Head-to-head reliability
Pontiac Montana vs Honda Accord
How the Pontiac Montana 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
Pontiac Montana vs Honda Accord: The Montana averaged 138 complaints per year over 5 years, with 4 deaths and 90 injuries, while the Accord averaged 443.8 per year over 10 years, with 3 deaths and 144 injuries. The Montana's issues often involve engine and fuel leaks; the Accord's involve electronics and driver-assist systems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Pontiac Montana or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Pontiac Montana
The Pontiac Montana is a minivan that owners report living with frequent, recurring problems. Over five years, it averaged 138 complaints per year, with the most common issues in the engine, electrical system, and structure. Owners describe repeated head gasket failures, instrument panel malfunctions, and fuel leaks, suggesting a pattern of ongoing repairs rather than one-time fixes.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a midsize car with a much higher annual complaint rate—443.8 per year over ten years—but many complaints involve newer models with advanced driver-assist systems. The most frequent problem areas are the engine, electrical system, and forward collision avoidance. Owners report issues like engine noises, electrical glitches, and false warnings from safety features, often on low-mileage vehicles.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Pontiac Montana | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 690 Better | 4,438 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 35 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 44 Better | 160 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 138.0 Better | 443.8 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 90 Better | 144 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 4 | 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.
Pontiac Montana
- 01ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING156
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM78
- 03STRUCTURE71
- 04FUEL SYSTEM66
- 05POWER TRAIN55
Owners report repeated head gasket failures, sometimes needing replacement every year. This can lead to coolant leaks, overheating, and costly engine damage if not addressed.
Complaints include instrument panel gauges (speedometer, fuel gauge, temperature) failing intermittently, and brake or head lights blowing out repeatedly. These issues can affect visibility and vehicle operation.
Reports include rear axle becoming dislodged while driving and door bracket fractures causing injury. Such structural failures pose serious safety risks.
Owners describe strong fuel odors and leaks from a fractured fuel neck, sometimes after a recall was issued. Leaking fuel increases fire risk and should be inspected immediately.
“REPEATED DRIVING WITHIN 1/4 MILE OF THE INDIANAPOLIS REGIONAL AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL RADAR ANTENNA CAUSES SOME OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILURE INDICATORS TO TURN ON FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. THE "BATTERY" AND "AIRBAG" INDICATORS TURN ON AND CLICKING NOISE IS HEARD FR…”
“I HAVE REPLACED THE HEAD GASKET ON MY 2004 PONTIAC MONTANA EVERY YEAR AT THE SAME TIME THIS IS THE 3RD TIME I WILL HAVE TO HAVE THE GASKET REPLACED I DO BELIEVE THIS IS A RECALL ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE CORRECTED BY THE MANUFACTURER SINCE I HAVE REPLACED IT 2 TIM…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE985
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM863
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE821
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER725
- 05SERVICE BRAKES592
Complaints include unusual noises shortly after purchase and sudden loss of power with multiple dashboard alarms. These can indicate serious engine or sensor problems.
Owners report tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warnings followed by tire failure, and rodent damage to wiring harnesses. Electrical glitches can lead to safety issues like tire blowouts.
Many complaints involve adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and automatic high beams malfunctioning or giving false warnings. These failures can reduce driver confidence in safety features.
Reports include sunroof glass exploding and tire failures after TPMS service. These unexpected failures can cause injury or loss of control.
“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.
Pontiac Montana — 35 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: 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.
The defect: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, VARIATIONS IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS OR EXPOSURE TO HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES MAY LEAD TO FRACTURE OF THE FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE (ICV).
The risk: A FRACTURE MAY ALLOW FUEL VAPORS TO PASS THROUGH AND ALLOW DROPLETS OF FUEL TO ACCUMULATE ON THE SIDE OF THE FUEL TANK. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK. THE RECALL WILL BE MAILED IN TWO PHASES WITH THE FIRST PHASE BEGINNING ON DECEMBER 4, 2007. THE SECOND PHASE WILL BE MAILED ON DECEMBER 13, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CHEVROLET AT…
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…
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
Pontiac Montana or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Pontiac Montana has fewer complaints per year (138) than the Honda Accord (443.8), but the Montana's issues are often severe and recurring, such as head gasket and fuel leaks. The Accord's higher rate reflects many complaints on newer models with complex electronics. In practice, the Montana may require more frequent major repairs, while the Accord may have more electronic annoyances.
Key differences
- The Pontiac Montana has a much lower annual complaint rate (138 vs. 443.8), but its complaints often involve serious mechanical failures like head gaskets and fuel leaks.
- The Honda Accord's complaints frequently involve advanced driver-assist systems (forward collision avoidance) and electrical issues, often on newer vehicles.
- The Montana has 4 deaths and 90 injuries reported over 5 years, while the Accord has 3 deaths and 144 injuries over 10 years, indicating different safety profiles.
- Recalls for the Montana include steering and fuel system issues, while the Accord's recalls include electrical system, brakes, and air bags.
- Check for coolant leaks or overheating signs, as head gasket failures are commonly reported and may recur annually.
- Inspect the fuel neck and undercarriage for fuel odors or leaks, especially if a recall was performed but symptoms persist.
- Test all driver-assist features (adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, automatic high beams) for false warnings or failures.
- Inspect tires and TPMS system, as complaints include tire failure after TPMS service and rodent damage to wiring.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially fuel system and electrical recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Pontiac Montana for head gasket integrity, fuel leaks, and rear axle condition.
- For the Honda Accord, test the forward collision avoidance system and check for electrical issues like TPMS warnings.
- Review NHTSA complaints for the specific model year you are considering to see if patterns apply.
- Take a test drive that includes highway speeds and varying conditions to trigger any intermittent electronic faults.
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 Pontiac Montana or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Pontiac Montana vs Honda Accord
- Pontiac Montana total complaints
- 690
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,438
- Pontiac Montana total recalls
- 35
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Pontiac Montana avg complaints/year
- 138.0
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 443.8
- More reliable overall
- Pontiac Montana
- Pontiac Montana top complaint area
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE