Head-to-head reliability
Tesla Model S vs Honda Accord
How the Tesla Model S 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
Tesla Model S vs Honda Accord: The Tesla has fewer complaints per year (57.9) than the Accord (443.8), but the Accord has fewer recalls (38 vs 106). Tesla owners report false collision warnings and steering issues, while Accord owners face engine and electrical problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Tesla Model S or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S is a high-tech electric luxury sedan that, in ownership terms, offers cutting-edge performance and features but also brings a set of recurring electronic and software-related headaches. Owner complaints over the past decade show a pattern of sudden system shutdowns, false forward-collision warnings, and steering or suspension issues that can affect daily drivability. While not every car will experience these problems, the frequency of complaints in areas like forward collision avoidance and steering suggests that buyers should be prepared for potential software glitches and component wear. The vehicle's advanced systems can be both a selling point and a source of frustration, especially when they act unpredictably.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a mainstream midsize sedan known for its practicality and value, but the complaint data reveals a high volume of issues, particularly with the engine and electrical systems. Owners report engine noises, sudden power loss, and electrical failures that can leave them stranded or require repeated trips to the dealer. The forward collision avoidance system also generates a significant number of complaints, with reports of false activations and system errors. While the Accord has a lower average complaint rate per year than the Tesla, the sheer number of complaints indicates that reliability can be a concern, especially in newer models with advanced safety tech.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Tesla Model S | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 579 Better | 4,438 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 106 | 38 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 60 Better | 160 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 57.9 Better | 443.8 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 18 Better | 144 |
| 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.
Tesla Model S
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER160
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE115
- 03STEERING85
- 04SUSPENSION77
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM70
Owners report the system suddenly beeping and braking for no apparent reason, even on clear roads, which can be startling and dangerous if traffic is behind. There are also complaints about the system misreading speed limits, especially in construction zones, leading to unexpected deceleration.
Some owners complain about the steering wheel buttons for turn signals being difficult to use in emergencies, and others report the lane departure system overriding steering inputs or sounding alarms even when the feature is turned off, causing a loss of confidence in the vehicle's controls.
A common issue is a vibration felt through the steering wheel and accelerator pedal at speeds between 25-40 mph during cold starts, traced to front suspension half shafts or CV joints. Additionally, there are reports of abnormal rear tire wear and possible alignment or suspension defects leading to repeated tire replacements.
“On [XXX] at approximately 1230 pm my husband loaded my [XXX] child into the car. He shut the door then tried to open the driver site door. At that time the inside the car was 93 degrees. The car shut off. Telsa customer support was contacted multiple times. M…”
“2024 Tesla Model S. Repeated rear tire and rear wheel failures with abnormal wear and possible rear alignment or suspension-related defect. Tesla service history shows repeated rear tire replacements beginning at about 5,165 miles, a later four-wheel alignmen…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE985
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM863
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE821
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER725
- 05SERVICE BRAKES592
Owners report unusual engine noises that persist despite dealer visits, and in some cases, the vehicle loses power and displays warnings for brakes, hill descent, and ABS, indicating a serious engine or drivetrain issue that can affect safety.
There are reports of tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warnings that lead to catastrophic tire failures shortly after service, and rodent damage to wiring harnesses, which can cause various electrical malfunctions. These issues can be costly to repair and may leave drivers stranded.
The system can falsely activate at highway speeds with no obstructions, causing sudden braking, and owners also report intermittent messages about problems with adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and other driver aids, which can be distracting and undermine trust in the safety systems.
“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.
Tesla Model S — 106 recalls
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first c…
The risk: Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Te…
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope…
The risk: In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there ma…
The fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and Model X vehicles. An incorrect air bag may have been installed when the steering yoke or round steering wheel was replaced with a different style of yoke or steering wheel.
The risk: An air bag that is not designed to function with the replacement steering yoke or wheel may deploy incorrectly, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Tesla Service will inspect and replace the driver air bag as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is…
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y, Model X, Model S, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehi…
The risk: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, including Summon and Smart Summon, free of charge. Owner notification letters wer…
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 (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.
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
Tesla Model S or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
Based on the data, the Tesla Model S has fewer complaints per year (57.9) compared to the Honda Accord (443.8), but the nature of the issues differs. The Tesla's problems are more concentrated in advanced driver assistance and steering, while the Accord's issues are more widespread across engine, electrical, and braking systems. In practice, the Tesla may require more software updates and occasional sensor recalibrations, while the Accord might need more frequent mechanical repairs.
Key differences
- Tesla Model S has a much lower complaint rate per year (57.9) than the Honda Accord (443.8), but the Tesla's complaints are often about advanced systems like forward collision avoidance and steering, which can be more complex to fix.
- The Accord's top complaint area is the engine, with reports of noises and power loss, while the Tesla's top area is 'unknown or other,' which includes issues like door locks and tire wear.
- Tesla owners report false activations of the forward collision avoidance system and steering overrides, while Accord owners report similar false activations but also electrical system failures and tire issues.
- The Accord has more recalls (38) than the Tesla (106), but the Tesla's recalls are mostly software updates, while the Accord's recalls involve physical components like fuel pumps and airbag sensors.
- Check for any signs of abnormal rear tire wear or vibration during a test drive, especially at speeds between 25-40 mph, as this could indicate suspension or CV joint issues.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system in a safe area to see if it triggers false warnings or braking, and verify that the steering wheel buttons for turn signals are easy to use in an emergency.
- Listen for any unusual engine noises during a cold start and test the vehicle at highway speeds to ensure it doesn't lose power or display warning lights.
- Check the electrical system by testing all features, including the TPMS, and inspect the wiring harness for any signs of rodent damage, especially if the car is parked outdoors.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on the specific VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the suspension, steering, and electrical systems.
- Test drive the vehicle in various conditions, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to evaluate the forward collision avoidance and other driver aids.
- Ask for service records to see if the vehicle has had repeated repairs for common issues like tire wear or engine problems.
- Consider the cost of insurance, maintenance, and potential repairs for each vehicle, as the Tesla may have higher costs for parts and specialized service.
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 | Tesla Model S | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 5 |
| 2025 | 6 | 101 |
| 2024 | 38 | 214 |
| 2023 | 116 | 224 |
| 2022 | 0 | 238 |
| 2021 | 176 | 226 |
| 2020 | 80 | 355 |
| 2019 | 160 | 677 |
| 2018 | 0 | 1864 |
| 2017 | 0 | 534 |
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 Tesla Model S or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Tesla Model S vs Honda Accord
- Tesla Model S total complaints
- 579
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,438
- Tesla Model S total recalls
- 106
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Tesla Model S avg complaints/year
- 57.9
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 443.8
- More reliable overall
- Tesla Model S
- Tesla Model S top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE