Last updated: 2026-05-15
Honda vs Lexus: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Honda
9 models tracked
Lexus
7 models tracked
Comparing Honda and Lexus on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Lexus currently leads with an average score of 81/100 compared to 73/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Honda More Reliable Than Lexus?
| Metric | Honda | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 73/100 | 81/100 |
| Models Tracked | 9 | 7 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 37 | 18 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 2112 | 186 |
Honda vs Lexus: The Verdict
Between these two, Lexus comes out ahead on reliability, though specific model choice matters more than the overall gap. Aggregating recall data, owner complaints, and repair costs across every model we track, Honda averages 73/100 (9 models) and Lexus averages 81/100 (7 models).
Where Honda and Lexus Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Honda | Lexus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 60/100Good | 73/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 85/100Excellent | 85/100Excellent |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 71/100Good | 88/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 78/100Good |
Where they diverge most: recall impact. Lexus has a 17-point edge in that component, which accounts for much of the reliability gap.
Honda vs Lexus: Strengths and Weaknesses
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
Lexus
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (81/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- 7 of 7 models rated Good or Excellent
How Reliable Are Honda and Lexus Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Honda
Lexus
Honda vs Lexus Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Honda | Lexus | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(2 vs 2 models) | 75/100 | 82/100 | Lexus |
| SUVs(5 vs 5 models) | 72/100 | 81/100 | Lexus |
Lexus wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Honda vs Lexus
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Honda | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| STEERING | 19%3,186 | 1%4 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 18%2,940 | 15%87 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 10%1,640 | 18%102 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 10%1,663 | 0%2 |
| ENGINE | 9%1,566 | 5%26 |
| POWER TRAIN | 7%1,153 | 6%35 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | 7%1,145 | 5%29 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%908 | 7%42 |
| AIR BAGS | 3%455 | 17%100 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 3%461 | 9%50 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Honda vs Lexus Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Honda owners reported 572 crash-related, 70 fire-related, and 515 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Lexus owners reported 60 crash-related, 6 fire-related, and 51 injury-related complaints. Lexus 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.
Honda
572
Crash reports
70
Fire reports
515
Injury reports
Lexus
60
Crash reports
6
Fire reports
51
Injury reports
Every Honda and Lexus Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Honda Models
Honda vs Lexus Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Honda's reliability is improving — recent model years average 79/100, up from earlier years. Lexus's reliability has been stable.
| Model Year | Honda | Lexus | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 79/100(9) | 80/100(7) | Lexus |
| 2024 | 78/100(9) | 81/100(7) | Lexus |
| 2023 | 74/100(8) | 81/100(6) | Lexus |
| 2022 | 74/100(8) | 83/100(6) | Lexus |
| 2021 | 75/100(8) | 83/100(6) | Lexus |
| 2020 | 70/100(8) | 83/100(6) | Lexus |
| 2019 | 65/100(8) | 79/100(6) | Lexus |
| 2018 | 66/100(7) | 80/100(5) | Lexus |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
Honda vs Lexus: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Honda and Lexus. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: Honda or Lexus?
Lexus 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 Lexus RX leads both lineups with a score of 85/100.
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.
Honda vs Lexus: Common Questions
Is Honda more reliable than Lexus?
Which make has more recalls, Honda or Lexus?
What are the most reliable models from Honda and Lexus?
What are the least reliable models from Honda and Lexus?
What are the most common problems with Honda and Lexus vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Honda or Lexus?
How many Honda and Lexus models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Honda or Lexus?
Are Honda and Lexus getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Honda or Lexus?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Honda or Lexus?
Comparing Honda vs Lexus? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Related Make Comparisons
More Honda 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. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.