Last updated: 2026-08-24
Buick vs Honda: Reliability Compared
Buick
7 models tracked
Honda
9 models tracked
Comparing Buick and Honda on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Buick currently leads with an average score of 77/100 compared to 74/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Buick More Reliable Than Honda?
| Metric | Buick | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 77/100 | 74/100 |
| Models Tracked | 7 | 9 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 6 | 38 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 129 | 2118 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $543/yr | $441/yr |
Buick vs Honda: The Verdict
Buick edges out Honda on reliability, though both makes have solid options. Across 7 Buick and 9 Honda models, Buick averages 77/100 to 74/100 — a 3-point gap built from NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and independent repair cost data.
On the cost front, Honda is cheaper to maintain at $441/year versus $543/year. Over 5 years, that's roughly $510 in savings. That maintenance gap adds up — budget-conscious buyers should factor in that Honda advantage.
Where Buick and Honda Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Buick | Honda |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 70/100Good | 61/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 73/100Good | 84/100Excellent |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 90/100Excellent | 74/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 82/100Excellent |
The biggest gap is in recall impact, where Buick scores 16 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Buick vs Honda: Strengths and Weaknesses
Buick
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (77/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($543/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 7 of 7 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Honda
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (74/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Very affordable maintenance ($441/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 9 of 9 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 70 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Buick and Honda Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Buick
Honda
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Buick or Honda?
Based on independent repair cost data, Honda is cheaper to maintain at an average of $441/year compared to $543/year for Buick. That's a difference of $102/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Buick Repair Cost Range
$466 – $573/yr
Average: $543/yr
Honda Repair Cost Range
$301 – $547/yr
Average: $441/yr
Buick vs Honda Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Buick | Honda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(5 vs 5 models) | 77/100 | 73/100 | Buick |
| Sedans(2 vs 2 models) | 75/100 | 77/100 | Honda |
The makes split categories evenly at 1–1.
Common Problems: Buick vs Honda
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Buick | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| STEERING | 4%33 | 19%3,186 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 22%163 | 18%2,940 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 13%99 | 10%1,640 |
| ENGINE | 14%105 | 9%1,566 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | — | 10%1,663 |
| POWER TRAIN | 18%134 | 7%1,153 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | 1%4 | 7%1,145 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 12%86 | 5%908 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%28 | 3%455 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 2%18 | 0%5 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Buick vs Honda Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Buick owners reported 42 crash-related, 5 fire-related, and 37 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Honda owners reported 572 crash-related, 70 fire-related, and 515 injury-related complaints. Buick has fewer severe incident reports overall. These counts reflect owner-reported incidents and don't establish causation — but they're a useful signal for comparing safety profiles.
Buick
42
Crash reports
5
Fire reports
37
Injury reports
Honda
572
Crash reports
70
Fire reports
515
Injury reports
Every Buick and Honda Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Buick Models
Honda Models
Buick vs Honda Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Buick's reliability is improving — recent model years average 81/100, up from earlier years. Honda's reliability is improving — recent model years average 82/100.
Both makes are trending improving in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | Buick | Honda | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 81/100(4) | 84/100(9) | Honda |
| 2025 | 80/100(4) | 79/100(9) | Buick |
| 2024 | 76/100(4) | 78/100(9) | Honda |
| 2023 | 78/100(3) | 74/100(8) | Buick |
| 2022 | 76/100(4) | 74/100(8) | Buick |
| 2021 | 76/100(4) | 75/100(8) | Buick |
| 2020 | 74/100(5) | 70/100(8) | Buick |
| 2019 | 76/100(5) | 65/100(8) | Buick |
| 2018 | 76/100(5) | 66/100(7) | Buick |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
Buick vs Honda: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Buick and Honda. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: Buick or Honda?
Buick comes out ahead on the numbers, though both makes can serve you well if you pick the right model.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Honda HR-V leads both lineups with a score of 83/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Honda costs less to maintain — $441/year vs $543/year.
All scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data combined with independent repair cost databases. Check individual model pages for year-specific reliability data before making a final decision.
Buick vs Honda: Common Questions
Is Buick more reliable than Honda?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Buick or Honda?
Which make has more recalls, Buick or Honda?
What are the most reliable models from Buick and Honda?
What are the least reliable models from Buick and Honda?
What are the most common problems with Buick and Honda vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Buick or Honda?
How many Buick and Honda models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Buick or Honda?
Are Buick and Honda getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Buick or Honda?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Buick or Honda?
Comparing Buick vs Honda? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Related Make Comparisons
More Buick comparisons
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases via vehicles.dev. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.