Head-to-head reliability
RAM Promaster 1500 vs Honda Accord
How the RAM Promaster 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 Promaster 1500 vs Honda Accord: The Promaster has only 5 complaints over 10 years (0.5/yr) and no recalls, while the Accord has 4,438 complaints (443.8/yr) and 38 recalls. Accord owners report engine power loss and false collision warnings, whereas Promaster issues are mostly conversion-related. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the RAM Promaster 1500 or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
RAM Promaster 1500
The RAM Promaster 1500 is a workhorse van, often converted into campers or used for commercial duty. Over the past decade, owners have filed very few complaints—about half a per year—and there are no recalls on record. The issues that do surface are scattered: a backup camera showing the floor, a solar panel detaching, and A-pillar trim blocking the mirror. This suggests a generally low-maintenance vehicle, but the few reports hint at quality-control quirks in conversions and visibility ergonomics.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular midsize sedan with a much higher complaint volume—over 440 per year—and 38 recalls. Owners frequently report engine problems, electrical glitches, and false alerts from the forward collision avoidance system. Some complaints describe sudden power loss and warning lights, while others mention issues like a sunroof exploding or rodent damage to wiring. This pattern indicates a vehicle with more frequent electronic and powertrain issues, though many are intermittent and may not always lead to breakdowns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | RAM Promaster 1500 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 5 Better | 4,438 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 160 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.5 Better | 443.8 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 Promaster 1500
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
- 02POWER TRAIN1
- 03EQUIPMENT1
- 04VISIBILITY1
- 05STRUCTURE1
Owners report propane system leaks in camper conversions, often due to Teflon tape on connections, which can pose a fire or explosion risk. Also, the rear backup camera may show the floor instead of the obstacle, and grid lines disappear, making parking and reversing less safe.
One owner mentioned a recall for powertrain issues (NHTSA 23V301000) but couldn't get the repair part, leaving the vehicle potentially vulnerable. This points to a known defect that may affect drivability or safety.
A solar panel fractured and detached from the vehicle while driving at night, which could become a road hazard or cause damage. This suggests that aftermarket or factory-installed equipment may not be securely attached.
The driver's side A-pillar trim blocks the side view mirror, limiting visibility and creating a hazard. This is a design flaw that can affect everyday driving, especially in traffic or when changing lanes.
“This vehicle was transformed into a Solis Pocket 36A motorhome by Winnebago in 2022. This, as well as many others converted by Winnebago in 2023 abs 2024 as well, contains a propane tank, heater, and 2 burner stovetop. They used Teflon tape on propane connect…”
“The rear backup camera does not work correctly. The picture is of the floor and not the obstacle directly behind the vehicle. Also, the grid lines that assist in parking no longer appear. Yes - this vehicle is available for inspection. It is a safety issue be…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE985
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM863
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE821
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER725
- 05SERVICE BRAKES592
Owners report unusual noises and sudden loss of power accompanied by warning lights for brake, hill descent, ABS, and critical failure. This can be alarming and may indicate a serious engine or transmission issue that could lead to stalling.
There are reports of TPMS warnings followed by catastrophic tire failure, and rodent damage to the camshaft position wiring harness. Electrical gremlins can cause a range of problems, from false alerts to unexpected component failures.
The system may falsely trigger at highway speeds with no obstacles, or show intermittent messages about adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, and road departure mitigation. These false alerts can be distracting and undermine driver trust in safety features.
One owner reported the sunroof glass exploding while driving at 40 mph with nothing overhead, which is a rare but serious safety hazard. Another mentioned a tire failure after a TPMS repair, indicating possible improper service or part defects.
“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 Promaster 1500
No recalls on record.
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 Promaster 1500 or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The RAM Promaster 1500 has far fewer complaints per year (0.5) compared to the Honda Accord (443.8), and no recalls, making it a more reliable choice in terms of reported issues. However, the Accord's higher volume reflects its popularity and may include more minor electronic glitches. In practice, the Promaster is likely to have fewer unexpected trips to the shop, but the Accord's issues are more varied and could affect daily driving comfort.
Key differences
- The Promaster has almost no complaints (5 total) and zero recalls, while the Accord has thousands of complaints and 38 recalls.
- Promaster issues are mostly about conversion quality (propane leaks, solar panel detachment) and visibility, not core mechanical failures.
- Accord owners frequently report engine power loss and false forward collision alerts, which can be unnerving and lead to distrust in safety systems.
- The Accord's electrical system is a common source of problems, including wiring damage and sensor malfunctions, whereas the Promaster's electrical complaints are limited to a backup camera.
- Inspect any camper conversion for propane line connections and ensure they use proper thread sealant, not just Teflon tape.
- Check that the backup camera shows a clear rear view and that grid lines appear; also verify the A-pillar doesn't block your view of the side mirror.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system in a safe area to see if it triggers falsely; also watch for intermittent warning messages.
- Check for any signs of rodent damage under the hood, especially around wiring harnesses, and ensure the sunroof glass is intact and properly sealed.
Before you buy
- For the Promaster, have a mechanic inspect the propane system and all roof-mounted accessories for secure attachment.
- For the Accord, ask for a full service history and check if any recalls have been performed, especially for the fuel pump and brake control module.
- Take both vehicles for a test drive and pay attention to any unusual noises, warning lights, or false alerts from driver assistance systems.
- Check the NHTSA website for the latest recall information on the specific VINs you're considering.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a certified mechanic who can look for common issues like wiring damage or fluid leaks.
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 Promaster 1500 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 5 |
| 2025 | 0 | 101 |
| 2024 | 0 | 214 |
| 2023 | 1 | 224 |
| 2022 | 0 | 238 |
| 2021 | 4 | 226 |
| 2020 | 0 | 355 |
| 2019 | 0 | 677 |
| 2018 | 0 | 1864 |
| 2017 | 0 | 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 Promaster 1500 or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- RAM Promaster 1500 vs Honda Accord
- RAM Promaster 1500 total complaints
- 5
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,438
- RAM Promaster 1500 total recalls
- 0
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- RAM Promaster 1500 avg complaints/year
- 0.5
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 443.8
- More reliable overall
- RAM Promaster 1500
- RAM Promaster 1500 top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE