Head-to-head reliability
Mercury Grand Marquis vs Honda Accord
How the Mercury Grand Marquis 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
Mercury Grand Marquis vs Honda Accord: The Grand Marquis averages 172.6 complaints per year and has 26 recalls, while the Accord averages 452.4 complaints per year and has 38 recalls. Both report 3 deaths, but the Accord has more crash-related complaints (162 vs. 120). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercury Grand Marquis or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercury Grand Marquis
The Mercury Grand Marquis is a large, rear-wheel-drive sedan that tends to accumulate complaints slowly, averaging about 173 per year over a decade. The most common owner-reported issues involve exterior lighting, electrical gremlins, steering corrosion, and unintended acceleration-like lurches. With 26 recalls and 120 crash-related complaints, it's a vehicle that demands attention to safety recalls and aging components. For a first-time buyer, it can be a comfortable cruiser if you're willing to stay on top of maintenance and recall repairs.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular midsize car with a much higher complaint volume—about 452 per year—but that reflects its far larger sales base. Owners frequently report engine and electrical problems, especially in newer hybrid models, along with forward collision avoidance glitches and fuel system issues. With 38 recalls and 162 crash-related complaints, it's a complex machine where software and sensor failures can appear. A used Accord can be reliable, but you should verify that all recall work, especially for hybrid and fuel pump issues, has been completed.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercury Grand Marquis | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,726 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 26 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 120 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 172.6 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 80 Better | 146 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 3 | 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.
Mercury Grand Marquis
- 01EXTERIOR LIGHTING747
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM213
- 03STEERING186
- 04VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL184
- 05AIR BAGS140
Owners report turn signals blinking faster than normal even after replacing bulbs, and headlights that flicker intermittently. These symptoms suggest a lighting control module or wiring fault, which can be a safety concern if lights fail while driving.
Complaints include windshield wipers activating on their own—sometimes leading to fires—and tire pressure monitors giving false low-pressure warnings. Such electrical gremlins can be unpredictable and expensive to trace.
Many reports involve corrosion of the lower intermediate steering shaft, especially in states that use road salt, which can cause steering column separation. This is a serious safety risk and the subject of multiple recalls.
Owners describe sudden, unintended acceleration when shifting into drive or while parking, sometimes resulting in crashes through walls. These incidents are alarming and point to potential throttle or cruise control faults.
“THE LEFT TURN SIGNALS (FRONT, REAR & DASH) BLINK FASTER THAN THE RIGHT ONES INDICATING A BURNT OUT BULB EVEN THOUGH THE LEFT BULBS WORK. WE REPLACED THE FRONT & REAR BULBS TWICE AND THEY WORKED NORMAL FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. THEN THEY REVERT TO BLINKING F…”
“INTERMITTANTLY BOTH HEADLIGHTS FLICKERING. LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE (LCM) PROBLEM ?”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report loss of power, multiple warning lights (brake, hill descent, ABS), and rattling noises during acceleration, especially in hybrid models. These issues can leave you stranded and may require costly repairs.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds, as well as tire pressure monitoring system errors that may be linked to tire failures. Such failures are dangerous and undermine confidence in the car.
Drivers describe the system braking unexpectedly or failing to intervene when needed, sometimes under adaptive cruise control. This can cause near-misses or collisions, making it a critical area to test.
Reports include fuel pump failures that can cause stalling, and hybrid power control unit software issues. These can lead to sudden loss of motive power and are addressed by recalls.
“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.
Mercury Grand Marquis — 26 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria, 2005-2011 Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles manufactured March 23, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and 2005-2011 Lincoln Town Car vehicles manufactured March 8, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and on which the upper intermedi…
The risk: Improper servicing of the upper intermediate shaft could cause the shaft to separate, which can then result in a loss of steering control, and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify the owners of vehicles whose repair records reflect that the upper intermediate steering shaft was repaired during the course of the prior recall 13V-385. Dealers will inspect and replace the upper immediate shaft if neces…
The defect: Ford is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria (including Crown Victoria Police Interceptors), Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car vehicles. The affected vehicles are currently registered or were originally sold in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinoi…
The risk: If the lower bearing separates, the vehicle may experience a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners and dealers will replace the lower intermediate shaft, free of charge. The upper intermediate shaft and steering column lower bearing will be inspected to identify any damage that may have occurred as a result of lo…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria, 2005-2011 Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles manufactured March 23, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and 2005-2011 Lincoln Town Car vehicles manufactured March 8, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and on which the upper intermedi…
The risk: Improper servicing of the upper intermediate shaft could cause the shaft to separate, which can then result in a loss of steering control, and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify the owners of vehicles whose repair records reflect that the upper intermediate steering shaft was repaired during the course of the prior recall 13V-385. Dealers will inspect and replace the upper immediate shaft if neces…
The defect: Ford is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria (including Crown Victoria Police Interceptors), Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car vehicles. The affected vehicles are currently registered or were originally sold in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinoi…
The risk: If the lower bearing separates, the vehicle may experience a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners and dealers will replace the lower intermediate shaft, free of charge. The upper intermediate shaft and steering column lower bearing will be inspected to identify any damage that may have occurred as a result of lo…
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
Mercury Grand Marquis or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Mercury Grand Marquis has far fewer complaints per year (about 173 vs. 452 for the Accord), but its issues often involve older, mechanical systems like steering and lighting. The Accord's higher complaint rate reflects its larger sales volume and more complex electronics, with serious safety-related failures reported. In practice, the Grand Marquis may be simpler to maintain, while the Accord demands rigorous recall checks and may have more high-tech failure points.
Key differences
- The Grand Marquis has about 173 complaints per year versus 452 for the Accord, but the Accord sells in much higher numbers.
- Grand Marquis owners frequently report steering shaft corrosion and unintended acceleration, while Accord owners report engine power loss and forward collision avoidance glitches.
- The Grand Marquis has 26 recalls; the Accord has 38, including complex hybrid and fuel pump recalls.
- Both have 3 deaths reported, but the Accord has more crash-related complaints (162 vs. 120) and injuries (146 vs. 80).
- Check the steering column shaft for rust or corrosion, especially if the car has been driven in salt-belt states—this can lead to separation and is under recall.
- Test all exterior lights, including turn signals and headlights, for flickering or fast blinking, which may indicate a failing lighting control module.
- Ask for proof that the fuel pump and hybrid power control unit recalls have been performed, as failures can cause stalling or power loss.
- Test the forward collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control systems at highway speeds if possible, and listen for engine rattles during acceleration.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are repaired, especially steering for the Grand Marquis and fuel pump/hybrid software for the Accord.
- Take a test drive that includes highway speeds and parking maneuvers to check for unintended acceleration or braking issues.
- Have a mechanic inspect the undercarriage for rust (Grand Marquis) and check for electrical fault codes (both).
- For the Accord, verify the health of the hybrid battery and test all electronic safety systems.
- Review owner complaint patterns on NHTSA for the specific model year you're considering to spot recurring problems.
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 Mercury Grand Marquis or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercury Grand Marquis vs Honda Accord
- Mercury Grand Marquis total complaints
- 1,726
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Mercury Grand Marquis total recalls
- 26
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Mercury Grand Marquis avg complaints/year
- 172.6
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Mercury Grand Marquis
- Mercury Grand Marquis top complaint area
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE