Head-to-head reliability
Mitsubishi Diamante vs Honda Accord
How the Mitsubishi Diamante 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
Mitsubishi Diamante vs Honda Accord: The Diamante averaged 55.8 complaints per year over 6 years, while the Accord averaged 443.8 per year over 10 years. The Diamante's top issue is visibility (185 complaints), often from coolant leaks; the Accord's top issue is engine (985 complaints). Both have injury reports, but the Accord has more recalls. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mitsubishi Diamante or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mitsubishi Diamante
The Mitsubishi Diamante is a sedan that, based on owner complaints, demands attention to cooling and visibility systems. Over six years, it averaged about 56 complaints per year, with many reports of coolant leaks fogging the windshield and transmission problems. Recalls are mostly for owner's manuals, not major safety defects, but the 26 injuries and 2 deaths in the data suggest some incidents were serious. For a used-car buyer, this means budgeting for potential repairs to the cooling system and transmission.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular sedan with a much higher complaint volume—about 444 per year over ten years—but that reflects its huge sales numbers. Owners report a wide range of issues, from engine noises and electrical glitches to forward collision warnings and brake problems. Recalls cover significant systems like fuel pumps, brakes, and hybrid software. While many complaints exist, the Accord's issues are often addressed through recalls or warranty repairs, but buyers should still check for open recalls.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mitsubishi Diamante | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 335 Better | 4,438 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 11 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 11 Better | 160 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 55.8 Better | 443.8 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 26 Better | 144 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 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.
Mitsubishi Diamante
- 01VISIBILITY185
- 02ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING82
- 03POWER TRAIN28
- 04SERVICE BRAKES20
- 05HYDRAULIC18
Owners frequently report windshield fogging that is hard to clear, often linked to coolant leaks or a faulty defogger. One owner said the defroster made windows even foggier, leading to poor visibility. This matters because it can impair driving in humid or rainy conditions.
Complaints describe antifreeze fumes fogging windows and a burning oil smell with loss of power. One owner noted the car would not exceed 5 mph and the check engine light came on. These symptoms point to cooling system leaks or engine overheating that can lead to costly repairs.
Reports include a sweet smell (likely coolant) inside the cabin, windows fogging, and loss of forward power. Another owner said the check engine light came on and the car locked into third gear. Transmission and drivetrain issues can strand a driver and are expensive to fix.
Owners describe a pulsing feeling in the brakes and, in one case, the car stalling during a hard right turn, causing loss of power steering and brakes. Brake problems are a safety concern and should be inspected immediately.
“FOR SEVERAL WEEKS IT WAS BECOMING INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT FOR ME TO CLEAR THE WINDSHIELD ON MY CAR AND I ATTRIBUTED IT TO HOT, HUMID WEATHER. COMING BACK ON THE FREEWAY ONE EVENING IT SUDDENLY BECAME MUCH WORSE AND MY HUSBAND AND I TRIED MANY DIFFERENT COMBINA…”
“FOR OVER 2 YEARS NOW I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH AN ODOR IN MY 2000 DIAMANTI AND THE DEFOGGER NEVER SEEMED TO WORK ON THE WINDOWS. A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO I SAW SOMETHING LEAK ONTO THE PASSENGER SIDE RUG BUT DIDN'T' T GUESS THAT THIS COULD HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WIT…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE985
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM863
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE821
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER725
- 05SERVICE BRAKES592
Complaints include unusual noises shortly after purchase and sudden loss of speed with multiple dashboard alarms. One owner reported the vehicle losing speed and unable to accelerate. These could indicate engine or sensor failures that may require dealer diagnosis.
Owners report TPMS warnings followed by catastrophic tire failure, and rodent damage to wiring harnesses in newer models. Electrical gremlins can be intermittent and hard to trace, leading to repeated shop visits.
Many complaints involve adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and automatic high beams showing intermittent error messages. One owner said the system failed to resolve a threat. These advanced safety features may not work reliably, potentially increasing risk if the driver relies on them.
Brake-related complaints include ABS and traction control issues, with recalls for control unit modules. Owners may experience reduced braking performance or warning lights, requiring prompt attention.
“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.
Mitsubishi Diamante — 11 recalls
The defect: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT CONTAIN A STEP-BY-STEP DESCRIPTION FOR HEADREST ADJUSTMENT WHEN INSTALLING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM (CRS) TETHER STRAP.
The risk: IF THE TETHER STRAP IS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED TO THE TETHER ANCHOR, THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT RESTRAINED. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD COULD BE INJURED.
The fix: A LETTER OUTLINING THE PROBLEM WILL BE SENT TO OWNERS ALONG WITH A STICKER CONTAINING THE CORRECT INSTRUCTIONS AS WELL AS INSTRUCTIONS ON WHERE TO AFFIX THE STICKER IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 29, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD C…
The defect: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT CONTAIN A STEP-BY-STEP DESCRIPTION FOR HEADREST ADJUSTMENT WHEN INSTALLING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM (CRS) TETHER STRAP.
The risk: IF THE TETHER STRAP IS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED TO THE TETHER ANCHOR, THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT RESTRAINED. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD COULD BE INJURED.
The fix: A LETTER OUTLINING THE PROBLEM WILL BE SENT TO OWNERS ALONG WITH A STICKER CONTAINING THE CORRECT INSTRUCTIONS AS WELL AS INSTRUCTIONS ON WHERE TO AFFIX THE STICKER IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 29, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD C…
The defect: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT CONTAIN A STEP-BY-STEP DESCRIPTION FOR HEADREST ADJUSTMENT WHEN INSTALLING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM (CRS) TETHER STRAP.
The risk: IF THE TETHER STRAP IS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED TO THE TETHER ANCHOR, THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT RESTRAINED. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD COULD BE INJURED.
The fix: A LETTER OUTLINING THE PROBLEM WILL BE SENT TO OWNERS ALONG WITH A STICKER CONTAINING THE CORRECT INSTRUCTIONS AS WELL AS INSTRUCTIONS ON WHERE TO AFFIX THE STICKER IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 29, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD C…
The defect: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT CONTAIN A STEP-BY-STEP DESCRIPTION FOR HEADREST ADJUSTMENT WHEN INSTALLING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM (CRS) TETHER STRAP.
The risk: IF THE TETHER STRAP IS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED TO THE TETHER ANCHOR, THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT RESTRAINED. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD COULD BE INJURED.
The fix: A LETTER OUTLINING THE PROBLEM WILL BE SENT TO OWNERS ALONG WITH A STICKER CONTAINING THE CORRECT INSTRUCTIONS AS WELL AS INSTRUCTIONS ON WHERE TO AFFIX THE STICKER IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 29, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD C…
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
Mitsubishi Diamante or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Mitsubishi Diamante has far fewer complaints per year (about 56) compared to the Honda Accord (about 444), but the Accord's higher volume is partly due to its much larger sales. In practice, the Diamante's issues tend to cluster around cooling and transmission, while the Accord's are spread across many systems, including advanced electronics. A buyer should weigh the lower complaint rate against the Diamante's older design and potential for serious cooling-related failures.
Key differences
- The Diamante's top complaint area is visibility (185 complaints), often linked to coolant leaks fogging windows, while the Accord's top area is engine (985 complaints) with noises and power loss.
- The Accord has many complaints about forward collision avoidance (821) and electrical system (863), which are advanced features not present on the older Diamante.
- The Diamante has 11 recalls, mostly for owner's manuals, while the Accord has 38 recalls covering critical systems like fuel pumps and brakes.
- The Diamante averaged 55.8 complaints per year; the Accord averaged 443.8 per year, but the Accord sold in much higher numbers.
- Check for coolant leaks or a sweet smell inside the cabin, which can indicate a heater core or hose failure that fogs windows and leads to transmission problems.
- Test the transmission for slipping or locking into gear, and listen for unusual engine noises or check for a burning oil smell.
- Inspect for open recalls, especially for fuel pump, brakes, and hybrid software, and verify they have been performed.
- Test all advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist for intermittent error messages, and check for electrical issues such as TPMS warnings or rodent damage.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a mechanic inspect the cooling system and transmission on the Diamante, and the engine and electrical systems on the Accord.
- Test drive both vehicles in various conditions, including highway speeds, to check for power loss, brake pulsing, or warning lights.
- For the Accord, verify that all software updates and recall repairs have been completed, especially for forward collision avoidance and brakes.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and be wary of any vehicle with a history of repeated cooling or electrical repairs.
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 Mitsubishi Diamante or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mitsubishi Diamante vs Honda Accord
- Mitsubishi Diamante total complaints
- 335
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,438
- Mitsubishi Diamante total recalls
- 11
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Mitsubishi Diamante avg complaints/year
- 55.8
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 443.8
- More reliable overall
- Mitsubishi Diamante
- Mitsubishi Diamante top complaint area
- VISIBILITY
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE