Models & Years to Avoid: Reliability Ratings & Rankings

NHTSA data as of Sep 17, 2026Published Oct 15, 2026

Model years rated Avoid by our reliability rating system, ranked from the lowest score up. A score below 60 means more than twice the problems of the average car its age, based on the complaints owners filed with NHTSA and the recalls.

A low score does not mean every car is bad, but problems are more likely. If you still consider one, ask for its service records, check that every recall was done, and pay for an independent inspection.

9 model years rated Avoid, lowest score first
Rank	Model year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Complaints	Recalls	Most reported problem
1	2016 Honda Pilot3rd generation	Avoid	52	3.6×	1,699	8	Auto idle stop system: the car not starting (346)
2	2018 Honda Odyssey5th generation	Avoid	54	3.1×	985	16	Driver-assist camera and radar failure (145)
3	2019 Honda Odyssey5th generation	Avoid	55	2.6×	960	20	Driver-assist camera and radar: stopped working (183)
4	2020 Honda Odyssey5th generation	Avoid	58	2.5×	465	14	Driver-assist camera and radar: stopped working (164)
5	2019 Honda Pilot3rd generation	Avoid	58	2.5×	903	13	Car not starting (cause not stated) (121)
6	2002 Honda Odyssey2nd generation	Avoid	59	2.2×	960	10	Transmission: failure or loss of drive (584)
7	2017 Honda Pilot3rd generation	Avoid	59	2.6×	920	4	Auto idle stop system: the car not starting (220)
8	2003 Honda Odyssey2nd generation	Avoid	59	1.9×	914	15	Transmission: failure or loss of drive (497)
9	2018 Honda Accord10th generation	Avoid	59	2.0×	1,990	6	Cylinder head gasket failure (355)

Model Years Rated Caution

Scores of 60 to 69, up to twice the problems of the average car its age. These years are not ones to avoid, but check them carefully.

34 model years rated Caution, lowest score first
Rank	Model year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Complaints	Recalls	Most reported problem
1	2020 Honda Pilot3rd generation	Caution	60	2.3×	485	11	Screen and audio: works on and off (153)
2	2003 Honda Accord7th generation	Caution	60	1.6×	1,987	13	Transmission: failure or loss of drive (867)
3	2003 Honda Pilot1st generation	Caution	61	1.7×	720	13	Transmission: harsh or delayed shifts (179)
4	2024 Honda Odyssey5th generation	Caution	62	1.9×	102	4	Car not starting (cause not stated) (25)
5	2024 Honda Pilot4th generation	Caution	62	1.8×	112	6	Seat belts: false unbuckled warnings (25)
6	2005 Honda Pilot1st generation	Caution	62	1.5×	679	13	Stability control (VSA): hard braking with nothing ahead (106)
7	2023 Honda Accord11th generation	Caution	62	1.6×	225	8	Brakes: warning lights (44)
8	2023 Honda CR-V6th generation	Caution	63	2.0×	630	7	Steering: sticking or stiffness (364)
9	2021 Honda Pilot3rd generation	Caution	63	1.7×	432	10	Car not starting (cause not stated) (67)
10	2023 Honda Pilot4th generation	Caution	63	1.5×	139	5	Seat belts: warning lights (30)
11	2018 Honda Pilot3rd generation	Caution	63	1.6×	439	7	Auto idle stop system: the car not starting (100)
12	2022 Honda Civic11th generation	Caution	64	2.5×	957	4	Steering: sticking or stiffness (792)
13	2017 Honda CR-V5th generation	Caution	64	1.8×	1,765	7	Fuel diluting the engine oil (344)
14	2018 Honda CR-V5th generation	Caution	64	1.6×	2,137	5	Fuel diluting the engine oil (361)
15	2021 Honda Odyssey5th generation	Caution	64	1.7×	140	8	Power liftgate: stopped working (19)
16	2019 Honda Accord10th generation	Caution	65	1.4×	778	6	Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead (134)
17	2004 Honda Odyssey2nd generation	Caution	65	1.2×	585	13	Transmission: failure or loss of drive (190)
18	2022 Honda Odyssey5th generation	Caution	65	1.6×	133	10	Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead (18)
19	2005 Honda Odyssey3rd generation	Caution	65	1.3×	830	8	Sliding doors: not closing or latching (103)
20	2000 Honda Odyssey2nd generation	Caution	65	1.4×	675	6	Transmission: failure or loss of drive (205)
21	2004 Honda Accord7th generation	Caution	65	0.85×	1,016	13	Transmission: failure or loss of drive (301)
22	2001 Honda Odyssey2nd generation	Caution	66	1.6×	619	1	Transmission: failure or loss of drive (333)
23	2001 Honda Civic7th generation	Caution	66	1.1×	1,079	14	Transmission: failure or loss of drive (352)
24	2024 Honda CR-V6th generation	Caution	66	1.3×	473	4	Steering: sticking or stiffness (97)
25	2024 Honda Accord11th generation	Caution	66	1.3×	217	5	Steering: unusual noises (63)
26	2004 Honda Pilot1st generation	Caution	66	1.1×	544	12	Seats: parts breaking or coming apart (83)
27	2023 Honda Civic11th generation	Caution	67	1.5×	328	5	Steering: sticking or stiffness (245)
28	2002 Honda CR-V2nd generation	Caution	68	0.90×	515	15	A/C compressor: parts breaking or coming apart (62)
29	2006 Honda Civic8th generation	Caution	68	1.1×	1,464	15	Engine failure: shattering or cracking (242)
30	2013 Honda Accord9th generation	Caution	68	1.1×	1,420	5	Steering: pulling or wandering (471)
31	2007 Honda Odyssey3rd generation	Caution	68	1.0×	830	4	Brakes: loss of braking (209)
32	2019 Honda CR-V5th generation	Caution	69	1.0×	1,097	8	Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead (223)
33	2003 Honda CR-V2nd generation	Caution	69	0.82×	468	13	A/C compressor: parts breaking or coming apart (53)
34	2004 Honda CR-V2nd generation	Caution	69	0.83×	501	12	A/C compressor: parts breaking or coming apart (90)

When two years have the same score, the one with more complaints for its age comes first. Two scores less than 3.5 points apart are about the same. The list updates itself whenever we add a model or new NHTSA data arrives. Model years too new for a final score are not listed.

Models & Years to Buy →Every model year we score, ranked from the highest score down.How We Score →The four parts of the score, the data behind it and a worked example.

What to Do Next

Check a Model Year →Open the full report for one year: score, the problems owners report, recalls, coverage and crash ratings.Compare Model Years →Put up to four model years side by side and see which one is more reliable.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs the automaker may still pay for after the factory warranty ends, with its own documents.Look Up a VIN →Confirm the exact model year, engine and trim of the car you are looking at.