Yes. Honda Accords are widely regarded as very safe in crashes, earning high crash-test scores from major safety agencies and offering strong driver-assist tech across recent models.
Crash-test results and ratings
This section summarizes how modern Accords perform in formal crash tests, with attention to model-year variations and headlights. The following subsections cover IIHS and NHTSA findings for recent generations.
IIHS assessments
IIHS evaluates crashworthiness, crash-prevention, and lighting. For the Accord, recent years have produced high marks when equipped with LED headlights and the full Honda Sensing suite. Standard safety features in the car provide good to excellent protection in most categories, but headlight quality can affect the Top Safety Pick+ designation.
- Crashworthiness: Good in most tests such as small overlap and side-impact assessments across recent model years.
- Front crash prevention: With Honda Sensing, the Accord typically earns Advanced or Superior ratings in automatic braking tests, helping avoid or mitigate frontal collisions.
- Headlights: LED headlights on higher trims generally deliver Good to Excellent performance; halogen headlights on lower trims may be Acceptable or Poor, influencing IIHS standings.
In practice, these IIHS results indicate the Accord is among the safer midsize sedans in its class when the right headlights and driver-assist equipment are present.
NHTSA assessments
NHTSA awards overall five-star ratings to most new Accords, with strong scores in frontal and side crash tests. Some model years or trim levels may vary, but the trend in recent generations is consistently high.
- Overall rating: Typically 5 stars on current-generation Accords; some years show 4- to 5-star variations depending on specific tests and configurations.
- Individual test results: Front, side, and rollover resistance ratings are generally high, often 5 stars for front and side tests in newer generations.
- Year-to-year variation: Older or differently equipped trims may show slight differences, so check the exact model year and configuration.
Overall, NHTSA ratings support the IIHS picture: the Accord is a very safe choice among midsize sedans in terms of crash protection.
Safety features and driver-assistance tech
The Accord includes a robust suite of safety features designed to prevent crashes and protect occupants. Availability can vary by trim, but the following features are representative of recent models.
The following features are commonly included or widely available in current Honda Accord models.
- Honda Sensing suite, including Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Departure Warning, and Road Departure Mitigation System.
- Forward Collision Warning (often paired with CMBS)
- Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with Dynamic Guidelines
- Blind-Spot Information System with Cross-T Traffic Monitor (available on higher trims)
- Automatic High Beams and other lighting aids (depending on trim and headlights)
These systems work together to help reduce the likelihood of crashes and mitigate impact when a collision is unavoidable, contributing to the Accord's strong safety profile.
Buying a used Honda Accord and safety considerations
When shopping for a used Accord, safety depends on model year, trim, maintenance, and recall history. Here are key points to check.
Consider the following when evaluating a used Accord for safety.
- Verify presence of Honda Sensing and the version installed, as some older models may lack certain features.
- Headlight type (LED vs halogen) and the corresponding IIHS rating, since lighting affects safety ratings.
- Assess crash-test documentation for the exact year and trim you are considering; newer generations generally have stronger safety performance.
- Inspect the vehicle’s service history and maintenance of safety systems, including sensors, cameras, tires, brakes, and alignment.
- Check for open recalls and ensure any required repairs have been completed.
In practice, recent used Accords with newer safety tech and LED headlights offer similar crash-protection levels to new models, while older ones may lack some of the newer driver-assist features.
Summary
The Honda Accord remains among the safest midsize sedans in its class. High crash-test scores from IIHS and NHTSA, along with a strong suite of standard driver-assistance features in recent years, contribute to its reputation for crash safety. To maximize protection, choose newer model years or trims that include Honda Sensing and LED headlights, and verify features on any used purchase. Always review the exact model-year safety ratings for precise results and check recall history.