Head-to-head reliability
Saturn SL vs Honda Accord
How the Saturn SL 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 SL vs Honda Accord: The Saturn SL averaged 152 complaints per year over 3 years, while the Honda Accord averaged 444 per year over 10 years. The SL had 12 recalls and 52 crash-related complaints; the Accord had 38 recalls and 160 crash-related complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Saturn SL or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Saturn SL
The Saturn SL is a compact car with a relatively low complaint volume: 457 complaints over three years, averaging about 152 per year. Owners frequently report electrical gremlins, transmission shifting problems, and engine cooling issues. With 12 recalls and 52 crash-related complaints, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection, especially of safety systems like brakes and horns.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular midsize car with a much higher complaint volume: 4,438 complaints over ten years, averaging about 444 per year. Common trouble spots include engine problems, electrical faults, and forward collision avoidance warnings. With 38 recalls and 160 crash-related complaints, it's a complex vehicle where advanced safety tech can sometimes act up.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Saturn SL | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 457 Better | 4,438 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 12 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 52 Better | 160 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 152.3 Better | 443.8 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 43 Better | 144 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 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 SL
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM108
- 02POWER TRAIN89
- 03ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING75
- 04SERVICE BRAKES44
- 05HYDRAULIC37
Owners report unreliable horns that fail to sound when needed, and ignition switches that become difficult to turn, sometimes allowing the key to be removed while the car is still on. These issues can compromise safety and leave you stranded.
Automatic transmissions often develop harsh shifting, especially when engaging reverse, sometimes slamming so hard it breaks other parts. This can lead to expensive repairs and unsafe driving conditions.
Timing chain failures and sudden engine shutdowns while driving are reported. These can cause costly damage and create dangerous situations on the road.
Some owners experience brake fluid leaks or total brake failure, with the pedal going to the floor. This is a critical safety concern that requires immediate attention.
“FOR SOME TIME NOW MY HORN IS UNRELIABLE. I WAS BEHIND A CAR THAT WAS ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE AND WAS TRYING TO ALERT THEM OF MY PRESENCE AND MY HORN WOULD NOT WORK. I REPEATEDLY KEPT PRESSING THE HORN ICON ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I WAS LUCKY…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SATURN SL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE IGNITION WAS TURNED TOWARDS THE ON POSITION, IT WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN THE KEY AND IT TOOK NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO START THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WAS REMOVED WITHOUT THE I…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE985
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM863
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE821
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER725
- 05SERVICE BRAKES592
Owners report noises, loss of power, and multiple warning lights (brake, hill descent, ABS) appearing suddenly, sometimes leading to reduced speed. These symptoms can indicate serious engine or sensor failures.
Issues include TPMS warnings that may not be properly resolved, rodent damage to wiring, and even catastrophic tire failure after service. Electrical glitches can affect safety systems and leave you with unexpected repairs.
The adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and automatic high beams may intermittently fail with dashboard warnings. This can reduce driver assistance when you need it most.
Complaints include sunroof glass exploding and tire failures after service. These unpredictable events pose safety risks and are hard to anticipate.
“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 SL — 12 recalls
The defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES…
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
The defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES…
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE PARK LOCK CABLE ASSEMBLY. IF IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED, IT IS POSSIBLE…
The risk: THIS CONDITION INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH RESULTING FROM THE UNINTENDED MOVEMENT OF PARKED VEHICLES.
The fix: SATURN IS ASKING OWNERS AND RETAILERS TO PERFORM A FUNCTIONAL CHECK OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE PARK LOCK CABLE ASSEMBLY OPERATION, AND IF NECESSARY, TO HAVE THE CABLE ADJUSTED. IF OWNERS ARE NOT COMFORTABLE PERFORMING THE FUNCTIONAL CHECK…
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN INADEQUATE VENT VALVE WELD ON THE TOP PORTION OF THE FUEL TANK.
The risk: FUEL SPILLAGE COULD OCCUR DURING REFUELING OR IF THE VEHICLE WERE INVOLVED IN A ROLLOVER. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE TO ENSURE THE FUEL TANK VENT VALVE IS PROPERLY WELDED. IF NECESSARY, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY.
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 SL or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Saturn SL has far fewer complaints per year (about 152) compared to the Honda Accord (about 444). However, the Accord's higher volume may reflect its greater popularity and complexity. In practice, the Saturn SL may have fewer reported issues overall, but the Accord's issues often involve advanced safety tech that can be frustrating.
Key differences
- The Saturn SL averages about 152 complaints per year, while the Honda Accord averages about 444 per year, indicating a much higher complaint rate for the Accord.
- Saturn SL owners frequently report transmission shifting problems and brake failures, whereas Honda Accord owners often complain about engine noises and forward collision avoidance warnings.
- The Honda Accord has 38 recalls over 10 years, compared to 12 recalls for the Saturn SL over 3 years, suggesting more recall activity for the Accord.
- Crash-related complaints are higher for the Honda Accord (160) than the Saturn SL (52), but the Accord was sold in larger numbers and over a longer period.
- Check the automatic transmission for harsh shifting, especially when engaging reverse; listen for clunks or slams.
- Test the horn and ignition switch; ensure the horn sounds reliably and the key turns smoothly without being removable while the engine is on.
- Scan for stored trouble codes related to the engine, ABS, and forward collision avoidance systems; intermittent warnings may not appear during a short test drive.
- Inspect the sunroof glass for cracks or signs of stress, and check tire condition and TPMS functionality, as sudden failures have been reported.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to check for recalls and accident damage.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the transmission (Saturn) or engine and electronics (Honda).
- Test all safety features: horn, brakes, lights, and for the Honda, advanced driver assistance systems.
- Check for open recalls by visiting the NHTSA website and entering the VIN.
- During a test drive, listen for unusual noises, check for smooth shifting, and ensure all warning lights function and then turn off.
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 SL or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Saturn SL vs Honda Accord
- Saturn SL total complaints
- 457
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,438
- Saturn SL total recalls
- 12
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Saturn SL avg complaints/year
- 152.3
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 443.8
- More reliable overall
- Saturn SL
- Saturn SL top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE