Vehicle 1

Subaru Legacy

566 complaints · 21 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Honda Accord

2,232 complaints · 35 recalls

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

Subaru Legacy vs Honda Accord: The Legacy averages 56.6 complaints per year with 21 recalls, while the Accord averages 223.2 complaints per year with 35 recalls. The Legacy's top issue is visibility/wipers, while the Accord's is engine problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

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

4
Subaru Legacy
wins all 4 categories
0
Honda Accord
no category wins
CategorySubaru LegacyHonda Accord
Total Complaints
All years combined
566
✓ lower
2,232
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
21
✓ lower
35
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
24
✓ lower
83
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
56.6
✓ lower
223.2

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

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Subaru Legacy

1. VISIBILITY/WIPER189
2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM129
3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER118
4. ENGINE30
5. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE25

Honda Accord

1. ENGINE592
2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM449
3. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE441
4. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM343
5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER340
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Honda Accord has about four times more complaints per year (223.2) than the Subaru Legacy (56.6), suggesting the Legacy may have fewer reported issues overall. However, the Accord's higher complaint volume could partly reflect its larger sales numbers, so buyers should focus on specific problem areas.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer overall complaints and lower recall count, the Subaru Legacy is the better choice. If you prefer the Accord's reputation and are willing to check for engine and electrical issues, it may still be a good option.

Key Differences
  • Honda Accord has 223.2 complaints/year vs Subaru Legacy's 56.6/year.
  • Accord has 35 recalls; Legacy has 21.
  • Accord's top issue is ENGINE (592 complaints); Legacy's top is VISIBILITY/WIPER (189).
  • Accord has 441 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE complaints; Legacy has 25.
⚠ Watch on Subaru Legacy
  • Check for wiper and visibility problems, as 189 complaints relate to VISIBILITY/WIPER.
  • Inspect the electrical system, which has 129 complaints.
⚠ Watch on Honda Accord
  • Engine issues are the most common, with 592 complaints; have the engine thoroughly inspected.
  • Forward collision avoidance system has 441 complaints; test it carefully.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check the vehicle's recall status using the VIN.
  • Test all wiper functions and visibility features on the Legacy.
  • For the Accord, request service records for engine and electrical repairs.
  • Test drive and verify forward collision avoidance system operation on both.
  • Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Subaru LegacyHonda Accord
2026
0
1
2025
6
0
2024
15
0
2023
10
0
2022
31
200
2021
31
201
2020
120
330
2019
122
500
2018
113
500
2017
118
500
Subaru Legacy vs Honda Accord — comparison facts
Comparison
Subaru Legacy vs Honda Accord
Subaru Legacy total complaints
566
Honda Accord total complaints
2,232
Subaru Legacy total recalls
21
Honda Accord total recalls
35
Subaru Legacy avg complaints/year
56.6
Honda Accord avg complaints/year
223.2
More reliable overall
Subaru Legacy
Subaru Legacy top complaint area
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Honda Accord top complaint area
ENGINE
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Subaru Legacy Reliability & Problems

566 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Honda Accord Reliability & Problems

2,232 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Subaru Legacy or Honda Accord?

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