Head-to-head reliability
RAM Promaster 3500 vs Honda Accord
How the RAM Promaster 3500 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 3500 vs Honda Accord: Over 10 years, the Promaster 3500 has 3 complaints and 0 recalls, while the Accord has 4,524 complaints and 38 recalls. The Promaster's issues include electrical fires and coolant leaks; the Accord's include engine stalling and electrical failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the RAM Promaster 3500 or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
RAM Promaster 3500
The RAM Promaster 3500 is a full-size commercial van often used for work or rental fleets. Over ten years, it has only 3 complaints and no recalls, which suggests a very low reported failure rate. Owners report electrical and engine cooling issues, including a parked van fire and a radiator tube fracture. Living with it means fewer reported problems, but the few that exist can be serious.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular midsize family sedan with a much higher complaint volume: 4,524 over ten years and 38 recalls. Owners report engine stalling, electrical failures like power steering and braking lockup, and forward collision avoidance malfunctions. There are also 162 crash-related reports, 146 injuries, and 3 deaths. This suggests a wider range of potential issues that buyers should be aware of.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | RAM Promaster 3500 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.3 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 3500
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
- 02ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING2
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
Owners report a fire originating in the engine compartment of a parked van, and another case where the engine fan kept running for five hours after shutdown, draining the battery. These electrical faults can lead to total vehicle damage or a no-start condition.
A 2023 Promaster 3500 had a fractured radiator tube joint, causing coolant to leak without warning. Another owner reported the engine fan running excessively after the vehicle was turned off. Coolant leaks can lead to overheating and engine damage if not caught early.
The same parked van fire was also filed under this category, highlighting that some serious incidents may not fit a specific component. Buyers should be aware that not all problems are easily categorized.
“On 10/24, a rented van (from Budget Truck Rental) was parked and stationary on private commercial property (a warehouse lot) when a fire originated in the engine compartment area. The fire rapidly escalated, causing severe damage to the van itself, and result…”
“The contact owns a 2024 Ram 3500. The contact stated that after turning the vehicle off, the engine fan kept running for approximately five hours. The contact stated that the following morning, the vehicle failed to start. Roadside Assistance was called to th…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report sudden loss of power with multiple dashboard alarms (brake, hill descent, ABS) and rattling noises during acceleration. These issues can leave a driver stranded or cause unsafe driving conditions.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds, and a tire failure after a TPMS warning was supposedly fixed. Such failures can lead to loss of control and crashes.
Owners describe the system failing to prevent collisions, with incidents occurring under similar conditions. This undermines a key safety feature that many buyers rely on.
Reports include persistent sulfur odors and a foot getting stuck behind a plastic panel. These may seem minor but can distract the driver or indicate other hidden issues.
“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 3500
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 3500 or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The RAM Promaster 3500 has far fewer complaints per year (0.3 vs. 452.4) and no recalls, while the Honda Accord has many more reported issues and 38 recalls. In practice, this means the Promaster 3500 may have fewer reported problems, but the few that exist can be severe, whereas the Accord has a broader range of frequent complaints.
Key differences
- The RAM Promaster 3500 has only 3 complaints and 0 recalls over 10 years, while the Honda Accord has 4,524 complaints and 38 recalls.
- Promaster 3500 complaints center on electrical fires and cooling leaks; Accord complaints include engine stalling, electrical failures, and forward collision avoidance malfunctions.
- The Accord has 162 crash-related reports, 146 injuries, and 3 deaths; the Promaster 3500 has none of these reported.
- The Accord's higher complaint volume suggests more frequent owner-reported problems, but the Promaster's few issues can be catastrophic (e.g., fire).
- Check for any signs of electrical burning or melted wiring in the engine compartment, especially near the fan and battery.
- Inspect the radiator and coolant hoses for cracks or leaks, particularly at the tube joints.
- Test the electronic power steering and braking systems at low and high speeds for any warning lights or loss of assist.
- Ask for service records related to forward collision avoidance system updates or repairs, and test the system if possible.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls, especially for the Honda Accord.
- Have a mechanic inspect the RAM Promaster 3500 for electrical and cooling system issues, including the fan operation.
- For the Honda Accord, test drive at highway speeds and check for dashboard warnings related to steering, brakes, and collision avoidance.
- Verify that all recall repairs have been completed on the Honda Accord, as there are 38 recall subjects.
- For both vehicles, ask the seller about any unusual noises, smells, or warning lights during recent drives.
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 3500 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 10 |
| 2025 | 0 | 109 |
| 2024 | 1 | 219 |
| 2023 | 2 | 226 |
| 2022 | 0 | 252 |
| 2021 | 0 | 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 3500 or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- RAM Promaster 3500 vs Honda Accord
- RAM Promaster 3500 total complaints
- 3
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- RAM Promaster 3500 total recalls
- 0
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- RAM Promaster 3500 avg complaints/year
- 0.3
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- RAM Promaster 3500
- RAM Promaster 3500 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE