Head-to-head reliability
Saturn LS vs Honda Accord
How the Saturn LS 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
Saturn LS vs Honda Accord: The Saturn LS averaged 139 complaints per year over 3 years, while the Honda Accord averaged 444 per year over 10 years. The LS has 16 recalls and 10 crash-related complaints; the Accord has 38 recalls and 160 crash-related complaints. Both show serious issues, so inspect carefully. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Saturn LS or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Saturn LS
The Saturn LS is a mid-size sedan that, based on owner complaints, can be a high-maintenance used car. Over three model years, it averaged about 139 complaints per year, with the engine and engine cooling system being the most common trouble spot. Owners frequently report serious issues like timing chain failure and rusted subframes, which can lead to expensive repairs or safety risks. With 16 recalls and 10 crash-related complaints, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection before purchase.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular mid-size car with a much larger complaint volume—about 444 per year over ten years—but that's partly because far more Accords are on the road. The most common complaints involve the engine, electrical system, and forward collision avoidance features. Some owners report sudden loss of power, warning lights, and even sunroof glass shattering. With 38 recalls and 3 deaths reported, it's important to check for open recalls and test all systems thoroughly.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Saturn LS | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 416 Better | 4,438 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 16 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 10 Better | 160 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 138.7 Better | 443.8 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 16 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.
Saturn LS
- 01ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING143
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM65
- 03EXTERIOR LIGHTING62
- 04STEERING35
- 05STRUCTURE29
Owners report timing chain fractures that cause the engine to decelerate or fail, often leading to major internal damage. A knocking noise or chain slapping sound is a warning sign that should not be ignored.
Complaints include tail lights that repeatedly go out and won't come back on, even after replacing fuses and bulbs. This can make the car less visible at night and may fail state safety inspections.
Brake light and tail light failures are common, with owners struggling to keep them working. This is a safety concern because other drivers may not see your brake lights, increasing rear-end crash risk.
Reports describe the front subframe or engine cradle rusting through completely, causing uncontrollable steering and noise. This is a severe structural issue that can make the car unsafe to drive.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2000 SATURN L-SERIES SEDAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE TIMING CHAIN FRACTURED CAUSING DAMAGE TO TH…”
“ENGINE BEGAN HAVING A SLOW KNOCKING NOISE, PRIOR TO THAT I WOULD HEAR A NOISE OF THE CHAIN SLAPPING, WHICH I WAS EXPLAINED TO BY SATURN THAT THIS WAS NORMAL IN MY VEHICLE. DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME THEN WHILE I WAS PARKING, HEARD A LOUD BANG AND WHEN I GOT OUT -…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE985
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM863
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE821
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER725
- 05SERVICE BRAKES592
Owners report noises, loss of power, and multiple dashboard alarms (brake, hill descent, ABS) that can cause the vehicle to slow down unexpectedly. Some complaints involve brand-new vehicles with low mileage.
Issues include tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warnings followed by catastrophic tire failure, and rodent damage to wiring harnesses. These can lead to sudden loss of control or expensive repairs.
Adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and automatic high beams may show intermittent error messages and stop working. This reduces driver assistance features that many buyers rely on for safety.
Complaints mention brake system warnings and potential failures, sometimes linked to ABS or traction control modules. Brake problems are critical because they directly affect stopping ability.
“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.
Saturn LS — 16 recalls
The defect: ON CERTAIN SEDANS AND WAGONS, THE PLASTIC HOUSING IN THE REAR TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY CAN BECOME DISTORTED IF THE BRAKE LAMPS REMAIN ON FOR AN EXTENDED TIME.
The risk: THIS CAN CAUSE (1) AN INTERMITTENTLY INOPERATIVE BRAKE/TAIL LAMP BULB OR (2) A SHORT CIRCUIT THAT OPENS A FUSE CAUSING INOPERATIVE BRAKE LAMPS (INCLUDING THE CENTER HIGH-MOUNTED STOP LAMP) OR TAIL LAMPS. A FOLLOWING DRIVER MAY NOT KNOW WHE…
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL TWO NEW TAIL LAMP REINFORCING SOCKET ADAPTERS AND SOCKETS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 17, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876.
The defect: CERTAIN WAGONS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES." THE SEAT BELT ANCHOR MAY SEPARATE FROM THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE BEFORE HOLDING THE REQUIRED TEST LOAD FOR THE REQUIRED TIME.
The risk: IF A SEPARATION OCCURRED IN CRASH, THE RIGHT AND CENTER REAR SEAT OCCUPANTS MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REAR SEAT CENTER BELT ANCHOR REINFORCEMENT PLATE TO THE FLOOR PAN OF THE VEHICLE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 25, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876.
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.2L L4 (L61) ENGINES, A FAILURE OF THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE MAY CAUSE DETERIORATION IN IDLE QUALITY, REDUCTION IN OVERALL ENGINE POWER, AND THE VEHICLE MAY BE HARD TO START. CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE AFTER SUCH AN IGNITION MODULE FAILURE WILL…
The risk: FAILURE OF THE RESONATOR WILL CAUSE INCREASED EXHAUST NOISE. PROLONGED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE FOLLOWING A RESONATOR FAILURE MAY LEAD TO A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL (1) REPLACE THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE, (2) REPLACE THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE AND SPARK PLUGS, OR (3) REPLACE THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE, SPARK PLUGS, AND UPDATE THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE CALIBRATION. OWNER NOTIFICATIO…
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.2L 4-CYLINDER ENGINE, LINKS IN THE ENGINE'S TIMING CHAIN CAN SEPARATE.
The risk: IF A TIMING CHAIN LINK SEPARATES WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING, THE ENGINE WILL STALL AND WILL NOT RESTART INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIMING CHAIN FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876.
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
Saturn LS or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Saturn LS has far fewer complaints per year (about 139) compared to the Honda Accord (about 444), but the Accord's higher volume reflects its much larger sales. In practice, the Saturn LS shows more severe structural and engine failures, while the Accord's issues are more varied and often tied to newer electronic systems. A buyer should weigh the lower complaint rate against the Saturn's potentially catastrophic rust and timing chain problems.
Key differences
- Saturn LS owners frequently report timing chain fractures and rusted-through subframes, which can cause sudden engine failure or loss of steering control.
- Honda Accord owners report a wide range of electrical and software issues, including false warnings, power loss, and sunroof glass shattering.
- The Saturn LS has 16 recalls over 3 years, while the Honda Accord has 38 recalls over 10 years, so both require checking for open recalls.
- Crash-related complaints are higher for the Accord (160 vs 10), but this may be due to its larger population; the Saturn's crashes may be linked to structural failures.
- Check the front subframe and engine cradle for rust-through, especially in areas that use road salt; this can cause steering failure.
- Listen for a timing chain rattle or knocking noise on start-up or while driving; this may indicate imminent chain failure.
- Test all driver-assist features (adaptive cruise, lane keeping, automatic high beams) for intermittent error messages or non-function.
- Inspect tires and TPMS system for signs of uneven wear or past failures, as some owners reported sudden tire blowouts after TPMS warnings.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the Saturn's subframe and timing chain, or the Accord's electrical and brake systems.
- During a test drive, listen for unusual engine noises and test all lights, brakes, and driver-assist features.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for oil changes and any recall repairs.
- For the Honda Accord, verify that the software for hybrid and braking systems has been updated per recalls.
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 Saturn LS or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Saturn LS vs Honda Accord
- Saturn LS total complaints
- 416
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,438
- Saturn LS total recalls
- 16
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Saturn LS avg complaints/year
- 138.7
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 443.8
- More reliable overall
- Saturn LS
- Saturn LS top complaint area
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE