Head-to-head reliability
Lincoln LS vs Honda Accord
How the Lincoln LS 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 LS vs Honda Accord: The LS averages 144 complaints per year, with serious issues like air bag deployment and transmission failure. The Accord averages 443.8 complaints per year, but many are electronic glitches. The LS has 4 recalls, the Accord 38. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lincoln LS or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lincoln LS
The Lincoln LS, a rear-wheel-drive sedan from the early 2000s, shows a high rate of owner complaints, averaging 144 per year. The most frequent issues involve the suspension, engine cooling, air bags, and transmission, with many owners reporting repeated failures and costly repairs. The sample complaints describe overheating in traffic, rough shifting, and even air bags deploying without impact, which are serious safety and reliability concerns.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord, a popular midsize sedan, has a much higher total number of complaints (4438) but over a longer period (10 years), averaging 443.8 per year. The top issues are engine problems, electrical system glitches, and false alerts from the forward collision avoidance system. Owners report engine noises, warning lights, and occasional catastrophic failures like tire blowouts and sunroof explosions, but these are less frequent relative to the vehicle's popularity.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lincoln LS | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,008 Better | 4,438 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 79 Better | 160 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 144.0 Better | 443.8 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 64 Better | 144 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 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 LS
- 01SUSPENSION270
- 02ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING145
- 03AIR BAGS142
- 04POWER TRAIN126
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM103
Owners report a variety of suspension-related problems, including overheating that may be linked to cooling system issues, and warning lights illuminating. The suspension is a top complaint area, suggesting potential issues with ball joints or control arms, which can affect handling and safety.
The engine cooling system is a major problem, with owners experiencing overheating at idle or in traffic. This can lead to engine damage if not addressed promptly. Some complaints also mention smoke under the hood, indicating possible coolant leaks or electrical issues.
There are alarming reports of air bags deploying without any impact, both while parked and while driving. This can cause injuries and is a serious safety defect. Owners also report that the air bag light illuminates, indicating a system malfunction.
Transmission problems are common, with owners reporting rough or jerky shifts, failure to shift into certain gears, and the need for transmission rebuilds. Solenoid issues and torque converter problems are mentioned, leading to expensive repairs.
“We have owned this car for about 3 years and it has been one problem after another and see same problems on line 1) Will start over heating sometimes at idle sometimes while driving (try being in DFW rush hour traffic and deal with that 2) Wife was driving on…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN LS. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH SHE NOTICED THE PARKING BRAKE/ SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. SEVERAL DAYS LATER WHILE STARTING THE IGNITION SHE NOTICED SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHIC…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE985
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM863
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE821
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER725
- 05SERVICE BRAKES592
Engine complaints include unusual noises, loss of power, and warning lights. Some owners report issues shortly after purchase, such as a noise that persists. There are also reports of the vehicle losing speed on the highway, which could be a serious safety concern.
Electrical problems range from TPMS warnings to rodent damage to wiring harnesses. Some owners report catastrophic tire failures after a TPMS warning, and others mention issues with the camshaft position sensor wiring. These can lead to unexpected breakdowns.
Many owners report false alerts from the adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and automatic high beams. These systems can malfunction intermittently, causing warnings that are distracting and may undermine driver trust in safety features.
Brake-related complaints include issues with the antilock brake system and hill descent control, with warning lights appearing. Some owners report a loss of braking ability, which is critical for safety.
“I purchased this vehicle at 0 miles in July 2025 from Honda Accord in Pensacola Florida. I reported in July 2025 that there was a noise and I was unhappy with the vehicle and would like to exchange the vehicle within the 30 days months later, the noise got lo…”
“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…”
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 LS — 4 recalls
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 17 INCH CHROME WHEELS, THE CHROME WHEELS WERE NOT HEAT-TREATED. THESE WHEELS MAY CRACK AT THE LUG-NUT HOLES, WHICH COULD RESULT IN THE LOSS OF THE LUG-NUT TORQUE.
The risk: IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE NOISE AND/OR VIBRATION WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE COULD RESULT IN THE WHEEL SEPARATING FROM THE HUB, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WHEELS TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL THE WHEELS HAVE BEEN HEAT-TREATED. ANY WHEEL THAT HAS NOT BEEN HEAT-TREATED WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 14, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DE…
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK MAY HAVE A LOCALIZED THIN WALL SECTION IN THE LOWER HALF OF THE TANK. THE FUEL TANK MAY CRACK CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR A FUEL LEAK AND FUEL ODOR. THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" INDICATOR MAY ILLUMINATE.
The risk: A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 4, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673, LINCOLN AT 1-800-521-4140.
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATIONS WHEN THEY WERE ATTACHED TO THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS.
The risk: IF THE BALL JOINT ATTACHING NUTS ARE NOT ADEQUATELY TIGHTENED, THEY CAN LOOSEN AND, ULTIMATELY, RESULT IN FRACTURE OF THE BALL JOINT STUD. IF THE BALL JOINT FRACTURES, CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD BE AFFECTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRAS…
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TORQUE ON THE TWO BALL JOINT ATTACHING NUTS. VEHICLES WITH LOOSE BALL JOINT ATTACHING NUTS WILL EITHER HAVE THE FASTENERS TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION, OR IF NECESSARY, THE BALL JOINTS WILL BE REPLACED.
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATIONS WHEN THEY WERE ATTACHED TO THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS.
The risk: IF THE BALL JOINT ATTACHING NUTS ARE NOT ADEQUATELY TIGHTENED, THEY CAN LOOSEN AND, ULTIMATELY, RESULT IN FRACTURE OF THE BALL JOINT STUD. IF THE BALL JOINT FRACTURES, CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD BE AFFECTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRAS…
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TORQUE ON THE TWO BALL JOINT ATTACHING NUTS. VEHICLES WITH LOOSE BALL JOINT ATTACHING NUTS WILL EITHER HAVE THE FASTENERS TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION, OR IF NECESSARY, THE BALL JOINTS WILL BE REPLACED.
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 (America Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023 Civic, Acura RDX, Acura Integra, and 2022 Honda Accord vehicles. A ball valve in the vehicle stability assist (VSA) modulator may leak brake fluid, which can result in unintended vehicle movement when the brake hold feature is engaged or an…
The risk: Unintended vehicle movement or an unexpected increase in brake pedal travel can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the VSA modulator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are OEJ, XEK, AEY, XEX and OEW.
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 LS or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Honda Accord has a higher total number of complaints, but when adjusted for the number of years, it averages 443.8 complaints per year compared to the Lincoln LS's 144.0. However, the Lincoln LS's complaints are more concentrated on serious safety issues like air bag deployment and transmission failures, while the Accord's issues are more varied and often relate to driver-assistance systems. In practice, the Accord may have more frequent but less severe problems, while the LS has fewer but potentially more dangerous ones.
Key differences
- The Lincoln LS has a higher proportion of complaints related to air bags deploying without impact, which is a severe safety issue, while the Accord's air bag complaints are not as prominent.
- The Accord's top issue is engine problems, but many are minor, whereas the LS's engine cooling issues can lead to overheating and potential engine damage.
- The Accord has a significant number of complaints about forward collision avoidance systems giving false alerts, which is not a concern for the LS, which lacks such advanced systems.
- The LS has more transmission problems, with owners reporting rough shifting and rebuilds, while the Accord's transmission issues are less frequent in the top complaints.
- Inspect the cooling system for leaks and ensure the engine does not overheat during a test drive, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
- Check the air bag system for any warning lights and ask for a history of any air bag deployments, as there are reports of spontaneous deployment.
- Test all driver-assistance features (adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, etc.) to ensure they do not produce false warnings or errors.
- Look for any signs of electrical issues, such as warning lights or intermittent failures, and check the wiring harness for rodent damage if the car is parked outdoors.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to check for any open recalls or past major repairs.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the specific problem areas mentioned.
- Take the car for an extended test drive, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to check for overheating, shifting issues, and warning lights.
- Ask for maintenance records to see if the transmission or cooling system has been serviced or replaced.
- Check the air bag system by verifying the air bag light is off and asking if any air bag-related work has been done.
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 LS or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lincoln LS vs Honda Accord
- Lincoln LS total complaints
- 1,008
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,438
- Lincoln LS total recalls
- 4
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Lincoln LS avg complaints/year
- 144.0
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 443.8
- More reliable overall
- Lincoln LS
- Lincoln LS top complaint area
- SUSPENSION
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE