Head-to-head reliability
Lincoln Blackwood vs Honda Accord
How the Lincoln Blackwood 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
Lincoln Blackwood vs Honda Accord: The Blackwood has 8 complaints over 2 years (4.0/year) and 5 recalls, while the Accord has 4,524 complaints over 10 years (452.4/year) and 38 recalls. The Blackwood reports include engine shutdown and a wheel detaching; the Accord reports engine, electrical, and forward collision avoidance issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lincoln Blackwood or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lincoln Blackwood
The Lincoln Blackwood is a rare, low-volume luxury pickup, so owner complaints are few—only 8 over 2 years—but the pattern is serious. Owners report sudden stalling at highway speed, engine overheating and failure, and even a wheel and brake line detaching while driving. With 5 recalls covering fuel tank mounting and speed control, living with a Blackwood means staying on top of open recalls and being alert for abrupt power loss.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a high-volume family sedan with 4,524 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 452 per year. The most common trouble spots are the engine, electrical system, and forward collision avoidance, with reports of power steering and braking lockups, engine rattles, and false automatic braking. With 38 recalls and 3 deaths reported, the Accord's issues are more frequent but often addressed through dealer service campaigns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lincoln Blackwood | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 8 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 5 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 4.0 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.
Lincoln Blackwood
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
- 02WHEELS1
- 03SERVICE BRAKES1
- 04ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)1
- 05ENGINE1
Owners describe the engine malfunctioning, overheating, and stopping while driving on the highway, requiring a tow and engine replacement. Another report notes the vehicle stalling at 65 mph without warning, which can leave you stranded in traffic.
One owner reported that at about 65 mph the passenger-side front wheel and brake line detached from the vehicle without warning. This is an extreme safety event that could cause a loss of control.
The same incident involved the brake line detaching along with the wheel, meaning braking ability was compromised. A buyer should have the brake lines and wheel hardware inspected by a mechanic.
The ESC complaint is tied to the same engine overheating and shutdown event, suggesting that when the engine fails, stability systems may also be affected. This matters because a sudden loss of power and stability aids increases crash risk.
“11/23/2015 VEHICLE ENGINE MALFUNCTIONED, OVERHEATED AND STOPPED WORKING WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP REPLACED ENGINE AND RELATED PARTS AND I PICKED UP ON 12/17/15. MILEAGE 2,411 1/1/2016 ENGINE STARTED MAKING…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LINCOLN BLACKWOOD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AW…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report alarms for brake, hill descent, ABS, and critical failure while at highway speeds, followed by loss of speed. Others hear rattling noises like a diesel and feel rough transitions between EV and gas modes, pointing to hybrid powertrain issues.
Reports include electronic power steering and braking systems failing and locking up simultaneously at highway speeds, causing a near-collision. Another owner had a TPMS warning repaired, then the passenger-side tire catastrophically failed the same day.
Owners describe the system failing to resolve a threat and unexpected braking or adaptive cruise control behavior under normal driving. This can surprise a driver and increase the chance of a rear-end collision.
Complaints include a persistent rotten-egg/sulfur odor that remained after a paid filter replacement, and a foot slipping behind a plastic side panel. These are not always safety-critical but show build and interior concerns.
“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.
Lincoln Blackwood — 5 recalls
The defect: FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN 1997 THROUGH 2003 MODEL YEAR FORD F-150, 2004 MODEL YEAR FORD F-150 HERITAGE, 1997 THROUGH 1999 MODEL YEAR F-250 LESS THAN 8,500 LBS. GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR), AND 2002 AND 2003 LINCOLN BLACKWOOD VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 20, 1995, THROUGH AUGUST 4, 2004, O…
The risk: AS A RESULT OF THE CORROSION, ONE OR BOTH STRAPS MAY FAIL ALLOWING THE FUEL LINES TO SEPARATE FROM THE TANK, OR IN SOME CASES, CAUSING THE TANK TO CONTACT THE GROUND. EITHER SCENARIO MAY RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK PRESENTING A FIRE HAZARD.
The fix: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND INSTRUCT THEM TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO A FORD OR LINCOLN DEALER TO HAVE THE FUEL TANK STRAPS REPLACED WITH STRAPS THAT HAVE INCREASED CORROSION PROTECTION. EARLY IN THIS CAMPAIGN, IF REPLACEMENT STRAPS ARE NOT…
The defect: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE…
The risk: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The fix: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
The defect: ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
The risk: A FIRE AT THE SWITCH COULD OCCUR.
The fix: BY LETTER DATED SEPTEMBER 12, 2005, OWNERS WERE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED. OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THEIR SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATED ARE BEING NOTIFIED THAT PA…
The defect: FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN 1997 THROUGH 2003 MODEL YEAR FORD F-150, 2004 MODEL YEAR FORD F-150 HERITAGE, 1997 THROUGH 1999 MODEL YEAR F-250 LESS THAN 8,500 LBS. GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR), AND 2002 AND 2003 LINCOLN BLACKWOOD VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 20, 1995, THROUGH AUGUST 4, 2004, O…
The risk: AS A RESULT OF THE CORROSION, ONE OR BOTH STRAPS MAY FAIL ALLOWING THE FUEL LINES TO SEPARATE FROM THE TANK, OR IN SOME CASES, CAUSING THE TANK TO CONTACT THE GROUND. EITHER SCENARIO MAY RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK PRESENTING A FIRE HAZARD.
The fix: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND INSTRUCT THEM TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO A FORD OR LINCOLN DEALER TO HAVE THE FUEL TANK STRAPS REPLACED WITH STRAPS THAT HAVE INCREASED CORROSION PROTECTION. EARLY IN THIS CAMPAIGN, IF REPLACEMENT STRAPS ARE NOT…
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
Lincoln Blackwood or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Lincoln Blackwood has far fewer complaints per year (4.0 vs. 452.4), but its small sample includes severe events like a wheel detaching and engine shutdown. The Honda Accord has many more complaints, yet most are addressed through frequent recalls and dealer fixes. In practice, the Blackwood demands more vigilance for rare but catastrophic failures, while the Accord requires ongoing attention to widespread electronic and engine issues.
Key differences
- The Blackwood has 8 complaints over 2 years with reports of stalling, engine failure, and a wheel detaching; the Accord has 4,524 complaints over 10 years with engine, electrical, and forward collision avoidance issues.
- The Blackwood has 5 recalls for fuel tank mounting and speed control; the Accord has 38 recalls covering hybrid power control software, spare tires, seat belts, air bag sensors, and fuel pumps.
- The Blackwood's crash-related complaints are 1 with 1 injury and 0 deaths; the Accord has 162 crash-related complaints, 146 injuries, and 3 deaths.
- The Blackwood's top component is electrical system (2 complaints), while the Accord's top component is engine (1,006 complaints), showing different scale and failure patterns.
- Check for any signs of engine overheating, coolant loss, or prior engine replacement, as owners reported engine malfunction and shutdown at highway speed.
- Inspect the front wheel hardware and brake lines for looseness or damage, since one owner reported the passenger-side wheel and brake line detaching.
- Test the electronic power steering and braking systems at low and highway speeds for any lockup or warning lights, as owners reported simultaneous failure.
- Listen for engine rattles during acceleration and feel for rough transitions between EV and gas modes, which owners described as diesel-like noises and jerking.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN through NHTSA to confirm all open recalls are completed, especially fuel tank mounting and speed control on the Blackwood, and hybrid power control software on the Accord.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Blackwood's engine, cooling system, front wheel bearings, and brake lines for the reported stalling and detachment issues.
- For the Accord, ask a dealer to check the electronic power steering, braking system, and forward collision avoidance software for updates or fault codes.
- Request a pre-purchase inspection that includes a road test at highway speeds to reproduce any stalling, warning alarms, or unexpected braking.
- Obtain a vehicle history report and maintenance records to see if prior owners addressed the specific complaints noted in NHTSA data.
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 Lincoln Blackwood or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lincoln Blackwood vs Honda Accord
- Lincoln Blackwood total complaints
- 8
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Lincoln Blackwood total recalls
- 5
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Lincoln Blackwood avg complaints/year
- 4.0
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Lincoln Blackwood
- Lincoln Blackwood top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE