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 267 complaints per year with 13 recalls, while the Accord averages 444 per year with 38 recalls. The CX-90's top issue is steering, while the Accord's is engine problems. 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 a relatively short track record, averaging about 267 complaints per year over three years. The most common owner complaints involve steering problems, often described as the wheel becoming stiff or locked, along with engine and electrical issues that can cause reduced power. There are also reports of water leaks and chemical fumes inside the cabin. With 13 recalls and 24 crash-related complaints, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection, especially of the steering and hybrid systems.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a long-running midsize sedan with a much larger complaint pool—about 444 per year over ten years. Owners frequently report engine and electrical problems, including loss of power and warning lights, as well as forward collision avoidance system glitches. There are also complaints about service brakes and unexpected issues like sunroof glass shattering. With 38 recalls and 160 crash-related complaints, it has a well-documented history of varied safety concerns.
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 | 802 Better | 4,438 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 13 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 24 Better | 160 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 267.3 Better | 443.8 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 26 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 90
- 01STEERING359
- 02ENGINE134
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM119
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER95
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE92
Owners report the steering wheel becoming stiff or locked while driving or at start-up, sometimes accompanied by warning lights and an inability to shift out of Park. This can make the vehicle hard to control and may be tied to a prior recall on critical fasteners.
Complaints include warnings like 'Acceleration Limited Due to Low Fuel and/or Battery Condition' and hybrid system malfunctions that cause reduced acceleration and loss of power. These drivability issues can leave a driver vulnerable in traffic.
Owners describe hybrid battery failures, sometimes after a recall repair, leading to complete car failure and burning smells. Others report sudden reduced power with battery-related warnings, indicating potential software or hardware faults.
Reports include water pouring into the cabin from the overhead console after heavy rain, and strong chemical fumes entering the passenger area. These issues affect comfort and could indicate body seal or HVAC problems.
“I am filing this complaint regarding a serious steering safety issue with my 2024 Mazda CX-90, which I purchased on March 24, 2026, with approximately 40,000 miles. The vehicle previously underwent Mazda Safety Recall 6524A involving the steering system and i…”
“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
- 01ENGINE985
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM863
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE821
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER725
- 05SERVICE BRAKES592
Owners report noises, loss of speed, and multiple alarms (Brake, hill descent, ABS, critical failure) that can cause the vehicle to become undrivable. These symptoms suggest potential fuel pump or software issues that may strand a driver.
Complaints include tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warnings followed by catastrophic tire failure, and rodent damage to wiring harnesses even on new cars. Such failures can lead to blowouts or engine stalling.
Owners report intermittent warnings for adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and automatic high beams, sometimes with no obstruction present. These glitches can erode trust in the safety systems and may distract the driver.
While fewer details are given, brake-related complaints appear frequently, often tied to ABS or traction control module failures. Brake problems are critical for safety and should be checked thoroughly.
“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 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 (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 90 or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Mazda CX-90 has far fewer complaints per year (about 267) compared to the Honda Accord (about 444), but the CX-90's issues often involve serious steering and power loss. The Accord's longer history shows a broader range of problems, including engine and electrical faults. In practice, the CX-90 may have fewer overall complaints, but each one can be severe, while the Accord's higher volume means more chances for any given issue.
Key differences
- The Mazda CX-90 has a much lower complaint rate per year (267 vs. 444), but its top issue is steering failure, which can cause loss of control.
- The Honda Accord has a higher complaint volume and more crash-related reports (160 vs. 24), with engine and electrical problems often leading to power loss.
- The CX-90 has 13 recalls in 3 years, while the Accord has 38 recalls over 10 years, indicating different recall frequencies.
- Owner complaints for the CX-90 include water leaks and chemical fumes, while the Accord has reports of sunroof glass shattering and tire failures.
- Check for any history of steering stiffness or locking, and confirm that all steering-related recalls (like 6524A) have been performed.
- Test drive the vehicle extensively, including cold starts and highway speeds, to watch for warning lights related to hybrid system or reduced power.
- Inspect the tires and TPMS system carefully, as some owners reported tire failure shortly after TPMS service.
- Ask for a pre-purchase inspection of the electrical system and wiring harnesses, especially if the car is new or has low mileage, due to reports of rodent damage.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all open recalls have been addressed.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the steering system (CX-90) or engine/electrical systems (Accord).
- Test drive for at least 30 minutes, including highway and stop-and-go traffic, to replicate conditions that trigger warnings.
- Check for any signs of water leaks or unusual odors in the cabin (CX-90) or sunroof integrity (Accord).
- Verify that the hybrid battery and related software (CX-90) or fuel pump and brake control modules (Accord) have been serviced per recalls.
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 | 14 | 5 |
| 2025 | 27 | 101 |
| 2024 | 761 | 214 |
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.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mazda CX 90 vs Honda Accord
- Mazda CX 90 total complaints
- 802
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,438
- Mazda CX 90 total recalls
- 13
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Mazda CX 90 avg complaints/year
- 267.3
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 443.8
- More reliable overall
- Mazda CX 90
- Mazda CX 90 top complaint area
- STEERING
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE