Head-to-head reliability
Volvo V60 vs Honda Accord
How the Volvo V60 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 V60 vs Honda Accord: The V60 averages 5.7 complaints per year with 32 recalls, while the Accord averages 443.8 complaints per year with 38 recalls. The Accord has 160 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths; the V60 has 1 crash-related and 0 deaths. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo V60 or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo V60
The Volvo V60 is a luxury wagon with a relatively low complaint volume—57 over 10 years, about 5.7 per year—but the pattern shows recurring electrical and brake issues that can leave you stranded. Owners report high-pressure fuel pump failures that shut the car down, sunroof drains that flood electronics and cause brake loss, and exploding sunroofs. With 32 recalls, including seat belt and electrical software fixes, living with a V60 means staying on top of recall notices and being alert to electrical gremlins.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a mainstream sedan with a much higher complaint volume—4,438 over 10 years, about 444 per year—and a broader range of problems. The most common areas are engine, electrical, and forward collision avoidance, with reports of sudden power loss, brake system failures, and driver-assist warnings. There are also 160 crash-related complaints, 144 injuries, and 3 deaths, plus 38 recalls covering fuel pumps, brakes, and air bags. This suggests that while many Accords are reliable, some owners face serious safety defects.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo V60 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 57 Better | 4,438 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 32 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 160 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 5.7 Better | 443.8 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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.
Volvo V60
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM19
- 02SERVICE BRAKES12
- 03VISIBILITY/WIPER7
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER7
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM6
Owners report high-pressure fuel pump failures that shut the car down in traffic and prevent shifting into neutral, as well as sunroof drain clogs that flood internal electronics and cause brake loss and airbag failure. These issues can strand you and compromise safety systems.
Complaints include brake loss linked to water intrusion from sunroof drains, and a case where the vehicle failed to accelerate while a low battery indicator appeared. Brake problems are especially concerning because they affect stopping ability.
Owners describe exploding sunroofs at highway speed and rearview mirrors that don't return to saved positions after reversing. These defects can startle the driver and reduce visibility.
The high-pressure fuel pump is a recurring failure point, causing sudden shutdowns. This is a critical safety issue if it happens while driving.
“Me and my partners safety was put at risk when the vehicle’s high pressure fuel pump went out, shut the car down, and left us stranded in the middle of two lane traffic. What was scarier was how the vehicle couldn’t be manually overridden to shift into neutra…”
“Me and my partners safety was put at risk when the vehicle’s high pressure fuel pump went out, shut the car down, and left us stranded in the middle of two lane traffic. What was scarier was how the vehicle couldn’t be manually overridden to shift into neutra…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE985
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM863
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE821
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER725
- 05SERVICE BRAKES592
Owners report noises, sudden power loss, and multiple dashboard alarms (brake, hill descent, ABS) leading to critical failure. Some vehicles lose speed and cannot maintain highway speeds, which is dangerous.
Complaints include tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warnings followed by catastrophic tire failure, and rodent damage to wiring harnesses even on new cars. Electrical glitches can cascade into safety problems.
Drivers report intermittent warnings for adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and automatic high beams, sometimes with no obstructions. These failures can disable safety features when they're needed most.
Brake system complaints include ABS and traction control issues, with some reports of brake failure. Brake problems are a top safety concern.
“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.
Volvo V60 — 32 recalls
The defect: Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Volvo XC90, S90, V60, V60 Cross Country, V90, XC40, XC60, and V90 Cross Country vehicles. The software installed in the Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) may have an error causing the Telematics and Driver Support Systems to function improper…
The risk: If the GPS location is not provided to emergency personnel it can inhibit emergency response in the event of a crash or injury.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R39917.
The defect: Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2008-2016 V70 and XC70, 2007-2016 S80, 2011-2018 S60 and V60, 2016-2018 S60 Cross Country, 2014-2020 S60L, 2009-2015 S80L, 2009-2016 XC60 and 2015-2018 V60 Cross Country vehicles. The flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the front…
The risk: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt anchor cable for both front seats. The recall began December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10029.
The defect: Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 XC90, S90, XC60, V60 Cross Country, V60, S60 Cross Country, S60, and S60 Inscription vehicles manufactured February 16, 2015, to August 22, 2016. On the affected vehicles, the front passenger seat belt buckle attaching stud may loo…
The risk: If the seat belt buckle separates from the bracket, the front seat passenger may not be adequately restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front passenger seat belt buckle stud, replacing the seat belt buckle as needed, free of charge. The recall began January 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1…
The defect: Volvo Cars of North America, LLC. (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016 Volvo S60, V60, V60CC, XC60, XC70, and S80 vehicles manufactured April 8, 2015 to August 19, 2015. In certain driving conditions when using the automatic engine stop/start function, the starter motor fuse may blow, preve…
The risk: If the vehicle is unexpectedly unable to be started in the middle of traffic, such as when stopped at an intersection, there is an increased risk of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing starter motor fuse with a higher amperage fuse, free of charge. The recall began on October 26, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552 or by visitin…
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
Volvo V60 or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Volvo V60 has far fewer complaints per year (5.7 vs. 443.8), but both vehicles have serious safety-related issues. The Accord's much higher volume means you're statistically more likely to encounter problems, but the V60's electrical and brake defects can be equally dangerous. In practice, the V60 may require less frequent repair visits, but the Accord's issues are more widely reported and may have more established fixes.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: Volvo V60 averages 5.7 complaints per year; Honda Accord averages 443.8 per year, a massive difference.
- Crash/injury/death counts: Accord has 160 crash-related complaints, 144 injuries, and 3 deaths; V60 has 1 crash-related, 1 injury, and 0 deaths.
- Top failure patterns: V60 owners report fuel pump shutdowns and sunroof-related electrical floods; Accord owners report engine power loss, brake failures, and driver-assist glitches.
- Recalls: V60 has 32 recalls (seat belts, electrical software); Accord has 38 recalls (fuel pump, brakes, air bags), but both require vigilance.
- Check for water damage or musty smells in the cabin, especially near the sunroof and footwells, as clogged drains can flood electronics and cause brake/airbag failures.
- Test the high-pressure fuel pump by listening for whining noises and ensuring the car starts and runs smoothly; a failing pump can shut the engine down without warning.
- Inspect tires for uneven wear or bulges, and verify TPMS operation, as some owners reported tire failure shortly after TPMS warnings.
- Test all driver-assist features (adaptive cruise, lane keeping, automatic high beams) for intermittent warnings or failures, which are commonly reported.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for fuel pump, brakes, and electrical software.
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system, including battery, alternator, and wiring, for signs of water damage or rodent damage.
- Test drive at highway speeds and on rough roads to check for sunroof rattles, brake performance, and any warning lights.
- For the V60, specifically check sunroof drains and rearview mirror memory function; for the Accord, check for engine noises and transmission shifting.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and whether they've experienced any of the reported issues, such as sudden power loss or brake problems.
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 V60 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 0 | 101 |
| 2024 | 6 | 214 |
| 2023 | 3 | 224 |
| 2022 | 1 | 238 |
| 2021 | 6 | 226 |
| 2020 | 18 | 355 |
| 2019 | 3 | 677 |
| 2018 | 1 | 1864 |
| 2017 | 6 | 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 Volvo V60 or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo V60 vs Honda Accord
- Volvo V60 total complaints
- 57
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,438
- Volvo V60 total recalls
- 32
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Volvo V60 avg complaints/year
- 5.7
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 443.8
- More reliable overall
- Volvo V60
- Volvo V60 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE