Head-to-head reliability
Saturn VUE vs Honda Accord
How the Saturn VUE 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 VUE vs Honda Accord: The VUE averaged 267 complaints per year over 9 years, while the Accord averaged 444 over 10 years. The VUE had 10 recalls and 1 death; the Accord had 38 recalls and 3 deaths. Both show serious issues, but the VUE's transmission and electrical failures are more likely to strand you. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Saturn VUE or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Saturn VUE
The Saturn VUE is a compact SUV that, based on owner complaints, can be a headache to live with due to frequent electrical and transmission problems. Over nine years, it averaged about 267 complaints per year, with many reports of warning lights like 'Stabilitrak Off' and sudden power loss. Transmission failures, including loss of reverse and limited speed, are also common and can leave you stranded. Power steering issues add to the list, making it a vehicle that demands careful inspection before purchase.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a midsize car with a generally strong reputation, but NHTSA data shows a higher annual complaint rate of about 444 per year over ten years. Many complaints involve engine noises, electrical glitches, and advanced safety systems like forward collision avoidance that can trigger false warnings or fail to operate. Recalls are numerous (38), covering issues from fuel pumps to brake control modules. While some problems are minor, others like sudden power loss or brake failures are serious and should be checked.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Saturn VUE | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,407 Better | 4,438 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 10 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 135 Better | 160 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 267.4 Better | 443.8 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 108 Better | 144 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 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 VUE
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM707
- 02POWER TRAIN661
- 03AIR BAGS319
- 04STEERING288
- 05ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING151
Owners frequently report intermittent 'Stabilitrak Off' warnings and sudden loss of power while driving, which can be frightening and may indicate a deeper electrical fault. These issues are hard to replicate, making diagnosis difficult and repairs potentially costly.
Transmission problems are common, such as loss of reverse and inability to exceed low speeds, often at relatively low mileage (e.g., 68,000 miles). This can render the vehicle undriveable and require expensive transmission replacement.
Some owners report air bag warning lights and even unexpected deployment, like a side curtain air bag deploying after a tire blowout. This raises concerns about the reliability of the air bag system in a crash.
Power steering failures are reported, including a 'tug' feeling in the wheel and loss of assist, which can make steering difficult and increase crash risk. Recalls for steering linkages and hoses indicate a known pattern.
“THE FIRST PROBLEM OCCURRED ABOUT A YEAR AGO, WHEN A MESSAGE STATING "STABILITRACK OFF" APPEARED WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. I CONTINUED DRIVING WITH THE MESSAGE AND PARKED AS NORMAL.THE NEXT TIME I STARTED THE CAR THE MESSAGE WAS GONE. SEVERAL MONTHS LAT…”
“WHILE I AM DRIVING I HAVE HAD INTERMITTENT INCIDENTS THAT CANNOT BE REPLICATED. "STABILITRAK" WARNING LIGHT HAS NOT TURNED OFF. I HAVE LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING TWICE BUT WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AFTER A FEW SECONDS. THE VEHICLE WILL LOSE POWER TO…”
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 lead to the vehicle losing speed on the highway. These symptoms may point to engine or sensor failures that are dangerous if they occur at speed.
Complaints include tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warnings followed by catastrophic tire failure, as well as rodent damage to wiring harnesses in newer models. Electrical gremlins can cause safety systems to malfunction.
Many owners report false warnings or failures of adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and automatic high beams. These glitches can distract the driver and undermine trust in the safety features.
Brake-related complaints include ABS and traction control issues, with some recalls for brake control modules. Problems here can affect stopping ability and are critical to address.
“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 VUE — 10 recalls
The defect: GM IS RECALLING 2,149 MY 2009 SATURN VUE VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INCORRECT RIGHT AND/OR LEFT FRONT STEERING KNUCKLE. AS A RESULT OF THE INCORRECT KNUCKLE AND RESULTING INADEQUATE CLEARANCE, THE TIE ROD BALL STUD COULD PULL OUT OF, OR FRACTURE, THE TIE ROD HOUSIN…
The risk: ALTHOUGH STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD BE MAINTAINED AFTER A TIE ROD SEPARATION BY THE UNAFFECTED WHEEL ON SMOOTH ROADS OR DURING LIGHT BRAKING, WITH MORE SIGNIFICANT SUSPENSION OR BRAKING INPUTS, THE AFFECTED WHEEL COULD TURN OUT…
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING KNUCKLES AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE STEERING KNUCKLE(S) AND TIE ROD(S). THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 8, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.…
The defect: GM IS RECALLING 42,408 MY 2008-2009 SATURN VUE VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE NUT SECURING THE POWER STEERING LINE TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP MAY LOOSEN. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THERE MAY BE A POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK.
The risk: THE FLUID COULD CONTACT HOT EXHAUST COMPONENTS RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE NUT SECURING THE POWER STEERING LINE TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP. IF THERE ARE NO SIGNS OF A FLUID LEAK, DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE NUT. IF A FLUID LEAK IS PRESENT, DEALER WILL TIGHTEN THE NUT AND CHECK THE FLUID LEVE…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2002-2004 Saturn Vue vehicles manufactured September 11, 2001, to April 6, 2004. In the affected vehicles, it may be possible for the key to be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.
The risk: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission…
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle to see if the key can be pulled out when the ignition is off. If it can, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and keys, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Own…
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES." SOME VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH REAR OUTER SEAT BELT SHOULDER GUIDE ANCHOR BOLTS THAT WERE INCORRECTLY INSTALLED.
The risk: IF THESE BOLTS WERE INCORRECTLY INSTALLED, THEY WOULD NOT WITHSTAND THE LOAD REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD. IF AN ANCHORAGE FAILED IN A CRASH, THE OCCUPANT WOULD NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED AND COULD HAVE AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR SHOULDER GUIDE ANCHOR BOLTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 19, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASON…
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 VUE or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Saturn VUE has fewer complaints per year (about 267) compared to the Honda Accord (about 444), but the VUE's issues often involve severe drivetrain and electrical failures that can leave you stranded. The Accord's higher complaint count includes many advanced safety system glitches, but also serious engine and brake problems. In practice, the VUE may have fewer overall complaints but a higher proportion of crippling failures, while the Accord's issues are more varied and include many minor annoyances alongside some major ones.
Key differences
- The Saturn VUE has a lower annual complaint rate (267 vs. 444), but its complaints often involve transmission loss and power steering failure that can cause sudden loss of control.
- The Honda Accord has more recalls (38 vs. 10), including critical items like fuel pumps and brake control modules, which may be addressed for free but indicate widespread issues.
- VUE owners frequently report 'Stabilitrak' warnings and transmission failure at low mileage, while Accord owners report engine noises and false forward collision warnings.
- Both vehicles have crash-related complaints and fatalities, but the Accord has more injuries (144 vs. 108) and deaths (3 vs. 1) in the data, though these numbers don't account for vehicle population.
- Check for any history of transmission problems, such as delayed engagement, loss of reverse, or limited speed; test drive extensively and scan for transmission codes.
- Inspect the power steering system for leaks or unusual noises, and verify that any open recalls for steering linkages or hoses have been completed.
- Listen for engine noises and check for any dashboard warnings related to brakes, ABS, or forward collision avoidance; ensure all recalls, especially for fuel pumps and brake modules, are up to date.
- Inspect tires for uneven wear or damage, and verify that the TPMS system is functioning correctly, as some owners reported tire failure after TPMS warnings.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full 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 transmission (VUE) and engine/electrical systems (Accord).
- Test drive for at least 30 minutes, including highway speeds, to check for warning lights, power loss, or steering issues.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes (VUE) and software updates (Accord).
- Verify that all safety recalls have been remedied and ask for documentation.
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 VUE or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Saturn VUE vs Honda Accord
- Saturn VUE total complaints
- 2,407
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,438
- Saturn VUE total recalls
- 10
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Saturn VUE avg complaints/year
- 267.4
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 443.8
- More reliable overall
- Saturn VUE
- Saturn VUE top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE