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 98.7 complaints per year, far fewer than the Accord's 443.8. Crosstrek owners often report glass breakage, while Accord owners face engine and electrical issues. Both have recalls, but the Accord has more. 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 crossover known for its all-wheel drive and rugged appeal, but owner complaints over the past decade reveal a pattern of quality issues that can affect daily usability. The most frequent problems involve visibility and wipers, with many reports of windshields cracking spontaneously, often on new or low-mileage vehicles. Electrical gremlins, such as unintended seat heating and loud engine noises, also surface, alongside engine and powertrain concerns that include sudden loss of power. While the Crosstrek has a lower complaint volume than some rivals, the nature of these issues suggests potential frustration for owners who expect durability from a new car.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord, a perennial midsize sedan favorite, has a much higher number of complaints, but this is partly due to its larger sales volume. The dominant problem areas are engine and electrical system, with owners reporting noises, warning lights, and even sudden power loss. A significant number of complaints also target the forward collision avoidance system, which can trigger false alarms or malfunction, undermining driver confidence. Brake issues, including ABS and traction control warnings, add to the list of concerns. Despite these issues, the Accord's overall reliability reputation remains, but buyers should be aware of these recurring electronic and safety-system glitches.
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 | 987 Better | 4,438 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 16 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 55 Better | 160 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 98.7 Better | 443.8 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 33 Better | 144 |
| 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 OTHER225
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM152
- 04ENGINE115
- 05POWER TRAIN79
Owners frequently report windshields cracking without impact, sometimes on the inside, and even sunroofs shattering unexpectedly. This can happen on new cars with low mileage, posing a safety hazard and costly repairs.
Complaints include heated seats turning on by themselves and getting dangerously hot, as well as loud noises when starting the engine. These issues suggest potential wiring or control module faults that could affect comfort and reliability.
Some owners report sudden loss of acceleration, accompanied by warning lights like AT Oil Temp and Check Engine. This can be alarming and dangerous, especially on new vehicles with very few miles.
While fewer complaints, there are recalls related to transmission park/neutral start interlock and driveshaft issues, indicating potential driveline problems that could affect safety and performance.
“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
- 01ENGINE985
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM863
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE821
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER725
- 05SERVICE BRAKES592
Owners report unusual noises that may worsen over time, and in some cases, the vehicle loses speed and displays multiple warning lights (brake, ABS, hill descent). This suggests possible engine or transmission control issues that could lead to breakdowns.
Problems include TPMS warnings that lead to tire failures, and rodent damage to wiring harnesses, which can cause various malfunctions. These issues highlight potential vulnerabilities in the electrical system that may require expensive repairs.
Many complaints describe the system activating unnecessarily or displaying intermittent warnings for adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, and automatic high beams. This can be distracting and erode trust in safety features.
Complaints and recalls point to issues with the ABS and traction control modules, which could lead to braking system malfunctions. Owners have reported critical failure warnings while driving, which is a serious safety concern.
“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.
Subaru Crosstrek — 16 recalls
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. 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 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 (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
Subaru Crosstrek or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
Based on NHTSA data, the Subaru Crosstrek has significantly fewer complaints per year (98.7) compared to the Honda Accord (443.8), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the Crosstrek's problems, such as spontaneous glass breakage, can be just as serious. In practice, the Accord's higher complaint volume suggests a greater likelihood of encountering electronic or engine-related problems, while the Crosstrek may offer a more trouble-free ownership experience on average.
Key differences
- The Crosstrek has far fewer complaints per year (98.7) than the Accord (443.8), suggesting a lower rate of reported problems.
- Crosstrek owners frequently report glass breakage (windshields and sunroofs), while Accord owners more often face engine and electrical issues.
- The Accord has a notable number of complaints about forward collision avoidance and braking systems, which are less prominent in the Crosstrek.
- Both vehicles have recalls, but the Accord has more than double the recalls (38 vs 16), indicating a higher number of safety-related campaigns.
- Inspect the windshield and sunroof for any existing cracks or signs of stress, as spontaneous breakage is a common complaint.
- Check the operation of the heated seats and listen for any unusual engine noises on startup, which could indicate electrical or engine issues.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system and be alert for any false alarms or warning messages, as these are frequently reported.
- Review the service history for any electrical or brake-related repairs, and consider having the ABS and traction control modules inspected.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the specific problem areas mentioned.
- Test drive the vehicle and pay attention to any unusual noises, warning lights, or erratic behavior of safety systems.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for any repairs related to the engine, electrical system, or glass.
- Consider the age and mileage of the vehicle, as some issues may be more prevalent in newer models.
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 | 5 |
| 2025 | 43 | 101 |
| 2024 | 113 | 214 |
| 2023 | 34 | 224 |
| 2022 | 30 | 238 |
| 2021 | 114 | 226 |
| 2020 | 68 | 355 |
| 2019 | 284 | 677 |
| 2018 | 194 | 1864 |
| 2017 | 97 | 534 |
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
- 987
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,438
- Subaru Crosstrek total recalls
- 16
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Subaru Crosstrek avg complaints/year
- 98.7
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 443.8
- More reliable overall
- Subaru Crosstrek
- Subaru Crosstrek top complaint area
- VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE