Head-to-head reliability
Pontiac Solstice vs Honda Accord
How the Pontiac Solstice 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 Solstice vs Honda Accord: The Solstice averages about 146 complaints per year with 22 recalls, while the Accord averages about 452 per year with 38 recalls. The Solstice’s top issue is air bags (535 complaints), and the Accord’s is engine (1,006 complaints). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Pontiac Solstice or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Pontiac Solstice
The Pontiac Solstice is a two-seat sports car with a short five-year complaint history averaging about 146 complaints per year. Most owner reports center on air bag warning lights and ignition switch problems, often after recall repairs. Electrical and power train issues, such as rear differential leaks, also appear. With only 22 recalls and no reported deaths, it is a niche vehicle where air bag and ignition faults are the main ownership concern.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a mainstream family sedan or coupe with a much longer ten-year complaint record averaging about 452 complaints per year. Owners frequently report engine problems like loss of power and rattling, electrical failures including power steering and braking lockups, and forward collision avoidance system malfunctions. There are also reports of fuel pump issues and unknown odors. With 38 recalls and 3 deaths reported, the Accord has a broader set of safety-related complaints.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Pontiac Solstice | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 728 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 22 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 28 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 145.6 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 24 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.
Pontiac Solstice
- 01AIR BAGS535
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM76
- 03POWER TRAIN56
- 04SERVICE BRAKES52
- 05SEATS39
Owners report air bag warning lights coming on, often after ignition switch recalls. Some say the passenger air bag sensor is faulty and side air bags may not deploy. This matters because it could affect air bag function in a crash.
Complaints link ignition switch recalls to subsequent electrical issues, such as the passenger air bag sensor light staying on. One owner was told neither side air bag would deploy. Buyers should verify all recall work was done and check for lingering warning lights.
A reported rear differential leak after about 22,000 miles mirrors issues in earlier model years. This can lead to costly repairs if not caught early. Also, air bag lights may turn on randomly while driving.
Owners describe random failure of brake lights to illuminate or turn off when the pedal is pressed or released. This can confuse other drivers and increase crash risk. It is a simple but important safety check.
“I PUTCHASED THE CAR ON NOVEMBER 25, 2015 FROM CYNTHIA WALKER. THE VEHICLE HAD 30,000 MI, EXTENDED WARRANTY AND WAS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION (I RECEIVED ALL PREVIOUS SERVICE RECORDS. IN AUGUST, 2016 I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND A WARNING LIGHT CAME ON THE DASH AND…”
“MY SOLSTICE IS PART OF THE IGNITION RECALL ID # 102546 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH. DURING THE REPAIR OF THE IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED OCT 13 2014.AND AFTER THE CAR WAS BROUGHT OUT TO ME I NOTICED THE PASSENGER AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT HAD CAME ON. I NOTIF…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report sudden loss of power at highway speeds with multiple alarms, and rattling noises while accelerating. Some also note rough transitions between electric and gas modes. These issues can leave a driver stranded or cause unsafe speed loss.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds, and tire failure after TPMS service. These are severe safety risks. Buyers should check for any open recalls on power steering and braking software.
Owners report the system failing to resolve threats, with incidents occurring under similar conditions. Adaptive cruise control may suddenly brake or not respond. This can surprise a driver and increase crash risk.
Fuel pump issues are common enough to be a top complaint area. A failing fuel pump can cause stalling or loss of power. This is a critical safety concern, especially at speed.
“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.
Pontiac Solstice — 22 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. The Passenger Air Bag Suppression System (PPS) sensor may become bent or damaged within the front passenger seat, possibly disabling the front passenger air bag.
The risk: In the event of a crash, if the front passenger air bag does not deploy as intended, the front passenger has an increased risk of injury.
The fix: The remedy for this recall is still under development. A permanent remedy is currently under development. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn customer service at 1-800…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignitio…
The risk: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission…
The fix: General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cu…
The defect: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency o…
The risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later v…
The defect: UCI-FRAM Group is recalling certain LS1328 ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1328, Duralast LS1328, Airtex 1S6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and LS1497 Ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1497, Duralast LS1497, Airtex 1S10961, and Carquest 53-27967, for use on various General Motors model and model year…
The risk: If the ignition switch moves from the run position to accessory, the car would stall and the air bags will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the occupants.
The fix: UCI-FRAM Group has notified its purchasers to quarantine and return all inventory. Any switches already installed in vehicles will be replaced by GM dealers as part of NHTSA recall 14V-047, free of charge. UCI-Fram's purchasers should cont…
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
Pontiac Solstice or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Pontiac Solstice has far fewer complaints per year (about 146) than the Honda Accord (about 452), but the Solstice is a low-volume sports car with serious air bag and ignition concerns. The Accord’s higher volume and longer history mean more reported issues, including severe electrical and engine failures. In practice, the Solstice may have fewer total problems, but the Accord’s problems are more varied and affect everyday driving.
Key differences
- The Solstice has 728 complaints over 5 years (about 146/year) versus the Accord’s 4,524 over 10 years (about 452/year).
- Solstice complaints are dominated by air bag and ignition switch issues, while Accord complaints span engine, electrical, forward collision avoidance, and fuel system.
- The Accord has 3 reported deaths and 146 injuries in its complaint data; the Solstice has 0 deaths and 24 injuries.
- Both have recalls, but the Accord’s recalls include hybrid power control software and fuel pump, while the Solstice’s are mainly air bag and ignition.
- Check for any air bag warning lights and confirm the passenger air bag sensor recall was performed and is functioning.
- Inspect for rear differential leaks, especially around 22,000 miles, and test brake lights for random failure to illuminate or turn off.
- Test drive at highway speeds to check for sudden loss of power, rattling noises, or rough transitions between EV and gas modes.
- Verify that all recalls for electronic power steering, braking, and fuel pump have been completed, and check for any forward collision avoidance warnings.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed for the specific vehicle.
- Ask for service records showing ignition switch and air bag sensor repairs on the Solstice, or hybrid power control and fuel pump recalls on the Accord.
- During a test drive, listen for engine rattles and check for warning lights on the dashboard.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Solstice for rear differential leaks and brake light function.
- For the Accord, test the forward collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control in a safe area, and check for any rotten-egg odor.
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 Solstice or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Pontiac Solstice vs Honda Accord
- Pontiac Solstice total complaints
- 728
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Pontiac Solstice total recalls
- 22
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Pontiac Solstice avg complaints/year
- 145.6
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Pontiac Solstice
- Pontiac Solstice top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE