Honda's lineup has 1,886 recorded NHTSA recalls across 120 models (1981–2026) and averages 4.3/5 for reliability on ForCar. Check any Honda's open recalls, owner complaints, MPG and NHTSA safety below — or decode its VIN for the exact build. Free, by model and year.
Each model's ForCar Reliability Score is built from NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency (25%) and complaint severity (35%) — not user reviews. Brand score = average of rated models.
Honda — VIN decoder & full model lineup
Honda is a globally recognized Japanese automotive manufacturer, celebrated for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and innovative engineering. They’ve long been a favorite among families and individuals seeking dependable vehicles, known for their longevity and value. ForCar.org allows you to decode any HONDA VIN to uncover full vehicle specs, recall history, and detailed information about your specific model.
Decode a Honda VIN
Enter any 17-character Honda VIN for its exact year, trim, engine and assembly plant — then its open recalls, safety ratings and original window sticker.
All Honda models 120
Every Honda model we track, grouped by body type. Click any model for its VIN decoder, recalls, MPG, safety and ForCar Reliability Score — broken down by year.
Honda SUVs & crossovers 6
Honda Cars & sedans 102
Honda Trucks 1
Honda Minivans & vans 1
Honda More models 10
Honda recalls
Across the Honda lineup, ForCar tracks 1,886 recorded NHTSA recalls — each tied to a specific model and year. There's no single "Honda recall" number; open a model for its exact campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
| Honda model | Recalls | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|
| Honda Accord | 410 | 4.0 /5 |
| Honda Civic | 386 | 4.0 /5 |
| Honda CR-V | 196 | 4.0 /5 |
| Honda Pilot | 195 | 4.0 /5 |
| Honda Ridgeline | 147 | 4.0 /5 |
| Honda Element | 100 | 3.5 /5 |
| Honda Odyssey | 75 | 4.5 /5 |
| Honda Insight | 62 | 4.0 /5 |
| Honda HR-V | 32 | 4.5 /5 |
| Honda Fit | 27 | 4.5 /5 |
Most-recalled system across Honda: Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module. Source: NHTSA recall campaigns — open any model for full details by year.
Is Honda reliable?
Across rated models, Honda averages a 4.3/5 ForCar Reliability Score, with 106 models rated 4★ or higher. Each model is scored from NHTSA crash-test safety, recall frequency and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury — not user reviews.
Honda competes in mainstream passenger segments with reliability and engineering refinement as core differentiators, and ranks consistently among the top three brands for resale value in J.D. Power and Kelley Blue Book studies. The Civic anchors the compact segment, the Accord defines mid-size sedan benchmarks, and the CR-V leads compact-SUV sales. Honda's motorcycle and power-equipment divisions cross-subsidize automotive R&D, particularly in small displacement and hybrid powertrain development.
Honda models by owner-complaint volume (NHTSA):
| Honda model | Owner complaints | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|
| Honda Accord | 23,920 | 4.0 /5 |
| Honda Civic | 15,841 | 4.0 /5 |
| Honda CR-V | 15,564 | 4.0 /5 |
| Honda Pilot | 8,897 | 4.0 /5 |
| Honda Odyssey | 5,791 | 4.5 /5 |
| Honda Ridgeline | 2,066 | 4.0 /5 |
| Honda HR-V | 1,757 | 4.5 /5 |
| Honda Passport | 1,664 | 4.5 /5 |
| Honda Element | 1,300 | 3.5 /5 |
| Honda Fit | 1,215 | 4.5 /5 |
Higher complaint counts often track higher sales volume, not necessarily worse reliability — open a model for its complaints by year and best/worst-year analysis.
Most fuel-efficient Honda models
The most fuel-efficient Honda models by EPA combined MPG — hybrids and small engines lead. Open any model for its full city / highway / combined rating by engine and year.
| Model | Best combined MPG | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Honda Fit | 118 mpg | Car |
| Honda Prologue | 104 mpg | Car |
| Honda Insight | 53 mpg | Car |
| Honda Civic | 49 mpg | Car |
| Honda Accord | 48 mpg | Car |
| Honda Prelude | 44 mpg | Car |
| Honda CR-V | 40 mpg | Car |
| Honda CR-Z | 36 mpg | Car |
Best EPA combined rating per model (highest across engines and years). Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Safest Honda models
Honda models by NHTSA overall crash-test rating (5★ is best). Open a model for its frontal, side and rollover scores by year.
| Honda model | NHTSA safety | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|
| Honda Prologue | ★★★★★ | 5.0 /5 |
| Honda Odyssey | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Honda Fit | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Honda Passport | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Honda HR-V | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Honda Civic | ★★★★★ | 4.0 /5 |
| Honda Accord | ★★★★★ | 4.0 /5 |
| Honda CR-V | ★★★★★ | 4.0 /5 |
Best NHTSA overall 5-Star Safety rating per model (highest tested year). Source: NHTSA NCAP.
Honda hybrids & electric models
Honda's electrified lineup — 6 hybrids and 3 electric / plug-in. Click any model for its full powertrain, MPG and range by year.
Honda hybrids 6
Honda electric & plug-in 3
Electrified variants from EPA fueleconomy.gov powertrain data. A model may offer gas, hybrid and electric versions across years.
Get a Honda window sticker by VIN
Recreate any Honda's original Monroney label — MSRP, factory options, EPA MPG and safety — free from the VIN.
Honda window stickers →How to read a Honda VIN
Every Honda built since 1981 carries a unique 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It encodes where and when the vehicle was made, its engine and body — here's what each part means:
| Positions | Section | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | WMI | World Manufacturer Identifier — country and that it's a Honda |
| 4–8 | VDS | Model, body style, engine and trim |
| 9 | Check digit | Validates the VIN isn't mistyped |
| 10 | Model year | The exact year (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025) |
| 11 | Plant | The factory that assembled it |
| 12–17 | Serial | The unique production sequence number |
Where to find your Honda VIN: the lower-left corner of the windshield, the driver's door jamb sticker, or your registration and insurance documents. Paste it into the decoder above to read it instantly.
About Honda
Soichiro Honda, a self-taught mechanic, founded Honda Technical Research Institute in 1946 to attach surplus military engines to bicycles. The company was incorporated as Honda Motor Co. in 1948. The 1958 Super Cub motorcycle became the highest-selling motor vehicle in history, with over 100 million units produced. Honda's 1972 Civic CVCC was the first engine to meet US Clean Air Act emissions standards without a catalytic converter, establishing the brand's reputation for engineering creativity.
| Founded | 1948 |
| Headquarters | Tokyo, Japan |
| Slogan | "The Power of Dreams" |
| Models tracked | 120 (1981–2026) |
Honda — frequently asked
How do I decode a Honda VIN for free?
Enter the 17-character VIN in the decoder at the top of this page. You'll get the exact year, trim, engine and plant, then can check that vehicle's recalls, MPG and safety — free, no signup.
How many Honda models are there?
ForCar tracks 120 Honda models spanning 1981–2026. See the full list above, ordered by how often each is searched.
Where is Honda made?
Honda is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, founded in 1948. Individual models are assembled at plants worldwide — the VIN's 11th character identifies the exact factory.
How do I check Honda recalls?
Recalls are tracked per model and year. Open any Honda model above to see its NHTSA recall campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
Which Honda is most reliable?
Reliability varies by model and year. Each model page shows its ForCar Reliability Score (from NHTSA safety, recalls and complaint severity) so you can compare directly.
What's the Honda warranty?
New Honda vehicles come with a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Honda dealer.