Head-to-head reliability
Lexus UX vs Honda Accord
How the Lexus UX 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 UX vs Honda Accord: The UX has 20 complaints over 8 years (2.5/year) and 0 recalls, while the Accord has 4,524 complaints over 10 years (452.4/year) and 38 recalls. The UX reports fewer crash-related issues (9 vs 162). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lexus UX or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lexus UX
The Lexus UX is a small luxury SUV with a very low complaint rate: 20 complaints over 8 years, averaging 2.5 per year, and no recalls on record. Owner reports cluster around brake failures that sometimes lead to crashes, plus unexpected acceleration or stalling from speed control and power train issues. For a buyer, this suggests a generally low-drama ownership experience, but the few complaints that do exist describe serious safety events, so a careful pre-purchase inspection is still wise.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a mainstream midsize sedan with a much higher complaint volume: 4,524 complaints over 10 years, averaging 452.4 per year, and 38 recalls. The most common trouble spots are engine problems, electrical glitches, and forward collision avoidance warnings that owners say can trigger unexpectedly. With 146 injuries and 3 deaths reported, the data shows that some issues have led to crashes, making a thorough used-car inspection especially important.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lexus UX | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 20 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 9 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 2.5 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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 UX
- 01SERVICE BRAKES6
- 02VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL4
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
- 04POWER TRAIN3
- 05STRUCTURE3
Owners of 2019–2020 UX models report brakes failing without warning, sometimes after a car wash or during normal driving, leading to collisions. This matters because a brake failure can turn a low-speed maneuver into a crash.
Complaints describe unintended acceleration or sudden loss of power, including one incident while parallel parking and another with a check engine light and a 'malfunction' alert on the freeway. A buyer should test the throttle response and ask about any software updates.
Reports link electrical faults to brake malfunction and to doors that may not lock properly even when the child lock is engaged. These issues can affect both safety and security, so check all door locks and warning lights.
Some owners of 2022 UX200 report the engine stalling at low speeds and transmission problems after a check engine light appears. Stalling in traffic is a serious concern, so a test drive should include stop-and-go driving.
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? My Lexus 2020 UX200's brake malfunctioned and caused a crash accident into a restaurant on February 29th. It was inspected by Lexus Liability and an independent…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 LEXUS UX250 HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON EXITING A CAR WASH, THE BRAKES FAILED TO OPERATE UPON DEPRESSION WITHOUT WARNING. DUE TO FAILURE, THE CONTACT COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPL…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners describe rattling noises while accelerating, rough transitions between EV and gas modes, and sudden loss of power with multiple dashboard alarms. These symptoms can indicate costly internal engine or hybrid system problems.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of power steering and braking at highway speeds, as well as tire pressure warnings followed by tire failure. Electrical gremlins can disable critical safety assists without much warning.
Owners report the system braking unexpectedly or failing to intervene when needed, sometimes under adaptive cruise control. This can surprise a driver and increase crash risk if the system behaves unpredictably.
Some complaints mention a persistent rotten-egg or sulfur odor, which can point to fuel or emissions issues. While not always dangerous, it can be a sign of a problem that is hard to diagnose and fix.
“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 UX
No recalls on record.
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 UX or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Lexus UX has far fewer complaints per year (2.5 vs. 452.4) and no recalls, while the Honda Accord has many more reported issues and 38 recalls. In practice, the UX is likely to need less unscheduled shop time, but the Accord's larger complaint pool also reflects its much higher sales volume. Neither is problem-free, so condition and maintenance history matter more than the badge.
Key differences
- The Lexus UX has 0 recalls and 20 complaints over 8 years, while the Honda Accord has 38 recalls and 4,524 complaints over 10 years.
- Lexus UX complaints often involve brake failure and stalling, whereas Honda Accord complaints frequently mention engine rattles, electrical failures, and forward collision avoidance glitches.
- The Honda Accord has 146 injuries and 3 deaths reported, compared to 1 injury and 0 deaths for the Lexus UX, though these numbers are not adjusted for sales volume.
- The Lexus UX has no recall subjects on record, while the Honda Accord has recalls for hybrid power control software, fuel pumps, air bag sensors, and more.
- During the test drive, brake firmly from low speed and after a car wash to check for any delay or failure, as owners reported brake loss in these conditions.
- Check for a check engine light and any hesitation or stalling when accelerating from a stop, which owners linked to power train and speed control issues.
- Listen for rattling noises during acceleration and feel for rough transitions between EV and gas modes, which owners reported as engine problems.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system if equipped, and watch for unexpected braking or warnings, as owners described unpredictable behavior.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for the Honda Accord.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the brakes, electrical system, and engine/transmission for both models.
- During the test drive, include highway speeds, stop-and-go traffic, and parking maneuvers to check for stalling or unintended acceleration.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and check for any outstanding recall notices with a Honda or Lexus dealer.
- For the Honda Accord, specifically test the forward collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control if equipped.
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 UX | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 10 |
| 2025 | 2 | 109 |
| 2024 | 1 | 219 |
| 2023 | 1 | 226 |
| 2022 | 2 | 252 |
| 2021 | 4 | 234 |
| 2020 | 4 | 362 |
| 2019 | 6 | 691 |
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 UX or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lexus UX vs Honda Accord
- Lexus UX total complaints
- 20
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Lexus UX total recalls
- 0
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Lexus UX avg complaints/year
- 2.5
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Lexus UX
- Lexus UX top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE