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: Over 10 years, the ProMaster has 5 complaints and 0 recalls, while the Accord has 4,524 complaints and 38 recalls. The ProMaster's few issues include backup camera and visibility problems; the Accord's many include engine stalls and electrical failures. 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 full-size van often used commercially or converted into campers. Over ten years, it has only 5 complaints and no recalls, suggesting a very low reported failure rate. However, the few complaints include serious safety concerns like a blocked side mirror and a backup camera showing the floor. Buyers should note that some issues stem from aftermarket conversions, not the base van.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular midsize sedan with a much higher complaint volume: 4,524 over ten years, plus 38 recalls. Owners report engine stalls, electrical failures, and forward collision avoidance problems, with some crashes and injuries. This suggests that while many Accords are reliable, a notable number experience significant safety-related defects.
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 | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.5 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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.
RAM Promaster 1500
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
- 02VISIBILITY1
- 03STRUCTURE1
- 04POWER TRAIN1
- 05EQUIPMENT1
Owners report aftermarket camper conversions using Teflon tape on propane connections, which could lead to leaks. Also, backup cameras may show the floor instead of obstacles, making reversing hazardous.
The driver's side A-pillar trim can block the side view mirror, reducing visibility and creating a blind spot. This is a design flaw that could increase accident risk.
The same A-pillar trim issue is also filed under structure, indicating a potential defect in how the trim is attached or positioned. It may require dealer adjustment to fix.
One owner reported a recall for a power train issue (NHTSA campaign 23V301000) but parts were unavailable, leaving the vehicle unrepaired. This could mean delays in getting safety fixes.
“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
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners describe sudden power loss, alarms for brake and stability systems, and rattling noises during acceleration. These issues can leave drivers stranded or unable to maintain highway speeds.
Reports include simultaneous failure of power steering and braking at highway speeds, and TPMS warnings followed by tire failure. Such failures can cause loss of control and crashes.
Adaptive cruise control and collision warning systems may activate unexpectedly or fail to detect obstacles, leading to near-misses or collisions. This undermines a key safety feature.
Some owners report persistent sulfur odors and fuel pump issues, which could indicate leaks or delivery problems. These may lead to performance loss or fire risk.
“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.
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 (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
RAM Promaster 1500 or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The RAM ProMaster 1500 has far fewer complaints per year (0.5 vs. 452.4) and no recalls, while the Honda Accord has many more complaints and recalls. In practice, this means a ProMaster buyer is less likely to encounter reported safety defects, but the Accord's higher volume may reflect its popularity rather than inherent unreliability.
Key differences
- The ProMaster has 5 complaints and 0 recalls over 10 years, while the Accord has 4,524 complaints and 38 recalls.
- ProMaster complaints often involve aftermarket camper conversions or visibility trim, whereas Accord complaints center on engine stalls, electrical failures, and collision avoidance.
- The Accord has 162 crash-related complaints, 146 injuries, and 3 deaths; the ProMaster has none reported.
- Accord recalls cover critical systems like fuel pumps, air bags, and hybrid power control, while the ProMaster has no recalls on record.
- Check the backup camera display: ensure it shows obstacles correctly and grid lines appear, as owners report it showing the floor.
- Inspect the driver's side A-pillar trim: make sure it does not block the side view mirror, which could create a blind spot.
- Test the forward collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control: look for unexpected braking or failure to detect obstacles.
- Listen for engine rattles during acceleration and check for smooth transitions between EV and gas modes if hybrid; also verify all electrical systems, including power steering and brakes, function without warning lights.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls using the VIN.
- For the ProMaster, inspect any camper conversion work, especially propane connections and backup camera.
- For the Accord, test drive at highway speeds to check for power loss, steering, and braking issues.
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine, electrical system, and safety features before purchase.
- Verify that all recall repairs have been completed, especially for the Accord's fuel pump and air bag recalls.
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 | 10 |
| 2025 | 0 | 109 |
| 2024 | 0 | 219 |
| 2023 | 1 | 226 |
| 2022 | 0 | 252 |
| 2021 | 4 | 234 |
| 2020 | 0 | 362 |
| 2019 | 0 | 691 |
| 2018 | 0 | 1884 |
| 2017 | 0 | 537 |
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
- 4,524
- RAM Promaster 1500 total recalls
- 0
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- RAM Promaster 1500 avg complaints/year
- 0.5
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- RAM Promaster 1500
- RAM Promaster 1500 top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE