Head-to-head reliability
Volkswagen TAOS vs Honda Accord
How the Volkswagen TAOS 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
Volkswagen TAOS vs Honda Accord: The TAOS averages 99 complaints per year with 9 recalls, while the Accord averages 452 complaints per year with 38 recalls. Both have engine and electrical issues, but the Accord also has forward collision avoidance problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volkswagen TAOS or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volkswagen TAOS
The Volkswagen TAOS is a compact SUV that has been on the road for about five years, averaging 99 complaints per year. Owners frequently report engine stalling, brake problems, and electrical glitches, with some issues leading to crashes and injuries. Recalls address fuel system and engine software, but the volume of complaints suggests ongoing reliability concerns. For a first-time buyer, this means potential headaches and safety risks that require careful inspection.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a midsize sedan with a long history, but over the past decade it has generated an average of 452 complaints per year. Common trouble spots include engine and electrical failures, plus forward collision avoidance problems that can surprise drivers. With 38 recalls and 3 deaths reported, the Accord's reliability is mixed despite its popularity. Buyers should be aware that even this well-known model can have serious defects.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volkswagen TAOS | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 495 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 9 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 9 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 99.0 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 2 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.
Volkswagen TAOS
- 01ENGINE199
- 02SERVICE BRAKES116
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM99
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM73
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER72
Owners report the engine stalling while accelerating, sometimes shutting off completely, and hard starting with warning lights like the EPC light. Some have faced catastrophic internal engine failure at low mileage, which can be dangerous and expensive.
Complaints include rear brake issues and sudden unintended acceleration with automatic emergency braking failure, leading to crashes. This means braking performance may be unpredictable, posing a safety risk.
Electrical problems often accompany engine stalling, with repeated dealership visits for the same safety issue. A catastrophic engine failure at 22,531 miles was reported, and warranty coverage was denied, leaving owners with big bills.
Fuel pump failures cause hard starting and warning lights, and some owners face denied warranty claims for engine damage. This can leave you stranded and facing costly repairs.
“I have brough my vehicle into the dealership on 3 separate occasions, all of which were the same safety issue - the engine would stall while accelerating and would shut off. However the 3rd incident was the most dangerous. On [XXX], I was driving southbound o…”
“Incident 1: Noticed hard starting one morning. After stopping for gas various engine warning lights illuminated (including EPC light). Took to VW dealer few days later, found trouble codes stored (P0148). Fuel pump replaced few days after diagnosis. Incident…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners describe rattling noises while accelerating, rough transitions between EV and gas modes, and sudden loss of power with multiple alarms. These issues can affect drivability and may indicate deeper mechanical problems.
Reports include simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds, causing near-collisions, and tire failures after TPMS warnings. Such failures can be terrifying and compromise control.
The system may fail to respond or activate unexpectedly, with complaints of unresolved threats and repeated incidents under similar conditions. This undermines a key safety feature that drivers rely on.
Persistent rotten-egg odors and interior trim issues, like a foot slipping behind a panel, are reported. While not always safety-critical, they indicate quality control problems.
“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.
Volkswagen TAOS — 9 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2025 Jetta and Taos vehicles. The instrument panel may fail to display warning lights or gauges. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Display…
The risk: An instrument panel that does not display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the instrument panel software and replace the instrument panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswa…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Taos vehicles. In the event of a rear-end crash, the fuel pressure sensor may dislodge or separate from the fuel tank. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard…
The risk: A fuel tank with a dislodged or separated fuel pressure sensor can leak fuel after a rollover crash, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will install a fuel pressure sensor wiring harness extension, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recal…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Taos vehicles. In the event of a rear-end crash, the fuel pressure sensor may dislodge or separate from the fuel tank. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard…
The risk: A fuel tank with a dislodged or separated fuel pressure sensor can leak fuel after a rollover crash, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will install a fuel pressure sensor wiring harness extension, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recal…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Taos vehicles. The underhood fuel supply quick-connector may detach from the fuel supply line causing a fuel leak in the engine compartment.
The risk: A fuel leak may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A fuel leak also increases the risk of fire in the presence of an ignition source.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the connection and replace the fuel supply line and connector as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 31, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volk…
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
Volkswagen TAOS or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Volkswagen TAOS has far fewer complaints per year (99 vs. 452 for the Honda Accord), but both have serious safety-related issues. The Accord's higher volume means more owners are affected, but the TAOS's lower rate doesn't guarantee fewer problems. In practice, the TAOS may have fewer overall complaints, but the severity of engine and brake issues in both means neither is trouble-free.
Key differences
- The Volkswagen TAOS averages 99 complaints per year, while the Honda Accord averages 452, but the Accord has been on the road twice as long.
- TAOS owners report engine stalling and brake failures; Accord owners report electronic steering/braking failures and forward collision avoidance problems.
- The Accord has 38 recalls and 3 deaths reported, compared to 9 recalls and 0 deaths for the TAOS, indicating different levels of regulatory action and severity.
- Both vehicles have fuel system issues, but the TAOS has fuel pump and pressure sensor recalls, while the Accord has a fuel pump recall.
- Check for engine stalling or hard starting during a test drive, and ask for service records related to fuel pump or engine control module software updates.
- Inspect rear brakes for uneven wear or noise, and verify that any recall for fuel system or engine software has been performed.
- Test the electronic power steering and braking systems at low and high speeds, and listen for rattling noises from the engine during acceleration.
- Verify that forward collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control function correctly, and check for any unresolved TPMS or tire issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls using the NHTSA VIN lookup tool.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical systems, focusing on known complaint areas.
- During a test drive, simulate highway speeds and test all safety features, including automatic emergency braking and forward collision warnings.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for oil changes and any warranty repairs, to gauge how well the car was cared for.
- For the Honda Accord, specifically check the hybrid system if equipped, and for the Volkswagen TAOS, check for software updates related to engine and fuel systems.
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 | Volkswagen TAOS | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 10 |
| 2025 | 11 | 109 |
| 2024 | 55 | 219 |
| 2023 | 109 | 226 |
| 2022 | 317 | 252 |
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 Volkswagen TAOS or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volkswagen TAOS vs Honda Accord
- Volkswagen TAOS total complaints
- 495
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Volkswagen TAOS total recalls
- 9
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Volkswagen TAOS avg complaints/year
- 99.0
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Volkswagen TAOS
- Volkswagen TAOS top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE