Last updated: 2026-10-10
Chevrolet vs Honda: Reliability Compared
Chevrolet
17 models tracked
Honda
9 models tracked
Honda edges Chevrolet on reliability, but the two are effectively tied. Honda costs less to repair, while Chevrolet rates stronger on complaint severity and recalls. Both brands rate good and both show an improving trend, so the model you pick matters more than the badge.
Is Chevrolet More Reliable Than Honda?
| Metric | Chevrolet | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 73/100 | 74/100 |
| Models Tracked | 17 | 9 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 19 | 38 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 806 | 2118 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $641/yr | $441/yr |
Chevrolet vs Honda: The Verdict
Effectively a tie, with Honda ahead by a slim margin. Cost is the clearest gap. Independent repair-cost data puts Honda's yearly upkeep well under Chevrolet's, and its SUV lineup rates stronger.
Chevrolet wins on several other measures. Owners file fewer complaints per car sold, the complaints are less severe, recall impact rates stronger, and problems are spread across more systems. Honda's complaints cluster in steering. Chevrolet's cluster in the power train. Neither pattern is enough to separate the brands on its own.
Where Chevrolet and Honda Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Chevrolet | Honda |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 64/100Good | 61/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 70/100Good | 84/100Excellent |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 82/100Excellent | 74/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 84/100Excellent | 82/100Excellent |
Dig into the components and repair costs stands out — Honda outscores by 14 points there, which carries significant weight in the final number.
Chevrolet vs Honda: Strengths and Weaknesses
Chevrolet
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (73/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($641/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 15 of 17 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 140 fire-related complaints across lineup
- 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
- 69 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Chevrolet and Honda Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Chevrolet
Honda
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Chevrolet or Honda?
Based on independent repair cost data, Honda is cheaper to maintain at an average of $441/year compared to $641/year for Chevrolet. That's a difference of $200/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Chevrolet Repair Cost Range
$488 – $944/yr
Average: $641/yr
Honda Repair Cost Range
$301 – $547/yr
Average: $441/yr
Chevrolet vs Honda Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Chevrolet | Honda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(10 vs 5 models) | 70/100 | 73/100 | Honda |
| Sedans(3 vs 2 models) | 76/100 | 77/100 | Honda |
| Trucks(3 vs 1 models) | 78/100 | 77/100 | Chevrolet |
Honda wins 2 out of 3 shared categories.
Common Problems: Chevrolet vs Honda
| Component | Chevrolet | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 18%2,193 | 18%2,940 |
| POWER TRAIN | 24%2,913 | 7%1,149 |
| STEERING | 7%825 | 19%3,164 |
| ENGINE | 14%1,789 | 9%1,523 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 10%1,214 | 8%1,404 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 8%1,048 | 5%876 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 1%157 | 10%1,664 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | 1%70 | 7%1,142 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 3%341 | 5%799 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 3%323 | 2%415 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Chevrolet vs Honda Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Chevrolet
451
Crash reports
140
Fire reports
436
Injury reports
Honda
584
Crash reports
69
Fire reports
520
Injury reports
Every Chevrolet and Honda Model Ranked
Chevrolet Models
Honda Models
Chevrolet vs Honda Reliability Trend by Year
Chevrolet's reliability is improving — recent model years average 79/100, 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 | Chevrolet | Honda | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 81/100(11) | 84/100(9) | Honda |
| 2025 | 77/100(14) | 79/100(9) | Honda |
| 2024 | 73/100(15) | 78/100(9) | Honda |
| 2023 | 73/100(12) | 74/100(8) | Honda |
| 2022 | 73/100(12) | 74/100(8) | Honda |
| 2021 | 69/100(12) | 75/100(8) | Honda |
| 2020 | 72/100(12) | 70/100(8) | Chevrolet |
| 2019 | 69/100(13) | 65/100(8) | Chevrolet |
| 2018 | 69/100(12) | 66/100(7) | Chevrolet |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Chevrolet vs Honda: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Chevrolet and Honda. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Chevrolet vs Honda?
If low running costs matter most, lean to Honda. The HR-V rates excellent, and the 2021 is the year to favor. Be careful with the 2019, which has had instrument displays that go blank in cold weather, and the 2023, which has had rear hatch glass that shatters with no impact. Skip the 2025 Prologue for now. Dealers often return those cars unrepaired, saying Honda has no fix yet.
If you want a truck or a wider choice of bodies, lean to Chevrolet. The Silverado-EV rates excellent, and the 2024 is the pick. Watch for rear door sensors that fail to warn of an open door and a front trunk latch fault that forces limp mode. The Trax also rates excellent, and the Colorado rates good. Skip the Bolt and the Blazer-EV, which both rate mixed. The Blazer-EV has had sudden power loss after a high voltage warning and unexpected hard braking.
The Bottom Line: Chevrolet or Honda?
For most shoppers on a budget, Honda is the safer pick. Independent data estimates $441 a year for Honda against $641 for Chevrolet, which adds up to about $1,000 over five years. The strongest single model across both lineups is the Honda HR-V, with the 2021 as the year to favor. Choose Chevrolet if you need a truck, or if the Trax or Silverado-EV fits your needs.
Chevrolet vs Honda: Common Questions
Is Chevrolet more reliable than Honda?
Which brand has more recalls, Chevrolet or Honda?
Which is cheaper to repair, Chevrolet or Honda?
What problems do Honda owners report most?
What problems do Chevrolet owners report most?
Comparing Chevrolet vs Honda? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Related Make Comparisons
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How we score Chevrolet and Honda models
Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.