Head-to-head reliability
Saturn Relay vs Honda Accord
How the Saturn Relay 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 Relay vs Honda Accord: the Relay averages about 41 complaints per year with 6 recalls, while the Accord averages about 452 per year with 38 recalls and 3 reported deaths. Relay reports center on brakes, electrical no-starts, and sliding doors; Accord reports center on engine power loss and driver-assist faults. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Saturn Relay or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Saturn Relay
The Saturn Relay is a discontinued minivan with a modest complaint volume of about 41 per year over three years, but the pattern is concentrated in brakes and electrical systems rather than scattered noise. Owners describe traction-control and stability-control faults that knock out safety aids, brake pedal fade on downgrades, and no-start conditions traced to fuel relays. With only 6 recalls and a small sample, it reads as an older, simpler van whose main ownership risk is aging brake and electrical hardware rather than a flood of new defects.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord shows a much larger complaint volume, roughly 452 per year over ten years, spread across engine, electrical, and forward-collision-avoidance systems. Owner reports include highway-speed loss of power with multiple dashboard alarms, simultaneous power-steering and braking failure, and adaptive cruise control behaving unexpectedly. The 38 recalls and 3 reported deaths in the data mean this is a vehicle where software and electronic driver-assist faults, not just mechanical wear, dominate the story.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Saturn Relay | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 122 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 6 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 4 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 40.7 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 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.
Saturn Relay
- 01SERVICE BRAKES46
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM29
- 03HYDRAULIC29
- 04STRUCTURE17
- 05LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES14
Owners report traction control engaging and knocking out the stability control system, plus brake pedal cavitation and fade after repeated applications on a long downgrade. For a buyer, this means the brake and stability electronics deserve a hard test drive and a scan for stored ABS codes.
Reports describe vans that won't start, traced first to a fuel pump and then to a fuel relay that was replaced only for the no-start to return. Recurring ABS and traction-control warning lights also appear after wheel-sensor work, so electrical gremlins can be intermittent and hard to pin down.
The same traction-control and brake-fade complaints are logged under hydraulic, pointing to the brake hydraulic and stability system as a shared weak spot. A buyer should treat any pulsation, soft pedal, or warning light as a reason to walk away or negotiate repair costs.
Owners of the power sliding doors report doors that fail to latch and, in one case, a driver-side sliding door that fell off. On a family van this is a real safety and usability concern, so check both sliding doors for smooth latching and secure mounting.
“I HAVE A 2006 SATURN RELAY. IT WAS AN EXECUTIVE DRIVEN CAR AND WAS PURCHASED WITH 400 MILES ON IT AND THE WARRANTY TRANSFERRED OVER TO ME. THE TRACTION CONTROL ON THIS VEHICLE IS DEFECTIVE. WHEN THE TRACTION CONTROL ENGAGED IT WOULD KNOCK OUT THE STABILITY CO…”
“I WAS TRAVELING ON AZ STATE ROUTE 87 ON A 6 PERCENT DOWNGRADE. I HAD APPLIED THE BRAKES A TOTAL OF 3 TIMES FOR NO MORE THAN 3 TO 5 SECONDS AT A TIME, THIS OCCURRED OVER A 5 MINUTE TIME FRAME. ON THE THIRD APPLICATION THE BRAKES BEGAN TO CAVITATE VERY BADLY. T…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners describe alarms for brake, hill descent, ABS, and critical failure appearing at highway speed while the vehicle lost speed, plus rattling under acceleration and rough transitions between EV and gas mode. These are drivability and power-loss complaints that matter because they can strand a driver mid-commute.
Reports include simultaneous failure and lockup of electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds, and a tire failure shortly after a TPMS warranty repair. The theme is electronic safety systems misbehaving, so a buyer should verify software updates and warning-light history.
Owners report adaptive cruise control and collision-avoidance systems activating or failing unexpectedly under repeatable driving conditions, with service centers unable to resolve the concern. Because these systems can brake or fail to brake on their own, their behavior should be tested and documented before purchase.
Complaints include a persistent sulfur or rotten-egg odor that survived a paid filter and odor treatment, and a foot slipping behind a center-console side panel. These are smaller annoyances but show fit, finish, and cabin issues that a careful walkaround can catch.
“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.
Saturn Relay — 6 recalls
The defect: DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN…
The risk: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-24…
The defect: DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN…
The risk: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-24…
The defect: CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SHIPPED WITH TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABELS LISTING AN INACCCURATE VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT.
The risk: A MISPRINTED LABEL COULD LEAD TO IMPROPER VEHICLE LOADING SPECIFICATIONS OR TIRE INFLATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A TIRE FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECTED LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. AT THE CUSTOMER'S OPTION, A DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-8…
The defect: ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, THE OUTBOARD RELEASE HANDLE ON THE IMPACT-SIDE SECOND-ROW BUCKET SEAT MAY BE ACTUATED AND THE REAR LATCHES MAY UNLATCH EARLY IN A SIDE IMPACT CRASH. THIS WAS DISCOVERED IN A SIDE IMPACT TEST RUN BY GM, UNDER CONDITIONS SIMILAR TO NHTSA'S NEW CAR ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (NCAP) SIDE I…
The risk: IF THE REAR LATCHES OF THE SEAT RELEASE EARLY IN A SEVERE SIDE IMPACT, THE FRONT OUTBOARD LATCH MAY DISENGAGE AND INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT OF THE SEAT.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE SEAT LATCH RELEASE HANDLE AND INSTALL A BLACK PLASTIC CAP OVER THE EXPOSED METAL STUD TO ELIMINATE THE SIDE IMPACT SAFETY CONCERN FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 5, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800…
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
Saturn Relay or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Saturn Relay has far fewer complaints per year, about 41 versus roughly 452 for the Accord, though the Accord's figure spans a much larger and longer-running population. In practice the Relay's problems cluster around brakes, electrical no-starts, and sliding doors, while the Accord's cluster around engine power loss and electronic driver-assist faults. Fewer complaints per year does not automatically mean fewer serious failures, so the type of fault matters as much as the count.
Key differences
- The Relay's complaints concentrate in brakes, electrical, and hydraulic systems, with owner reports of traction control knocking out stability control and brake fade on downgrades.
- The Accord's complaints concentrate in engine and electrical systems, with reports of highway-speed power loss and simultaneous power-steering and braking failure.
- The Accord logs 38 recalls and 3 deaths in the data, while the Relay logs 6 recalls and no deaths, so the Accord's recall and safety-campaign history needs closer checking.
- The Relay's structure complaints involve power sliding doors failing to latch or falling off, a family-use concern the Accord's sample does not show.
- Test the brakes on a long downhill or repeated stops and watch for pedal fade, pulsation, or traction-control and stability-control warning lights; scan for stored ABS codes.
- Try several cold starts and check service records for fuel pump or fuel relay replacement, since owners report no-start conditions that returned after a relay fix; also open and latch both power sliding doors repeatedly.
- During a highway test, watch for multiple dashboard alarms, loss of speed, or any steering or braking assist drop-out, and confirm all open recalls and software updates were performed.
- Test adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning at highway speed on a clear road, and check for persistent cabin odors or loose interior panels around the center console.
Before you buy
- Pull the full NHTSA recall and complaint history for the specific model year and confirm every open recall was completed.
- Have a mechanic scan all electronic modules for stored ABS, stability-control, and powertrain codes before buying.
- On the Relay, test brakes on repeated stops and check both power sliding doors for latching and secure mounting.
- On the Accord, do a highway test of adaptive cruise, lane and collision systems, and electronic power steering and braking.
- Ask for service records showing fuel pump or relay work on the Relay and software or sensor repairs on the Accord.
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 Relay or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Saturn Relay vs Honda Accord
- Saturn Relay total complaints
- 122
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Saturn Relay total recalls
- 6
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Saturn Relay avg complaints/year
- 40.7
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Saturn Relay
- Saturn Relay top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE