2021 Honda Accord: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2021 Honda Accord? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 186 complaints, with Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB as the top reported area.
2021 Honda Accord Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 5 2021 Honda Accord trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 5 trims analysed.
2021 Honda Accord Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
9.3% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
9.3% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2021 Honda Accord has 186 owner complaints, 14 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Honda
- Model
- Accord
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 186
- Crash-related complaints
- 14
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 33
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 30 / 38
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2021 Honda Accord Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB
Uncategorized Issues
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB, Uncategorized Issues, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2021 Honda Accord?
The 2021 Honda Accord shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2021 Honda Accord
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB system for proper operation.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and brake system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB system for proper operation.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and brake system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 Honda Accord, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2021 Honda Accord are concentrated in the Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB system, with additional reports in electrical faults and brake system issues. Crash-related complaints are present but relatively few. The data suggests potential concerns with driver assistance and electrical components.
- Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB accounts for the highest number of complaints (55).
- Uncategorized issues and electrical faults also have significant complaint counts.
- There are 14 crash-related complaints out of 186 total.
- Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB
- Electrical Faults
- Brake System
All 2021 Honda Accord Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Honda Accord. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 55 | 7 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 40 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 39 | 3 | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 26 | 3 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 25 | 3 | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 11 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 10 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 8 | 3 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Diesel | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Honda Accord. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Unknown
Car went into limp mode
The lights and warnings below popped up on my dash after the engine light had come on and then off again for about a week. See below, -Emission system problem Avoid heavy acceleration and high speed. See dealer -tpms light -brake system problem -brake hold system problem -elect…
The USB port in the center console of my 2022 Honda Accord (VIN: [XXX] ) is physically loose and wobbly, causing intermittent disconnection of Apple CarPlay. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. When CarPlay disconnects while driving, I lose access to my navigat…
Head gasket issue please fix this problem for the customers
4 out of 5 times driving the car the infotainment screen with get random touches guiding you to unknown menus or system setting or maybe just to a different radio station. Where I think this becomes a legitimate safety concern (asside from changing vehicle settings like security)…
Driving on the highway, my dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree. Car started having white smoke at tail pipe. Check engine lit blink 5 times. Had 4 kids under 14 years old in car. Almost got hit trying to merge over. Turns out misfire cylinder 4. Head gasket. Only 81,000 miles.…
ssue: Water intrusion into tail light assembly causing electrical and safety system malfunctions Status: Repaired at owner expense (~$800) Concern: Safety‑related defect and potential pattern across vehicles Description of the Issue: My 2021 Honda Accord experienced a fail…
Fuel pressure dropped and car stalled
A transmission problem occurred shortly after a CVT transmission service was performed at an authorized Honda dealership, Classic Honda of Midland in Midland, Texas. After the service, the vehicle began experiencing abnormal noise, vibration, and harsh driving conditions. The ve…
I am writing to file a complaint on the service that was provided at Vann York Honda. On February 17, 2026, I was returning home from work and my car had a hard idle at start up. I was able to drive it home without issue. The next day, February 18, I got in my car and I had an…
I am reporting a serious safety concern involving my 2021 Honda Accord Sport SE. The issue began at approximately 78,000 miles when multiple warning lights suddenly appeared on the dashboard while driving. At the same time, the vehicle began shaking and had difficulty acceleratin…
This has been reported one time before but the situation has gotten worse when driving at approximately 60ish miles per hour but it starts doing it about between 50 and 70 mph when driving and the car is using the regular engine not the EV section. You will randomly lose the abil…
My vehicle is currently suffering a failed head gasket. I was alerted about this issue from local mechanics and friends way before it actually happened. I took it to services and regular maintenance even more frequently after that. However, it still failed no matter what. I took …
There are two locations in the town I live where I am driving under a bridge, and there is a dark shadow on the road from the bridge. My car’s accident mitigation braking system turns on at these locations and suddenly brakes the vehicle. This is not safe as people are traveling …
While driving the automatic brake system randomly starts flashing brake across the instrument panel and begins to brake the car. This does this while there are no other vehicles or any type of obstacles near the vehicle. It also, does it at random caution lights for the fire depa…
This Honda Accord Sport SE has had electrical problems from the day I received the vehicle. Every time I went for an oil change at Bommarito Honda I mentioned it to them and they said “yeah the new Hondas do tend to hand a lot of those electrical problems” so with this the proble…
All the lights came on in my car and it wouldn’t accelerate. Brought to dealership and they stated it was a blown head gasket and it was a known problem with the 1.5 turbo cars. There are also 2 others problems that are known problems with these cars and Honda isn’t doing anythin…
The Body Control Module has gone out on my 2021 Honda Accord. Yesterday, when it went out, it affected ALL ADAS Features, in addition to key functionality of the car.
Hello, I have a 2021 Honda Accord Sport 2.0T Engine. The engine has a 2.0 liter turbo. I have had to replace two fuel pumps, which were covered my extended warranty. Another issue that I had to repair, and one that has not fully been resolved is the head gasket. I have been losi…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Honda Accord.
2021 Honda Accord Recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Honda Accord. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2021 Honda Accord Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Honda Accord reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 186 owner complaints, 14 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 Honda Accord shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Honda Accord?▾
#1: Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB (55 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (40 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (39 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Honda Accord?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Honda Accord?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Honda Accord, NHTSA complaints include 14 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 186 total complaints. 8 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Honda Accord have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Honda Accord. A major recall area is SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2021 Honda Accord?▾
The 2021 Honda Accord shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Honda Accord reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2021 Honda Accord based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.