Head-to-head reliability
Subaru Impreza vs Honda Accord
How the Subaru Impreza 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 Impreza vs Honda Accord: The Impreza averages 62.4 complaints per year and has 25 recalls, while the Accord averages 452.4 complaints and 38 recalls. Impreza issues often involve windshields and lights; Accord problems more often involve engines and electrical systems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Subaru Impreza or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza is a compact car that averages about 62 complaints per year over the past decade, with 25 recalls. Owner complaints often focus on windshield and wiper problems, exterior lighting, and electrical glitches. While the overall complaint rate is lower than some rivals, the types of issues reported—like spontaneous windshield cracking and headlight failures—can affect visibility and safety.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a midsize sedan with a much higher complaint volume: about 452 per year over 10 years, plus 38 recalls. The most common trouble spots are the engine, electrical system, and forward collision avoidance features. Many owners report serious issues such as sudden power loss, braking failures, and unintended automatic braking, which can be alarming.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Subaru Impreza | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 624 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 25 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 28 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 62.4 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 20 Better | 146 |
| 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.
Subaru Impreza
- 01VISIBILITY/WIPER176
- 02EXTERIOR LIGHTING164
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER100
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM61
- 05ENGINE42
Owners frequently report spontaneous windshield cracking, often starting from the defroster area in a 'J' shape, sometimes requiring multiple replacements. This can be a safety concern and a recurring expense.
Complaints include headlights that fail to provide adequate illumination at night, and some owners note steering that feels loose or causes the car to jerk side to side. Poor lighting can reduce nighttime visibility.
Reports include the entire dashboard going out, warning messages to stop driving, and even a vehicle fire attributed to a defective battery. These electrical faults can leave a driver stranded or in danger.
Some owners describe the vehicle losing power and stalling when making turns, especially left turns, though technicians may not always reproduce the issue. This can be a serious safety risk if it happens in traffic.
“JULY 09 2021 REPORTED TO SUBARU EL PASO AT TIME OF FIRST MAINTENANCE (6000 MILES) VEHICLE LOSSES POWER AND STALLS WHEN MAKING TURNS, IT IS MORE NOTICEABLE MAKING A LEFT TURN. TECHNICIAN SAID COUDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND NO FURTER ACTION WAS NEEDED. HOWEV…”
“Front windshield spontaneous cracking from defroster area in a "J" shape. This is the second windshield since new to do this (2021 model). Available for inspection. The first windshield was inspected and replaced by Subaru at their cost minus eyesight recalib…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report sudden power loss, alarms for brake and stability systems, and rattling noises during acceleration. These symptoms can lead to dangerous situations on the highway.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of power steering and braking at highway speeds, as well as tire failures after TPMS service. Such failures can cause loss of control.
Drivers describe the system braking unexpectedly or failing to respond, sometimes under clear conditions with adaptive cruise control engaged. This can startle the driver and increase crash risk.
Some owners note a persistent rotten-egg or sulfur odor, which may indicate fuel or emissions issues. This can be a nuisance and potentially signal a larger problem.
“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 Impreza — 25 recalls
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Impreza vehicles. The left-front lower control arm weld may fail, allowing the control arm to separate from the crossmember.
The risk: A separated control arm may cause the tire to contact the wheel well, resulting in a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the control arm as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 3, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Outback and Impreza vehicles. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) select lever cable nut may not have been tightened properly, allowing the nut to loosen.
The risk: A loose nut can lead to a lost of retention in the CVT select lever cable and the gear selector not functioning properly, increasing risk of crash.
The fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and, if necessary, tighten the nut, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is W…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2022 Impreza and Outback vehicles. The incorrect paint clearcoat may have been applied, which can cause the windshield to be insufficiently bonded to the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehi…
The risk: An insufficiently bonded windshield can detach during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Subaru will offer owners a vehicle exchange or repurchase, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 21, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this rec…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Impreza vehicles. The brake light switch may be improperly adjusted and illuminate the brake lights without application of the brake pedal. The vehicle may also allow drivers to start and shift the transmission out of the PARK position with…
The risk: An unintentional brake light illumination can fail to alert other motorists of actual brake application. A vehicle that shifts out of the park position unexpectedly can allow the vehicle to rollaway. Either of these scenarios can increase…
The fix: Dealers will inspect the gap between the brake light switch and stopper, adjusting the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 23, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at…
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 Impreza or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Subaru Impreza has far fewer complaints per year (62.4 vs. 452.4) and fewer recalls (25 vs. 38) than the Honda Accord. In practice, this means Impreza owners report fewer problems overall, but the issues they do report—like windshield cracking and electrical glitches—can still be serious. The Accord's higher volume of complaints, especially regarding engine and electrical failures, suggests a higher likelihood of encountering significant repairs.
Key differences
- The Subaru Impreza averages 62.4 complaints per year, while the Honda Accord averages 452.4—over seven times more.
- Impreza complaints often center on visibility (windshield cracking) and exterior lighting, whereas Accord complaints frequently involve engine power loss and electrical failures.
- The Accord has more crash-related complaints (162 vs. 28) and injuries (146 vs. 20), though these numbers don't prove cause.
- Recalls are more numerous for the Accord (38 vs. 25), covering areas like fuel pumps and air bag sensors.
- Inspect the windshield for any cracks, especially near the defroster, and check if it has been replaced before—multiple replacements are reported.
- Test all electrical functions, including dashboard lights and infotainment, and ask about any battery or fire-related recalls.
- During a test drive, listen for rattling noises during acceleration and feel for rough transitions between EV and gas modes (if hybrid).
- Check for any warning lights related to forward collision avoidance, and test the adaptive cruise control and automatic braking if equipped.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the windshield, electrical system, and engine for the specific issues reported.
- Test drive on highways and in stop-and-go traffic to check for power loss, braking issues, or unexpected alerts.
- For the Accord, specifically test the forward collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control systems.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for battery, electrical, and fuel system repairs.
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 Impreza | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 10 |
| 2025 | 5 | 109 |
| 2024 | 32 | 219 |
| 2023 | 4 | 226 |
| 2022 | 13 | 252 |
| 2021 | 14 | 234 |
| 2020 | 85 | 362 |
| 2019 | 194 | 691 |
| 2018 | 151 | 1884 |
| 2017 | 125 | 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 Impreza or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Subaru Impreza vs Honda Accord
- Subaru Impreza total complaints
- 624
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Subaru Impreza total recalls
- 25
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Subaru Impreza avg complaints/year
- 62.4
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Subaru Impreza
- Subaru Impreza top complaint area
- VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE