Head-to-head reliability
Subaru WRX vs Honda Accord
How the Subaru WRX 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 WRX vs Honda Accord: The WRX averages 20.3 complaints per year with 9 recalls, while the Accord averages 452.4 complaints per year with 38 recalls. The Accord also has 146 injuries and 3 deaths reported, versus 10 injuries and 0 deaths for the WRX. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Subaru WRX or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Subaru WRX
The Subaru WRX is a performance-oriented compact car that sees about 20 complaints per year over a decade, with 9 recalls and 10 injuries reported. Owner complaints often center on engine failures, electrical glitches, and transmission binding, which can lead to costly repairs. While the WRX has a lower complaint volume than the Accord, the severity of issues like catastrophic engine failure and loss of power makes it a demanding car to own.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a mainstream family sedan with a much higher complaint rate—about 452 per year—and 38 recalls, 146 injuries, and 3 deaths reported over the same period. Complaints frequently involve engine stalling, electrical failures, and forward collision avoidance malfunctions that can surprise drivers. Its popularity means more data, but the pattern shows a range of safety-related defects that buyers should weigh carefully.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Subaru WRX | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 203 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 9 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 19 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 20.3 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 10 Better | 146 |
| 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 WRX
- 01ENGINE60
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM49
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER34
- 04POWER TRAIN33
- 05STEERING15
Owners report catastrophic engine failure, sometimes after purchasing used with an oil issue or modified ECM, as well as warranty disputes. This can leave a buyer stranded with a blown engine and a hefty repair bill.
Complaints include infotainment ads blocking the screen while reversing and incorrect tracking data (e.g., max speed 131 mph when never exceeded 89 mph). These glitches can distract the driver and undermine trust in the car’s electronics.
Transmission binding, loss of power in gear, and a 'bag of gravel' sound during shifts are reported, sometimes at low mileage. Such failures can cause sudden loss of acceleration in traffic, posing a safety risk.
Although fewer complaints, steering issues appear among the top components. Owners may experience vague or failing steering, which affects control and confidence behind the wheel.
“I am filing this complaint to report a serious safety concern involving my 2021 Subaru WRX, which is currently covered under the manufacturer’s powertrain warranty as well as an extended warranty. Subaru of Ontario, an authorized Subaru dealership, failed to…”
“In October 2024, my vehicle, a 2021 Subaru WRX STI, was purchased from a Toyota dealership (Fort Bend Sterling McCall Toyota). The dealership sold the vehicle with an oil issue and a modified ECM. This issue caused catastrophic engine failure while driving. T…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners describe alarms for brake, hill descent, and ABS failures leading to speed loss, as well as rattling noises and rough transitions between EV and gas modes. These symptoms can indicate serious powertrain problems that may strand a driver.
Reports include simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds, and a tire failure shortly after a TPMS repair. Such electrical faults can disable critical safety systems without warning.
Complaints detail unexpected activation or failure of adaptive cruise control and collision avoidance, sometimes under identical conditions. This can cause sudden braking or a near-miss, eroding driver trust in the technology.
Persistent rotten-egg odors and fuel delivery issues are reported, with some repairs not resolving the problem. These can signal fuel system defects that affect performance and emissions.
“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 WRX — 9 recalls
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 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.
The risk: Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 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 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.
The risk: Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 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 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.
The risk: Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this rec…
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 WRX or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Subaru WRX has far fewer complaints per year (about 20 vs. 452 for the Accord), but its issues tend to be severe, such as engine and transmission failures. The Honda Accord’s higher volume means more reported problems overall, including safety-related electrical and collision avoidance defects. In practice, the WRX may demand more attention to major mechanical health, while the Accord requires vigilance for electronic and safety system glitches.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: WRX averages ~20/year vs. Accord ~452/year, but WRX issues often involve catastrophic engine or transmission failure.
- Safety-related reports: Accord has 162 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths; WRX has 19 crash-related and 0 deaths, though both show injury risks.
- Recalls: Accord has 38 recalls (including fuel pump and hybrid software) vs. WRX’s 9 (mostly lighting and driveline), meaning more potential fixes but also more defect history.
- Owner-reported symptoms: WRX owners cite transmission binding and infotainment glitches; Accord owners report forward collision avoidance malfunctions and simultaneous brake/steering failures.
- Check for engine oil consumption or prior ECM modifications, as some owners reported catastrophic engine failure after buying used with an oil issue.
- Test the transmission for binding or loss of power during gear changes, especially from 2nd to 3rd, and listen for rattling noises.
- Verify that all recalls, especially for fuel pump and hybrid software, have been performed, as unresolved defects can cause stalling or power loss.
- Test the forward collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control at highway speeds to ensure they don’t unexpectedly brake or fail.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls are closed for the specific model year.
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine and transmission for the WRX, and the hybrid/electrical systems for the Accord.
- For the WRX, check for any aftermarket modifications to the ECM or exhaust that could void warranties.
- For the Accord, test all driver-assist features and look for persistent odors or warning lights.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially oil changes for the WRX and software updates for the Accord.
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 WRX | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 10 |
| 2025 | 2 | 109 |
| 2024 | 13 | 219 |
| 2023 | 8 | 226 |
| 2022 | 25 | 252 |
| 2021 | 13 | 234 |
| 2020 | 17 | 362 |
| 2019 | 30 | 691 |
| 2018 | 42 | 1884 |
| 2017 | 53 | 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 WRX or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Subaru WRX vs Honda Accord
- Subaru WRX total complaints
- 203
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Subaru WRX total recalls
- 9
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Subaru WRX avg complaints/year
- 20.3
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Subaru WRX
- Subaru WRX top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE