Head-to-head reliability
Nissan NV vs Honda Accord
How the Nissan NV 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 NV vs Honda Accord: The NV has zero complaints over 10 years, while the Accord averages 443.8 per year. The Accord's top issues include engine and electrical problems, with 160 crash-related complaints. The NV has 15 recalls, the Accord 38. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Nissan NV or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Nissan NV
The Nissan NV is a workhorse van with a clean complaint record over the past decade—zero owner complaints filed with NHTSA. That silence suggests owners aren't encountering the kinds of problems that typically get reported, though it doesn't guarantee perfection. Its recalls, however, point to areas like airbag inflators and transmission shift linkage that have been addressed proactively. For a buyer, this means a vehicle that's likely to be dependable in daily use, but you should verify recall completion before purchase.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord, a popular sedan, shows a much higher volume of owner complaints, averaging over 440 per year. The complaints cluster around engine issues, electrical gremlins, and forward collision avoidance systems that can trigger false alarms or warnings. While many Accords are reliable, the sheer number of reports suggests that some owners face significant problems, including sudden power loss and sensor malfunctions. Recalls cover hybrid power control units, fuel pumps, and brake modules, indicating known issues that have been addressed but still warrant attention.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Nissan NV | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 4,438 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 15 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 160 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 Better | 443.8 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 144 |
| 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 NV
No component data available.
With zero complaints over 10 years, there are no specific failure patterns to report for the Nissan NV. This absence of data is notable but doesn't rule out issues; it simply means owners haven't reported them to NHTSA.
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE985
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM863
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE821
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER725
- 05SERVICE BRAKES592
Owners report engine noises and sudden loss of power, with warning lights for brake, hill descent, and ABS appearing. This can lead to dangerous situations, especially at highway speeds.
Complaints include TPMS warnings followed by tire failure, and rodent damage to wiring harnesses, which can cause engine or sensor malfunctions. Electrical issues seem to be a recurring theme.
The system may trigger false alerts or show intermittent problems with adaptive cruise control and lane keeping, which can be distracting and undermine driver confidence.
“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.
Nissan NV — 15 recalls
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2012-2017 NV Cargo and NV Passenger Van, 2013-2015 Titan and Armada and 2011-2012 Infiniti QX56 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing issue, the air bag inflator may not function properly or may rupture during deployment.
The risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or Infiniti customer service at 1-800-662-62…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2014 NV passenger vans manufactured March 14, 2014 to May 15, 2014, equipped with seat belt retractors from Faurecia Automotive Systems. The seat belt retractor bolts on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th row removable seats may not be torqued…
The risk: If the seat belt retractor bolts are not torqued to specification, or are missing, it may cause the seat belt anchor to not be secured properly. If this occurs, the belt may not properly restrain the seat occupant in the event of a crash i…
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat belt retractor bolt for the proper torque, and tighten if necessary, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2012-2017 NV Cargo and NV Passenger Van, 2013-2015 Titan and Armada and 2011-2012 Infiniti QX56 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing issue, the air bag inflator may not function properly or may rupture during deployment.
The risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or Infiniti customer service at 1-800-662-62…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2012-2017 NV Cargo and NV Passenger Van, 2013-2015 Titan and Armada and 2011-2012 Infiniti QX56 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing issue, the air bag inflator may not function properly or may rupture during deployment.
The risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or Infiniti customer service at 1-800-662-62…
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
Nissan NV or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Nissan NV has far fewer complaints per year (0) compared to the Honda Accord (443.8), indicating a much lower rate of reported issues. In practice, this means NV owners are less likely to encounter the kinds of problems that lead to NHTSA complaints, but the Accord's higher volume also reflects its larger sales and different usage patterns.
Key differences
- The Nissan NV has zero complaints over 10 years, while the Honda Accord has thousands, including reports of engine power loss and electrical failures.
- Honda Accord owners frequently report problems with forward collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control systems, which are not mentioned for the NV.
- The Accord has 38 recalls versus the NV's 15, but the NV's recalls include airbag inflators and transmission shift linkage, which are safety-critical.
- The Accord's complaints include incidents of sunroof glass exploding and tire failures, which are not reported for the NV.
- Check that all 15 recalls have been performed, especially the airbag inflator and transmission shift linkage recalls, as these affect safety.
- Since there are no owner complaints, inspect the vehicle thoroughly for any signs of wear or prior damage that might not be reported.
- Test the forward collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control systems for false alerts or intermittent warnings, as these are common complaints.
- Ask about any engine or electrical issues, and check for signs of rodent damage to wiring, which has been reported.
Before you buy
- Verify recall completion for both vehicles using the VIN on NHTSA's website.
- For the Accord, take a test drive and monitor dashboard warnings, especially for collision systems.
- For the NV, inspect the transmission shift linkage and airbag system for any signs of previous repairs.
- Check the Accord's service history for any engine or electrical repairs, and look for aftermarket modifications that could affect reliability.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic for both vehicles.
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 NV | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 0 | 226 |
| 2020 | 0 | 355 |
| 2019 | 0 | 677 |
| 2018 | 0 | 1864 |
| 2017 | 0 | 534 |
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 NV or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Nissan NV vs Honda Accord
- Nissan NV total complaints
- 0
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,438
- Nissan NV total recalls
- 15
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Nissan NV avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 443.8
- More reliable overall
- Nissan NV
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE