Honda Accord Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Honda Accord options? We analyzed 10 model years (2017–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Honda Accord has 4,524 owner complaints and 38 safety recalls across model years 2017–2026. The most reported issue area is ENGINE. 2018 drew the most complaints; 2024 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Honda
- Model
- Accord
- Model years analyzed
- 2017–2026 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 4,524
- Safety recall campaigns
- 38
- Crash-related complaints
- 162
- Fire-related complaints
- 23
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2018 (1,884 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2024 (219 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ENGINE
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
Honda Accord: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
NCAP crash test ratings for this model are not yet loaded or this vehicle was not tested in the years analyzed. NHTSA tests a subset of new vehicles each year. Check nhtsa.gov/ratings directly for the latest results.
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe HONDA ACCORD has 4,524 NHTSA complaints and 38 recalls on record. 162 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 4,524 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 38 federal recall campaigns
- 162 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Oct 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
38 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:HYBRID MANAGEMENT:POWER CONTROL UNIT/MODULE (HPCU):SOFTWARE
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 4,524 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
4,524 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
We were driving home after a day trip and the assisted everything (cruise control, power steering, adaptive lane control, brake assist), basically all of the driver assisted functions including the diagnostics for the phone app. We were about 60 miles from home in a remote area and the car said we could keep driving but to "call the dealer". We got home, made an appointment and after a couple days (we are 90 miles from the dealer) the car suddenly fixed itself. Dealer said "next time it happens bring it in". Yeah, these things only happen in the middle of nowhere at 10 pm. The car is brand new. I see there have been recalls in the past with issues like this on hondas. This car should be on a watch for recalls.
Just adding my vehicle due to using my plate for for a previous vehicle and wanted to list my current vehicle using those plates to register it for the possible safety recall listed for the gasket issue since my car seems to meet those requirements listed for the year and engine size.
Had a flat tire. Found that I had no spare just this pump. It had two cords and a little instruction pamphlet. It said to plug into the 12v socket in the car. My socket is in the console of my car. I plugged it in but I could not tell if the pump had power. so outside the car with my car door open I turned it on. It made a squealing noise. So I went to shut it off the fix a flat side of the pump blew up. Fix a flat blew all over the place and would have gotten in my eyes except I had my sun glasses on. This pump is very dangerous for this reason.
I would like to report a potential safety defect involving a Honda Accord Hybrid Sport, model year 2025/2026, which I rented in [XXX]. During a highway drive with my wife and our two children, my right foot slipped behind the plastic side panel of the center console, next to the accelerator pedal. My foot became caught in this area, restricting its normal movement and access to the accelerator pedal. This created a highly dangerous situation and could potentially result in unintended acceleration, an inability to operate the accelerator normally, or a loss of control of the vehicle. Fortunately, no collision or physical damage occurred. I am concerned that the design or positioning of the plastic side panel may create a potential safety risk for other vehicles of the same model or model generation. I am reporting this matter because I believe it should be assessed by the appropriate safety and engineering authorities. Vehicle information: * Make: Honda * Model: Accord Hybrid Sport * Model year: 2025/2026 * Approximate mileage: 1,900 miles * Vehicle type: Rental vehicle * Location of incident: [XXX] * VIN: Currently unavailable; I have requested it from the rental Company * Rental company: Alamo * Rental period: 18 days in XXX I have photographs showing the relevant area of the vehicle. The photographs were taken while the vehicle was stationary, with the engine switched off. They do not show the incident occurring while driving, but they illustrate the area where my foot became trapped. I also contacted Honda directly to report this concern. Honda’s customer service representative repeatedly requested the VIN and stated that further assistance could not proceed without it. I explained that the vehicle was a rental and that I did not currently have the VIN. The concern was not substantively reviewed during INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2026 Honda Accord. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle from the factory, there were swirls etched in the windshield. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for tint. There were pink and green circles covering the glass, and it was difficult to see out of the glass. While wearing polarized sunglasses, the swirls are intensified. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Honda of Surprise Service & Parts (13270 N Autoshow Ave, Surprise, AZ 85388), but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer was contacted by phone, opened a case, and informed the contact that the dealers were privately owned, and could respond as the dealer saw fit. The case was closed the following day. The failure mileage was approximately 500.
The vehicle's infotainment system displays an OTA software update error mmessage on every startup. Honda dealerships are unable to address this issue without further intervention and software updates from Honda corporate. Dealer has stated that this issue may interfere with reliable over-the-air software updates, including any potential safety-related updates delivered through this OTA system.
Read 14 more owner reports
I have paid for this vehicle, but the dealer won't release it to me due to the open recall (NHTSA Recall Number 26V-366). Neither Honda nor the dealer has given me any sense of when this will be resolved. I don't know how many owners fit this scenario, i.e. vehicle purchased, but not delivered due to the open recall, but it can't be that many. I get no sense or indication that Honda is prioritizing people in my position. Neither the dealer nor Honda has offered to reimburse me for the car I was forced to rent, due to this recall. I am based in [XXX], attached to the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command as a civilian contractor, and purchased this vehicle through Military Autosource. I would appreciate anything NHTSA can do to light a fire under Honda to resolve this issue. I am paying for a vehicle I can't use, and also paying to rent a car, due to this recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The dealer from whom I purchased this vehicle is refusing to release it to me because of an open recall. I purchased this vehicle [XXX], it is now June 19th. I relocated to Germany to accept a US Government sponsored contract job with the US Army, working for General Dynamics. This vehicle is intended to be my sole source of transportation. I would be happy to take possession and bring the vehicle back for this part. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I am reporting a potential safety concern with my 2026 Honda Accord SE with approximately 8,000 miles. The vehicle experienced rodent damage to the camshaft position (CMP) wiring harness. This occurred despite the vehicle being relatively new and well maintained. The wiring insulation appears to be soy-based, which may attract rodents and increase the likelihood of damage to critical engine components. As a result, my vehicle displayed warning messages, including an “emissions system problem” and a notice that engine power may be reduced. This creates a safety concern, as reduced engine performance or unexpected warnings could occur while driving. This issue appears to be part of a broader pattern reported by other vehicle owners involving rodent damage to soy-based wiring. The manufacturer has declined to cover the repair under warranty, stating the damage is environmental. However, the material used in the wiring may contribute to the likelihood of this failure. The vehicle is located in Mississippi and is typically parked under a carport. There were no prior indications of rodent issues before this incident. I believe this represents a potential defect in materials that could impact vehicle safety.
The contact owns a 2026 Honda Accord. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V366000 (Tires); however, the part required for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the remedy was not available. A second dealer, Freeway Honda (1505 Auto Mall Dr, Santa Ana, CA 92705), was contacted and advised that the remedy would not be available for another month. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
On August 23, 2026, the electronic power steering and braking systems on a 2025 Honda Accord Hybrid completely failed and locked up simultaneously while traveling at highway speeds. This caused an immediate and severe safety risk, resulting in a near-collision on a busy freeway with three occupants inside the vehicle. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request. Prior to and during the failure, widespread dashboard warning lights illuminated simultaneously, including the Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Keeping Assist System, Road Departure Mitigation, and Low Speed Braking Control. Additionally, 11 malfunction alerts were triggered via the HondaLink app. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized dealer from August 24 to September 11, 2026. As documented in the attached Honda dealer service report, technicians initially noted low voltage codes causing multiple system failures. However, instead of identifying and repairing the root cause of the voltage drop, the dealer merely cleared the codes, test-drove the vehicle, and closed the repair order stating they "could not duplicate concern." Furthermore, the attached text message conversation with the service advisor proves the service department explicitly admitted in writing that the software is up to date and that the failure could happen again if the vehicle encounters the same error. The vehicle has not been inspected by a manufacturer field engineer, police, or insurance representatives. American Honda Corporate refused requests to dispatch a field engineer and closed the case file. Note: Full video evidence of the dashboard warnings and loss of vehicle control during the incident exists, but cannot be attached here due to file format limitations. The manufacturer and dealer have returned this vehicle without identifying or repairing the underlying defect, leaving it highly susceptible to another catastrophic loss of steering and braking at highway speeds.
Vehicle drove normally in the morning commute. In the afternoon commute it started normally and as i approached highway speeds the alarms started showing up. the Brake, hill descent system, abs, critical failure. the vehicle started losing speed and could not accelerate. Losing speed at highway speed was alarming and finally all dashboard went red with alert to stop driving and engine heating warming. Speed was in the range of 35-40 mph on a highway rated 70 mph. I had to pull over and tow car to dealership.
2025 Honda accord hybrid sportL odometer 9,000 Brake system problem. Brake performance may be reduced. Vehicle has not been checked yet by dealer or any type of representative. Message on dashboard and warning lights appear Wednesday February 11th 2026
The contact owned a 2025 Honda Accord Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH and making a right turn onto the driveway, the vehicle unintendedly pulled to the left. The contact stated that while attempting to turn the steering wheel back to the intended direction, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly, and the brakes and the steering wheel were inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle crashed through the garage door, hit cabinets on the side, and drove on top of the cabinets, 3 inches from the ground, and stopped. The driver's side and passenger's side knee air bags deployed. The contact stated that the driver's side knee air bag deployed and broke the plastic underneath the dashboard, which injured the contact's legs. The emergency call (eCall) system activated and connected the contact with an operator, who then called an ambulance and the police on the contact's behalf. A police report was filed. Both the contact and her husband, who was occupying the front passenger's side seat, were transported to the Emergency Room by ambulance. The contact sustained Hematomas on both legs, and the contact's legs were swollen. The contact was admitted for 5 days and was discharged to a rehabilitation center. The contact's husband did not sustain any serious injuries. The vehicle insurance company towed the vehicle to a tow yard. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer advised the contact that the vehicle insurance company would need to file a claim with the manufacturer; however, the insurance company had already deemed the vehicle a total loss and had sold the parts of the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 5,300.
Concerned about a knocking/creaking type noise made at stop and low speeds when turning the steering wheel. This seems to be a common issue and Honda hasn't acknowledged the issue publicly. But I'm concerned about letting it go long term if American Honda does not want to provide a rack replacement.
While driving ~70 mph on highway on adaptive cruise control, the car suddenly LOST ALL POWER/ACCELERATION, including POWER STEERING and ALL WARNING LIGHTS FLASHED ON THE DASHBOARD. I recalled some were BREAK SYSTEM, ACC, ABCS, CHECK ENGINE, POWER, TPMS...etc. Essentially any warning light Accord has was flashing. The car slowed with no power steering, I managed to parked on the shoulder and turned on hazard light. This is extremely dangerous as the highway traffic was extremely heavy. After I parked, I pressed the ENGINE START/STOP button thinking I needed to "turn it off" but the car already had lost power at that point anyway. After pressing it a couple times, the car restarted and I drove to the dealer with one error message remaining on the dashboard - "Emission system problem. Power may be reduced. See you dealer." and the CHECK ENGINE light was on.
My 7 year old grandson was in the left rear seat and became trapped within the seatbelt, like a noose, cinching tighter and tighter causing extreme abdominal pain and trouble breathing. This occurred when the vehicle was stopped in a parking lot, AFTER THE RELEASE of the belt from the latch. He was in a booster seat with the belt across his lap and chest. To release the clasp from the latch, he had to bend over and twist his torso to his right, reaching way down to where the red relates button is almost buried between the left and center seat sections. Quite hard. At that point, the chest portion of the belt slipped over and behind his head as he was trying and trying to press the red release button. When he released the seat belt from the latch, the belt tightened across his lap and he couldn’t get out. While struggling, the belt kept retracting into the top back of the seat, getting tighter and tighter.. He pushed the booster out from under him, only for the seat belt mechanism to get tighter and tighter. 4 adults struggled, every move made it tighter and tighter. The belt had to be cut to release the child.. We are very concerned about this situation as his breathing and abdominal area was in critical distress. Why wouldn’t the seat belt allow us to pull it out of the retractor at the top left of the seat? We would like Honda to repair this at no cost to us, the car is less than 4 months old.
The steering clicks in all roads in san francisco, the hondalink is the worst app never works as expected and the lane keeping assistance sucks, it can’t helps more than a second actually i used to have a toyota and really works great. The apple carplay sucks in unstable. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
When traveling on an Interstate Highway in the left lane of a 2-lane highway with the Adaptive Cruise Control turned on. Passing a tractor trailer going slower in the right lane, the car will apply the brakes unexpectedly. The dash will briefly show a "ghost" truck crossing into the left lane. The unexpected braking causes any vehicle behind the Accord to brake. Putting those vehicles and any behind them at risk. Smart Honda of Des Moines looked at the car on Sept. 22, 2025 reported no error codes and nothing could be done. If the Accord hugs the far left shoulder, no "ghost" breaking occurs. If the Adaptive Cruise Control is turn off and regular Cruise Control is turned on, no "ghost" braking occurs.
Vehicle makes rattling noises while accelerating similar to a diesel engine also rough transitions between EV mode and Gas mode also when you press the charge button the engine makes a very noticeable jerk once it’s on ,Honda does not want to fix my issue and says everything is normal and cannot replicate the issue!! There is clearly something wrong I suspect fuel injector issues as others reported but dealer does not want to take accountability.
Showing 20 of 4,524 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Honda Accord
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Honda Accord, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Honda Accord has 4,524 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Honda Accord has 38 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 162 of the Honda Accord's 4,524 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Honda Accord vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Honda Accord vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Honda Accord has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Honda Accord.
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Honda Accord reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Honda Accord reliable?
Poor. The Honda Accord has 4,524 NHTSA owner complaints and 38 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ENGINE. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Honda Accord years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2018 (1,884 complaints), 2019 (691 complaints), 2017 (537 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Honda Accord problems?
Top reported issues: ENGINE (1,006 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (895 complaints); FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (837 complaints).
Does the Honda Accord have recalls?
Yes — 38 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Honda Accord. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.