Head-to-head reliability
RAM Promaster 2500 vs Honda Accord
How the RAM Promaster 2500 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 2500 vs Honda Accord: Over 10 years, the Promaster had 9 complaints and 0 recalls, while the Accord had 4,524 complaints and 38 recalls. The Promaster averages 0.9 complaints per year versus 452.4 for the Accord. Both have serious safety complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the RAM Promaster 2500 or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
RAM Promaster 2500
The RAM Promaster 2500 is a full-size commercial van often used for work or conversion. Over 10 years, it has only 9 complaints and no recalls, suggesting a simpler, less-reported ownership experience. However, the few complaints include serious issues like total brake failure and transmission problems, so a thorough inspection is critical.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular midsize car with a much higher complaint volume: 4,524 over 10 years and 38 recalls. The complaints cover a wide range of systems, including engine, electrical, and advanced safety features, indicating more frequent and varied problems. This means buyers should be aware of potential ongoing issues and ensure all recalls are addressed.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | RAM Promaster 2500 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 9 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.9 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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 2500
- 01POWER TRAIN4
- 02SERVICE BRAKES2
- 03VISIBILITY1
- 04SEATS1
- 05STRUCTURE1
Owners report vibration while reversing and inability to shift into park, as well as accelerator pedal issues after a recall notice. These can affect control and safety, so check for smooth operation and recall completion.
Complaints include total brake failure with the pedal going to the floor and not returning, and a parking brake that randomly engages at low speeds. Brake problems are critical for safety and should be inspected immediately.
One owner reported the passenger-side power mirror closing without input while driving at highway speeds. This can impair visibility and create a distraction, so test mirror function.
A complaint about brakes was also filed under seats, but the text describes brake failure. This suggests possible misclassification, but any seat or brake issue should be checked.
“The contact owns a 2020 Ram ProMaster 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V301000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the accelerator pedal wa…”
“The contact owns a 2020 Ram Promaster 2500. The contact stated while reversing at approximately 5 MPH, the contact felt vibration in the steering wheel. The contact depressed the brake pedal and attempted to shift into park(P). The contact was unable to shift…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report alarms for brake, hill descent, and ABS failures leading to loss of speed, as well as rattling noises and rough transitions between EV and gas modes. These can indicate serious powertrain issues.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds, and TPMS warnings followed by tire failure. Electrical glitches can disable critical safety systems.
Owners report unexpected braking or failure to avoid collisions, sometimes under adaptive cruise control. This feature is meant to prevent crashes, so malfunctions are a major safety concern.
There are 602 complaints in this area, though sample texts focus on other systems. Fuel and propulsion issues can cause stalling or loss of power, so check for recalls and service history.
“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 2500
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 2500 or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The RAM Promaster 2500 has far fewer complaints per year (0.9 vs. 452.4) and no recalls, while the Honda Accord has many more complaints and 38 recalls. In practice, the Promaster may have fewer reported problems, but the Accord's higher volume means more data and potential for widespread issues. Both have serious safety-related complaints, so neither should be considered problem-free.
Key differences
- The RAM Promaster 2500 has 9 complaints and 0 recalls over 10 years, while the Honda Accord has 4,524 complaints and 38 recalls.
- Promaster complaints include total brake failure and transmission shifting problems; Accord complaints include engine alarms, electrical failures, and forward collision avoidance malfunctions.
- The Accord has 162 crash-related complaints and 146 injuries, compared to 1 crash-related and 1 injury for the Promaster.
- The Promaster is a commercial van with fewer reported issues, while the Accord is a passenger car with a much higher volume of complaints across many systems.
- Test the brakes thoroughly: press the pedal firmly and ensure it doesn't sink to the floor or fail to return, as owners reported total brake failure.
- Check transmission operation: shift into park and reverse, listen for vibrations, and ensure the accelerator pedal responds smoothly, especially if a recall is outstanding.
- Verify all recalls are completed, especially for electrical system, fuel pump, and air bag sensors, as 38 recalls exist.
- Test electronic safety systems: adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and electronic power steering, as owners reported failures and unexpected braking.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the brakes, transmission, and electrical systems, focusing on the specific complaints for each model.
- For the Promaster, test drive at highway speeds and check mirror operation; for the Accord, test all advanced safety features and listen for engine rattles.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and confirm that any recall repairs have been performed.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection that includes a scan for diagnostic trouble codes, especially for the Accord's electrical and engine systems.
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 2500 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 10 |
| 2025 | 0 | 109 |
| 2024 | 0 | 219 |
| 2023 | 2 | 226 |
| 2022 | 0 | 252 |
| 2021 | 4 | 234 |
| 2020 | 3 | 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 2500 or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- RAM Promaster 2500 vs Honda Accord
- RAM Promaster 2500 total complaints
- 9
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- RAM Promaster 2500 total recalls
- 0
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- RAM Promaster 2500 avg complaints/year
- 0.9
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- RAM Promaster 2500
- RAM Promaster 2500 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE