Head-to-head reliability
Mitsubishi Montero vs Honda Accord
How the Mitsubishi Montero 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 vs Honda Accord: The Montero averaged 81 complaints per year with brakes and hydraulics as top issues, while the Accord averaged 452 per year, led by engine and electrical problems. Both have 3 deaths reported. The Accord has more recalls (38 vs 14). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mitsubishi Montero or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mitsubishi Montero
The Mitsubishi Montero is a body-on-frame SUV that can be affordable but may demand more attention than a typical car. Over 7 years, it averaged about 81 complaints per year, with brakes and hydraulic systems dominating the reports. Owners frequently describe brake pedal problems, ABS malfunctions, and electrical gremlins that can lead to costly repairs. This suggests that living with a Montero means staying on top of maintenance and being prepared for potential safety-related issues.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular midsize car that generally has a strong reputation, but this data shows a high volume of complaints—about 452 per year over 10 years. The most common trouble spots are the engine, electrical system, and forward collision avoidance, with some owners reporting sudden power loss, steering/braking failures, and false automatic braking. While many Accords serve reliably, the sheer number of complaints means buyers should carefully check for these specific problems, especially in newer model years.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mitsubishi Montero | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 568 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 14 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 69 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 81.1 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 62 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
- 01SERVICE BRAKES206
- 02HYDRAULIC148
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM63
- 04ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING61
- 05AIR BAGS56
Owners report a hard brake pedal that requires excessive force, and in some cases the emergency brake must be used to stop. ABS issues have also nearly caused accidents, making braking performance a critical safety concern.
Complaints include complete loss of brake power, illuminated brake lights, and the need to pump the pedal to stop. These hydraulic failures can happen suddenly and are a major red flag for any used Montero.
Reports range from a battery exploding and spewing acid to persistent starting problems that require multiple part replacements. Electrical faults can leave you stranded and are often difficult to diagnose.
Owners describe engine surging while in park, cracked engine blocks, and heater core separation. These are serious mechanical failures that can lead to expensive repairs or engine replacement.
“THE VEHICLE STARTED CREAKING AFTER THE SECOND MONTH , WE WERE ORIGINALLY TOLD THAT IT WAS NEW AND THAT IT WAS THE INTERIOR PLASTIC THAT WAS ADJUSTING DO TO TEMP. CHANGES. THIS CONTINUED AND THAN THE SECOND ISSUE THE ABS BRAKES ALMOST CAUSED 2 ACCIDENTS WHEN G…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS HARD TO DEPRESS. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE HAD TO BE ACTIVATED IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNOR…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report sudden power loss with multiple warning lights, rattling noises during acceleration, and rough transitions between EV and gas modes. These issues can affect drivability and may indicate deeper powertrain problems.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds, as well as tire pressure monitoring system issues that may lead to tire failure. Electrical glitches can compromise safety and are often intermittent.
Owners describe the system activating unexpectedly or failing to respond, sometimes under clear driving conditions. This can cause sudden braking or a near-collision, undermining trust in the safety technology.
Reports include persistent sulfur-like odors and potential fuel delivery problems. While not always safety-critical, these issues can be annoying and costly to fix, and may indicate fuel system defects.
“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 — 14 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: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS FULL AND THE VEHICLE IS PARKED FACING FORWARD ON AN UPWARD SLOPE, THE FUEL TANK LEVELING VALVE MAY NOT MAINTAIN PROPER SEALING IN THE EVENT THE FUEL EXPANDS FROM A RISE IN THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE.
The risk: IF THE FUEL LEVELING VALVE DOES NOT SEAL PROPERLY, FUEL MAY LEAK ONTO THE GROUND. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEVELING VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037 OR MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN AT 1-787-251-8715.
The defect: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS FULL AND THE VEHICLE IS PARKED FACING FORWARD ON AN UPWARD SLOPE, THE FUEL TANK LEVELING VALVE MAY NOT MAINTAIN PROPER SEALING IN THE EVENT THE FUEL EXPANDS FROM A RISE IN THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE.
The risk: IF THE FUEL LEVELING VALVE DOES NOT SEAL PROPERLY, FUEL MAY LEAK ONTO THE GROUND. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEVELING VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037 OR MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN AT 1-787-251-8715.
The defect: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS FULL AND THE VEHICLE IS PARKED FACING FORWARD ON AN UPWARD SLOPE, THE FUEL TANK LEVELING VALVE MAY NOT MAINTAIN PROPER SEALING IN THE EVENT THE FUEL EXPANDS FROM A RISE IN THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE.
The risk: IF THE FUEL LEVELING VALVE DOES NOT SEAL PROPERLY, FUEL MAY LEAK ONTO THE GROUND. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEVELING VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037 OR MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN AT 1-787-251-8715.
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 or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Mitsubishi Montero has far fewer complaints per year (about 81) compared to the Honda Accord (about 452), but the Montero's complaints often involve severe brake and hydraulic failures. The Accord's higher volume means more overall reports, but many are for newer safety systems and electrical glitches. In practice, the Montero may need more frequent brake maintenance, while the Accord demands attention to engine and electronic systems.
Key differences
- The Montero's most common complaints are brake and hydraulic failures, while the Accord's top issues are engine and electrical system problems.
- The Accord has a much higher complaint rate per year (452 vs. 81), but the Montero's complaints often involve sudden loss of braking.
- The Accord has more recalls (38 vs. 14) and more crash-related complaints (162 vs. 69), though both have 3 deaths reported.
- The Montero's electrical issues include battery explosions and starting problems, while the Accord's electrical complaints involve power steering and braking failures.
- Check for a hard or spongy brake pedal and any ABS warning lights; test the emergency brake for proper function.
- Inspect the electrical system for signs of battery acid leakage, corrosion, or starting difficulties, and ask for maintenance records.
- Test the electronic power steering and braking systems at low and high speeds for any hesitation or warning lights.
- Listen for engine rattles during acceleration and check for smooth transitions between EV and gas modes if it's a hybrid.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a mechanic inspect the brake system thoroughly on the Montero, including ABS and hydraulic components.
- For the Accord, scan for stored error codes related to the engine, electrical system, and forward collision avoidance.
- Test drive both vehicles under various conditions, including highway speeds and braking, to replicate reported issues.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for brake repairs on the Montero and software updates on the Accord.
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 or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mitsubishi Montero vs Honda Accord
- Mitsubishi Montero total complaints
- 568
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Mitsubishi Montero total recalls
- 14
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Mitsubishi Montero avg complaints/year
- 81.1
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Mitsubishi Montero
- Mitsubishi Montero top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE