Head-to-head reliability
Volvo VNM vs Honda Accord
How the Volvo VNM 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 VNM vs Honda Accord: The Volvo VNM has 0 complaints and 14 recalls over 10 years, while the Honda Accord has 4,438 complaints and 38 recalls. The Accord also has 160 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths. The VNM is a commercial truck with no owner complaint text, so data is limited. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo VNM or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo VNM
The Volvo VNM is a heavy-duty commercial truck, not a typical passenger car, so its ownership experience is very different. Over 10 years, it has 0 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, but 14 recalls covering steering, brakes, engine, and suspension. The lack of complaints may reflect that commercial fleets often handle repairs internally rather than through NHTSA. For a buyer, this means there is little owner-reported failure data to go on, but the recalls point to potential safety-related issues that should be addressed.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a popular family sedan and hybrid with a high number of owner complaints: 4,438 over 10 years, averaging 443.8 per year. The most common problem areas are the engine, electrical system, forward collision avoidance, and service brakes. Many complaints describe serious issues like sudden power loss, warning lights, and even a sunroof explosion. There are also 160 crash-related complaints, 144 injuries, and 3 deaths reported, indicating that some defects may have severe consequences.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo VNM | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 4,438 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 14 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 160 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 Better | 443.8 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 VNM
No component data available.
Recalls for steering issues suggest potential loss of steering control, which is critical for safety. Buyers should verify that all steering-related recalls have been performed.
Air brake system recalls indicate possible brake failure risks. For a heavy truck, brake problems can be catastrophic, so a pre-purchase inspection should include the air brake system.
Engine-related recalls point to possible overheating or engine failure. Without owner complaints, it's unclear how often this occurs, but the recall shows a recognized defect.
A recall for the upper ball joint in the front suspension suggests a risk of suspension collapse. This can cause loss of control, so the ball joint should be inspected and replaced if needed.
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE985
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM863
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE821
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER725
- 05SERVICE BRAKES592
Owners report engine noise, sudden power loss, and multiple warning lights (brake, hill descent, ABS, critical failure). One complaint describes the vehicle losing speed and unable to accelerate, which is a serious safety hazard.
Complaints include TPMS warnings leading to catastrophic tire failure, and rodent damage to wiring harnesses. These electrical glitches can cause breakdowns and costly repairs.
Owners report intermittent failures of adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and automatic high beams. One complaint describes the system failing to resolve a threat, potentially increasing crash risk.
Brake-related complaints are common, with some describing brake system failures and warning alarms. This is a critical safety area that should be checked thoroughly.
“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 VNM — 14 recalls
The defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2016 Volvo VNL and VNM trucks equipped with certain Dana Spicer D-Series and E-Series steer axles. The castellated nut on the steer axles may not be properly torqued, allowing the tie rod to loosen.
The risk: If the tie rod loosens, it may disconnect from the steering knuckle, causing a complete loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the torque of the castellated nut and tie rod, tightening it as necessary. If the tie rod stud and knuckle on units cannot be sufficiently torqued, the dealer will replace the knuckle and…
The defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 VNL and VNM trucks and certain model year 2017 VNX trucks. In the affected vehicles, incorrect software for controlling the electronic air dryer may result in oil and water contaminating the brake system.
The risk: If the brake system becomes contaminated, braking performance could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the vehicle control module and replace the air dryer filter, free of charge. The recall began on February 16, 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's n…
The defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2012-2016 VNM trucks manufactured March 21, 2011, to April 30, 2015. Excessive engine crankcase pressures may cause the 90-degree elbow of the vent tube assembly to detach from the crankcase ventilation breather, possibly allowing e…
The risk: If engine oil comes into contact with a hot surface, there could be an increased risk of a fire.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will secure the ends of the 90-degree elbow. In addition, the electronic control module (ECM) will be reprogrammed with software that can adjust the engine output under misfire conditions to limit cran…
The defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 VT trucks manufactured from April 9, 2008, through September 24, 2009, and certain 2016 model VNL and VNM trucks manufactured from January 2, 2015, through to November 6, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with USK n…
The risk: Failure of the ball joint may cause separation of the socket and a complete loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the drag links, free of charge. The recall began on April 21, 2016. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1601. Note: This reca…
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 VNM or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Volvo VNM has far fewer reported issues per year (0 complaints vs. 443.8 for the Honda Accord), but it is a commercial truck with different usage patterns. The Honda Accord's high complaint volume and reports of crashes, injuries, and deaths suggest that buyers should be aware of potential safety defects. In practice, the Accord may require more frequent attention to engine, electrical, and safety systems.
Key differences
- The Volvo VNM has 0 owner complaints and 14 recalls, while the Honda Accord has 4,438 complaints and 38 recalls.
- Honda Accord complaints include 160 crash-related, 144 injuries, and 3 deaths; Volvo VNM has none reported.
- Volvo VNM recalls cover steering, brakes, engine, and suspension; Honda Accord recalls cover electrical, fuel pump, air bags, and brakes.
- Honda Accord owners report specific failures like engine power loss, electrical glitches, and forward collision avoidance malfunctions; Volvo VNM has no owner complaint text.
- Check for open recalls on steering and suspension, especially the front upper ball joint, as failure could cause loss of control.
- Inspect the air brake system for proper function and any signs of leaks or wear, given the service brakes, air recall.
- Listen for engine noises and check for any history of power loss or warning lights, as multiple owners report these issues.
- Test all electrical systems, including TPMS, and inspect tires for uneven wear or damage, as one complaint described a tire failure after a TPMS warning.
Before you buy
- For both vehicles, run the VIN on NHTSA's recall site to see if any open recalls exist and have them fixed before purchase.
- For the Volvo VNM, have a commercial truck mechanic inspect the steering, air brakes, engine cooling, and front suspension ball joints.
- For the Honda Accord, take a test drive that includes highway speeds to check for warning lights, power loss, and forward collision avoidance system operation.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for the Honda Accord, to see if engine, electrical, or brake issues have been addressed.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic familiar with the specific model to uncover any hidden 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 | Volvo VNM | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 0 | 214 |
| 2023 | 0 | 224 |
| 2022 | 0 | 238 |
| 2021 | 0 | 226 |
| 2020 | 0 | 355 |
| 2019 | 0 | 677 |
| 2018 | 0 | 1864 |
| 2017 | 0 | 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 VNM or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo VNM vs Honda Accord
- Volvo VNM total complaints
- 0
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,438
- Volvo VNM total recalls
- 14
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Volvo VNM avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 443.8
- More reliable overall
- Volvo VNM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE