Last updated: 2026-10-10
GMC vs Honda: Reliability Compared
GMC
5 models tracked
Honda
9 models tracked
Honda edges out GMC on reliability, mainly because its repair costs run lower. GMC has fewer recalls and fewer owner complaints per car sold, so the lead is slight. Both brands hold a good standing, and both are improving in recent model years.
Is GMC More Reliable Than Honda?
| Metric | GMC | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 71/100 | 74/100 |
| Models Tracked | 5 | 9 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 29 | 38 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 1164 | 2118 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $647/yr | $441/yr |
GMC Models
5 models ranked by reliability
GMC vs Honda: The Verdict
A slight edge goes to Honda, and repair cost is the main reason. Independent repair-cost data puts Honda at $441 a year against $647 for GMC, and the HR-V is the only model rated excellent across both lineups.
GMC does better on recalls and on complaints per car sold, so the gap stays narrow. Complaint severity and the spread of problems across systems come out even. GMC's trouble is concentrated: engine and power train make up nearly half of its complaints. Honda's are spread across steering, electrical, and collision avoidance.
Where GMC and Honda Differ Most
| Component | Weight | GMC | Honda |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 61/100Good | 61/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 66/100Good | 84/100Excellent |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 81/100Excellent | 74/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 82/100Excellent |
Honda's advantage in repair costs (+18 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
GMC vs Honda: Strengths and Weaknesses
GMC
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (71/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($647/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 5 of 5 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 34 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 GMC and Honda Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
GMC
Honda
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: GMC or Honda?
Based on independent repair cost data, Honda is cheaper to maintain at an average of $441/year compared to $647/year for GMC. That's a difference of $206/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
GMC Repair Cost Range
$548 – $747/yr
Average: $647/yr
Honda Repair Cost Range
$301 – $547/yr
Average: $441/yr
GMC vs Honda Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | GMC | Honda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(3 vs 5 models) | 70/100 | 73/100 | Honda |
| Trucks(2 vs 1 models) | 71/100 | 77/100 | Honda |
Honda wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: GMC vs Honda
| Component | GMC | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 14%742 | 18%2,940 |
| STEERING | 5%280 | 19%3,164 |
| ENGINE | 27%1,443 | 9%1,523 |
| POWER TRAIN | 22%1,163 | 7%1,149 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 7%388 | 8%1,404 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 1%34 | 10%1,664 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 8%408 | 5%876 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | 1%36 | 7%1,142 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 3%174 | 1%133 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 4%241 | 0%3 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
GMC vs Honda Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
GMC
129
Crash reports
34
Fire reports
144
Injury reports
Honda
584
Crash reports
69
Fire reports
520
Injury reports
Every GMC and Honda Model Ranked
GMC Models
Honda Models
GMC vs Honda Reliability Trend by Year
GMC's reliability is improving — recent model years average 78/100, up from earlier years. Honda's reliability is improving — recent model years average 82/100.
Interestingly, both GMC and Honda show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | GMC | Honda | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 80/100(5) | 84/100(9) | Honda |
| 2025 | 76/100(5) | 79/100(9) | Honda |
| 2024 | 75/100(5) | 78/100(9) | Honda |
| 2023 | 67/100(5) | 74/100(8) | Honda |
| 2022 | 67/100(5) | 74/100(8) | Honda |
| 2021 | 66/100(5) | 75/100(8) | Honda |
| 2020 | 68/100(5) | 70/100(8) | Honda |
| 2019 | 69/100(4) | 65/100(8) | GMC |
| 2018 | 68/100(5) | 66/100(7) | GMC |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
GMC vs Honda: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between GMC and Honda. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy GMC vs Honda?
If you want the lowest running costs, look at Honda first. The HR-V is the best fit, and the 2021 is the year to favor. Skip the 2019 if you live somewhere cold, since the instrument display can go blank. Be careful with the 2023, where rear hatch glass has shattered with no impact. Avoid the 2025 Prologue, because dealers often return cars unrepaired. The 2024 is the better Prologue year.
If you want a truck or a full-size SUV, GMC is worth a look. The Canyon is the best GMC. Buy the 2024 and pass on the 2023, whose forward collision system brakes hard with nothing ahead. Watch for 8-speed automatic shudder in any year. For a Yukon, the 2020 is the safer pick and the 2021 is the one to avoid. Ask whether the engine has had lifter or camshaft work. Honda's Ridgeline is the alternative if you want a truck from the other brand.
The Bottom Line: GMC or Honda?
Pick Honda if cost and a wide range of body styles matter most. Pick GMC if you need a truck or full-size SUV and can accept higher upkeep. The strongest single model across both lineups is the Honda HR-V. Over five years, Honda's lower repair costs add up to about $1,030 in savings compared with GMC.
GMC vs Honda: Common Questions
Is GMC more reliable than Honda?
Which brand has more recalls, GMC or Honda?
Which is cheaper to repair, GMC or Honda?
What goes wrong most often on a GMC?
What goes wrong most often on a Honda?
Comparing GMC 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 GMC comparisons
How we score GMC 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.