Head-to-head reliability
Tesla Model Y vs Honda Accord
How the Tesla Model Y 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 Y vs Honda Accord: The Model Y averages 1,010 complaints per year with 100 recalls, while the Accord averages 452 per year with 38 recalls. The Model Y has 787 crash-related reports versus 162 for the Accord. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Tesla Model Y or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y is an electric SUV that generates a very high volume of owner complaints—about 1,010 per year over seven years—with many tied to driver-assistance software and braking. Owners frequently describe safety systems disengaging without warning, unexpected speed changes, and braking concerns. With 100 recalls and 787 crash-related reports, living with this vehicle means staying on top of software updates and being alert to electronic glitches.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a mainstream sedan or hybrid with a much lower complaint rate—about 452 per year over ten years—and far fewer recalls (38). Reported problems cluster around the engine, electrical system, and forward collision avoidance, often involving warning lights, power loss, or steering and braking failures. It is a more conventional ownership experience, but certain model years still show serious safety-related defects.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Tesla Model Y | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 7,070 | 4,524 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 100 | 38 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 787 | 162 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1010.0 | 452.4 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 629 | 146 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 220 | 3 Better |
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 Y
- 01FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE3,524
- 02SERVICE BRAKES1,063
- 03VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1,034
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER967
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM961
Owners report that critical safety systems randomly disengage without warning while driving, creating an immediate crash hazard. Others complain that software changes removed the ability to set a maximum speed in Full Self-Driving mode, which they say leads to speeding. For a buyer, this means the car's automatic braking and collision warnings may not be dependable.
Complaints describe multiple critical system failures during an accident, including brake issues in rainy conditions. One owner reported injuries after systems failed. A buyer should test the brakes carefully and check for any recall or software update related to braking.
Owners report uncommanded high-speed reverse acceleration, such as a 2025 Model Y backing into a bollard in a parking lot. Others say Full Self-Driving frequently drives 15–20 mph over the limit with no way for the driver to cap the speed. This raises concerns about low-speed maneuvering and cruise control reliability.
Electrical complaints appear often, though sample texts focus on other areas. Given the high count and the car's reliance on software, a buyer should verify that all over-the-air updates have been applied and that no warning lights remain.
“SUMMARY OF SAFETY DEFECT: Multiple critical safety systems randomly disengage without warning while the vehicle is in operation, creating an immediate crash hazard. DETAILED DESCRIPTION: For approximately one month, my vehicle has experienced intermittent, un…”
“I am filing a safety complaint regarding Tesla's removal of driver-controlled maximum speed in FSD (Supervised), a change that has alarmed a significant number of Tesla owners and safety-conscious drivers. Previous software allowed drivers to set a precise ma…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report alarms for brake, hill descent, ABS, and critical failure, followed by loss of speed on the highway. Others describe rattling noises while accelerating and rough transitions between EV and gas modes. These symptoms can indicate serious powertrain problems that may be expensive to fix.
Complaints include electronic power steering and braking systems failing and locking up simultaneously at highway speeds, causing a near-collision. Another owner had a tire fail catastrophically shortly after a TPMS warning was supposedly fixed. A buyer should check for any open recalls on the electrical system and test all driver aids.
Owners say the system failed to prevent a collision at about 35 mph with no obstructions, and that adaptive cruise control suddenly disengaged at 70 mph. These reports suggest the automatic braking and cruise control may not always work as expected, so a buyer should not rely on them alone.
Fuel and propulsion complaints are common, though sample texts highlight a persistent rotten-egg sulfur odor that required a filter replacement and odor treatment. This can signal fuel or emissions issues. A buyer should check for fuel smells and any related service bulletins.
“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.
Tesla Model Y — 100 recalls
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not remain illuminated between drive cycles, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to com…
The risk: Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-018.
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Model 3, Model S, 2023-2025 Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standa…
The risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Tesla will also identify any vehicles that experienced a circuit board failure, or stress that may lead to a circuit board failure, and replace the affected computers, f…
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Model Y vehicles. The certification label may not have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 C.F.R. Part 567, "Certification."
The risk: Missing weight information provided by the label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla Service will inspect and install a certification label as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 17, 2026. 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 2026 Model Y vehicles. The hose connector may block the windshield washer nozzles, preventing washer fluid from reaching the windshield. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 104,…
The risk: The inability to clean the windshield reduces the driver’s visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla service will inspect and replace the wiper arm elbow connector as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 25, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this r…
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
Tesla Model Y or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Honda Accord has far fewer issues per year—about 452 versus 1,010 for the Tesla Model Y—and only 38 recalls versus 100. In practice, that means an Accord owner is less likely to face frequent software glitches or unexpected safety-system disengagements, while a Model Y owner may spend more time managing electronic quirks and updates.
Key differences
- The Tesla Model Y has about 1,010 complaints per year and 100 recalls, while the Honda Accord has about 452 complaints per year and 38 recalls.
- Tesla Model Y owners most often report forward collision avoidance and service brake issues, including systems disengaging without warning and uncommanded acceleration.
- Honda Accord owners most often report engine and electrical problems, such as warning lights, power loss, and steering or braking lockups.
- The Tesla Model Y has 787 crash-related reports and 220 deaths, compared with 162 crash-related reports and 3 deaths for the Honda Accord.
- Check for any history of forward collision avoidance or service brake warnings, and confirm all software recalls have been performed.
- Test low-speed parking and reverse maneuvers for unexpected acceleration, and verify that speed control limits work as expected.
- Look for engine warning lights, rattling noises on acceleration, or rough transitions between EV and gas modes.
- Test the electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds if possible, and check for any open recalls on the electrical or fuel system.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN through NHTSA to see all open recalls for the specific vehicle.
- Ask for a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the model's reported issues.
- For the Tesla Model Y, verify the software version and that all over-the-air updates are installed.
- For the Honda Accord, check for any history of engine or electrical repairs, especially steering and braking components.
- Test drive both vehicles in conditions similar to your daily commute, including highway speeds and parking maneuvers.
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 Y | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 10 |
| 2025 | 101 | 109 |
| 2024 | 356 | 219 |
| 2023 | 1363 | 226 |
| 2022 | 1730 | 252 |
| 2021 | 3240 | 234 |
| 2020 | 280 | 362 |
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 Y or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Tesla Model Y vs Honda Accord
- Tesla Model Y total complaints
- 7,070
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Tesla Model Y total recalls
- 100
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Tesla Model Y avg complaints/year
- 1010.0
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Honda Accord
- Tesla Model Y top complaint area
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE