Head-to-head reliability
Mazda CX 90 vs Honda Accord
How the Mazda CX 90 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 90 vs Honda Accord: The CX-90 averages 278 complaints per year with 13 recalls, while the Accord averages 452 complaints per year with 38 recalls. The CX-90's top issue is steering lock-up; the Accord's is engine and electrical failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mazda CX 90 or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mazda CX 90
The Mazda CX-90 is a newer three-row SUV with only three years of complaint history, averaging about 278 complaints per year. The most common owner-reported problem is steering that becomes stiff or locks, often with warning lights and difficulty shifting out of Park. Other reports include engine and electrical glitches, such as safety cameras failing and screens glitching, plus water leaks and chemical fumes. With 13 recalls and 24 crash-related complaints, it's a vehicle where steering and electrical quirks dominate the ownership experience.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a long-running midsize sedan with a decade of data, averaging about 452 complaints per year. Owners frequently report engine problems like loss of power and rough transitions, electrical failures including power steering and braking lock-up, and forward collision avoidance systems that brake unexpectedly. There are also reports of fuel system issues and persistent odors. With 38 recalls and 162 crash-related complaints, the Accord has a broader range of reported problems across more systems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mazda CX 90 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 835 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 13 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 24 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 278.3 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 26 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 90
- 01STEERING375
- 02ENGINE138
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM123
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER98
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE92
Owners report the steering wheel becoming stiff or locked while driving or at start-up, often with multiple dashboard warning lights and an inability to shift from Park to Drive. This can leave a driver unable to steer or move the vehicle, which is a serious safety concern.
Some owners describe the safety camera system and touch screen failing shortly after driving, with warning lights indicating the systems aren't working. This can affect driver awareness and convenience features.
Complaints include the safety camera system stopping and the touch screen glitching, similar to engine-related reports. These electrical glitches can distract the driver and reduce confidence in the vehicle's reliability.
Owners report water pouring into the cabin from the overhead console after heavy rain, and strong chemical fumes entering the passenger cabin. These issues can affect comfort, health, and potentially cause electrical damage.
“On multiple occasions, the steering wheel became stiff or locked while driving or during start-up, multiple dashboard warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle could not be shifted from Park to Drive. This occurred repeatedly since the vehicle was purchased…”
“On multiple occasions, the steering wheel became stiff or locked while driving or during start-up, multiple dashboard warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle could not be shifted from Park to Drive. This occurred repeatedly since the vehicle was purchased…”
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, with the vehicle losing speed and unable to accelerate. Others note rattling noises while accelerating and rough transitions between EV and gas modes, which can indicate powertrain issues.
Complaints include electronic power steering and braking systems failing and locking up simultaneously at highway speeds, leading to near-collisions. Another owner reported a tire failure shortly after a TPMS warning was supposedly fixed.
Owners describe the system braking unexpectedly on open roads or with adaptive cruise control set, sometimes occurring repeatedly under similar conditions. This can cause sudden deceleration and increase crash risk.
Reports include a persistent rotten-egg or sulfur odor that remains after filter replacement and odor treatment, and a foot slipping behind a plastic side panel. These issues affect comfort and potentially indicate other problems.
“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 90 — 13 recalls
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024-2025 CX-90 and 2025 CX-70 vehicles equipped with a Dash Electrical Supply Unit (ESU). During vehicle startup, the defroster, seat belt warning, 360° view monitor functions, and the PHEV high-voltage battery cooling system may not fun…
The risk: An ESU that does not function properly, increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the Dash ESU with improved software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2024. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 7…
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024-2025 CX-90 and 2025 CX-70 mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEV). The fuel gauge in the instrument cluster may display an inaccurate fuel reading.
The risk: An inaccurate fuel gauge may result in the vehicle unexpectedly running out of fuel and stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the body control module (BCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 24, 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. The manufacturer's number for this r…
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 CX-90 vehicles. Some steering and suspension bolts may be missing or improperly tightened, which can cause the steering intermediate shaft, the front anti-lock brake system wheel speed sensor harnesses, or the front upper control arm…
The risk: A loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten or replace the steering and suspension bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 14, 2023. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda'…
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 CX-90 vehicles. Software in the Approaching Vehicle Audible System (AVAS) Information Sound Box (ISB) amplifier may be missing, which can cause inaccurate, external pedestrian warning sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply wi…
The risk: Inaccurate external warning sounds may confuse pedestrians about the direction of an approaching vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the AVAS ISB amplifier software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 18, 2023. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 6123H.
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 90 or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Mazda CX-90 has far fewer complaints per year (about 278) than the Honda Accord (about 452), but the CX-90's steering lock-ups are a serious safety concern. The Accord has more complaints overall and a wider variety of issues, including engine and electrical failures. In practice, the CX-90 may have fewer total problems, but the ones reported are often severe.
Key differences
- Mazda CX-90 owners most often report steering that becomes stiff or locks, while Honda Accord owners report engine power loss and electrical failures.
- The CX-90 has 13 recalls and 24 crash-related complaints; the Accord has 38 recalls and 162 crash-related complaints.
- CX-90 complaints include water leaks and chemical fumes; Accord complaints include unexpected braking and fuel system issues.
- The CX-90 averages 278 complaints per year; the Accord averages 452 complaints per year.
- Test the steering at low speeds and during start-up for any stiffness or locking, and check for warning lights on the dashboard.
- Inspect for water stains around the overhead console and sunroof switches, and smell for chemical odors in the cabin.
- Test the electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds for any lock-up or failure, and check for warning lights.
- Listen for rattling noises during acceleration and feel for rough transitions between EV and gas modes, especially in hybrid models.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Take a test drive that includes highway speeds, stop-and-go traffic, and parking maneuvers to check steering and braking.
- Have a mechanic inspect the steering system, electrical components, and for any signs of water leaks or odors.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and whether any software updates or recalls have been performed.
- For the Accord, specifically test the forward collision avoidance system 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 | Mazda CX 90 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 20 | 10 |
| 2025 | 30 | 109 |
| 2024 | 785 | 219 |
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 90 or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
No VIN yet? Ask the seller.
A genuine seller should be happy to share it. Send this, then paste the VIN into the box above when it comes back.
Going to see one?
Get the Mazda CX 90 inspection checklist by email, so you know what to look for when you're standing next to it.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mazda CX 90 vs Honda Accord
- Mazda CX 90 total complaints
- 835
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Mazda CX 90 total recalls
- 13
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Mazda CX 90 avg complaints/year
- 278.3
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Mazda CX 90
- Mazda CX 90 top complaint area
- STEERING
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE