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 has 473 complaints over 5 years (95/yr) while the Accord has 4438 over 10 years (444/yr). Taos owners report engine stalling and brake grinding; Accord owners report false collision warnings and electrical glitches. 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, a compact SUV, has a moderate complaint rate of about 95 per year over five years. Owners frequently report engine stalling and fuel system issues, which can be dangerous if they occur during acceleration. Brake problems, including grinding and burning smells, are also common, along with electrical glitches that affect the instrument cluster and screens. These issues suggest that while the Taos may be appealing for its size and price, buyers should be prepared for potential powertrain and brake-related visits to the dealer.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord, a midsize sedan, has a much higher total complaint count, but it's spread over ten years, averaging about 444 per year. The complaints are dominated by engine issues, electrical problems, and false activations of forward collision avoidance systems. Owners report sudden power loss, warning lights, and unexpected braking, which can be alarming. While the Accord has a reputation for reliability, these reports indicate that some models may experience significant electronic and safety system glitches, especially in newer versions.
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 | 473 Better | 4,438 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 9 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 8 Better | 160 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 94.6 Better | 443.8 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 2 Better | 144 |
| 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
- 01ENGINE194
- 02SERVICE BRAKES113
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM92
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER70
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM69
Owners report the engine stalling while accelerating and shutting off, sometimes repeatedly, which can be a serious safety hazard. Others mention hard starting and fuel pump issues, with trouble codes like P0148 indicating fuel delivery problems.
Brake systems malfunction with loud grinding, squeaking, and gurgling noises, along with a burnt brake pad smell. These issues affect both front and rear brakes and persist despite multiple repair attempts, indicating a chronic problem.
Electrical failures include the instrument cluster going blank, screens shutting off, and false start conditions. These can be distracting and may indicate underlying software or wiring issues that are hard to diagnose.
Some owners report sudden rear windshield shattering with linear fracture patterns, which is a safety concern. Others describe symptoms related to known recalls, such as electrical malfunctions, suggesting that not all issues are captured in the main categories.
“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
- 01ENGINE985
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM863
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE821
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER725
- 05SERVICE BRAKES592
Owners report unusual noises and a loss of power accompanied by warning lights for brake, hill descent, and ABS systems. This can lead to the vehicle slowing down unexpectedly, which is dangerous in traffic.
Electrical problems include TPMS warnings that lead to tire failures and rodent damage to wiring harnesses, which can cause engine or sensor malfunctions. These issues may be intermittent and hard to trace.
The system can activate unexpectedly at highway speeds, causing sudden braking without obstacles. Also, messages about adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist appear intermittently, indicating sensor or software glitches.
Brake-related complaints often tie into the forward collision avoidance system, with unexpected braking events. Owners also report issues with the antilock brake system and traction control, which can affect vehicle stability.
“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.
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 (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
Volkswagen TAOS or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Volkswagen Taos has fewer complaints per year (about 95) compared to the Honda Accord (about 444), but the Taos's issues are more concentrated in engine and brake failures that can be safety-critical. The Accord's higher count is partly due to a longer reporting period and a larger owner base, but its problems with false braking and electrical glitches are also concerning. In practice, the Taos may require more frequent dealer visits for powertrain and brake repairs, while the Accord may have more electronic gremlins that are harder to fix.
Key differences
- The Taos has a higher proportion of engine complaints (194 out of 473) compared to the Accord (985 out of 4438), but the Taos's engine issues often involve stalling, which is more dangerous.
- The Accord has a significant number of forward collision avoidance complaints (821), which are not present in the Taos data, indicating a difference in safety system reliability.
- Brake complaints are common in both, but the Taos's brake issues involve physical noises and smells, while the Accord's are often tied to electronic false activations.
- The Taos has fewer total complaints but a shorter reporting period, so the annual rate is lower; however, the Accord's longer history may reflect improvements over time.
- Check for any history of engine stalling or fuel pump replacements, as these are common issues.
- Inspect the brakes for unusual wear, grinding, or burning smells, and ask if the brake system has been repaired before.
- Ask about any previous repairs to the forward collision avoidance system or if the vehicle has had unexpected braking events.
- Check the electrical system for any warning lights or intermittent issues, and verify that all software updates are current.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and look for repeated visits to the dealer for engine or brake issues.
- Test drive at various speeds and listen for unusual noises, especially from the engine and brakes.
- Check for any open recalls and ensure they have been addressed.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the fuel system and wiring harnesses for signs of damage or wear.
- Ask the seller about any warranty remaining and whether they have experienced any of the common issues.
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 | 1 | 5 |
| 2025 | 9 | 101 |
| 2024 | 51 | 214 |
| 2023 | 102 | 224 |
| 2022 | 310 | 238 |
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
- 473
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,438
- Volkswagen TAOS total recalls
- 9
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Volkswagen TAOS avg complaints/year
- 94.6
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 443.8
- More reliable overall
- Volkswagen TAOS
- Volkswagen TAOS top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE