Head-to-head reliability
Mazda CX 50 vs Honda Accord
How the Mazda CX 50 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 50 vs Honda Accord: the CX 50 has 169 complaints over 4 years (about 42 per year), while the Accord has 4,524 over 10 years (about 452 per year). The CX 50's top issues are forward collision avoidance (32) and brakes (29); the Accord's are engine (1,006) and electrical (895). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mazda CX 50 or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mazda CX 50
The Mazda CX 50 is a newer compact SUV with a relatively short track record: 169 complaints over four years, or about 42 per year. Owners most often flag the forward collision avoidance system, brakes, and power train, with reports of unexpected automatic braking, sensor confusion in parking garages, and occasional surging or burning smells. Recalls cover trailer hitches, lane-departure camera software, airbag software, and suspension fasteners, so checking recall completion is important.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a long-running midsize sedan with a much larger complaint pool: 4,524 complaints over ten years, averaging about 452 per year. Engine and electrical system complaints dominate, including loss of power, warning-light cascades, and hybrid power-steering or braking failures, plus forward-collision-avoidance issues. Recalls address hybrid power-control software, spare tires, seat-belt retractors, occupant sensors, and fuel pumps.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mazda CX 50 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 169 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 7 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 17 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 42.3 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 17 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.
Mazda CX 50
- 01FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE32
- 02SERVICE BRAKES29
- 03POWER TRAIN26
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM21
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER21
Owners report the automatic emergency braking misreading obstacles, such as parking-garage ceilings, and braking inconsistently or failing to prevent a rear-end impact. This matters because the system can surprise the driver at low speeds or in tight spaces.
Complaints include backup-sensor warnings during slow reversing and a case of surging then rapid acceleration where braking did not slow the vehicle. Buyers should test low-speed braking and sensor behavior, especially in parking situations.
Reports include a severe burning smell after highway driving and a steep climb, and aggressive revving when adaptive cruise control resumes speed. These suggest heat or transmission-control quirks that warrant a thorough test drive and smell check.
Owners describe repeated battery drain, with one reporting a third battery since 2024 and low-battery warnings within a month of replacement. This points to a parasitic-drain or charging issue that can leave a buyer stranded.
“The contact owned a 2024 Mazda CX-50. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, after exiting the freeway, the contact was distracted, and when the contact turned to face the road, the vehicle rear-ended the vehicle in front. The contact…”
“The automatic emergency braking in this vehicle is faulty. It misinterprets obstacles and uses the emergency braking inconsistently. I park in a parking garage and I have to slowly (less than 5 MPH) drive up any ramps because it apparently sees the ceiling of…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report warning-light cascades (brake, hill-descent, ABS, critical failure) and loss of speed at highway speeds, plus rattling noises and rough transitions between EV and gas modes. These can indicate serious powertrain faults that may strand a driver.
Complaints include simultaneous failure and lock-up of electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds, and a tire failure shortly after a TPMS repair. Electrical faults affecting steering and braking are high-risk and should be checked via recall and service history.
Owners describe unexpected braking under adaptive cruise control on open roads with no obstructions, sometimes recurring on the same route. This can cause sudden speed changes and near-misses, so buyers should verify software updates and recall completion.
Reports include a persistent rotten-egg/sulfur odor that remained after a paid filter and odor treatment, and a foot slipping behind a center-console side panel. These suggest build or material issues that are hard to diagnose and may recur.
“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.
Mazda CX 50 — 7 recalls
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024-2025 CX-50 vehicles equipped with Mazda Genuine Accessory trailer hitches. The trailer hitch assembly bolts may loosen and cause the assembly to separate from the vehicle body during towing or normal driving conditions.
The risk: A detached trailer hitch assembly can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the trailer hitch bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2025. Mazda's number for this recall is 7225C.
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 Mazda 3, CX-30, and 2025 CX-50 vehicles. A malfunction in the forward sensing camera (FSC) may prevent the automatic emergency braking system and the lane-keep assist system from functioning. In addition, the headlights will not auto…
The risk: Automatic braking, steering assist, and headlight control systems that do not function as intended can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the forward sensing camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 6. Mazda's number for…
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024-2025 CX-50 vehicles equipped with Mazda Genuine Accessory trailer hitches. The trailer hitch assembly bolts may loosen and cause the assembly to separate from the vehicle body during towing or normal driving conditions.
The risk: A detached trailer hitch assembly can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the trailer hitch bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2025. Mazda's number for this recall is 7225C.
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain CX-50 Hybrid and CX-50 vehicles. Incorrectly configured module software may cause the air bag to deploy improperly.
The risk: An air bag that deploys improperly increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the module software, free of charge. Owner notifications will not be mailed due to all vehicles being under Mazda dealer control. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. The manufacturer's…
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
Mazda CX 50 or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Mazda CX 50 has far fewer complaints per year (about 42 versus about 452 for the Accord), but it is also a newer model with a shorter history. In practice, the Accord's larger complaint volume reflects a longer production run and more vehicles on the road, while the CX 50's smaller pool still shows notable braking and electrical concerns.
Key differences
- The Mazda CX 50 has about 42 complaints per year versus about 452 for the Honda Accord, but the Accord's figure spans ten years and many more vehicles.
- CX 50 complaints cluster around forward collision avoidance and brakes, with reports of unexpected automatic braking and sensor confusion in garages.
- Accord complaints heavily feature engine and electrical failures, including warning-light cascades, loss of power, and hybrid steering/braking lock-up.
- Both vehicles have forward-collision-avoidance complaints, but the Accord also has fuel-system and hybrid power-control recalls that the CX 50 does not.
- Test the automatic emergency braking at low speeds in a parking garage or tight space to see if it brakes unexpectedly or misreads overhead structures.
- Check for repeated battery drain by asking about battery replacement history and testing for parasitic draw, since owners report multiple batteries in a short period.
- During a test drive, watch for warning-light cascades (brake, ABS, hill-descent) and any loss of power or rough hybrid transitions, especially at highway speeds.
- Verify that hybrid power-control and fuel-pump recalls were completed, and test electronic power steering and braking for any lock-up or unusual feel.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN through NHTSA to confirm all recalls are completed, especially trailer-hitch, lane-camera, airbag-software, and suspension-fastener recalls on the CX 50 and hybrid-software, fuel-pump, and seat-belt recalls on the Accord.
- Ask for a full battery and charging-system test on the CX 50, and a hybrid-system health check on the Accord.
- Test forward-collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control on a highway and in a parking garage, noting any unexpected braking or revving.
- Obtain a pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on brakes, electrical systems, and powertrain warnings.
- Review service records for repeated repairs to the same system, such as multiple batteries on the CX 50 or warning-light fixes on the Accord.
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 50 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 26 | 10 |
| 2025 | 47 | 109 |
| 2024 | 33 | 219 |
| 2023 | 63 | 226 |
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 50 or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mazda CX 50 vs Honda Accord
- Mazda CX 50 total complaints
- 169
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Mazda CX 50 total recalls
- 7
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Mazda CX 50 avg complaints/year
- 42.3
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Mazda CX 50
- Mazda CX 50 top complaint area
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE