Head-to-head reliability
Oldsmobile Aurora vs Honda Accord
How the Oldsmobile Aurora 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
Oldsmobile Aurora vs Honda Accord: The Aurora averages about 57 complaints per year with 5 recalls, while the Accord averages about 452 complaints per year with 38 recalls. The Aurora's issues often involve steering clunks and stalling, while the Accord's include electronic steering and braking failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Oldsmobile Aurora or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Oldsmobile Aurora
The Oldsmobile Aurora is a discontinued luxury sedan that averages about 57 complaints per year over the three years covered by this data. Owners most often report steering clunks and clicks, electrical gremlins like flickering lights, and stalling after highway driving. With only 5 recalls and 170 total complaints, the volume is low, but the pattern suggests persistent, hard-to-fix problems that can make ownership frustrating.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a mainstream family sedan with a much larger complaint volume: about 452 complaints per year over ten years. The most common trouble spots are engine and electrical issues, including loss of power, hybrid system jerks, and electronic steering or braking failures. With 38 recalls and 162 crash-related reports, the Accord's issues are more numerous and sometimes involve safety-critical systems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Oldsmobile Aurora | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 170 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 5 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 10 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 56.7 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 4 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.
Oldsmobile Aurora
- 01STEERING35
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM28
- 03ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING22
- 04SERVICE BRAKES19
- 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING17
Owners describe a clunking or clicking noise from the front end, especially on turns or bumps, that can be felt through the steering wheel. Some report multiple dealer visits and replaced steering gears without a permanent fix, so a buyer should test-drive over rough roads and listen for noises.
Complaints include a check engine light that may not correspond to a clear fault, and flickering headlights or instrument lights as the alternator output fluctuates. These electrical quirks can be annoying and may lead to repeated diagnostic visits.
Several owners report the engine stalling after highway driving, often when leaving an exit ramp or making a left turn. This pattern is concerning because a stall in traffic can be dangerous, and it may be difficult to reproduce during a short test drive.
One owner reported the brake pedal going to the floor at 55 mph, leading to a crash where the air bags did not deploy. Another described sudden loss of steering, brakes, and anti-lock function. These are rare but serious reports that warrant a thorough brake inspection.
“CLUNKING NOISE IN FRONT END/UNDERCARRAIGE, ON TURNS OR BUMPS, CAN BE FELT IN STEERING, SINCE 15000 MILES (NOTICED SOMETIME AFTER IMPLODED GAS TANK REPLACEMENT). FOUR DEALERS WORKED ON AT LEAST 10 TIMES - REPLACED STEERING GEAR, LUBED INTERMEDIATE SHAFT, REPLA…”
“I HAVE OWNED MY CAR FOR A TOTAL OF 3 WEEKS. WHEN TAKING THE CAR FOR A TEST DRIVE BEFORE BUYING IT, I NOTICED A "CLICKING" IN THE STEERING. I WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE FIXED. I HAVE ALREADY HAD THE CAR IN 3 TIMES, AND THE PART IS STILL NOT FIXED. AFTER BRINGING IT…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report sudden loss of power with multiple dashboard warnings, as well as rattling noises during acceleration and rough transitions between electric and gas modes in hybrids. These issues can leave a driver stranded or cause unsafe speed loss on the highway.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds, and a tire failure shortly after a TPMS repair. Such electrical and safety-system failures are serious because they can happen without warning.
Owners describe unexpected braking or warnings from the adaptive cruise control and collision-avoidance system, sometimes under clear driving conditions. These false activations can startle the driver and increase crash risk.
Some reports mention persistent rotten-egg odors and a foot getting caught behind a plastic side panel. While not always safety-critical, these issues point to build-quality or design problems that can be irritating and costly to address.
“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.
Oldsmobile Aurora — 5 recalls
The defect: ON CERTAIN CADILLAC DEVILLE AND SEVILLE PASSENGER VEHICLES, FUNERAL COACHES, AND LIMOUSINES EQUIPPED WITH A V8 (4.6L) ENGINE, OLDSMOBILE AURORA PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A V8 (4.0L ) ENGINE, AND PONTIAC BONNEVILLE SSEI PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A SUPERCHARGED V6 (3.8L) ENGINE, THE FUE…
The risk: FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS CAN BE DAMAGED AND FUEL CAN LEAK FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN IT IS REFUELED. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK PRESSURE SENSOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON OCTOBER 17, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537; OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.
The defect: ON CERTAIN CADILLAC DEVILLE AND SEVILLE PASSENGER VEHICLES, FUNERAL COACHES, AND LIMOUSINES EQUIPPED WITH A V8 (4.6L) ENGINE, OLDSMOBILE AURORA PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A V8 (4.0L ) ENGINE, AND PONTIAC BONNEVILLE SSEI PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A SUPERCHARGED V6 (3.8L) ENGINE, THE FUE…
The risk: FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS CAN BE DAMAGED AND FUEL CAN LEAK FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN IT IS REFUELED. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK PRESSURE SENSOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON OCTOBER 17, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537; OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.
The risk: PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT R…
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.
The risk: PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT R…
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
Oldsmobile Aurora or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Oldsmobile Aurora has far fewer complaints per year (about 57) than the Honda Accord (about 452), but the Aurora's issues tend to be chronic steering and stalling problems. The Accord's higher volume includes more safety-related failures like electronic steering and braking loss. In practice, the Aurora may be simpler but harder to keep quiet, while the Accord may have more frequent and sometimes more serious electronic faults.
Key differences
- The Aurora averages about 57 complaints per year, while the Accord averages about 452 per year, so the Accord has far more reported problems overall.
- Aurora owners frequently report steering clunks and stalling after highway driving, while Accord owners report engine power loss and electronic steering/braking failures.
- The Accord has 38 recalls and 162 crash-related reports, compared with 5 recalls and 10 crash-related reports for the Aurora.
- The Aurora's complaints often involve persistent noises and electrical flickering, whereas the Accord's complaints include more safety-critical system failures like forward collision avoidance and hybrid power loss.
- Listen for clunking or clicking from the front end while turning or going over bumps, and check if the steering gear or intermediate shaft has been replaced.
- Test-drive after highway speeds and watch for stalling when slowing down or turning, and check for a check engine light or flickering lights.
- Check for any history of electronic power steering or braking failure, and test all driver-assist features like adaptive cruise control and collision warning.
- Listen for engine rattles during acceleration and feel for jerky transitions between electric and gas modes on hybrid models.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and look for repeated steering, electrical, or engine repairs.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the steering system, brakes, and battery/alternator on the Aurora.
- For the Accord, scan for stored trouble codes and test the hybrid system, forward collision avoidance, and electronic steering.
- Test-drive both cars on highways and rough roads to reproduce stalling, clunking, or warning lights.
- Verify that all open recalls have been performed, especially fuel tank, air bag, and brake recalls on the Aurora and electrical/fuel pump recalls 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 Oldsmobile Aurora or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Oldsmobile Aurora vs Honda Accord
- Oldsmobile Aurora total complaints
- 170
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Oldsmobile Aurora total recalls
- 5
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Oldsmobile Aurora avg complaints/year
- 56.7
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Oldsmobile Aurora
- Oldsmobile Aurora top complaint area
- STEERING
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE