Honda Civic vs. Honda Accord: Which is More Reliable?

When you think of Honda automobiles, chances are you think of reliability. Both Honda Civic and Accord have the well-deserved reputation for reliability at the heart of their brand images. But which one is really the most reliable?

While the products are under the same brand name, they are different from certain features, contributing to their different reliability scores.

If you are about to buy any of these cars, but with the confusion of which is more reliable between the Honda Civic or Honda Accord, this article is for you.

This article analyses the reliability ratings of the Honda Civic and Honda Accord.

1Honda Civic

Honda Civic vs. Honda Accord: Which is More Reliable? Civic

Honda Civic (Reliability Ratings)

The Honda Civic was positioned on #35 of Driver Power Survey’s ranking in 2019, which was largely credited to its woeful exterior. While the interior was fairly ranked for the infotainment system, the exterior is one of the setbacks that earned the car its position on the Driver Power Survey’s list.

However, the Honda Civic earned high scores in other areas, such as engine and gearboxes, running costs, safety features, and handling. Despite this, owners have reported more accidents of the Civic, which earned the Civic a higher average number of accidents. Most of these accidents were said to be a result of the electrics.

The Civic has been tested and rated by NCAP two times. It was rated only 4 points out of 5 points due to its woeful performance in child protection during the first assessment. Reacting to this, the Civic modified the side curtain airbag and was assessed by Euro NCAP the second time. This time, the car has improved and was rated five points.

During the second assessment, while the pedestrian, child, and adult safety of the Honda Civic were scored 75, 67, and 92 respectively, the overall safety-assist tech protection earned an impressive 88% rating.

2Honda Accord

Honda Civic vs. Honda Accord: Which is More Reliable? Accord

For some years, the Honda Accord, coming in hatchback, wagon, coupe, and sedan, has been the best selling car in the U.S. for many years. With each generation redesigned, the Honda Accord has become more powerful, and luxurious.

The Honda Accord has been around for a while and has generated different impressions from buyer to buyer. Two sites, Consumer Reports and Car Complaints have assessed the Honda Accord from generation to generation.

While Car reports generated its report from members to know the performance and issues faced in 17 categories and Car Complaints sourced for its information by collecting reviews from owners and displaying it in graphic formats, here is what they found out.

Consumer Reports’ Honda Accord Reliability Ratings

Consumer Reports have conducted its survey on the Honda Accord on several occasions. Each car's model year has been assessed could only earn a full five-star rating for reliability and ownership satisfaction on four occasions: 2011, 12, 13, and 15. However, it had its highest rating in 2013.

The car earned its worst rating of 3 stars in 2008 through 2012, plus 2014, 2015, 2017, and 2018. In other years, the Honda Accord earned 4 points.

Car Complaints’ Reliability Rating

Car Complaints started its rating from the 1979 model to the latest model. While the number of complaints submitted by owners was below 100 from 1979 to 1997, the figure went up to 35 in 1998. Ever since then, more than 200 complaints have been submitted every year other than 2006, 11, 15, 17, and 18.

Surprisingly, none of the Honda Accord model years made it to Car Complaints’ list of the best midsize cars, tagged “Seal of Awesome”. However, the site listed 2003 as the worst model year for its transmission issues and 2008 as the model with the highest number of Complaints.

Comparative Conclusion

Honda Civic and Honda Accord are with different features, and which one is the best for you depends on your priority.

The Honda Civic reliability rating ranks it 3rd out of 36 for compact cars. The Honda Accord reliability rating ranks it 1st out of 24 for midsize cars. Both vehicles are great options in their own right. The Honda Civic is more efficient and affordable while the Honda Accord is spacious and high-performing.

Also, since each model year of the two cars features its pros and cons, your choice will depend on which model year satisfies your needs.