Head-to-head reliability
Mazda Mazda5 vs Honda Accord
How the Mazda Mazda5 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 Mazda5 vs Honda Accord: The Mazda5 averaged 41 complaints per year with 15 recalls, while the Accord averaged 452 complaints per year with 38 recalls. The Mazda5's top issues are steering (101 complaints) and tires (59), while the Accord's are engine (1006) and electrical (895). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mazda Mazda5 or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mazda Mazda5
The Mazda Mazda5 is a compact minivan with sliding doors, and over 10 years it averaged 41 complaints per year, which is relatively low. The most common owner complaints involve steering, tires, and suspension, with reports of power steering lights staying on, violent shaking, and uneven tire wear. There are also structural issues like door handles breaking and liftgate recalls. Overall, it's a smaller, simpler vehicle that may appeal to buyers wanting low annual complaint volume, but specific recurring problems need attention.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a midsize sedan with a much higher complaint rate: 452 complaints per year on average, over 10 times that of the Mazda5. The most frequent issues are engine, electrical system, and forward collision avoidance problems, including loss of power, braking failures, and unintended automatic braking. There are also fuel system and unknown odor complaints. While the Accord is popular, the volume of complaints suggests more frequent and varied problems, some serious.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mazda Mazda5 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 410 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 15 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 29 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 41.0 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 28 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 Mazda5
- 01STEERING101
- 02TIRES59
- 03SUSPENSION57
- 04STRUCTURE36
- 05SERVICE BRAKES34
Owners report the power steering light coming on and staying on, sometimes while driving, and one complaint describes violent shaking at 50 mph with a bent rear tire rim. These issues can affect control and may require costly repairs to the electric power assist system.
A reported tire blowout caused loss of control and an accident, damaging the front end, engine, transmission pan, and steering gear. Buyers should check tire condition and age carefully, as blowouts can be sudden and dangerous.
Owners describe consistent edge wear and cupping on inner edges of both front and rear tires, requiring replacement around 23,000 to 25,000 miles. Another complaint notes the transmission control module (TCM) fails due to heat-related design, leading to expensive repairs.
Door handles can stop working on low-mileage vehicles because a small internal groove breaks, a problem reported as common. There are also recalls for the liftgate, and one owner had trouble getting a recall notice addressed.
“I HAVE HAD AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THE POWER STEERING LIGHT COMING ON IN MY CAR. THERE WERE TIMES THAT I HAVE HAD MY CAR PARKED OVERNIGHT, GOT UP THE NEXT MORNING TO LEAVE FOR WORK, THE LIGHT WAS STILL ON FROM THE PREVIOUS AFTERNOON. THE LIGHT HAS COME ON WHILE…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MAZDA MAZDA5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE REAR TIRE RIM WAS BENT. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT IN ANOTHER OCCASION WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MP…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report sudden loss of power with multiple alarms (brake, hill descent, ABS, critical failure) at highway speeds, and rattling noises with rough transitions between EV and gas modes. These can leave a driver stranded or cause unsafe speed loss.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds, causing near-collisions, and a tire failure shortly after a TPMS repair. Electrical glitches can affect critical safety systems.
Owners describe the system activating unexpectedly on open roads or with adaptive cruise control set, sometimes twice on the same route. This can cause sudden braking or other interventions that increase crash risk.
Reports include a persistent rotten-egg/sulfur odor that remained after a paid repair, and a foot slipping behind a plastic side panel. These may indicate design or quality issues that are hard to diagnose.
“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 Mazda5 — 15 recalls
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2010, to June 22, 2015, 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 26,…
The risk: If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Mazda dealers will replace the both lift gate supports, free of charge, however parts are not currently available. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is…
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2010, to June 22, 2015, 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 26,…
The risk: If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Mazda dealers will replace the both lift gate supports, free of charge, however parts are not currently available. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is…
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2010, to June 22, 2015, 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 26,…
The risk: If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Mazda dealers will replace the both lift gate supports, free of charge, however parts are not currently available. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is…
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2010, to June 22, 2015, 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 26,…
The risk: If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Mazda dealers will replace the both lift gate supports, free of charge, however parts are not currently available. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is…
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 Mazda5 or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Mazda Mazda5 has far fewer complaints per year (41 vs. 452 for the Honda Accord), meaning owners report problems less often. However, the Accord's higher volume includes many serious electrical and engine issues, while the Mazda5's issues are more focused on steering, tires, and suspension. In practice, the Mazda5 may be simpler to own, but both have notable safety-related complaints.
Key differences
- The Honda Accord has over 10 times the annual complaint rate of the Mazda Mazda5 (452 vs. 41), with more reports of engine and electrical failures.
- Mazda Mazda5 complaints center on steering, tires, and suspension, including power steering light issues and uneven tire wear.
- Honda Accord complaints frequently involve forward collision avoidance activating unexpectedly and simultaneous power steering/braking failures.
- The Mazda Mazda5 has structural issues like door handles breaking and liftgate recalls, while the Accord has fuel system and unknown odor complaints.
- Check for power steering warning lights that stay on or come on intermittently, and test drive at highway speeds for shaking or vibration.
- Inspect tire wear patterns, especially inner edges, and look for cupping or uneven wear that could indicate suspension problems.
- Test all electrical systems, including power steering and brakes, and watch for warning lights or sudden loss of assist.
- Verify forward collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control function properly, and check for any history of unintended braking or alarms.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls, especially for the Mazda5 liftgate and steering, and the Accord electrical and fuel pump recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Mazda5's steering system, tires, and suspension for wear or damage, and test drive on varied roads.
- For the Honda Accord, scan for stored error codes, test all electronic safety systems, and check for any signs of engine misfire or power loss.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for tire replacements and any repairs related to complaints like TCM failure or electrical issues.
- During a test drive, pay attention to unusual noises, warning lights, and any unexpected braking or steering behavior.
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 Mazda5 or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mazda Mazda5 vs Honda Accord
- Mazda Mazda5 total complaints
- 410
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Mazda Mazda5 total recalls
- 15
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Mazda Mazda5 avg complaints/year
- 41.0
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Mazda Mazda5
- Mazda Mazda5 top complaint area
- STEERING
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE