Vehicle 1

Subaru Ascent

994 complaints · 17 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Honda Accord

2,232 complaints · 35 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

Subaru Ascent vs Honda Accord: The Ascent averages 124.3 complaints per year with 17 recalls, while the Accord averages 223.2 complaints per year with 35 recalls. The Ascent's top issue is electrical system (286), and the Accord's is engine (592). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

4
Subaru Ascent
wins all 4 categories
0
Honda Accord
no category wins
CategorySubaru AscentHonda Accord
Total Complaints
All years combined
994
✓ lower
2,232
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
17
✓ lower
35
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
31
✓ lower
83
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
124.3
✓ lower
223.2

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Subaru Ascent

1. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM286
2. POWER TRAIN171
3. VISIBILITY/WIPER152
4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER147
5. ENGINE99

Honda Accord

1. ENGINE592
2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM449
3. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE441
4. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM343
5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER340
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Honda Accord has more complaints per year (223.2) than the Subaru Ascent (124.3), but the Ascent has fewer total recalls. This means the Ascent may have fewer reported issues on average, but both vehicles have notable problem areas.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer complaints per year and lower recall count, the Subaru Ascent is the better choice. However, if you need a sedan with a longer track record and can accept higher complaint rates, the Honda Accord may suit you. Be sure to check the specific issue areas for each.

Key Differences
  • Subaru Ascent has 994 total complaints over 8 years (avg 124.3/year); Honda Accord has 2232 over 10 years (avg 223.2/year).
  • Honda Accord has 35 recalls vs. Subaru Ascent's 17 recalls.
  • Top issue for Ascent is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (286); top for Accord is ENGINE (592).
  • Honda Accord has 441 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE complaints; Ascent has none listed.
⚠ Watch on Subaru Ascent
  • Watch for electrical system problems (286 complaints) and powertrain issues (171 complaints).
  • Visibility/wiper complaints (152) may indicate windshield or wiper motor defects.
⚠ Watch on Honda Accord
  • Engine complaints are very high (592); check for known engine failures or recalls.
  • Forward collision avoidance issues (441) could mean false alerts or system malfunctions.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check the vehicle's recall history and ensure all recalls have been performed.
  • Test all electrical components (windows, lights, infotainment) for proper operation.
  • For Accord, test the forward collision avoidance system on a safe road.
  • Inspect engine for any unusual noises or leaks, especially on Accord.
  • Review service records for any transmission or powertrain repairs on Ascent.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Subaru AscentHonda Accord
2026
1
1
2025
10
0
2024
48
0
2023
39
0
2022
53
200
2021
96
201
2020
316
330
2019
431
500
Subaru Ascent vs Honda Accord — comparison facts
Comparison
Subaru Ascent vs Honda Accord
Subaru Ascent total complaints
994
Honda Accord total complaints
2,232
Subaru Ascent total recalls
17
Honda Accord total recalls
35
Subaru Ascent avg complaints/year
124.3
Honda Accord avg complaints/year
223.2
More reliable overall
Subaru Ascent
Subaru Ascent top complaint area
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Honda Accord top complaint area
ENGINE
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Subaru Ascent Reliability & Problems

994 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Honda Accord Reliability & Problems

2,232 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Subaru Ascent or Honda Accord?

Run a free VIN check to see that exact car's accident history, open recalls, and title records.