Head-to-head reliability
Volvo XC40 vs Honda Accord
How the Volvo XC40 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 XC40 vs Honda Accord: The XC40 has 470 complaints over 8 years (avg 58.8/yr) and 23 recalls, while the Accord has 4438 complaints over 10 years (avg 443.8/yr) and 38 recalls. The XC40's top issue is electrical, the Accord's is engine. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo XC40 or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo XC40
The Volvo XC40, a compact luxury SUV, shows a moderate complaint rate of about 59 per year over eight years, with 23 recalls. Owners frequently report electrical glitches, especially with the backup camera and forward collision avoidance systems, which can be frustrating and sometimes affect safety features. The sample complaints highlight persistent software issues that multiple repair attempts fail to resolve, suggesting a need for patience and possibly repeated dealer visits.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord, a popular midsize sedan, has a much higher complaint volume, averaging about 444 per year over ten years, with 38 recalls. The top issues involve the engine, electrical system, and forward collision avoidance, with owners describing sudden power loss, warning light clusters, and false activations of safety systems. While the Accord is generally reliable, these reports indicate that some models may experience significant drivability and electronic problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo XC40 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 470 Better | 4,438 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 23 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 46 Better | 160 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 58.8 Better | 443.8 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 34 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 XC40
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM101
- 02BACK OVER PREVENTION95
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER83
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE61
- 05SERVICE BRAKES59
Owners report persistent electrical failures, including software glitches that require multiple reprogramming attempts and module replacements. Some describe the vehicle becoming unsafe due to these issues, with no permanent fix despite dealer visits.
The rear backup camera often fails, showing a blank or black screen when shifting into reverse. This is a safety concern because it eliminates the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of backing into obstacles or people.
The ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) can fail to activate during a collision, as one owner reported when backing out of a parking space. This suggests that the system may not always provide the expected protection in low-speed maneuvers.
Some owners report unexpected seatbelt pretensioner activation, which tightens the belt without a crash, causing discomfort and potential injury. This indicates a possible fault in the restraint system's sensors or software.
“am writing to formally report a serious issue involving the sale of a Certified Pre-Owned Volvo by a franchised Volvo dealership in Pennsylvania that I believe violates consumer protection standards and certified vehicle regulations. On [XXX], I purchased a 2…”
“Despite multiple repair attempts by Volvo Cars Sugar Land — including software reloads, module reprogramming, and the completion of Recall R10333 — the vehicle continues to experience failures that directly compromise my safety and the safety of my wife. I no…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE985
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM863
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE821
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER725
- 05SERVICE BRAKES592
Owners report engine noises and sudden loss of power, accompanied by warning lights for brakes, ABS, and hill descent. This can be alarming and potentially dangerous if it occurs at highway speeds, as one owner described.
Electrical issues include TPMS warnings that lead to tire failures, and rodent damage to wiring harnesses, which can cause various malfunctions. These problems may be intermittent and hard to diagnose, leading to repeated visits.
The system can falsely activate or show errors for adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, and automatic high beams. These intermittent messages can be distracting and may indicate a need for software updates or sensor calibration.
Some owners report spontaneous sunroof glass explosions, which is a rare but serious safety hazard. This could be due to manufacturing defects or stress fractures, and it poses a risk of injury from flying glass.
“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 XC40 — 23 recalls
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023 Volvo C40 BEV, 2025 EC40, 2023-2024 XC40 BEV, 2020-2026 XC90 PHEV, 2022-2026 XC60 PHEV, 2023-2025 S60 PHEV, 2024-2025 V60 PHEV, and 2025-2026 EX40 and 2025 S90 PHEV vehicles. In certain driving scenarios while coasting down a hill and using "…
The risk: A loss of brake function increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to use "B" Mode (for plug-in hybrid vehicles) or "One Pedal Drive" (for pure electric vehicles) until the repair has been completed. The brake module software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free o…
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, C40, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40 and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply wi…
The risk: A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for…
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, C40, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40 and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply wi…
The risk: A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for…
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2024 XC40 vehicles. A diagnostic error in the Central Electronic Module (CEM) software may cause the left rear turn signal indicator to not function.
The risk: A nonfunctioning exterior turn signal may not notify other drivers of a turning vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The CEM software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 16, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car'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 (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 XC40 or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Volvo XC40 has fewer complaints per year (about 59) compared to the Honda Accord (about 444), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, the Accord's higher volume may reflect its larger sales numbers, so buyers should consider the nature of the problems rather than just the count.
Key differences
- The Volvo XC40's top issue is electrical system failures, while the Honda Accord's top issue is engine problems.
- The Accord has a much higher number of complaints overall, but also a longer production history and higher sales volume.
- The XC40's backup camera failures are a specific safety concern, whereas the Accord's forward collision avoidance issues are more about false alerts and system errors.
- The Accord has reports of sudden power loss and sunroof explosions, which are more severe safety risks than the XC40's typical glitches.
- Check the backup camera operation thoroughly, including shifting into reverse multiple times to ensure the screen doesn't go blank.
- Ask for service records showing any software updates or module replacements, as electrical issues may recur.
- Listen for unusual engine noises and test acceleration to ensure no power loss occurs.
- Inspect the sunroof for any cracks or signs of stress, and ask if there have been any recalls related to it.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on electrical systems and engine health.
- Test drive at various speeds and in reverse to check for any warning lights or system failures.
- Ask for all service records and verify that any previous complaints were addressed.
- Consider purchasing an extended warranty to cover potential electronic or engine repairs.
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 XC40 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 5 |
| 2025 | 11 | 101 |
| 2024 | 14 | 214 |
| 2023 | 129 | 224 |
| 2022 | 111 | 238 |
| 2021 | 120 | 226 |
| 2020 | 24 | 355 |
| 2019 | 60 | 677 |
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 XC40 or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo XC40 vs Honda Accord
- Volvo XC40 total complaints
- 470
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,438
- Volvo XC40 total recalls
- 23
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Volvo XC40 avg complaints/year
- 58.8
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 443.8
- More reliable overall
- Volvo XC40
- Volvo XC40 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE