Vehicle 1

Subaru Impreza

610 complaints · 25 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Honda Accord

3,930 complaints · 35 recalls

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

Subaru Impreza vs Honda Accord: The Impreza has 61 complaints per year vs 393 for the Accord. The Accord has 846 engine complaints and 757 forward collision avoidance issues, while the Impreza's top issues are visibility/wiper (175) and exterior lighting (164). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

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

4
Subaru Impreza
wins all 4 categories
0
Honda Accord
no category wins
CategorySubaru ImprezaHonda Accord
Total Complaints
All years combined
610
✓ lower
3,930
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
25
✓ lower
35
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
26
✓ lower
139
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
61.0
✓ lower
393.0

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

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Subaru Impreza

1. VISIBILITY/WIPER175
2. EXTERIOR LIGHTING164
3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER97
4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM59
5. ENGINE41

Honda Accord

1. ENGINE846
2. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE757
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM744
4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER614
5. SERVICE BRAKES545
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Subaru Impreza has far fewer complaints per year (61 vs 393) than the Honda Accord, suggesting lower overall issue frequency. However, both vehicles have recalls and specific problem areas to check.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer reported issues and lower complaint volume, the Subaru Impreza is the better choice. If you need a larger sedan and can accept higher complaint numbers, the Honda Accord may still be suitable, but pay close attention to its engine and forward collision avoidance systems.

Key Differences
  • Subaru Impreza averages 61 complaints/year vs Honda Accord's 393/year.
  • Honda Accord has 846 engine complaints vs Impreza's 41.
  • Honda Accord has 757 forward collision avoidance complaints; Impreza has none listed.
  • Subaru Impreza has 175 visibility/wiper complaints and 164 exterior lighting complaints.
⚠ Watch on Subaru Impreza
  • Check for wiper and visibility issues, as they are the top complaint area.
  • Inspect exterior lighting for reported problems.
⚠ Watch on Honda Accord
  • Engine problems are the most common complaint; have the engine thoroughly inspected.
  • Forward collision avoidance system has many complaints; test its functionality.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles.
  • Test all wipers and lights on the Impreza.
  • Inspect the Accord's engine for any signs of trouble.
  • Test the Accord's forward collision avoidance system.
  • Review service history for both vehicles.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Subaru ImprezaHonda Accord
2026
0
0
2025
4
88
2024
28
0
2023
4
212
2022
12
196
2021
14
200
2020
84
329
2019
190
627
2018
149
1760
2017
125
518
Subaru Impreza vs Honda Accord — comparison facts
Comparison
Subaru Impreza vs Honda Accord
Subaru Impreza total complaints
610
Honda Accord total complaints
3,930
Subaru Impreza total recalls
25
Honda Accord total recalls
35
Subaru Impreza avg complaints/year
61.0
Honda Accord avg complaints/year
393.0
More reliable overall
Subaru Impreza
Subaru Impreza top complaint area
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Honda Accord top complaint area
ENGINE
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Subaru Impreza Reliability & Problems

610 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Honda Accord Reliability & Problems

3,930 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Subaru Impreza or Honda Accord?

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