Head-to-head reliability
Nissan Murano vs Honda Accord
How the Nissan Murano 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
Nissan Murano vs Honda Accord: The Murano averages 27.2 complaints per year with 11 recalls, while the Accord averages 452.4 complaints per year with 38 recalls. Both have forward collision avoidance issues, but the Accord also shows engine and electrical failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Nissan Murano or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Nissan Murano
The Nissan Murano is a mid-size SUV that, based on NHTSA data, generates about 27 complaints per year over a 10-year span, with 11 recalls. Owners frequently report issues with forward collision avoidance, electrical systems, and brakes, including a case where the automatic collision notification failed to activate in a hit-and-run. While the overall complaint volume is lower than some rivals, the pattern suggests a vehicle that may require attention to electronic safety aids and braking components as it ages.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular mid-size sedan with a much higher complaint rate—about 452 per year over 10 years—and 38 recalls. The most common problem areas are the engine, electrical system, and forward collision avoidance, with reports of sudden power loss, rattling noises, and electronic steering/braking failures. This high volume means buyers should be especially diligent about maintenance history and recall completion.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Nissan Murano | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 272 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 11 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 17 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 27.2 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 18 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.
Nissan Murano
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER67
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE44
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM34
- 04SERVICE BRAKES33
- 05POWER TRAIN26
Owners report the crash sensor light engaging randomly, even when parked, and cruise control failing to maintain speed downhill. These glitches can undermine trust in the safety system and may require repeated dealer visits.
Complaints include electrical faults that appear shortly after purchase, sometimes leading to multiple dealership visits. Such issues can affect everything from starting to infotainment, making reliability unpredictable.
Drivers describe abrupt slowing or near-shutdown sensations, often accompanied by dashboard warnings. This suggests potential problems with brake components or electronic brake distribution that could affect stopping confidence.
This catch-all includes failures like the automatic collision notification not activating after a crash, which could delay emergency response. It highlights that not all safety systems may work as expected in real-world incidents.
“My wife was victim to a hit and run driver on 30 Dec 22. Our 2022 Nissan Murano's AUTOMATIC COLLISION NOTIFICATION SYSTEM FAILED TO ACTIVATE UPON COLLISION. There were no warnings in the car prior. Additionally, the secondary system known as the "SOS BUTTON"…”
“On [XXX] I was driving back down [XXX] , stopped at red light and when light changed to green, I proceeded to take off and as I got under the interstate overpass my vehicle abruptly started slowing down as if it was going to shut completely down and the panel…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report sudden power loss, alarms for brake/hill descent/ABS failure, and rattling noises during acceleration. These symptoms can leave a driver stranded or unable to maintain highway speeds, posing a significant safety risk.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds, as well as TPMS warnings followed by tire failure. Such failures can cause loss of control and near-collisions.
Adaptive cruise control may suddenly disengage or fail to maintain speed, and collision warnings can trigger without obstruction. These inconsistencies reduce the reliability of driver-assist features.
Reports include rough transitions between EV and gas modes, jerking when the charge button is pressed, and persistent sulfur odors. These issues can indicate fuel delivery or hybrid system problems that are costly to diagnose.
“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.
Nissan Murano — 11 recalls
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024 Murano vehicles. The incorrect primer may have been used on the quarter glass, resulting in the left and right quarter glass detaching from the vehicle.
The risk: Detached glass panels can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace both side quarter glass panels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 7, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PD102.
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additio…
The risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Nissan Murano, 2016-2018 Nissan Maxima, and 2017-2019 Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60 vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and unrepaired, or inspected and determined to not need a repair, under recall number 18V-60…
The risk: A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS actuator, free of charge. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available, currently expected to be during summer 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer s…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Murano, Pathfinder, and INFINITI QX60 vehicles. One or both front brake caliper assemblies may have reduced strength and could break. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard n…
The risk: A broken front brake caliper can cause a loss of front brake function, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the front brake caliper assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 9, 2025. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261 or INFINITI's customer servi…
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
Nissan Murano or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Nissan Murano has far fewer complaints per year (27.2 vs. 452.4) and fewer recalls (11 vs. 38), suggesting a lower frequency of reported problems. However, the Honda Accord's higher volume may reflect its larger sales base, so the difference in practice means Murano owners may face fewer trips to the dealer, but both models have notable safety-related complaints.
Key differences
- The Murano averages 27.2 complaints per year, while the Accord averages 452.4, indicating a much higher reported issue rate for the Accord.
- The Accord has 38 recalls versus 11 for the Murano, covering areas like fuel pumps and seat belts.
- Murano owners frequently report forward collision avoidance and brake issues, while Accord owners report engine and electrical failures that can cause sudden power loss.
- The Accord has 3 deaths and 146 injuries in crash-related complaints, compared to 0 deaths and 18 injuries for the Murano, though these figures depend on many factors.
- Test the forward collision warning and automatic braking systems; ensure no warning lights stay on and that the system engages properly.
- Check for any signs of electrical gremlins, such as flickering lights or infotainment glitches, and ask for a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the braking system.
- Listen for rattling noises during acceleration and feel for rough transitions between EV and gas modes on a test drive.
- Verify that all recalls, especially those for fuel pumps and electrical software, have been completed, and test the electronic power steering and brakes at highway speeds if possible.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls are closed for the specific VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the forward collision avoidance sensors and camera systems on both models.
- For the Murano, test the brakes and electrical accessories thoroughly, including the SOS button.
- For the Accord, check for engine rattles, transmission smoothness, and any signs of fuel or hybrid system issues.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and specifically inquire about any repeated dealer visits for electronic or safety system problems.
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 | Nissan Murano | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 10 |
| 2025 | 22 | 109 |
| 2024 | 5 | 219 |
| 2023 | 8 | 226 |
| 2022 | 6 | 252 |
| 2021 | 16 | 234 |
| 2020 | 46 | 362 |
| 2019 | 43 | 691 |
| 2018 | 15 | 1884 |
| 2017 | 107 | 537 |
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 Nissan Murano or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Nissan Murano vs Honda Accord
- Nissan Murano total complaints
- 272
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Nissan Murano total recalls
- 11
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Nissan Murano avg complaints/year
- 27.2
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Nissan Murano
- Nissan Murano top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE