Head-to-head reliability
RAM Promaster CITY vs Honda Accord
How the RAM Promaster CITY 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 CITY vs Honda Accord: The Promaster City averages 29.3 complaints per year with 19 recalls, while the Accord averages 452.4 complaints per year with 38 recalls. The Accord also has 162 crash-related complaints versus 5 for the Promaster City. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the RAM Promaster CITY or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
RAM Promaster CITY
The RAM Promaster City is a compact cargo van that owners rely on for work and hauling. Over 8 years, it has averaged about 29 complaints per year, with most issues centered on the engine, electrical system, and power train. Owners report serious problems like unexpected shifting into neutral, loss of motive power, and engine grinding noises. These patterns suggest that while the van is practical, it may require frequent attention to major systems.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular midsize car with a much higher annual complaint rate—about 452 per year over 10 years. Complaints frequently involve the engine, electrical system, and forward collision avoidance, with reports of simultaneous power steering and braking failure, unintended braking, and engine rattling. The high volume of complaints and multiple crash-related reports indicate that many owners experience significant safety and reliability concerns. Buyers should be aware that even this well-known model has a notable number of reported defects.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | RAM Promaster CITY | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 234 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 19 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 5 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 29.3 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 2 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 CITY
- 01ENGINE78
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM69
- 03POWER TRAIN57
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER22
- 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING18
Owners report abnormal grinding sounds while driving and potential left cylinder head cracks that can lead to engine failure. These issues may require costly repairs and could affect vehicle reliability.
Complaints include unexpected shifting into neutral and burning electrical smells, which can cause sudden loss of power and potential fire risk. Such failures are dangerous and frustrating for daily use.
Drivers describe inadvertent loss of motive power and transmission failures linked to recalls. These problems can leave the vehicle stranded and lead to expensive transmission replacements.
There are reports of turn signal malfunctions, which can reduce visibility and increase crash risk. This is a safety concern that should be addressed promptly.
“"NEEDS TO BE EXTENDED." THE AMERICAN AUTOMAKER HAS ANNOUNCED THAT CERTAIN 2011-2013 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES WILL GET WARRANTY EXTENSIONS BECAUSE THE LEFT CYLINDER HEADS MIGHT CRACK. CHRYSLER WILL EXTEND THE ENGINE WARRANTY ON THE LEFT-SIDE CYLINDER HEAD TO 10 YEA…”
“The contact owns a 2016 Ram Promaster 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would make abnormal grinding sounds. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and test-driven. The contact wa…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report rattling noises during acceleration, rough transitions between EV and gas modes, and sudden loss of speed with multiple warning lights. These symptoms can indicate serious powertrain issues that may be costly to fix.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds, as well as tire pressure monitoring system problems leading to tire failure. These defects pose immediate safety risks.
Drivers describe unintended braking or failure to brake when needed, even with adaptive cruise control engaged. Such malfunctions can cause near-collisions and undermine trust in the car’s safety features.
There are reports of fuel pump issues that can cause stalling or loss of power. This can leave drivers stranded and may require expensive repairs.
“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 CITY — 19 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Ram ProMaster City vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may have internal damage, which could result in a loss of braking performance or autonomous braking functions.
The risk: The loss of braking performance or autonomous braking functions can increase the risk of a vehicle crash without prior warning.
The fix: FCA US, LLC will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS module, free of charge. The recall began on March 30, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Ram ProMaster City vehicles. If one or both turn signal lights fail, the flashing rate may not change to warn the driver of the failure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number…
The risk: The driver may be unaware that the turn signals are not signaling their intentions to other drivers, which can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the Body Controller Module (BCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall i…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Ram ProMaster City vehicles. If one or both turn signal lights fail, the flashing rate may not change to warn the driver of the failure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number…
The risk: The driver may be unaware that the turn signals are not signaling their intentions to other drivers, which can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the Body Controller Module (BCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall i…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 RAM ProMaster City vehicles. The Tire Placards on these vehicles may indicate the incorrect total number of occupants allowed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "T…
The risk: If the tire placard indicates an incorrect seating capacity, the operator may overload the vehicle, which can cause tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected tire placard, free of charge. The recall began March 15, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U17.
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 CITY or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The RAM Promaster City has far fewer complaints per year (about 29) compared to the Honda Accord (about 452). In practice, this means the Promaster City may have fewer reported problems overall, but both vehicles have serious issues that buyers should investigate. The Accord’s higher complaint volume suggests a greater likelihood of encountering defects.
Key differences
- The RAM Promaster City averages about 29 complaints per year, while the Honda Accord averages about 452 per year, indicating a much higher reported problem rate for the Accord.
- The Promaster City has 5 crash-related complaints and 2 injuries, whereas the Accord has 162 crash-related complaints and 146 injuries, showing a stark difference in reported crash involvement.
- Promaster City owners frequently report transmission shifting into neutral and loss of power, while Accord owners report forward collision avoidance malfunctions and simultaneous steering/braking failure.
- The Accord has 38 recalls versus 19 for the Promaster City, but the Accord’s recalls include critical safety systems like air bags and fuel pumps.
- Listen for grinding noises from the engine during test drives, as owners report abnormal sounds that may indicate internal damage.
- Check for any signs of electrical burning smells or transmission issues, such as delayed engagement or unexpected neutral shifts.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system and adaptive cruise control if equipped, looking for any unintended braking or failure to respond.
- Inspect for rattling noises from the engine and ensure the electronic power steering and brakes function smoothly without warning lights.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, and electrical systems for signs of the reported issues.
- Test drive extensively, including highway speeds, to check for loss of power, strange noises, or warning lights.
- For the Accord, verify that all safety systems (forward collision avoidance, ABS, air bags) are operational.
- For the Promaster City, check for transmission recall completion and inspect for any electrical odors or shifting problems.
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 CITY | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2 | 252 |
| 2021 | 5 | 234 |
| 2020 | 1 | 362 |
| 2019 | 5 | 691 |
| 2018 | 1 | 1884 |
| 2017 | 76 | 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 CITY or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- RAM Promaster CITY vs Honda Accord
- RAM Promaster CITY total complaints
- 234
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- RAM Promaster CITY total recalls
- 19
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- RAM Promaster CITY avg complaints/year
- 29.3
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- RAM Promaster CITY
- RAM Promaster CITY top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE