Vehicle 1

Subaru Crosstrek

842 complaints · 4 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Honda Accord

1,441 complaints · 6 recalls

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

Subaru Crosstrek vs Honda Accord: The Crosstrek has fewer complaints per year (84.2 vs 144.1) and fewer recalls (4 vs 6). However, the Accord has more crash complaints (79 vs 44). Both have electrical system issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

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

4
Subaru Crosstrek
wins all 4 categories
0
Honda Accord
no category wins
CategorySubaru CrosstrekHonda Accord
Total Complaints
All years combined
842
✓ lower
1,441
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
4
✓ lower
6
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
44
✓ lower
79
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
84.2
✓ lower
144.1

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

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Subaru Crosstrek

1. VISIBILITY/WIPER275
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER188
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM136
4. ENGINE103
5. POWER TRAIN72

Honda Accord

1. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM333
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER273
3. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE244
4. ENGINE210
5. SERVICE BRAKES203
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Honda Accord has more complaints per year (144.1) than the Subaru Crosstrek (84.2), suggesting Crosstrek owners report fewer issues on average. However, both vehicles have notable problem areas that buyers should investigate.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer overall complaints and lower recall count, the Crosstrek may be preferable. If you need a sedan with more space and can accept higher complaint volume, the Accord is a strong choice, but check its forward collision avoidance and electrical systems.

Key Differences
  • Crosstrek has 842 total complaints vs Accord's 1441; Crosstrek averages 84.2/year, Accord 144.1/year.
  • Crosstrek has 4 recalls; Accord has 6.
  • Crosstrek's top issue is visibility/wiper (275); Accord's top is electrical system (333).
  • Accord has 244 forward collision avoidance complaints; Crosstrek has none listed.
⚠ Watch on Subaru Crosstrek
  • Check for wiper and visibility problems, which are the most common complaint on the Crosstrek.
  • Inspect the electrical system and engine for any reported issues.
⚠ Watch on Honda Accord
  • Verify the forward collision avoidance system works properly, as it has 244 complaints.
  • Look for electrical system problems, the top complaint with 333 reports.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles.
  • Test all wiper functions and visibility features on the Crosstrek.
  • Test the forward collision avoidance system on the Accord.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system on both cars.
  • Review service records for engine and powertrain issues.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Subaru CrosstrekHonda Accord
2026
3
1
2025
38
68
2024
0
0
2023
32
213
2022
28
0
2021
107
200
2020
68
330
2019
276
0
2018
193
111
2017
97
518
Subaru Crosstrek vs Honda Accord — comparison facts
Comparison
Subaru Crosstrek vs Honda Accord
Subaru Crosstrek total complaints
842
Honda Accord total complaints
1,441
Subaru Crosstrek total recalls
4
Honda Accord total recalls
6
Subaru Crosstrek avg complaints/year
84.2
Honda Accord avg complaints/year
144.1
More reliable overall
Subaru Crosstrek
Subaru Crosstrek top complaint area
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Honda Accord top complaint area
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Subaru Crosstrek Reliability & Problems

842 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Honda Accord Reliability & Problems

1,441 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Subaru Crosstrek or Honda Accord?

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