Head-to-head reliability
Subaru Crosstrek vs Honda Accord
How the Subaru Crosstrek 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
Subaru Crosstrek vs Honda Accord: The Crosstrek averages about 100 complaints per year and has 16 recalls, while the Accord averages about 452 complaints per year and has 38 recalls. Crosstrek owners often report windshield cracks; Accord owners report engine power loss and electrical failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Subaru Crosstrek or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek is a compact SUV that averages about 100 complaints per year over the past decade, with 16 recalls. The most common owner-reported problem is windshield cracking, often on brand-new vehicles with low mileage. Other frequent issues include electrical glitches like heated seats turning on by themselves and engine noises. While it has fewer complaints than the Accord, the pattern suggests a focus on build quality and material durability.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a midsize sedan with a much higher complaint rate—about 452 per year—and 38 recalls over the same period. Owners frequently report engine problems such as loss of power and rough transitions, as well as electrical failures in power steering and braking. Forward collision avoidance system malfunctions are also common, sometimes triggering sudden braking. These issues can be serious and may affect safety.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Subaru Crosstrek | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 997 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 16 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 58 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 99.7 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 34 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.
Subaru Crosstrek
- 01VISIBILITY/WIPER287
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER229
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM154
- 04ENGINE115
- 05POWER TRAIN79
Owners report windshields cracking spontaneously, often on new vehicles with very low mileage, sometimes from the inside. This is a safety concern because a cracked windshield can impair visibility and may worsen over time.
Complaints include heated seats activating without being turned on and getting dangerously hot, as well as loud roaring noises when starting the engine. These electrical glitches can be annoying and potentially hazardous if they distract the driver or cause burns.
Some owners describe a loud roaring sound at startup and issues with the auto start/stop feature, such as the engine not restarting when the driver unbuckles or opens the door. This could leave a driver stranded or cause unexpected behavior in traffic.
A reported drivetrain issue includes a persistent high-frequency ringing or whining tone at highway speeds under light acceleration. This noise can be distracting and may indicate a developing mechanical problem.
“The component that is compromised on my '23 Subaru Crosstrek Sport is the windshield. My vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Monday, Jan 13, 2025, a crack formed on my windshield. The crack happened on the inside of the vehicle. It was positione…”
“Overall I’m disappointed in the quality of the manufactured parts and accessories. It leads me to believe low grade materials were used in manufacturing this vehicle. My vehicle is brand new and has 2500 miles on it and the front windshield has a crack that i…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report sudden loss of power at highway speeds with multiple warning lights (brake, hill descent, ABS) and rattling noises during acceleration. These symptoms can lead to dangerous situations if the vehicle cannot maintain speed.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking systems at highway speeds, as well as tire pressure monitoring system issues that may lead to tire failure. Such failures severely compromise vehicle control.
The forward collision avoidance system has been reported to activate unexpectedly, causing sudden braking even when no obstacle is present. This can startle the driver and increase the risk of a rear-end collision.
Some owners notice a persistent rotten-egg or sulfur odor, which may indicate a fuel or emissions problem. This odor can be unpleasant and might signal a failing component that could affect performance or emissions.
“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.
Subaru Crosstrek — 16 recalls
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
The risk: An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing…
The risk: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
The fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.
The risk: A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power while driving or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake engaged. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the left and right front driveshafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek and Impreza vehicles. Due to insufficient clearance, the instrument panel harness may contact the steering beam bracket, damaging the wire insulation and causing a short circuit.
The risk: A short circuit may cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the harness and install an additional clamp on the steering beam bracket. If damage is found, dealers will add protective tape or replace the instrument panel harness, as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of ch…
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
Subaru Crosstrek or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Subaru Crosstrek has far fewer complaints per year (about 100) compared to the Honda Accord (about 452), and fewer recalls (16 vs. 38). In practice, this means Crosstrek owners report fewer problems overall, but the Accord's higher volume may reflect its popularity or more complex systems. The Accord's issues also appear more severe, with reports of sudden power loss and braking failures.
Key differences
- The Subaru Crosstrek averages about 100 complaints per year, while the Honda Accord averages about 452 per year, indicating a much higher reported problem rate for the Accord.
- Crosstrek owners most often report windshield cracking and electrical glitches like heated seats turning on by themselves; Accord owners report engine power loss and simultaneous steering/braking failures.
- The Accord has 38 recalls versus 16 for the Crosstrek, covering systems like hybrid power control and fuel pumps, which may require more frequent dealer visits.
- Forward collision avoidance system malfunctions are a top complaint for the Accord, with reports of unexpected braking, while the Crosstrek's top issue is visibility/wiper-related.
- Inspect the windshield carefully for any cracks or chips, especially on newer models with low mileage, as owners report spontaneous cracking.
- Test the heated seats and all electrical components; ensure the heated seat does not turn on by itself and that there are no unusual noises at startup.
- Check for any signs of engine trouble, such as rattling noises during acceleration or warning lights related to brakes, ABS, or hill descent.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system and electronic power steering/braking at low speeds if possible; look for any history of sudden braking or steering lock-up.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on the specific problem areas: windshield and electrical for Crosstrek; engine, electrical, and safety systems for Accord.
- During a test drive, listen for unusual noises (whining, rattling) and test all electronic features, including heated seats, infotainment, and driver-assist systems.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and confirm that all recall repairs have been completed.
- For the Accord, specifically test the forward collision avoidance system and check for any sulfur or rotten-egg odors.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Subaru Crosstrek | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 10 | 10 |
| 2025 | 44 | 109 |
| 2024 | 119 | 219 |
| 2023 | 34 | 226 |
| 2022 | 31 | 252 |
| 2021 | 115 | 234 |
| 2020 | 69 | 362 |
| 2019 | 284 | 691 |
| 2018 | 194 | 1884 |
| 2017 | 97 | 537 |
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 Subaru Crosstrek or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Subaru Crosstrek vs Honda Accord
- Subaru Crosstrek total complaints
- 997
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Subaru Crosstrek total recalls
- 16
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Subaru Crosstrek avg complaints/year
- 99.7
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Subaru Crosstrek
- Subaru Crosstrek top complaint area
- VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE