Head-to-head reliability
RAM 4500 vs Honda Accord
How the RAM 4500 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 4500 vs Honda Accord: Over 10 years, the RAM 4500 has 27 complaints (2.7/year) and 57 recalls, while the Honda Accord has 4,438 complaints (443.8/year) and 38 recalls. The RAM's issues often involve brakes and power loss, whereas the Accord's are more varied. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the RAM 4500 or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
RAM 4500
The RAM 4500 is a heavy-duty commercial truck, often used for towing and hauling. Over 10 years, it has 27 complaints (2.7 per year) and 57 recalls, with brake and hydraulic issues dominating. Owners report serious problems like loss of braking and power, plus 'death wobble' at speed. Living with one means staying on top of recalls and being alert for sudden failures.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular family sedan with 4,438 complaints over 10 years (about 444 per year) and 38 recalls. Complaints cover engine, electrical, and driver-assist systems, with some reports of stalling, warning lights, and unexpected braking. While many issues are annoying, some can affect safety. Buyers should check for open recalls and test all electronics.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | RAM 4500 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 27 Better | 4,438 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 57 | 38 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 160 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 2.7 Better | 443.8 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 4 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.
RAM 4500
- 01SERVICE BRAKES12
- 02POWER TRAIN8
- 03HYDRAULIC7
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM3
- 05STEERING3
Owners report brake HCU failures causing loss of ABS and brake control, and some say recall repairs are unavailable. This can lead to longer stopping distances or complete brake loss, a critical safety risk.
Complaints include 'death wobble' at highway speeds, where the truck shakes violently and pulls to one side, and loss of motive power. These issues can cause loss of control and are often linked to unresolved recalls.
Hydraulic problems often involve brake system components, with owners reporting warning lights and reduced braking. Some tie this to the same brake HCU recall, leaving drivers with limited braking ability.
The CP4 fuel pump can fail, causing the truck to stall and not restart, sometimes while towing. Fuel leaks are also reported, posing a fire hazard. These failures can strand drivers and create dangerous situations.
“The contact owns a 2018 Ram 4500. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated, before the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed t…”
“The vehicle has an active recall open on it (confirmed by local dealership, NHTSA webform, and directly with Ram/Stellantis) that was opened in 2024 and currently has no remedy available. The vehicles brake HCU fails causing loss of ABS/brake control, this un…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE985
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM863
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE821
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER725
- 05SERVICE BRAKES592
Owners report noises, stalling, and multiple warning lights (brake, ABS, hill descent) that can lead to loss of speed. Some cases involve new vehicles with low mileage, suggesting potential defects.
Complaints include TPMS warnings, tire failures after service, and rodent damage to wiring. Electrical glitches can disable safety features and leave drivers stranded.
Adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, and automatic braking may malfunction, showing warnings or engaging unexpectedly. This can cause sudden braking or failure to assist, increasing crash risk.
Some owners report brake system issues, including ABS control module problems. These can affect braking performance and may be addressed by recalls.
“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 4500 — 57 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L High Output engine. The engine calibration software may not warn about low oil volume.
The risk: Low oil can damage the engine, causing an oil leak or a punctured engine block, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will update the engine calibration software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 25, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y21.
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 vehicles, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, 5500 Cab Chassis and 3500 Cab Chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs. The windshield wiper arms may loosen, possibly causing the wipers to…
The risk: Reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the wiper nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2022. This recall is an expansion of recall number 20V-208. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US,…
The defect: Excellance, Inc (Excellance) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Excellance-modified RAM 4500/5500 vehicles to be equipped with CLASS Suspension Systems. In the affected suspension systems, the rear brake caliper flexible line may have been routed so that it contacts a suspension component, possibly cau…
The risk: A worn rear brake caliper flexible line may cause brake fluid leakage which may result in a partial or complete loss of the rear brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Excellance will notify owners, and dealers will install a kit to remedy any damage and to prevent any future damage, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a schedule for recall notification. Owners may contact Excellance cu…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500, 3500 pickup trucks, and Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines. The High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) may fail, resulting in a sudden engine stall without warning.
The risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the HPFP, update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software, and inspect and replace additional fuel system components as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters to inform owners of the safety r…
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 4500 or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The RAM 4500 has far fewer complaints per year (2.7 vs. 443.8), but its issues are often severe, involving brakes and power loss. The Honda Accord has many more complaints, but many are for less critical electronics or driver-assist glitches. In practice, the RAM may need fewer visits but for more dangerous problems, while the Accord may have more frequent but often less life-threatening issues.
Key differences
- RAM 4500 complaints center on brakes and hydraulics, with reports of loss of braking and 'death wobble'; Honda Accord complaints are more varied, including engine, electrical, and driver-assist issues.
- RAM 4500 has 57 recalls over 10 years, many for critical safety systems; Honda Accord has 38 recalls, often for software or component fixes.
- RAM 4500 has 3 crash-related complaints and 4 injuries; Honda Accord has 160 crash-related complaints and 144 injuries, though the much higher number of Accords on the road may influence this.
- RAM 4500 owners report fuel pump failures causing stalls; Honda Accord owners report stalling and warning lights, but also sunroof explosions and tire failures.
- Check for open recalls, especially the brake HCU recall (24V896000); ensure any recall repairs are completed before purchase.
- Test drive at highway speeds to detect 'death wobble' or vibration, and listen for unusual engine noises that could indicate fuel pump issues.
- Verify all driver-assist features (adaptive cruise, lane keeping) work without intermittent warnings or unexpected braking.
- Inspect tires for uneven wear or damage, and check for electrical issues like TPMS warnings or rodent damage to wiring.
Before you buy
- Look up the VIN on NHTSA.gov to check for open recalls and complete them before purchase.
- Take a long test drive at various speeds, including highway, to feel for wobble, hesitation, or warning lights.
- Have a mechanic inspect the brake system, fuel pump, and electrical components for signs of failure.
- For the Accord, test all electronic safety features and check tire condition and sunroof operation.
- Ask for maintenance records and confirm that any recall repairs were done by a dealer.
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 4500 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 5 |
| 2025 | 0 | 101 |
| 2024 | 1 | 214 |
| 2023 | 0 | 224 |
| 2022 | 3 | 238 |
| 2021 | 0 | 226 |
| 2020 | 3 | 355 |
| 2019 | 6 | 677 |
| 2018 | 9 | 1864 |
| 2017 | 5 | 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 4500 or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- RAM 4500 vs Honda Accord
- RAM 4500 total complaints
- 27
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,438
- RAM 4500 total recalls
- 57
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- RAM 4500 avg complaints/year
- 2.7
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 443.8
- More reliable overall
- RAM 4500
- RAM 4500 top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE