Head-to-head reliability
Volvo XC90 vs Honda Accord
How the Volvo XC90 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 XC90 vs Honda Accord: The XC90 averages 107 complaints per year with 44 recalls, while the Accord averages 452 complaints per year with 38 recalls. The Accord has more crash-related reports (162 vs. 49) and injuries (146 vs. 83), but the XC90 has zero deaths versus three for the Accord. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo XC90 or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo XC90
The Volvo XC90 is a luxury SUV that averages about 107 complaints per year over the last decade, with 44 recalls and 49 crash-related reports. Owners frequently describe electrical glitches, sudden engine power loss, and brake failures, which can be alarming and expensive. While the overall complaint count is lower than some rivals, the severity of issues like hybrid battery failure and complete brake loss makes it a vehicle that demands careful inspection.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a mainstream sedan with a much higher complaint volume—about 452 per year—and 38 recalls, including 162 crash-related reports and 3 deaths. Common owner reports include engine stalling, electrical power steering and brake failures, and forward collision avoidance malfunctions. Despite the higher numbers, many issues are covered by recalls or warranties, but the frequency of complaints suggests a need for thorough pre-purchase checks.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo XC90 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,074 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 44 | 38 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 49 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 107.4 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 83 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 XC90
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM326
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER229
- 03ENGINE191
- 04SERVICE BRAKES138
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM105
Owners report hybrid battery cell module failures that disable propulsion and all-wheel drive, as well as intermittent climate control malfunctions. These can leave you stranded and cost thousands to repair.
Complaints include sudden loss of acceleration, turtle-mode speed limiting, and engine catching fire shortly after purchase. Such failures pose serious safety risks and indicate potential powertrain defects.
Drivers describe complete loss of braking with the pedal going to the floor, and automatic emergency braking failing to engage in low-speed collisions. Brake failure is a critical safety concern that should be addressed immediately.
While fewer complaints, issues here often involve fuel delivery problems that can cause stalling or hesitation. These can be tricky to diagnose and may lead to unexpected breakdowns.
“SUPPLEMENTAL TO NHTSA COMPLAINT #11713668. This is a supplemental filing regarding the 2020 Volvo XC90 T8 Inscription, VIN [XXX] . The hybrid battery cell module failed in December 2025, disabling the vehicle's hybrid propulsion system, all-wheel drive, and e…”
“SUPPLEMENTAL TO NHTSA COMPLAINT #11713668. This is a supplemental filing regarding the 2020 Volvo XC90 T8 Inscription, VIN [XXX] . The hybrid battery cell module failed in December 2025, disabling the vehicle's hybrid propulsion system, all-wheel drive, and e…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report rattling noises, rough transitions between EV and gas modes, and sudden loss of speed with multiple warning lights. These symptoms can indicate internal engine damage or hybrid system faults.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds, as well as TPMS warnings followed by tire failure. Such electrical faults can cause loss of control and are extremely dangerous.
Drivers describe the system failing to intervene or activating unexpectedly, leading to near-misses or collisions. This undermines a key safety feature and can erode trust in the car's advanced driver aids.
Issues include fuel pump failures that can cause stalling, and persistent sulfur odors from the fuel system. These problems may lead to breakdowns and costly repairs.
“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 XC90 — 44 recalls
The defect: Volvo Cars USA LLC (Volvo Cars) is recalling certain 2019-2020 S60, V60, V60 Cross Country, S90L, V90, V90 Cross Country, XC40, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. Due to a software/hardware incompatibility, the Automatic Emergency Brake (AEB) system may not detect obstacles and engage as intended.
The risk: If the automatic emergency braking system does not engage as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will update the Active Safety Domain Master (ASDM) software, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall…
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021 S90L, 2020-2021 XC60, and XC90 vehicles. An improperly welded rotor and shaft may separate within the integrated brake system.
The risk: Separation of the rotor and shaft may cause a reduction in braking assistance and a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the hydraulic unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 22, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10120.
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…
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 XC90 or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Volvo XC90 has far fewer complaints per year (about 107 vs. 452 for the Honda Accord), suggesting less frequent owner-reported problems. However, the XC90's issues often involve severe safety systems like brakes and hybrid propulsion, while the Accord's higher volume includes many electrical and engine complaints. In practice, the Accord may have more widespread issues, but the XC90's failures can be more catastrophic when they occur.
Key differences
- The Volvo XC90 averages about 107 complaints per year, while the Honda Accord averages about 452 per year, indicating the Accord has more frequent owner-reported issues.
- Volvo XC90 owners report severe brake and hybrid battery failures that can disable the vehicle, whereas Honda Accord owners report electronic power steering and braking failures that also cause loss of control.
- The Honda Accord has more crash-related reports (162) and injuries (146) than the Volvo XC90 (49 crashes, 83 injuries), though the XC90 has zero deaths reported versus three for the Accord.
- Both vehicles have recalls for forward collision avoidance and fuel system issues, but the Accord's recalls include hybrid power control software and fuel pump defects, while the XC90's include automatic emergency braking and seat belt fasteners.
- Check for any history of hybrid battery cell module replacement or electrical system repairs, as failures can disable propulsion and AWD.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for any sponginess or loss of pressure, and ask if the automatic emergency braking system has ever failed to engage.
- Listen for rattling noises during acceleration and feel for rough transitions between EV and gas modes, which may indicate engine or hybrid system problems.
- Verify that the electronic power steering and braking systems function smoothly at highway speeds, and check for any TPMS warnings or tire damage.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for brakes, fuel pumps, and software updates.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the hybrid system (if applicable), brakes, and electrical components for signs of failure or pending issues.
- Test drive at highway speeds to check for sudden loss of power, warning lights, or unusual noises from the engine or transmission.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and specifically inquire about any prior complaints or repairs related to the top problem areas.
- Check the NHTSA website for any open recalls on the specific VIN and ensure they are addressed before purchase.
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 XC90 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 9 | 10 |
| 2025 | 58 | 109 |
| 2024 | 108 | 219 |
| 2023 | 120 | 226 |
| 2022 | 116 | 252 |
| 2021 | 51 | 234 |
| 2020 | 96 | 362 |
| 2019 | 126 | 691 |
| 2018 | 153 | 1884 |
| 2017 | 237 | 537 |
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 XC90 or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo XC90 vs Honda Accord
- Volvo XC90 total complaints
- 1,074
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Volvo XC90 total recalls
- 44
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Volvo XC90 avg complaints/year
- 107.4
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Volvo XC90
- Volvo XC90 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE