Last updated: 2026-05-15
Cadillac vs Honda: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Cadillac
4 models tracked
Honda
9 models tracked
Comparing Cadillac 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.
Honda currently leads with an average score of 73/100 compared to 68/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Cadillac More Reliable Than Honda?
| Metric | Cadillac | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 68/100 | 73/100 |
| Models Tracked | 4 | 9 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 17 | 37 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 198 | 2112 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $907/yr | $441/yr |
Cadillac vs Honda: The Verdict
The numbers favor Honda here, but Cadillac isn't far behind. We scored 13 models between the two makes: Cadillac at 68/100 and Honda at 73/100, based on recalls, complaint severity, repair costs, and issue diversity.
On the cost front, Honda is cheaper to maintain at $441/year versus $907/year. Over 5 years, that's roughly $2330 in savings. For buyers watching long-term costs, Honda's lower maintenance bill is a real differentiator.
Where Cadillac and Honda Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Cadillac | Honda |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 62/100Good | 60/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 62/100Good | 85/100Excellent |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 78/100Good | 71/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 81/100Excellent |
Honda's advantage in repair costs (+23 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Cadillac vs Honda: Strengths and Weaknesses
Cadillac
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (68/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- 3 of 4 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- High maintenance costs ($907/year avg)
- Reliability trending downward in recent model years
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Honda
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (73/100 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 Cadillac and Honda Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Cadillac
Honda
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Cadillac or Honda?
Based on independent repair cost data, Honda is cheaper to maintain at an average of $441/year compared to $907/year for Cadillac. That's a difference of $466/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Cadillac Repair Cost Range
$807 – $1007/yr
Average: $907/yr
Honda Repair Cost Range
$301 – $547/yr
Average: $441/yr
Cadillac vs Honda Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Cadillac | Honda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(3 vs 5 models) | 68/100 | 72/100 | Honda |
Honda wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Cadillac vs Honda
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Cadillac | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| STEERING | 5%36 | 19%3,186 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 14%113 | 18%2,940 |
| ENGINE | 36%282 | 9%1,566 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 6%46 | 10%1,640 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 2%15 | 10%1,663 |
| POWER TRAIN | 15%114 | 7%1,153 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | — | 7%1,145 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 4%35 | 5%908 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 4%33 | 1%126 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 6%49 | 0%5 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Cadillac vs Honda Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Cadillac owners reported 39 crash-related, 10 fire-related, and 26 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Honda owners reported 572 crash-related, 70 fire-related, and 515 injury-related complaints. Cadillac 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.
Cadillac
39
Crash reports
10
Fire reports
26
Injury reports
Honda
572
Crash reports
70
Fire reports
515
Injury reports
Every Cadillac and Honda Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Cadillac Models
Honda Models
Cadillac vs Honda Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Cadillac's reliability is declining in recent model years, which is worth noting if you're shopping for a newer vehicle. Honda's reliability is improving — recent model years average 79/100.
Honda's recent trajectory is encouraging, while Cadillac has been trending the wrong way. For newer model years, this momentum matters.
| Model Year | Cadillac | Honda | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 73/100(3) | 79/100(9) | Honda |
| 2024 | 67/100(3) | 78/100(9) | Honda |
| 2023 | 65/100(3) | 74/100(8) | Honda |
| 2022 | 59/100(1) | 74/100(8) | Honda |
| 2021 | 64/100(2) | 75/100(8) | Honda |
| 2020 | 69/100(2) | 70/100(8) | Honda |
| 2019 | 72/100(2) | 65/100(8) | Cadillac |
| 2018 | 77/100(1) | 66/100(7) | Cadillac |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: Cadillac or Honda?
Honda 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 81/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Honda costs less to maintain — $441/year vs $907/year. Over a typical 5-year ownership period, that adds up to roughly $2330 in savings.
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.
Cadillac vs Honda: Common Questions
Is Cadillac more reliable than Honda?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Cadillac or Honda?
Which make has more recalls, Cadillac or Honda?
What are the most reliable models from Cadillac and Honda?
What are the least reliable models from Cadillac and Honda?
What are the most common problems with Cadillac and Honda vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Cadillac or Honda?
How many Cadillac and Honda models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Cadillac or Honda?
Are Cadillac and Honda getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Cadillac or Honda?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Cadillac or Honda?
Comparing Cadillac vs Honda? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
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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. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.