Head-to-head reliability
Volvo EX90 vs Honda Accord
How the Volvo EX90 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
Volvo EX90 vs Honda Accord: The EX90 averages 39.5 complaints per year over 2 years, while the Accord averages 452.4 per year over 10 years. The Accord has 38 recalls and 3 deaths; the EX90 has 3 recalls and 0 deaths. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo EX90 or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo EX90
The Volvo EX90 is a new electric SUV with only two years of complaint data, averaging about 40 complaints per year. Owners frequently report electrical and software failures that can cause the vehicle to shut down or lose power while driving, as well as unexpected movement when parked. Recalls cover seat fasteners, headlight concealment, and liftgate struts. These issues suggest that early ownership may involve repeated dealer visits for software and hardware fixes.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a long-running family sedan with ten years of complaint data, averaging about 452 complaints per year. Owners report engine problems such as loss of power and rattling noises, electrical failures including power steering and braking lockups, and forward collision avoidance system malfunctions. With 38 recalls and 3 deaths reported, the Accord has a broader range of safety-related complaints. Buyers should expect that some model years may have persistent unresolved issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo EX90 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 79 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 39.5 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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.
Volvo EX90
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM41
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER21
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM16
- 04POWER TRAIN11
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE9
Owners report complete vehicle failure, air conditioning stopping, and frequent warning messages for suspension and driver assistance. These failures can leave drivers stranded or without critical safety features.
Complaints include the vehicle moving on its own while parked and locked, and air conditioning failing in high heat. These unpredictable events pose risks to occupants and bystanders.
Despite being electric, owners describe repeated failures to start or sudden power loss at freeway speeds. This can cause dangerous situations in traffic.
Reports include complete vehicle failure and a case where selecting drive caused the vehicle to reverse and crash. Such gear selection errors can lead to collisions.
“My 2026 Volvo EX90, with approximately 3,000 miles, experienced a complete vehicle failure while being used as our family vehicle in Phoenix, Arizona. While my nanny was driving my two young children, including my [XXX], the air conditioning stopped functioni…”
“Ongoing Software Issues From shortly after delivery through now, the vehicle experiences frequent and recurring warning messages and system failures, including but not limited to: Suspension system warnings Driver assistance and self-driving feature failures…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report loss of speed with multiple alarms, rattling noises during acceleration, and rough transitions between EV and gas modes. These issues can affect drivability and may indicate deeper mechanical problems.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of power steering and braking at highway speeds, and tire failure after TPMS service. These failures can cause loss of control and crashes.
Owners describe the system failing to resolve threats, with incidents occurring under similar conditions. This undermines a key safety feature meant to prevent collisions.
Reports include persistent sulfur odor and a foot slipping behind a plastic panel, causing unintended acceleration. These defects can distract the driver and lead to loss of control.
“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.
Volvo EX90 — 3 recalls
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2025 EX90 vehicles. The bolts for the second-row free-standing seat may not be tightened properly.
The risk: An improperly tightened seat may not adequately restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10292.
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2025 EX90 vehicles. Due to a software error in the low power controller (LPC), the headlight shutters may close over the high and low beams while driving.
The risk: A loss of headlight function while driving can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: The LPC software will be updated manually, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 12, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10298.
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2025 EX90 vehicles. A spindle nut may detach from the Power Operated Tailgate (POT) drive units, causing the tailgate to suddenly drop.
The risk: A tailgate that suddenly drops can hit a person, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised not to use the POT function until the repair is completed. Dealers will replace both POT drive units. Owner letters were mailed November 24, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's nu…
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
Volvo EX90 or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Volvo EX90 has far fewer complaints per year (about 40) than the Honda Accord (about 452), but the EX90's issues often involve sudden power loss or unintended movement. The Accord's higher volume means more reported problems overall, including 3 deaths and 146 injuries. In practice, the EX90 may have fewer but potentially severe electric-related failures, while the Accord has a wider array of engine and electrical complaints.
Key differences
- The Volvo EX90 has 79 complaints over 2 years, while the Honda Accord has 4,524 over 10 years, showing a much higher annual rate for the Accord.
- EX90 owners report sudden power loss and unintended movement, whereas Accord owners report engine power loss and simultaneous brake/steering failure.
- The Accord has 38 recalls and 3 deaths reported, compared to 3 recalls and 0 deaths for the EX90.
- Both vehicles have forward collision avoidance complaints, but the Accord's are more numerous (837 vs 9).
- Check for any history of electrical system failures, including warning messages for suspension or driver assistance, and ensure all software updates have been applied.
- Inspect for unintended movement by testing the parking brake and gear selection on a slight incline, and verify that the vehicle does not roll when parked.
- Listen for rattling noises during acceleration and test the transition between EV and gas modes, as these may indicate engine or hybrid system issues.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system and adaptive cruise control in a safe environment to ensure they engage and disengage properly, as failures have been reported.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for the EX90's seat fasteners and the Accord's fuel pump.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the electrical system and software for the EX90, and the engine and hybrid components for the Accord.
- Test drive both vehicles under various conditions, including highway speeds and parking maneuvers, to check for power loss or unintended movement.
- Ask the seller for any repair records related to the specific complaints, such as electrical failures or engine noises.
- Verify that the forward collision avoidance system and other driver aids are functioning correctly, as both vehicles have complaints in this area.
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 | Volvo EX90 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 10 |
| 2025 | 72 | 109 |
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 Volvo EX90 or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo EX90 vs Honda Accord
- Volvo EX90 total complaints
- 79
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Volvo EX90 total recalls
- 3
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Volvo EX90 avg complaints/year
- 39.5
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Volvo EX90
- Volvo EX90 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE