Head-to-head reliability
RAM 1500 vs Honda Accord
How the RAM 1500 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
RAM 1500 vs Honda Accord: The RAM has 849 complaints per year and 135 recalls, while the Accord has 444 per year and 38 recalls. RAM owners report stalling and electrical failures; Accord owners report false safety alerts and sunroof explosions. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the RAM 1500 or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
RAM 1500
The RAM 1500 is a full-size pickup that, in ownership terms, shows a high volume of complaints concentrated in the engine and electrical systems. Owners report stalling, warning-light clusters, and battery drain, which suggests potential reliability concerns that could lead to unexpected breakdowns. The frequency of these issues (849 per year) is notably high, indicating that buyers should be prepared for possible visits to the dealer.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a midsize sedan with a lower complaint rate (444 per year) but still shows significant issues, particularly with the engine, electrical system, and forward collision avoidance. Owners describe sudden power loss, warning-light cascades, and false activations of safety systems, which can be alarming and may undermine confidence in the vehicle's dependability. While less frequent than the RAM, these issues are still serious enough to warrant attention.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | RAM 1500 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 8,493 | 4,438 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 135 | 38 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 397 | 160 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 849.3 | 443.8 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 270 | 144 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 15 | 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.
RAM 1500
- 01ENGINE2,522
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,308
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,279
- 04POWER TRAIN1,207
- 05STEERING1,028
Owners report stalling incidents, especially while towing, with the 12V battery draining and voltage dropping, leading to loss of power. This can be dangerous if it occurs in traffic.
Multiple warning lights (seat belt, ABS, check engine) illuminate simultaneously, along with messages like 'Service Transmission,' indicating a possible electrical gremlin that can be hard to diagnose and fix.
Sudden, uncommanded drops into 'Limp Mode' occur at highway speeds, especially when towing, with a 'Service Electronic Throttle' warning. This reduces power and can be a hazard.
Some complaints mention the tonneau cover detaching while driving, which could become a projectile and cause a crash. This is a physical safety issue not related to the drivetrain.
“2023 Ram 1500 V6 eTorque, 40,000 miles. Two stalling incidents have occurred under different conditions. Incident 1: While towing approximately 4,000 lbs, the 12V battery began slowly draining while the vehicle was in motion. Battery voltage gradually dropped…”
“The contact owns a 2023 Ram 1500. The contact stated that on two occasions while driving approximately 60 MPH, the traction control warning light illuminated and the message "Parking Brake Deactivated" was displayed. The contact stated that during the first f…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE985
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM863
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE821
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER725
- 05SERVICE BRAKES592
Owners report a noise that worsens over time, and in some cases, the vehicle loses speed and cannot accelerate, with critical failure warnings. This suggests potential engine or drivetrain problems.
There are reports of rodent damage to the camshaft position wiring harness, which can cause engine issues. Also, a tire pressure monitoring system warning was followed by a catastrophic tire failure, indicating possible sensor or tire issues.
The system can falsely activate at highway speeds, causing sudden braking, or display errors for adaptive cruise control and lane keeping. This can be startling and may lead to rear-end collisions.
The sunroof glass can explode without warning, showering the cabin with glass. This is a rare but serious safety defect that could cause injury or distraction.
“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.
RAM 1500 — 135 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. A software error may cause the instrument panel display to fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the re…
The risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as gear selection and warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the instrument panel software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 5, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 35D. Vehicle Identification N…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. A software error may cause the instrument panel display to fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the re…
The risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as gear selection and warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the instrument panel software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 5, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 35D. Vehicle Identification N…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Jeep Wagoneer S, 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, Ram 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. Due to an improperly designed trailer tow module, the trailer lights…
The risk: Trailer brake lights and turn signals that do not illuminate reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, trailer brakes that fail increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the trailer tow module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning March 17, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 03D. V…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Jeep Wagoneer S, 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, Ram 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. Due to an improperly designed trailer tow module, the trailer lights…
The risk: Trailer brake lights and turn signals that do not illuminate reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, trailer brakes that fail increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the trailer tow module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning March 17, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 03D. V…
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
RAM 1500 or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Honda Accord has fewer complaints per year (444 vs. 849) and fewer recalls (38 vs. 135), indicating a lower likelihood of encountering problems. However, both vehicles have serious issues that could affect safety and reliability, so a thorough inspection is essential.
Key differences
- RAM 1500 has more than double the complaints per year and triple the recalls, suggesting a higher chance of needing repairs.
- RAM 1500 owners report stalling and battery drain, while Accord owners report sudden power loss and false safety system activations.
- Accord has specific issues with forward collision avoidance and sunroof glass, while RAM has issues with tonneau cover detachment and limp mode.
- Both have electrical gremlins, but RAM's are more frequent and severe.
- Check for any history of stalling or battery drain, especially if the truck has been used for towing.
- Inspect the tonneau cover (if equipped) to ensure it is securely latched and not prone to detachment.
- Ask about any incidents of false activation of forward collision warning or adaptive cruise control.
- Inspect the sunroof glass for any signs of stress or previous replacement, and be aware of the explosion risk.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine and electrical systems, especially for signs of stalling or warning light issues.
- Test drive at highway speeds to see if any warning lights or limp mode occur.
- For the RAM, check the battery and charging system; for the Accord, test the forward collision system in a safe area.
- Review the NHTSA complaint database for the specific model year you are considering.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | RAM 1500 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 5 |
| 2025 | 0 | 101 |
| 2024 | 0 | 214 |
| 2023 | 585 | 224 |
| 2022 | 3624 | 238 |
| 2021 | 673 | 226 |
| 2020 | 622 | 355 |
| 2019 | 1465 | 677 |
| 2018 | 656 | 1864 |
| 2017 | 868 | 534 |
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 RAM 1500 or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- RAM 1500 vs Honda Accord
- RAM 1500 total complaints
- 8,493
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,438
- RAM 1500 total recalls
- 135
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- RAM 1500 avg complaints/year
- 849.3
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 443.8
- More reliable overall
- Honda Accord
- RAM 1500 top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE