Head-to-head reliability
Mazda CX 5 vs Honda Accord
How the Mazda CX 5 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
Mazda CX 5 vs Honda Accord: The CX-5 averages 98.8 complaints per year over 10 years, while the Accord averages 443.8. The CX-5 has 6 recalls, the Accord 38. Owners report engine and electrical issues in both, but the Accord also has frequent forward collision avoidance problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mazda CX 5 or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mazda CX 5
The Mazda CX-5 is a compact SUV that, in ownership terms, offers a refined ride and upscale interior, but the complaint data reveals a pattern of engine and electrical gremlins that could interrupt daily driving. Owners report unexpected acceleration, oil leaks from the timing cover, and infotainment screen failures, suggesting that while the car may be enjoyable when new, it can develop concerning issues over time. The relatively low number of complaints per year compared to the Accord indicates a lower frequency of reported problems, but the nature of some issues, like unintended acceleration, warrants serious attention.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a midsize sedan known for its reliability and efficiency, but the complaint data shows a high volume of reports, particularly in the engine, electrical, and forward collision avoidance systems. Owners describe sudden power loss, warning light cascades, and phantom braking events, which can be alarming and potentially dangerous. The high complaint count and numerous recalls suggest that while the Accord may have a strong reputation, it is not immune to significant issues, especially in its advanced driver assistance systems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mazda CX 5 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 988 Better | 4,438 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 6 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 52 Better | 160 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 98.8 Better | 443.8 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 34 Better | 144 |
| 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.
Mazda CX 5
- 01ENGINE369
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER176
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM161
- 04POWER TRAIN96
- 05SERVICE BRAKES80
Owners report sudden unintended acceleration and oil leaks from the timing cover due to premature seal failure. The oil leak can drip onto hot components, posing a fire risk, and the acceleration issue is a serious safety concern.
The Connectivity Master Unit (CMU) can malfunction, causing the infotainment display and dashboard telemetry to blink or drop signals erratically. This can be distracting and may affect access to vehicle information.
Some owners report oil consumption issues leading to low oil warnings shortly after service, and a 'trailing link shaft' breaking at the rear wheel, which could affect vehicle stability and control.
“..... ON AT LEAST 5 SEPERATE OCCASIONS OUR 2021 MAZDA CX5 SUV ACCELERATED TO A HIGH RATE OF SPEED (ON IT'S OWN). IT HAS DONE IT TO MY WIFE AND I BOTH. I CONTACTED TWO DIFFERENT MAZDA SERVICE CENTERS AND WAS ADVISED THEY HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF THIS AND THAT THER…”
“The vehicle developed an engine oil leak from the timing cover due to what appears to be premature seal failure. Engine oil was leaking externally and could drip onto hot engine components, creating a potential fire hazard while the vehicle is in operation. T…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE985
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM863
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE821
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER725
- 05SERVICE BRAKES592
Owners report sudden loss of power and warning lights for brake, hill descent, and ABS systems while driving, which can be dangerous if it occurs on the highway. There are also reports of unusual noises from the engine.
There are reports of tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) failures leading to tire issues, and rodent damage to wiring harnesses, which can cause various electrical problems and potential safety issues.
The system can trigger false alerts or apply brakes unexpectedly, even on open roads with no obstacles, which can startle drivers and increase the risk of rear-end collisions from following vehicles.
“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.
Mazda CX 5 — 6 recalls
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda CX-5 vehicles. In the event of a side impact or rollover crash, the side curtain air bags may not properly unfold during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety S…
The risk: If the air bags do not deploy properly in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2718F.
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018-2019 CX-5, Mazda6, and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall.
The risk: An unexpected stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3719F.
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
The risk: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2017 CX-5 vehicles equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness. This harness may be routed such that there is insufficient clearance between the harness and the exhaust muffler, allowing the wiring harness to contact the muffl…
The risk: Contact with the muffler may damage the trailer wiring harness, potentially resulting in the trailer lighting being inoperative, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reroute the trailer hitch harness away from the muffler, replacing the harness if it is damaged, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 20, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer…
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
Mazda CX 5 or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
Based on NHTSA data, the Mazda CX-5 has fewer complaints per year (98.8) compared to the Honda Accord (443.8), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, the Accord's higher volume may reflect its larger sales numbers, and both vehicles have serious safety-related complaints. In practice, the CX-5 may offer a more trouble-free ownership experience, but buyers should still be vigilant about the specific issues noted.
Key differences
- The CX-5 has a notable issue with unintended acceleration, while the Accord has more reports of sudden power loss and warning light cascades.
- The Accord has a much higher number of complaints related to forward collision avoidance, with owners reporting phantom braking, whereas the CX-5's complaints are more focused on engine and electrical gremlins.
- The CX-5 has fewer total complaints and recalls, suggesting a lower overall problem rate, but the Accord's issues are more concentrated in advanced driver assistance systems.
- Both vehicles have engine problems, but the CX-5's oil leaks and the Accord's power loss present different risk profiles.
- Check for any history of engine oil leaks, especially from the timing cover, and ask for service records related to that.
- Test the acceleration behavior at low speeds to ensure there is no surging or unintended acceleration.
- Verify that the forward collision avoidance system does not trigger false alerts by test driving in an open area.
- Inspect the wiring harnesses for any signs of rodent damage, especially if the car is parked outdoors.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on the specific VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine and electrical systems.
- Test drive at various speeds and conditions to check for any unusual acceleration, braking, or warning lights.
- Ask for service records to see if any of the common issues have already been addressed.
- Check the NHTSA website for the latest complaints and recalls for the exact model year you are considering.
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 | Mazda CX 5 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 14 | 5 |
| 2025 | 27 | 101 |
| 2024 | 42 | 214 |
| 2023 | 61 | 224 |
| 2022 | 63 | 238 |
| 2021 | 143 | 226 |
| 2020 | 106 | 355 |
| 2019 | 267 | 677 |
| 2018 | 117 | 1864 |
| 2017 | 148 | 534 |
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 Mazda CX 5 or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mazda CX 5 vs Honda Accord
- Mazda CX 5 total complaints
- 988
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,438
- Mazda CX 5 total recalls
- 6
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Mazda CX 5 avg complaints/year
- 98.8
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 443.8
- More reliable overall
- Mazda CX 5
- Mazda CX 5 top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE