Last updated: 2026-07-26

Ford Fusion vs Honda Accord: Reliability Compared

Ford Fusion reliability comparison

Ford Fusion

69
GoodReliability score: 69 out of 100, rated Good
VS
More ReliableHonda Accord reliability comparison

Honda Accord

76
GoodReliability score: 76 out of 100, rated Good

Choosing between the Ford Fusion and the Honda Accord? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize sedans.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Honda Accord currently leads with an average score of 76/100 compared to 69/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Ford Fusion and Honda Accord Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Honda Accord is in its eleventh generation, which was introduced in 2023. Being early in its generation cycle, potential buyers should be aware that newer platforms sometimes experience first-year issues as the manufacturer works to address any initial design or engineering challenges. The Accord’s history of frequent redesigns and facelifts, such as the 2020 refresh of the tenth generation, suggests a strong commitment to refinement and improvement over time. The Ford Fusion, however, concluded its production with the second generation, which lasted from 2013 to 2023. This generation saw facelifts in 2017 and 2019, reflecting Ford's efforts to keep the model updated. As a mature platform, the latter years of the Fusion's production likely benefited from well-sorted reliability, having had time to address earlier concerns.

Verdict

The Honda Accord is more reliable than the Ford Fusion, scoring 76/100 vs 69/100.

The Honda Accord demonstrates superior reliability compared to the Ford Fusion, with a higher average reliability score of 76/100 versus 69/100. While both vehicles have notable issues with their electrical systems and engines, the Accord has a lower owner complaint rate of 5.7 per 10,000 units sold, significantly better than the Fusion's rate of 21.1. Furthermore, the Accord benefits from lower estimated annual repair costs at $400 compared to the Fusion's $581. Although the Accord has a higher total number of recalls, its overall reliability metrics and cost efficiency make it a more dependable choice.

Key Differences

  1. 1Honda Accord costs $181 less per year to repair
  2. 2Ford Fusion has 38 fewer total recalls
  3. 3Honda Accord has 15.4 fewer complaints per 10k sold

Category Scoreboard

1Ford Fusion
—
4Honda Accord
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateAnnual Repair CostRepair FrequencyMajor Repair RiskSafety Rating

Ford Fusion vs Honda Accord: Which Is More Reliable?

Ford Fusion vs Honda Accord at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricFord FusionHonda Accord
Reliability Score69/10076/100
Years Tracked39
Total Recalls846
Complaints per 10k Sold21.15.7
Annual Repair Cost$581/yr$400/yr
Repair Frequency0.3/yr0.3/yr
Major Repair Risk12%9%
Safety RatingNHTSA overall
2020 NHTSA
2026 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins12

What Are the Common Problems With the Ford Fusion and Honda Accord?

The Honda Accord presents a higher volume of complaints across various components, with notable issues in the electrical system and forward collision avoidance, which together account for nearly 27% of all complaints and include 26 crash-linked incidents. In contrast, the Ford Fusion reports fewer total complaints, with its most significant issues being the engine and power train, though these are less frequently crash-linked compared to the Accord. The Accord also shows a higher number of crash-linked complaints in service brakes and steering systems, suggesting potential safety concerns. While the Fusion's airbag system has fewer overall complaints, it has a high percentage of crash-linkage, indicating a specific area of concern in terms of safety reliability.

Ford Fusion vs Honda Accord common problem areas comparison
ComponentFord FusionHonda Accord
ENGINE5.7Average0.7Very Low
POWER TRAIN5Average0.3Very Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2.6Low0.9Very Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING2.9Low—None
UNKNOWN OR OTHER0.8Very Low0.6Very Low
STEERING0.8Very Low0.4Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES0.2Very Low0.5Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE—None0.7Very Low
AIR BAGS0.3Very Low0.2Very Low
FUEL SYSTEM0.1Very Low0.4Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL0.2Very Low0.2Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM0.1Very Low0.1Very Low
SEAT BELTS0.1Very Low—None
SUSPENSION—None—None
LANE DEPARTURE—None—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Ford Fusion or Honda Accord?

For cost-conscious buyers evaluating maintenance expenses, the Honda Accord presents a more budget-friendly option compared to the Ford Fusion. According to industry estimates, the Accord's annual repair cost is $400, significantly less than the Fusion's $581. Over five years, this translates to a savings of $905 with the Accord. Both vehicles share the same repair frequency of 0.3 visits per year, but the Accord holds an advantage with a lower major repair risk of 9% compared to the Fusion's 12%. Overall, the Honda Accord offers a better value for those prioritizing lower maintenance and repair risks.

How Does Ford Fusion vs Honda Accord Reliability Compare by Year?

Ford Fusion vs Honda Accord year-by-year reliability scores
YearFord FusionHonda AccordEdge
202071/1003R / 176C73/1008R / 344CHonda Accord
201968/1003R / 370C70/1005R / 574CHonda Accord
201868/1002R / 429C63/1008R / 1739CFord Fusion

Best years to cross-shop: The 2020 Ford Fusion scored 71/100 and the 2020 Honda Accord scored 73/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Ford Fusion vs the Honda Accord?

If you prioritize low running costs and a strong reliability record, the Honda Accord is a compelling choice. With a reliability score of 76/100, it outperforms the Ford Fusion and boasts a lower estimated annual repair cost of $400. Although it has a higher number of total recalls at 46, it maintains a low owner complaint rate of 5.7 per 10,000 sold. This suggests that while issues may arise, they are often addressed promptly. The Accord’s major repair risk is also slightly lower at 9%, making it a dependable option for those seeking peace of mind. On the other hand, if having fewer recalls is more important to you, consider the Ford Fusion. Despite its lower reliability score of 69/100, the Fusion has had only 8 recalls, significantly fewer than the Accord. However, it does come with a higher owner complaint rate of 21.1 per 10,000 sold and a major repair risk of 12%, along with a higher estimated annual repair cost of $581. This model may suit those who value a car with fewer manufacturer recalls but are prepared for potentially higher maintenance involvement.

Ford Fusion vs Honda Accord: Common Questions

Is the Ford Fusion more reliable than the Honda Accord?
Based on our data, the Honda Accord is more reliable with an average score of 76/100 compared to 69/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Ford Fusion or the Honda Accord?
The Honda Accord has more recalls (46) compared to the Ford Fusion (8). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Ford Fusion or the Honda Accord?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Honda Accord has a lower complaint rate at 5.7 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 21.1 for the Ford Fusion. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Ford Fusion or the Honda Accord?
Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Honda Accord is cheaper to maintain at $400/year versus $581/year for the Ford Fusion.
Is the Ford Fusion or Honda Accord safer?
Both the Ford Fusion and Honda Accord received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

Related Reliability Comparisons

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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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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.

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