Head-to-head reliability
Mercedes BENZ GLB Class vs Honda Accord
How the Mercedes BENZ GLB Class 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
Mercedes BENZ GLB Class vs Honda Accord: The GLB has 89 complaints over 7 years and 0 recalls, while the Accord has 4,524 complaints over 10 years and 38 recalls. The GLB averages about 13 complaints per year versus about 452 for the Accord. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercedes BENZ GLB Class or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercedes BENZ GLB Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLB Class is a compact luxury SUV that has averaged about 13 complaints per year over seven years, with no recalls on record. Owners report a mix of structural, engine, and electrical problems, including a transmission that can slip into neutral at highway speed and a hood-latch warning that can disable the wipers. The low complaint count suggests fewer reported issues overall, but the nature of some complaints—sudden power loss and spoiler detachment—means a thorough pre-purchase inspection is critical.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a mainstream midsize sedan with a much higher complaint volume—about 452 per year over ten years—and 38 recalls. The most common trouble spots are the engine, electrical system, and forward collision avoidance, with reports of simultaneous power steering and braking failure, adaptive cruise control surprises, and hybrid power control software recalls. The Accord's higher volume reflects its popularity, but the severity of some electrical and engine complaints means buyers should verify recall work and test all safety systems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercedes BENZ GLB Class | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 89 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 5 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 12.7 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 5 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.
Mercedes BENZ GLB Class
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER18
- 02STRUCTURE17
- 03ENGINE16
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM15
- 05SUSPENSION9
Owners describe losing power while driving, with the check engine light coming on and the car entering limp mode. One complaint mentions a service campaign, so buyers should confirm any related software or hardware updates were performed.
A recurring report is the hood-open warning appearing while driving, which can cause the windshield wipers to cut in and out or shut off. This is a safety concern in rain because it affects visibility and may point to a wiring or latch sensor issue.
Complaints reference a rear spoiler detachment defect (Recall 20V-480) and delays in getting a remedy for a later recall (26V481). Even if a specific VIN is not included, owners report the spoiler can come loose, which could become a road hazard.
The power liftgate may not retract when it senses an obstruction, meaning it could close on someone reaching into the trunk. Another owner reported the car slipping into neutral at 65 mph with a transmission malfunction warning, leaving them unable to accelerate.
“Power Liftgate (via key fob – SmartKey). Mercedes GLB250. Was told by Mercedes employees that all cars operate the same. oSensor that automatically stops liftgate if it detects an obstruction does not retract to allow someone reaching in the trunk to safely e…”
“When driving on the highway going 65mph the car slipped in neutral and error showed on dashboard "transmission malfunction stop." I could steer and break, but not accelerate. Pulling over on side of highway, I was able to put in park and then drive. I pulled…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report rattling noises while accelerating, rough transitions between EV and gas modes, and a noticeable jerk when the charge button is pressed. In some cases, the vehicle loses speed and shows multiple alarms, including brake and hill descent system failures.
A severe complaint describes the electronic power steering and braking systems failing and locking up simultaneously at highway speeds. Another owner had a tire fail catastrophically shortly after a TPMS warning was supposedly fixed, suggesting possible sensor or repair issues.
Owners report the system braking or alerting unexpectedly, including with adaptive cruise control set at 70 mph on open roads. These false activations can startle the driver and increase crash risk if the system misreads the environment.
Some complaints involve persistent rotten-egg odors that remain after paid treatments, and a report of a foot getting stuck behind a plastic side panel near the center console. These may seem minor but can distract the driver or indicate trim and HVAC 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.
Mercedes BENZ GLB Class
No recalls on record.
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
Mercedes BENZ GLB Class or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz GLB Class has far fewer complaints per year (about 13) than the Honda Accord (about 452), but the GLB's issues include sudden power loss and structural defects. The Accord's higher volume means more reported problems overall, though many are tied to specific model years and recalls. In practice, the GLB may need less frequent attention, but the Accord has more documented fixes available through recalls.
Key differences
- The GLB has 0 recalls and about 13 complaints per year, while the Accord has 38 recalls and about 452 complaints per year.
- GLB owners report transmission slipping into neutral and hood-latch/windshield wiper failures; Accord owners report simultaneous power steering and braking failure and false forward collision avoidance activations.
- The GLB has 5 crash-related complaints and 5 injuries; the Accord has 162 crash-related complaints and 146 injuries, with 3 deaths.
- Accord complaints often involve hybrid and electrical software issues that have led to recalls, while GLB complaints include structural spoiler detachment and delayed recall remedies.
- During a test drive, accelerate to highway speed and watch for any hesitation, warning lights, or the car slipping into neutral—a reported transmission malfunction.
- Check the rear spoiler for looseness or gaps, and verify whether Recall 20V-480 or 26V481 applies to the VIN and has been remedied.
- Test the electronic power steering and brakes at low and highway speeds for any lock-up or unusual feedback, as owners report simultaneous failure.
- Ask for proof that the hybrid power control unit software recall and fuel pump recall were performed, and test the forward collision avoidance system for unexpected braking.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full NHTSA recall history for the specific VIN and confirm all open recalls are fixed before purchase.
- Take a lengthy test drive that includes highway speeds, braking, and using the infotainment and driver-assist features.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the transmission, electrical grounds, and safety systems, especially for the GLB's hood latch and the Accord's power steering.
- For the Accord, verify the hybrid battery health and that any software updates for the power control unit have been applied.
- For the GLB, check the liftgate operation and rear spoiler attachment, and ask about any service campaigns for engine limp mode.
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 | Mercedes BENZ GLB Class | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 10 |
| 2025 | 0 | 109 |
| 2024 | 0 | 219 |
| 2023 | 13 | 226 |
| 2022 | 13 | 252 |
| 2021 | 2 | 234 |
| 2020 | 61 | 362 |
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 Mercedes BENZ GLB Class or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercedes BENZ GLB Class vs Honda Accord
- Mercedes BENZ GLB Class total complaints
- 89
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Mercedes BENZ GLB Class total recalls
- 0
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Mercedes BENZ GLB Class avg complaints/year
- 12.7
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ GLB Class
- Mercedes BENZ GLB Class top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE