Honda Accord vs Volkswagen Beetle
For 2005–2019 models, the Honda Accord has 22.3 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 24.8 for the Volkswagen Beetle. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2005–2019), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Honda Accord
22.3 complaints per 10,000 sold
about the same as the Volkswagen Beetle
- Complaints
- 11,222
- Sold
- 5,025,169
- Recall campaigns
- 36
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 4
Most complaints: 2008, 2013 and 2018–2019. Fewest: 2006–2007 and 2011–2012. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 95,870 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 67,500 mi
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 95,000 mi
-
Driver-assist cameras, radar and calibration
Typically around 15,000 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 31,000 mi
Volkswagen Beetle
24.8 complaints per 10,000 sold
about the same as the Honda Accord
- Complaints
- 876
- Sold
- 352,627
- Recall campaigns
- 17
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Most complaints: 2005 and 2015–2016. Fewest: 2011 and 2017–2019. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 73,525 mi
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 64,000 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 50,100 mi
-
Wiring harness, grounds and connectors
Typically around 75,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 47,364 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Honda Accord or the Volkswagen Beetle?
For 2005–2019 models, the Honda Accord has 22.3 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Volkswagen Beetle has 24.8, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Honda Accord?
The most-reported problem on the Honda Accord is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 95,870 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Volkswagen Beetle?
The most-reported problem on the Volkswagen Beetle is harsh, delayed or erratic shifting, typically around 73,525 miles.
Which Honda Accord and Volkswagen Beetle years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Honda Accord: 2008, 2013 and 2018–2019; Volkswagen Beetle: 2005 and 2015–2016.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.