Head-to-head reliability

Suzuki Verona vs Honda Accord

How the Suzuki Verona and Honda Accord compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.

Suzuki Verona216 complaints · 9 recalls Fewer issues per year
Honda Accord4,438 complaints · 38 recalls

Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records

Which should you buy?

Suzuki Verona vs Honda Accord: The Verona averages 43 complaints per year over 5 years, with engine stalling and transmission failures common. The Accord averages 444 per year over 10 years, but many complaints involve electronic driver aids. The Verona has 9 recalls, the Accord 38. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

The picture

Is the Suzuki Verona or Honda Accord more reliable?

A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.

Suzuki Verona

The Suzuki Verona is a discontinued compact sedan that, based on NHTSA data, shows a high rate of complaints relative to its sales volume. Owners report frequent engine stalling, electrical glitches, and transmission problems, making it a risky choice for a first-time buyer. The average of 43 complaints per year over five years, combined with multiple recalls, suggests persistent reliability issues that could lead to unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs.

Honda Accord

The Honda Accord is a popular midsize sedan with a much larger sample size, but its complaint rate is also high, averaging 444 per year over ten years. However, many complaints focus on advanced driver-assistance systems and electrical gremlins, which may be less severe than the Verona's engine and transmission failures. The Accord's higher crash and injury numbers reflect its greater sales volume, not necessarily a worse safety record.

The numbers

Side-by-side NHTSA record

Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.

CategorySuzuki VeronaHonda Accord
Total complaintsAll model years combined216 Better4,438
Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns9 Better38
Crash reportsCrash-related complaints10 Better160
Complaints per yearAveraged across model years43.2 Better443.8
Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints9 Better144
Reported deathsTied to owner complaints1 Better3

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.

Suzuki Verona

  1. 01ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING80
  2. 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM37
  3. 03POWER TRAIN31
  4. 04FUEL SYSTEM25
  5. 05VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL22
What these mean
Engine and Engine Cooling

Owners report the engine stalling without warning, sometimes in traffic, and failing to restart. This can be dangerous and leaves you stranded. The throttle body may need repeated replacement.

Electrical System

The daytime running light module is a known recall issue, and owners also describe sudden stalling that may be electrical. Intermittent electrical problems can be hard to diagnose.

Power Train

The transmission is a major weak point, with one owner reporting three replacements. Loud clunks when accelerating or decelerating are common, indicating premature wear.

Fuel System

Engine stalling while decelerating is reported, and the throttle body may need replacement multiple times. This points to fuel delivery or air intake issues that affect drivability.

In owners' words — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

I PURCHASED THE 2004 SUZUKI VERONA LAST YEAR FROM A THIRD PARTY. THE ENGINE STALLS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. IT COMPLETELY STOPS. LAST YEAR IT STOPPED COMPLETELY AND WOULD NOT TURN ON. LUCKILY NO CARS WERE BEHIND ME. I HAD TO CALL THE TOW TRUCK AND FIX IT.…

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI VERONA. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS FIRST PURCHASED, IT PULLED TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BECAUSE BOTH THE CHECK ENGINE AND TIRE PRESSURE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR, BUT T…

Honda Accord

  1. 01ENGINE985
  2. 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM863
  3. 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE821
  4. 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER725
  5. 05SERVICE BRAKES592
What these mean
Engine

Owners report unusual noises and sudden loss of power with warning lights for brakes and other systems. Some issues may be related to software or sensors rather than mechanical failure.

Electrical System

Problems include tire pressure monitoring system warnings and wiring harness damage (e.g., rodent damage). Electrical gremlins can be intermittent and frustrating to trace.

Forward Collision Avoidance

The system may trigger false alerts or show errors for adaptive cruise control and lane keeping. These issues can be annoying and may affect driver confidence in safety features.

Service Brakes

Complaints mention brake system warnings and potential failures, which are critical for safety. Some may be linked to the ABS or traction control modules.

In owners' words — ENGINE

I purchased this vehicle at 0 miles in July 2025 from Honda Accord in Pensacola Florida. I reported in July 2025 that there was a noise and I was unhappy with the vehicle and would like to exchange the vehicle within the 30 days months later, the noise got lo…

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…

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.

Suzuki Verona — 9 recalls

Exterior Lighting — Headlights
#14V363000

The defect: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 Verona vehicles manufactured June 2003 to October 2005. In the affected vehicles, there may be heat generated within the DRL module located in the instrument panel, which could melt the DRL module.

The risk: If the DRL module melts due to the heat generation, it could cause a vehicle fire.

The fix: Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the DRL module in the instrument panel, free of charge. The recall began on November 5, 2014. Owners can contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's number for this recall…

Steering — Hydraulic Power Assist — Pump
#05V507000Mar 2005

The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE POWER STEERING PUMP PULLEY MAY SEPARATE FROM THE POWER STEERING PUMP DUE TO INADEQUATE WALL THICKNESS OF THE PULLEY.

The risk: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE POWER STEERING PUMP DRIVE BELT TO DISCONNECT RESULTING IN HEAVY STEERING, AND CAN LEAD TO ENGINE OVERHEATING OR TO BATTERY DISCHARGE AND ENGINE STALL.

The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE POWER STEERING PUMP PULLEY AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 1, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.

Exterior Lighting — Headlights
#14V363000

The defect: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 Verona vehicles manufactured June 2003 to October 2005. In the affected vehicles, there may be heat generated within the DRL module located in the instrument panel, which could melt the DRL module.

The risk: If the DRL module melts due to the heat generation, it could cause a vehicle fire.

The fix: Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the DRL module in the instrument panel, free of charge. The recall began on November 5, 2014. Owners can contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's number for this recall…

Steering — Hydraulic Power Assist — Pump
#05V507000Mar 2005

The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE POWER STEERING PUMP PULLEY MAY SEPARATE FROM THE POWER STEERING PUMP DUE TO INADEQUATE WALL THICKNESS OF THE PULLEY.

The risk: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE POWER STEERING PUMP DRIVE BELT TO DISCONNECT RESULTING IN HEAVY STEERING, AND CAN LEAD TO ENGINE OVERHEATING OR TO BATTERY DISCHARGE AND ENGINE STALL.

The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE POWER STEERING PUMP PULLEY AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 1, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.

Honda Accord — 38 recalls

Electrical System — Propulsion System — Hybrid Management — Power Control Unit/Module (Hpcu) — Software
#25V785000

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…

Tires — Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire
#26V366000Apr 2026

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…

Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — Control Unit/Module
#23V430000

The defect: Honda (America Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023 Civic, Acura RDX, Acura Integra, and 2022 Honda Accord vehicles. A ball valve in the vehicle stability assist (VSA) modulator may leak brake fluid, which can result in unintended vehicle movement when the brake hold feature is engaged or an…

The risk: Unintended vehicle movement or an unexpected increase in brake pedal travel can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

The fix: Dealers will replace the VSA modulator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are OEJ, XEK, AEY, XEX and OEW.

Air Bags — Sensor — Occupant Classification — Front Passenger
#24V064000Jan 2024

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

Suzuki Verona or Honda Accord: which should you buy?

The Honda Accord has a much higher total complaint count, but when adjusted for sales volume and years, its rate is about 10 times higher than the Verona's. However, the Verona's complaints are more concentrated on engine and transmission failures, which are more likely to leave you stranded. In practice, the Accord's issues are more often electronic annoyances, while the Verona's are mechanical deal-breakers.

Recommendation. If you prioritize a lower risk of catastrophic breakdowns and are willing to deal with electronic glitches, the Honda Accord is the better choice. If you are on a very tight budget and can handle the possibility of major repairs, the Verona might be tempting, but its engine and transmission issues make it a risky daily driver.

Key differences

  • The Verona has a higher proportion of engine stalling and transmission failures, while the Accord's top complaints are about driver-assistance systems and electrical issues.
  • The Verona's complaint rate is lower per year, but its problems are more severe and potentially dangerous.
  • The Accord has more recalls, but many are for software updates or sensors, whereas the Verona's recalls include steering and airbags.
  • The Accord's crash and injury numbers are higher, but that is expected given its much larger sales base.
Watch on Suzuki Verona
  • Inspect the engine for signs of stalling, such as rough idling or hesitation, and check for any pending codes related to the throttle body.
  • Test the transmission for clunks or jerky shifts, especially when accelerating from a stop or at low speeds.
Watch on Honda Accord
  • Check the forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control for false alerts or error messages during a test drive.
  • Look for any warning lights related to the braking system, and have the ABS module inspected if there are any issues.

Before you buy

  • For the Verona, ask for maintenance records showing any engine or transmission work, and have a mechanic perform a compression test and transmission fluid check.
  • For the Accord, verify that all recalls have been performed, especially those for the fuel pump and airbag sensor.
  • Test drive both vehicles at highway speeds to see if the Verona stalls or the Accord's driver aids malfunction.
  • Check the electrical systems: on the Verona, test the DRLs; on the Accord, ensure the TPMS and infotainment work without errors.
  • Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic who is familiar with these models.

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 Suzuki Verona or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.

Go deeper

Full reliability reports

Suzuki Verona vs Honda Accord — comparison facts
Comparison
Suzuki Verona vs Honda Accord
Suzuki Verona total complaints
216
Honda Accord total complaints
4,438
Suzuki Verona total recalls
9
Honda Accord total recalls
38
Suzuki Verona avg complaints/year
43.2
Honda Accord avg complaints/year
443.8
More reliable overall
Suzuki Verona
Suzuki Verona top complaint area
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Honda Accord top complaint area
ENGINE