shortly after a TPMS warning was supposedly fixed, highlighting potential electronic or sensor-related safety risks.
Owners describe the system unexpectedly activating or failing to prevent collisions, sometimes with adaptive cruise control set. One report notes repeated incidents under identical conditions, suggesting a software or sensor defect that could cause sudden braking or missed warnings.
Some complaints involve fuel system issues, though fewer details are provided. Persistent sulfur odors and fuel delivery problems are mentioned, which may point to fuel pump or emissions-related faults.
“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.
Lexus TX — 13 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or d…
The risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's nu…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Lexus NX350, NX250, 2023-2026 RX350, and 2024-2026 TX350 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federa…
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 rearview camera software or replace the rearview camera, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 15, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's nu…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Toyota Tundra, Tacoma Hybrid, Tacoma, RAV4 Hybrid, Land Cruiser Hybrid, Lexus GX550, 2024-2026 Tundra Hybrid, 2025 Sequoia Hybrid, Crown Signia, Grand Highlander, Lexus TX500 Hybrid, Lexus NX350 Hybrid, 2025-2026 Grand…
The risk: A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the load carrying capacity modification label, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 26, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26LB04, 26LA04…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2026 Lexus TX Plug-In Hybrid, TX Hybrid, TX, Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, and Grand Highlander vehicles. The rear axle carriers may have been manufactured with insufficient material strength and could break.
The risk: A broken rear axle carrier can cause a sudden loss of vehicle stability and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the rear axle carrier sub-assembly code, and replace the sub-assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-…
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
Lexus TX or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Lexus TX has far fewer complaints per year (about 63) than the Honda Accord (about 452), but both have safety-related reports. In practice, the TX may require less frequent dealer visits for complaints, while the Accord's higher volume means more documented issues, including serious power loss and braking failures.
Key differences
- The Lexus TX averages about 63 complaints per year, while the Honda Accord averages about 452 per year, but the Accord has a much longer 10-year history.
- Lexus TX owners report air bag clock spring noise and electronic throttle failure; Honda Accord owners report engine power loss and simultaneous steering/braking failure.
- The Honda Accord has 162 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths, compared to 9 crash-related complaints and 0 deaths for the Lexus TX.
- Both have recalls: Lexus TX has 13 (including back over prevention and steering), Honda Accord has 38 (including hybrid software and fuel pump).
- Listen for an intermittent crackling noise from the steering column, which may indicate a failing clock spring and potential air bag issue.
- Test the electronic throttle response and fuel filler door operation; owners report no power on acceleration and doors that won't open.
- Check for any history of sudden power loss or multiple dashboard warnings (Brake, ABS, hill descent) during a test drive.
- Test the forward collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control at highway speeds to ensure they don't unexpectedly brake or fail to warn.
Before you buy
- Verify that all open recalls have been performed by checking the NHTSA recall lookup using the VIN.
- Take a lengthy test drive that includes highway speeds, acceleration, braking, and use of electronic features like adaptive cruise control.
- Ask for a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on the engine, electrical, and safety systems.
- For the Lexus TX, specifically test the air bag system, throttle response, and fuel filler door; for the Honda Accord, test the hybrid transitions and forward collision warning.
- Request service records to see if previous owners reported similar issues and whether they were resolved.
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 | Lexus TX | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 12 | 10 |
| 2025 | 36 | 109 |
| 2024 | 142 | 219 |
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 Lexus TX or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lexus TX vs Honda Accord
- Lexus TX total complaints
- 190
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Lexus TX total recalls
- 13
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Lexus TX avg complaints/year
- 63.3
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Lexus TX
- Lexus TX top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE