Head-to-head reliability
Oldsmobile Bravada vs Honda Accord
How the Oldsmobile Bravada 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 Bravada vs Honda Accord: The Bravada averages 81 complaints per year over 5 years, with serious engine and brake failures, while the Accord averages 444 per year over 10 years, with more electronic and ADAS issues. The Bravada has 23 recalls, the Accord 38. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Oldsmobile Bravada or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Oldsmobile Bravada
The Oldsmobile Bravada, a mid-size SUV from the early 2000s, shows a high complaint rate of about 81 per year over five years, with significant issues in the powertrain, electrical system, and engine cooling. Owners report sudden engine shutdowns, repeated engine failures, and brake system malfunctions that can lead to loss of control. The vehicle also has numerous recalls for lighting and wiper issues, indicating a pattern of reliability and safety concerns.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord, a popular sedan, has a much higher total complaint count (4438 over 10 years) but that's spread over a longer period and a larger owner base. The complaints focus on engine problems, electrical glitches, and advanced driver assistance systems like forward collision avoidance. Owners report issues with adaptive cruise control and lane keeping, as well as occasional engine stalling and electrical failures, but the overall rate per year is about 444, which is higher than the Bravada's, though the Accord has more recalls (38 vs 23).
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Oldsmobile Bravada | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 407 Better | 4,438 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 23 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 31 Better | 160 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 81.4 Better | 443.8 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 36 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.
Oldsmobile Bravada
- 01POWER TRAIN86
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM79
- 03ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING69
- 04SUSPENSION37
- 05VISIBILITY33
Owners report fuel system issues, including a defective fuel filter installation that damaged the fuel line, and brake pulsation due to improper rotor service. These can lead to fuel leaks and braking problems.
Sudden complete shutdowns while driving, as if the ignition was turned off, leaving the driver without power and control. This is a serious safety concern.
Complete engine failures occurring multiple times within months, with the vehicle not starting for about 15 minutes. Owners were told nothing was wrong until they saw the issue themselves.
Brake system malfunctions, including the brake pedal going to the floor, leading to a collision. Also, alignment issues and worn components.
“SUBJECT: GROSS MECHANIC ERROR , POSSIBLE FIRE / EXPLOSIVE SITUATION WHILE IN PALM BAY FL, I HAD MY FUEL FILTER CHANGED AT TIRE KINGDOM FOR ABOUT $90. THEIR MECHANIC INSTALLED A FUEL FILTER THAT RATTLED / DEFECTIVE AND HE DESTROYER THE FUEL LINE IT MOUNTED TO.…”
“I THEN NOTICED A PULSATION OF THE BRAKES. THE PAPERWORK SHOWED THAT NEW BRAKES WERE PUT ON THE CAR, BUT UPON INSPECTION THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAD NEGLECTED TO TURN THE ROTORS, WHICH IS CONSIDERED AN IMPORTANT STEP IN RESPONSIBLE BRAKE SERVICE. I WAS TOLD I W…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE985
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM863
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE821
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER725
- 05SERVICE BRAKES592
Reports of unusual noises from new vehicles, and critical failures with warning lights for brake, hill descent, and ABS, causing loss of speed on the highway.
TPMS warnings that led to catastrophic tire failure shortly after service, and rodent damage to wiring harnesses, indicating potential vulnerability to electrical issues.
The system falsely activates or shows errors for adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, and automatic high beams, which can be distracting and undermine driver trust.
Brake system failures that trigger warnings and cause the vehicle to lose speed, potentially leading to unsafe situations.
“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.
Oldsmobile Bravada — 23 recalls
The defect: ON CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE DRIVER WISHING TO SIGNAL A TURN BY MOVING THE DIRECTIONAL SIGNAL LEVER, (UP OR DOWN) MAY CAUSE THE FRONT MARKER/TURN LIGHTS AND REAR TURN LIGHTS TO FLASH IN A MANNER SIMILAR TO HAZARD WARNING, RATHER THAN FLASHING ON THE DESIRED SIDE ONLY.
The risk: THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO CLEARLY SIGNAL THEIR INTENTIONS TO TURN, CHANGE TRAVEL LANES, OR POTENTIALLY WARN OTHERS OF AN IMPAIRED VEHICLE OPERATING CONDITION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SUSPECT FLASHER MODULES WITH A NEW FLASHER MODULE DESIGNED WITH SEALED RELAYS AND MORE DURABLE CONTACT MATERIAL INSIDE OF THE RELAYS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2005. ISUZU BEGAN MAILING OWNER LET…
The defect: ON CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE DRIVER WISHING TO SIGNAL A TURN BY MOVING THE DIRECTIONAL SIGNAL LEVER, (UP OR DOWN) MAY CAUSE THE FRONT MARKER/TURN LIGHTS AND REAR TURN LIGHTS TO FLASH IN A MANNER SIMILAR TO HAZARD WARNING, RATHER THAN FLASHING ON THE DESIRED SIDE ONLY.
The risk: THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO CLEARLY SIGNAL THEIR INTENTIONS TO TURN, CHANGE TRAVEL LANES, OR POTENTIALLY WARN OTHERS OF AN IMPAIRED VEHICLE OPERATING CONDITION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SUSPECT FLASHER MODULES WITH A NEW FLASHER MODULE DESIGNED WITH SEALED RELAYS AND MORE DURABLE CONTACT MATERIAL INSIDE OF THE RELAYS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2005. ISUZU BEGAN MAILING OWNER LET…
The defect: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEMS THAT WILL NOT TURN ON, CEASE OPERATION WHILE IN USE, FAIL TO TURN OFF/ON BY THEMSELVES (MOISTURE SENSITIVE WIPER SYSTEM), OR HAVE CONTINUOUS WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP OPERATION BECAUSE THE PRESENCE OF WATER WITHIN THE WIPER MODULES CAN EITHE…
The risk: DEPENDING ON THE OCCURRENCE AND WEATHER SITUATION, DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL COVER THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE VENT HOLE WITH A PATCH. ALSO, THE WIPER MOTOR, CIRCUIT BOARD, AND ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR WILL BE INSPECTED TO SIGNS OF WATER INTRUSION AND/OR CORROSION AND BE REPLACED AS REQUIRED. THE RECALL BE…
The defect: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEMS THAT WILL NOT TURN ON, CEASE OPERATION WHILE IN USE, FAIL TO TURN OFF/ON BY THEMSELVES (MOISTURE SENSITIVE WIPER SYSTEM), OR HAVE CONTINUOUS WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP OPERATION BECAUSE THE PRESENCE OF WATER WITHIN THE WIPER MODULES CAN EITHE…
The risk: DEPENDING ON THE OCCURRENCE AND WEATHER SITUATION, DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL COVER THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE VENT HOLE WITH A PATCH. ALSO, THE WIPER MOTOR, CIRCUIT BOARD, AND ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR WILL BE INSPECTED TO SIGNS OF WATER INTRUSION AND/OR CORROSION AND BE REPLACED AS REQUIRED. THE RECALL BE…
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
Oldsmobile Bravada or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Oldsmobile Bravada has fewer complaints per year (81.4) compared to the Honda Accord (443.8), but the Bravada's issues are more severe, involving sudden shutdowns and brake failures. The Accord's higher complaint rate is partly due to its larger sales volume and more advanced technology, but its problems are often less catastrophic. In practice, the Bravada may pose more immediate safety risks, while the Accord's issues are more about reliability and driver assistance glitches.
Key differences
- The Bravada has a higher proportion of powertrain and engine complaints, including sudden shutdowns and complete engine failures, while the Accord has more complaints about driver assistance systems and electrical glitches.
- The Accord has more recalls (38 vs 23), but the Bravada's recalls focus on lighting and wipers, whereas the Accord's include hybrid power control unit software and fuel pump issues.
- The Bravada's brake complaints often involve pedal going to the floor, leading to crashes, while the Accord's brake issues are more about warning lights and loss of speed.
- The Accord's complaints include modern technology problems like adaptive cruise control errors, which are not present in the older Bravada.
- Inspect the fuel system for any signs of leaks or poor repairs, as owners have reported fuel line damage.
- Check the engine for any history of stalling or failure to start, and have a mechanic evaluate the electrical system for potential shutdowns.
- Test the forward collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control systems to ensure they don't activate falsely or show errors.
- Inspect the wiring harnesses for any rodent damage, as this has been reported even on newer vehicles.
Before you buy
- For the Bravada, have a trusted mechanic perform a thorough inspection of the fuel system, brakes, and electrical components, and check for any open recalls.
- For the Accord, verify that all recalls have been addressed, especially those related to the hybrid power control unit and fuel pump.
- Take both vehicles for a test drive, paying attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, or brake behavior.
- Check the vehicle history report for any previous complaints or accidents, and consider getting a pre-purchase inspection from an independent shop.
- Ask for maintenance records to see if the Bravada has had repeated engine or electrical repairs, and if the Accord has had any ADAS-related service.
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 Bravada or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Oldsmobile Bravada vs Honda Accord
- Oldsmobile Bravada total complaints
- 407
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,438
- Oldsmobile Bravada total recalls
- 23
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Oldsmobile Bravada avg complaints/year
- 81.4
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 443.8
- More reliable overall
- Oldsmobile Bravada
- Oldsmobile Bravada top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE