Head-to-head reliability
Mitsubishi Montero Sport vs Honda Accord
How the Mitsubishi Montero Sport 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 Montero Sport vs Honda Accord: The Montero Sport averaged 98 complaints per year over 5 years, with brakes and hydraulics dominating, while the Accord averaged 452 per year over 10 years, led by engine and electrical issues. The Montero had 3 recalls; the Accord had 38. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mitsubishi Montero Sport or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mitsubishi Montero Sport
The Mitsubishi Montero Sport is a mid-size SUV that, based on owner complaints, demands close attention to its braking and hydraulic systems. Over five years, it averaged about 98 complaints per year, with the largest share tied to service brakes and hydraulic components. Owners frequently describe brake booster leaks, caliper failures, and stopping problems at highway speeds. This suggests a vehicle where brake maintenance and inspection are critical to safe ownership.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular family sedan and hybrid with a much higher annual complaint rate—about 452 per year over ten years—but also far more vehicles on the road. Complaints cluster around engine, electrical, and forward collision avoidance systems, with some owners reporting sudden power loss, warning-light cascades, and unintended braking. Recalls cover hybrid power control software, fuel pumps, and seat belt retractors. For a buyer, this means newer Accords may have advanced safety tech that can itself become a source of frustration.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mitsubishi Montero Sport | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 492 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 72 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 98.4 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 63 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.
Mitsubishi Montero Sport
- 01SERVICE BRAKES139
- 02HYDRAULIC108
- 03POWER TRAIN58
- 04ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING57
- 05AIR BAGS56
Owners report hydraulic brake booster leaks that release pressurized nitrogen gas, causing abnormal dash noises and reduced braking assist. Some also describe brake caliper bolts falling out, leading to wheel damage and tire failure. These are serious safety concerns that can make stopping at speed unpredictable.
Complaints often mention repeated brake service visits and discomfort when stopping above 45 mph. One owner had a front brake caliper rotate and strike the wheel after retaining bolts fell out, cracking the wheel and causing a flat. This points to hardware that can fail without warning.
Reports include engine sludge despite following the manual, with dealers blaming maintenance but owners suspecting an oil pan design that leaves oil behind. Another complaint references a recurring power train issue that the owner initially blamed on their mechanic. These suggest potential engine longevity concerns if oil changes are not meticulously documented.
Owners describe A/C compressor failure at low mileage (around 32,500 miles) and hard knocking noises with the oil lamp on immediately after an oil change. One case involved no oil pressure and a recommendation to visit the dealership. These symptoms can indicate premature wear or oiling problems.
“MY MECHANIC SAID THAT THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER HAS BEEN MANUFACTURED IMPROPERLY WHICH RESULTED IN LEAKAGE OF THE PRESSURIZED NITRGEN GAS FROM INSIDE THE ACCUMULATOR. THE LOSS OF THIS GAS PRESSURE RESULTED IN AN ABNORMAL NOISE FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DASH…”
“I HAVE HAD SEVERAL TIMES TO TAKE MY CAR TO A SERVICE CENTER TO HAVE MY BRAKES CHECKED AND/OR REPLACED. I HAVE A 2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT LX THAT HAVE GIVEN ME DISCOMFORT WHEN HAVING TO STOP WHEN TRAVELING AT SPEED ABOVE 45 MPH. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report sudden loss of speed with multiple alarms (brake, hill descent, ABS, critical failure) at highway speeds. Others note rattling noises like a diesel, rough transitions between EV and gas modes, and jerking when charging. These can signal hybrid system or engine management issues that are hard to diagnose.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds, causing a near-collision. Another owner had a TPMS repair followed by a catastrophic tire failure hours later. Electrical gremlins can affect critical safety systems.
Owners describe unintended braking or failure to resolve a threat, sometimes under adaptive cruise control at 70 mph. Incidents repeated under similar conditions on the same route. This suggests the system may not always perform as expected, requiring driver vigilance.
Reports include persistent rotten-egg/sulfur odors that remain after paid treatments, and a foot slipping behind a center console panel. These are not always safety-critical but indicate build or design annoyances that can be costly to chase.
“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.
Mitsubishi Montero Sport — 3 recalls
The defect: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHTS AS STATED ON THE TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABEL ARE IN ERROR.
The risk: THIS INFORMATION COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN CONSUMERS LOADING THEIR VEHICLES BEYOND THE GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR).
The fix: OWNERS WILL BE SENT REPLACEMENT LABELS WITH INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO INSTALL THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 14, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.5L ENGINES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 106, "BRAKE HOSES." THESE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH NONCOMPLIANT BRAKE VACUUM HOSES.
The risk: THESE HOSES COULD BURST CAUSING FLUID LEAKAGE, INCREASING THE BRAKING CAPABILITY OF THE VEHICLE AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VACUUM HOSE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 15, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONT…
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.5L ENGINES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 106, "BRAKE HOSES." THESE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH NONCOMPLIANT BRAKE VACUUM HOSES.
The risk: THESE HOSES COULD BURST CAUSING FLUID LEAKAGE, INCREASING THE BRAKING CAPABILITY OF THE VEHICLE AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VACUUM HOSE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 15, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONT…
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
Mitsubishi Montero Sport or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Mitsubishi Montero Sport has far fewer complaints per year (about 98 vs. 452 for the Honda Accord), but its issues concentrate in brakes and hydraulics, which are immediate safety systems. The Accord’s higher volume reflects a much larger fleet and more complex electronics, with problems spread across engine, electrical, and driver-assist features. In practice, the Montero Sport may need more frequent brake inspections, while the Accord may require patience with electronic diagnostics.
Key differences
- The Montero Sport’s complaints are heavily brake-related (139 service brake, 108 hydraulic), while the Accord’s top areas are engine (1006) and electrical (895).
- Montero Sport owners report physical brake hardware failures like caliper bolts falling out; Accord owners report software and sensor issues like unintended braking or power steering failure.
- The Accord has 38 recalls over 10 years, including hybrid power control software and fuel pumps; the Montero Sport has 3 recalls, mainly brake hoses and labels.
- Montero Sport averages about 98 complaints per year; Accord averages about 452 per year, but the Accord likely sold in much higher numbers.
- Listen for abnormal noises from the left side of the dash when braking, which could indicate a leaking hydraulic brake booster.
- Inspect front brake calipers and retaining bolts for looseness or missing hardware, as owners reported calipers rotating and striking the wheel.
- Test the electronic power steering and braking at low and highway speeds; owners reported simultaneous failure and lock-up.
- Check for persistent sulfur or rotten-egg odors and ask if any fuel pump or hybrid software recalls have been performed.
Before you buy
- Ask for a complete brake inspection, including the hydraulic booster, caliper bolts, and brake lines, especially on the Montero Sport.
- For the Accord, verify all recalls are done, particularly hybrid power control unit software and fuel pump recalls.
- Test drive at highway speeds and brake firmly to check for vibration, noise, or loss of assist.
- Scan for stored trouble codes related to ABS, power steering, and forward collision avoidance.
- Request maintenance records showing regular oil changes, as both vehicles have complaints about sludge or oil pressure issues.
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 Montero Sport or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mitsubishi Montero Sport vs Honda Accord
- Mitsubishi Montero Sport total complaints
- 492
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Mitsubishi Montero Sport total recalls
- 3
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Mitsubishi Montero Sport avg complaints/year
- 98.4
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Mitsubishi Montero Sport
- Mitsubishi Montero Sport top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE