Head-to-head reliability
Oldsmobile Silhouette vs Honda Accord
How the Oldsmobile Silhouette 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 Silhouette vs Honda Accord: The Silhouette averaged 64 complaints per year with 30 recalls, while the Accord averaged 444 complaints per year with 38 recalls. The Silhouette had 42 injuries and 7 deaths; the Accord had 144 injuries and 3 deaths. Both show distinct failure patterns. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Oldsmobile Silhouette or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Oldsmobile Silhouette
The Oldsmobile Silhouette is a minivan that averaged about 64 complaints per year over five years, with 30 recalls and 42 injuries reported. Owners frequently describe engine misfires and internal damage, power sliding door failures, and electrical smoke or burning odors. The pattern suggests a vehicle that can be costly to maintain, especially as parts age.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular sedan with a much higher complaint volume—about 444 per year over ten years—but that reflects a far larger number of vehicles on the road. Reports include engine noises, electrical glitches, and advanced driver-assist warnings, plus recalls for hybrid software and fuel pumps. While the Accord has more total complaints, the rate per vehicle is likely lower than the Silhouette's.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Oldsmobile Silhouette | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 321 Better | 4,438 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 30 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 19 Better | 160 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 64.2 Better | 443.8 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 42 Better | 144 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 7 | 3 Better |
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 Silhouette
- 01ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING56
- 02STRUCTURE38
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM36
- 04LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES26
- 05POWER TRAIN24
Owners report check engine lights, spark plug-like failures, and no compression in a cylinder due to a stripped rocker arm bolt. This can lead to expensive engine repairs or replacement.
Power sliding doors may open unexpectedly or fail to stop when obstructed, and one complaint describes a severe crash with multiple fatalities. Buyers should test door operation and inspect for prior collision damage.
Complaints include burning odors and smoke from air vents when the A/C is turned on, plus malfunctions of the radio, locks, and instrument panel. These issues can be safety hazards and costly to trace.
Rear power sliding doors may open without warning or fail to reverse when meeting an obstacle, and the door chime may sound while driving. This is a safety concern for passengers, especially children.
“AFTER ACCELERATING TO PASSING GEAR, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON .. AND THE ENGINE SOUNDED LIKE THE SPARK PLUG FAILED. THE DIAGNOSTIC CHECK SAID THERE WAS NO COMPRESSION IN THE #2 CYLINDER. THE MECHANIC AT THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE ROCKER ARM BOLT HAD STRIPPE…”
“THERE IS A VERY FOUL ODOR THAT EMITS FROM THE A/C UNIT ON MY 2003 OLDS SILHOUETTE VAN. I'M CONCERNED THAT THIS MAY BE SOME SORT OF BACTERIAL/FUNGUS GROWTH THAT MAY BE MAINIFESTING ITSELF IN THE A/C UNIT. I DON'T WANT PEOPLE GETTING SERIOUSLY ILL BEFORE SOME S…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE985
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM863
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE821
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER725
- 05SERVICE BRAKES592
Owners report noises, loss of speed, and multiple dashboard alarms (brake, hill descent, ABS) that can indicate critical failures. Some complaints involve new vehicles with low mileage, suggesting potential defects.
Issues include TPMS warnings followed by catastrophic tire failure, and rodent damage to wiring harnesses even on new cars. These can lead to sudden loss of tire pressure or engine problems.
Complaints describe intermittent warnings for adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and automatic high beams, sometimes with no obstruction. This can erode trust in safety systems and distract the driver.
While not detailed in the sample, the high number of brake-related complaints (592) suggests owners experience issues with ABS or brake performance. Buyers should have the brake system thoroughly inspected.
“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 Silhouette — 30 recalls
The defect: DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN…
The risk: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-24…
The defect: K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND A…
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
The defect: ON CERTAIN MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH SECOND-ROW BUCKET SEATS OR CAPTAIN'S CHAIRS AND A POWER SLIDING DOOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, A PASSENGER USING THE INTERIOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE POWER SLIDING DOOR COULD BE INJURED.
The risk: IF A PASSENGER USES THE INTERIOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE POWER SLIDING DOOR AND HOLDS ONTO THE HANDLE WHILE IT IS BEING OPENED BY THE MOTOR, THE PASSENGER'S ARM MAY BE PUSHED INTO THE SEAT BACK OR ARMREST AND A WRIST OR LOWER ARM INJURY MAY RES…
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER SLIDING DOOR INTERIOR HANDLE ON THE PASSENGER-SIDE. IF THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A POWER OR MANUAL SLIDING DOOR ON THE DRIVER-SIDE, THE INTERIOR HANDLE WILL ALSO BE REPLACED FOR APPEARANCE REASONS. NOTE: B…
The defect: CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
The risk: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
The fix: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
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 Silhouette or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Oldsmobile Silhouette has far fewer complaints per year (64 vs. 444), but it also has a higher ratio of injuries to complaints and a shorter data window. The Honda Accord's higher volume likely reflects its much larger sales, but its complaints include serious safety-system and engine issues. In practice, the Silhouette may be cheaper to buy but riskier for costly repairs, while the Accord may have more advanced features but potential electronic gremlins.
Key differences
- The Silhouette has 30 recalls over 5 years, including steering and air bag issues, while the Accord has 38 recalls over 10 years, covering hybrid software and fuel pumps.
- Silhouette owners frequently report power sliding door failures and engine compression loss, whereas Accord owners report advanced driver-assist warnings and electrical glitches.
- The Silhouette has 7 deaths and 42 injuries in its complaint data, while the Accord has 3 deaths and 144 injuries, though the Accord's larger fleet size affects these numbers.
- The Silhouette averages 64 complaints per year; the Accord averages 444 per year, but the Accord's rate per vehicle is likely lower due to higher sales volume.
- Check for engine misfires, unusual noises, or check engine lights; a compression test can reveal the rocker arm bolt issue.
- Test both power sliding doors multiple times for smooth operation, unexpected opening, and proper reversal when obstructed.
- Listen for engine noises or warning alarms during a test drive, especially at highway speeds, and check for any stored diagnostic codes.
- Verify that all forward collision avoidance features (adaptive cruise, lane keeping, automatic high beams) work without intermittent warnings.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all safety recalls have been performed.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, and electrical system for both models.
- For the Silhouette, specifically test the power sliding doors and check for A/C odors or smoke.
- For the Accord, test all advanced driver-assist systems and check for tire and brake wear.
- Take a test drive that includes highway speeds and varying road conditions to replicate complaint scenarios.
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 Silhouette or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Oldsmobile Silhouette vs Honda Accord
- Oldsmobile Silhouette total complaints
- 321
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,438
- Oldsmobile Silhouette total recalls
- 30
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Oldsmobile Silhouette avg complaints/year
- 64.2
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 443.8
- More reliable overall
- Oldsmobile Silhouette
- Oldsmobile Silhouette top complaint area
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE