Owners have filed 170 complaints
about the 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid with NHTSA between 2018 and 2026.
The largest single group is the other & unspecified.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 12 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 86
Against the median year of the Honda Accord Hybrid. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 33
6.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
81% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2018 compares with every other Honda Accord Hybrid
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Automatic Emergency Braking
1248.0%
Body
624.0%
Warnings
28.0%
Lidar
14.0%
Infotainment
14.0%
Camera
14.0%
Dynamic Brake Support/Brake Assist
14.0%
Windshield
14.0%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
1011.4%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
4146.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1820.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1213.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
44.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
11.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
22.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
May 2018peak 13Jun 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
On February 21, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE22003) to assess reports of inadvertent activation of the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), an automatic emergency braking (AEB) system, in model year 2017-2019 Honda CR-V and 2018-2019 Honda Accord vehicles. The reports allege that activation of the AEB system occurs while driving with no apparent obstruction in the vehicle's forward path, resulting in sudden vehicle deceleration. Honda indicated that they were aware of a total of X,XXX reports that may relate to the alleged defect. Hon...
DP22005Opened 27 Jan 2023Closed 7 Aug 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after Marc...
On February 21, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE22003) to assess reports of inadvertent activation of the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), an automatic emergency braking (AEB) system, in model year 2017-2019 Honda CR-V and 2018-2019 Honda Accord vehicles. The reports allege that activation of the AEB system occurs while driving with no apparent obstruction in the vehicle's forward path, resulting in sudden vehicle deceleration. Honda indicated that they were aware of a total of X,XXX reports that may relate to the alleged defect. Hon...
Recalls on the 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
26V332000
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
Risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
23V858000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
23V158000
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2020 CR-V, 2018-2019 Accord and Accord Hybrid, 2018-2020 Odyssey, 2019 Insight, and 2019-2020 Acura RDX vehicles. A manufacturing issue with the front seat belts may cause the seat belt buckle channel to interfere with the release button, preventing the seat belt buckle from latching.
Risk: An unlatched seat belt cannot properly restrain the seat occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
20V771000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Accord Sedan, Accord Hybrid, and 2019-2020 Insight vehicles. A software error may cause intermittent or continuous disruptions in communication between the Body Control Module (BCM) and other components. This may result in malfunctions of various systems such as the windshield wipers and defroster, rearview camera, exterior lights, audible warning of a stopped vehicle, and power window operation. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems" and number 111, "Rear Visibility" as well as FMVSS numbers 104, 108, 114, 118, and 305.
Risk: Various system malfunctions such as inoperative windshield wipers, defroster, rearview camera, or exterior lighting can increase the risk of a crash.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2024262291,588 units in Canada
Fuel System
Issue: This recall is for low-pressure fuel pumps installed on certain vehicles or sold at dealerships as a replacement part. On certain vehicles, the low-pressure fuel pump could fail. If this happens, the engine may run rough or may not start and the check engine light may turn on. This could also result in a sudden loss of engine power while driving. Note: This recall replaces Transport Canada recall no. 2023-679. Vehicles that were repaired under that recall don't require this repair. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the fuel pump motor.
Recall 202061133,150 units in Canada
Electrical
Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem in the Body Control Module (BCM) could cause different systems and warnings to stop working. This can include: the window defrosting/defogging system, windshield wipers, turn signals and lights, rearview camera display, and power windows. Safety Risk: Vehicle systems that stop working suddenly could increase the risk of a crash or injury. Corrective Actions: Honda will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to update the BCM software.
[XXX] Yesterday around 11:15AM CDT I was traveling north at 45 MPH right lane (4 lane road) no other cars around me (neither ahead, to the side or behind) and just before I reached a tree shaded spot on the road the Break Alert light started flashing and the Automatic Emergency Braking System engaged and slammed on the brakes (seemed like it cut the gas or electric power to the engine as my foot was on the accelerator pedal). It jarred my body and later in the evening my neck started to tighten up so I must have incurred whiplash. I looked on line and saw that there has been a class action case filed in 2019 about Honda’s ASBS engaging with no other vehicle around citing several other instances similar of what happened to me yesterday. When I went to unload my groceries that I had just purchased and placed in the cargo netting in the cars trunk, the force of the hard stop was so great that it pulled the clip that was holding the cargo netting out. I’ll attach a couple of pictures (clip that popped out is circled in red.) I’ve not contacted my doctor yet about the whiplash. Started putting cold and hot on my neck and taking Aleve. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11431912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,500 milesSAN Luis Obispo, CACrashFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WAS SLOWLY PULLING INTO MY GARAGE TO PARK. WHEN I PRESSED ON THE PARKING BREAK, THE CAR REVVED TO FULL SPEED, SLAMMED INTO GARAGE AND WOULD NOT RESPOND TO THE BRAKES, OR ANY ATTEMPT TO TURN OFF THE IGNITION OR TO CONTROL THE CAR, INCLUDING FAILURE OF THE AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION OR PARKING COLLISION TO FUNCTION, EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE ALL TURNED ON. WHEN "PARK" WAS DEPRESSED, WITH THE ENGINE STILL REVVING AT A HIGH SPEED, THE CAR FLEW FULL SPEED INTO REVERSE INTO THE DRIVEWAY, SPUN IN A CIRCLE THEN FLEW THROUGH THE DRIVEWAY ELEVATED CONCRETE DIVIDER, THROUGH THE NEIGHBORS FENCE AND WAS STOPPED BY A LARGE BOULDER UNDER THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE WAS SMOKING AND REVVING AND DID NOT IMMEDIATELY STOP. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG HAD DEPLOYED AND THE DOOR WAS JAMMED. I CRAWLED OUT OF THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE NEIGHBOR INTO WHOSE YARD THE VEHICLE WENT, WITNESSED THE INCIDENT. ANOTHER NEIGHBOR RUSHED TO THE CAR WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER, DISCONNECTED ELECTRICAL WIRING AND SPRAYED THE ENGINE. THE CAR HAD GONE TOTALLY OUT OF CONTROL. IT TOOK THE TOWING SERVICE 2 HOURS TO GET THE CAR OUT OF THE YARD. MY INSURANCE COMPANY DETERMINED THE CAR TO BE A TOTAL LOSS. RECENTLY, THE COLLISION CENTER WHERE THE CAR WAS EVENTUALLY TAKEN, COMPLETED AN ANALYSIS OF THE CAR'S COMPUTER AND DETERMINED THERE HAD BEEN MULTIPLE COMPUTER SYSTEM FAILURES LEADING TO THE CAR BECOMING UNCONTROLLABLE. FORTUNATELY, I WAS NOT SERIOUSLY INJURED. HAD THIS HAPPENED IN A BUSY AREA, THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A MUCH MORE DISASTROUS RESULT WITH DEATHS. THE POLICE ARRIVED BUT DID NOT FILE A POLICE REPORT AS THE INCIDENT WAS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY AND THERE WAS NO ONE SERIOUSLY INJURED.*DT
NHTSA complaint #11376459 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,500 milesSAN Luis Obispo, CACrashFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
I WAS SLOWLY PULLING INTO MY GARAGE TO PARK. WHEN I PRESSED ON THE PARKING BREAK, THE CAR REVVED TO FULL SPEED, SLAMMED INTO GARAGE AND WOULD NOT RESPOND TO THE BRAKES, OR ANY ATTEMPT TO TURN OFF THE IGNITION OR TO CONTROL THE CAR, INCLUDING FAILURE OF THE AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION OR PARKING COLLISION TO FUNCTION, EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE ALL TURNED ON. WHEN "PARK" WAS DEPRESSED, WITH THE ENGINE STILL REVVING AT A HIGH SPEED, THE CAR FLEW FULL SPEED INTO REVERSE INTO THE DRIVEWAY, SPUN IN A CIRCLE THEN FLEW THROUGH THE DRIVEWAY ELEVATED CONCRETE DIVIDER, THROUGH THE NEIGHBORS FENCE AND WAS STOPPED BY A LARGE BOULDER UNDER THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE WAS SMOKING AND REVVING AND DID NOT IMMEDIATELY STOP. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG HAD DEPLOYED AND THE DOOR WAS JAMMED. I CRAWLED OUT OF THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE NEIGHBOR INTO WHOSE YARD THE VEHICLE WENT, WITNESSED THE INCIDENT. ANOTHER NEIGHBOR RUSHED TO THE CAR WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER, DISCONNECTED ELECTRICAL WIRING AND SPRAYED THE ENGINE. THE CAR HAD GONE TOTALLY OUT OF CONTROL. IT TOOK THE TOWING SERVICE 2 HOURS TO GET THE CAR OUT OF THE YARD. MY INSURANCE COMPANY DETERMINED THE CAR TO BE A TOTAL LOSS. RECENTLY, THE COLLISION CENTER WHERE THE CAR WAS EVENTUALLY TAKEN, COMPLETED AN ANALYSIS OF THE CAR'S COMPUTER AND DETERMINED THERE HAD BEEN MULTIPLE COMPUTER SYSTEM FAILURES LEADING TO THE CAR BECOMING UNCONTROLLABLE. FORTUNATELY, I WAS NOT SERIOUSLY INJURED. HAD THIS HAPPENED IN A BUSY AREA, THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A MUCH MORE DISASTROUS RESULT WITH DEATHS. THE POLICE ARRIVED BUT DID NOT FILE A POLICE REPORT AS THE INCIDENT WAS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY AND THERE WAS NO ONE SERIOUSLY INJURED.*DT
NHTSA complaint #11376459 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,500 milesSAN Luis Obispo, CACrashFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I WAS SLOWLY PULLING INTO MY GARAGE TO PARK. WHEN I PRESSED ON THE PARKING BREAK, THE CAR REVVED TO FULL SPEED, SLAMMED INTO GARAGE AND WOULD NOT RESPOND TO THE BRAKES, OR ANY ATTEMPT TO TURN OFF THE IGNITION OR TO CONTROL THE CAR, INCLUDING FAILURE OF THE AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION OR PARKING COLLISION TO FUNCTION, EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE ALL TURNED ON. WHEN "PARK" WAS DEPRESSED, WITH THE ENGINE STILL REVVING AT A HIGH SPEED, THE CAR FLEW FULL SPEED INTO REVERSE INTO THE DRIVEWAY, SPUN IN A CIRCLE THEN FLEW THROUGH THE DRIVEWAY ELEVATED CONCRETE DIVIDER, THROUGH THE NEIGHBORS FENCE AND WAS STOPPED BY A LARGE BOULDER UNDER THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE WAS SMOKING AND REVVING AND DID NOT IMMEDIATELY STOP. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG HAD DEPLOYED AND THE DOOR WAS JAMMED. I CRAWLED OUT OF THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE NEIGHBOR INTO WHOSE YARD THE VEHICLE WENT, WITNESSED THE INCIDENT. ANOTHER NEIGHBOR RUSHED TO THE CAR WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER, DISCONNECTED ELECTRICAL WIRING AND SPRAYED THE ENGINE. THE CAR HAD GONE TOTALLY OUT OF CONTROL. IT TOOK THE TOWING SERVICE 2 HOURS TO GET THE CAR OUT OF THE YARD. MY INSURANCE COMPANY DETERMINED THE CAR TO BE A TOTAL LOSS. RECENTLY, THE COLLISION CENTER WHERE THE CAR WAS EVENTUALLY TAKEN, COMPLETED AN ANALYSIS OF THE CAR'S COMPUTER AND DETERMINED THERE HAD BEEN MULTIPLE COMPUTER SYSTEM FAILURES LEADING TO THE CAR BECOMING UNCONTROLLABLE. FORTUNATELY, I WAS NOT SERIOUSLY INJURED. HAD THIS HAPPENED IN A BUSY AREA, THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A MUCH MORE DISASTROUS RESULT WITH DEATHS. THE POLICE ARRIVED BUT DID NOT FILE A POLICE REPORT AS THE INCIDENT WAS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY AND THERE WAS NO ONE SERIOUSLY INJURED.*DT
NHTSA complaint #11376459 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,500 milesSAN Luis Obispo, CACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HONDA ACCORD HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE APPROACHING HIS DRIVEWAY, HE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP BUT WITHOUT WARNING, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATE FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO HIS GARAGE AS THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE IN PARK. THE VEHICLE REVERSED DOWN THE DRIVE WAY WENT THROUGH A FENCE CRASHED INTO A BOLDER WHICH STOPPED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL REVVING AND AN ODOR WAS COMING FROM THE TIRES. THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR AIR BAG DEPLOYED HOWEVER NO OTHER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT MADE DUE TO PRIVATE PROPERTY REGULATION. NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT TOWING LOT HOWEVER AT THIS MOMENT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED. THE DEALER SUNSET HONDA (12250 LOS OSOS VALLEY RD, SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA 93405 (805) 250-4998) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER NO RESPONSE WAS MADE TO THE VOICE MAIL MESSAGE THAT WAS SENT FROM THE CONTACT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE APPROXIMATELY 15,500.*CK*DT*JB *BF
NHTSA complaint #11373995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesPortland, OR1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON SUNDAY NIGHT (11/10/19) AROUND 5:15 PM, I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE LEFT LANE OF A 2-LANE HIGHWAY AT ~55 MPH. THE CLOSEST VEHICLE WAS NO LESS THAN 5 CAR LENGTHS AHEAD OF ME. RANDOMLY, THE ORANGE "BRAKE" LIGHT CAME ON IN THE DASH AND THE CAR AUTOMATICALLY SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES ALMOST TO A COMPLETE STOP CAUSING MY HEAD TO JOLT FORWARD. LUCKILY THE CAR BEHIND ME WAS ABLE TO STOP AS I STARTED TO ACCELERATE AGAIN. I BELIEVE THERE WAS NOTHING IN FRONT OF ME OR ON THE ROAD THAT SHOULD HAVE CAUSED THIS SAFETY FEATURE TO ENGAGE. THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS AND SCARY. I WOKE UP THIS MORNING IN EXCRUCIATING PAIN FROM MY NECK AND SHOULDERS DOWN TO MY LOWER BACK. THE PAIN HAS BEEN GETTING WORSE THROUGHOUT THE DAY AND IS NOW RADIATING DOWN MY ARMS AND I HAVE LIMITED RANGE OF MOTION. LAST NIGHT, I FIGURED OUT HOW TO TURN OFF THE AUTOMATIC BRAKE FEATURE AND HAVE NOT TURNED IT BACK ON TODAY.
NHTSA complaint #11279449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Corona, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
On 2-252026 my wife and I were driving on highway I-15 in California when the car started to accelerate, decelerate and jerk and the engine light came on. It was very scary because we were on a major highway driving around 60 MPH and cars were behind us when the deceleration happened. We could have been hit by cars traveling behind us or either we could have caused a major accident. We had to get off the highway and have the car towed to Honda for assessment. There was no engine light warning or service warning from Honda prior to this happening, it just randomly happened. The car was repaired at a Honda dealership and they said there was a leaking head gasket on cylinder number 4. When we looked up information regarding this head gasket failure we saw that other Honda cars have had the same problem and Honda is currently involved in lawsuits regarding this leaking head gasket on cylinder number 4.
NHTSA complaint #11746562 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Corona, CA
ENGINE
On 2-252026 my wife and I were driving on highway I-15 in California when the car started to accelerate, decelerate and jerk and the engine light came on. It was very scary because we were on a major highway driving around 60 MPH and cars were behind us when the deceleration happened. We could have been hit by cars traveling behind us or either we could have caused a major accident. We had to get off the highway and have the car towed to Honda for assessment. There was no engine light warning or service warning from Honda prior to this happening, it just randomly happened. The car was repaired at a Honda dealership and they said there was a leaking head gasket on cylinder number 4. When we looked up information regarding this head gasket failure we saw that other Honda cars have had the same problem and Honda is currently involved in lawsuits regarding this leaking head gasket on cylinder number 4.
NHTSA complaint #11746562 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sunnyvale, CA
ENGINE
While driving on the highway at approximately 65 mph with my child in the vehicle during rush-hour on May 21, 2026, my 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring (105,746 miles) suddenly dropped speed, and began backfiring and stopped responding to the gas pedal. The check engine light flashed and the vehicle ran rough. I activated emergency flashers and drove slowly to the shoulder. Sunnyvale Honda (Sunnyvale, CA) diagnosed coolant intrusion into one of the cylinders and head gasket failure. The vehicle had never overheated and showed no prior warning signs. All maintenance was performed at Honda dealerships per the maintenance minder schedule. The dealership performed a head gasket repair costing $7,500+ out of pocket. On the first highway drive after pickup, again with my children in the vehicle, the identical failure occurred: backfiring, complete loss of throttle response, vehicle unable to exceed 48 mph with the accelerator fully depressed. The repair did not resolve the defect. The vehicle is currently back at the dealership for further investigation. This failure created an immediate safety hazard on both occasions: sudden loss of speed on highway with no warning. Honda Customer Service denied goodwill assistance. I am aware of numerous similar complaints involving coolant leak and head gasket failure on 2018-2022 Accord including complaints documenting the same failure on the Accord Hybrid 2.0L engine. NHTSA should investigate this as a potential safety-related defect affecting multiple Honda engine variants.
NHTSA complaint #11746305 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa Ana, CA
ENGINE
I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding my 2018 Honda Accord [VIN# [XXX] ] concerning what I believe to be a defective cylinder head or head gasket — an issue I have since learned is widely reported within the Honda owner community and is currently the subject of active class action litigation. Beginning at approximately 89,000 miles, my vehicle began experiencing episodes of engine rumbling followed by sudden shutoff. These episodes occurred two to three times before I brought the vehicle to an authorized Honda dealership at approximately 99,000–105,000 miles for diagnosis. At the dealership, I paid for a diagnostic inspection. I was informed that the technicians could not identify the root cause without performing a full engine pull and internal inspection, which they estimated would cost several thousand dollars — with an additional cost of $5,000–$8,000 if the diagnosis confirmed a cracked cylinder head or failed head gasket. Unable to absorb this expense, I did not authorize the repair. In an effort to keep the vehicle operational, I worked with independent mechanics and took the following corrective measures: replacement of spark plugs and ignition coils, replacement of the electric water pump, regular oil changes, maintenance of proper coolant levels, and avoidance of high or sudden acceleration. These measures allowed me to operate the vehicle for approximately one additional year without a recurrence of the shutoff events. Last summer, the vehicle failed to start entirely and could not be made operable. I was required to have it towed approximately 60 miles to its destination. The vehicle has not been operable since. Upon opening the hood, I observed coolant splashed across the engine cover consistent with a catastrophic head gasket failure. This failure occurred despite the vehicle being well maintained throughout my ownership. I believe this represents a known and systemic defect in Honda engine design for this model year. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOI
NHTSA complaint #11740669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Over the past several years, there have been multiple instances where I or my wife are driving on the highway and the engine light comes on or starts flashing, and I am unable to go faster than 50 miles an hour, and the engine itself feels to be underpowered. We have taken it to the dealership for repair at least five times over the past five years and in each case they have attempted to do a repair and said the issue has been resolved, but the issue continue. At at least one of those visits, they have diagnosed the issue as an engine misfire issue. The issue has intensified from the initial symptoms, (which were as I described, but resolved by turning the car off, waiting 30 seconds to a minute and then turning the car on again) to how it is now: in addition to the check engine light, every other light and warning system has gone off when driving on the highway and the engine was unable to go faster than 40 miles an hour, and it does not resolve by restarting the car. The dealership and Honda America’s main phone line have as of yet been unable to give me a clear answer as to why this is happening or whether it can be fixed. A sudden drop in speed and power on the highway as we have experienced many times over the last five years is inherently extremely dangerous.
NHTSA complaint #11715485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Over the past several years, there have been multiple instances where I or my wife are driving on the highway and the engine light comes on or starts flashing, and I am unable to go faster than 50 miles an hour, and the engine itself feels to be underpowered. We have taken it to the dealership for repair at least five times over the past five years and in each case they have attempted to do a repair and said the issue has been resolved, but the issue continue. At at least one of those visits, they have diagnosed the issue as an engine misfire issue. The issue has intensified from the initial symptoms, (which were as I described, but resolved by turning the car off, waiting 30 seconds to a minute and then turning the car on again) to how it is now: in addition to the check engine light, every other light and warning system has gone off when driving on the highway and the engine was unable to go faster than 40 miles an hour, and it does not resolve by restarting the car. The dealership and Honda America’s main phone line have as of yet been unable to give me a clear answer as to why this is happening or whether it can be fixed. A sudden drop in speed and power on the highway as we have experienced many times over the last five years is inherently extremely dangerous.
NHTSA complaint #11715485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OH
ENGINE
Over the past several years, there have been multiple instances where I or my wife are driving on the highway and the engine light comes on or starts flashing, and I am unable to go faster than 50 miles an hour, and the engine itself feels to be underpowered. We have taken it to the dealership for repair at least five times over the past five years and in each case they have attempted to do a repair and said the issue has been resolved, but the issue continue. At at least one of those visits, they have diagnosed the issue as an engine misfire issue. The issue has intensified from the initial symptoms, (which were as I described, but resolved by turning the car off, waiting 30 seconds to a minute and then turning the car on again) to how it is now: in addition to the check engine light, every other light and warning system has gone off when driving on the highway and the engine was unable to go faster than 40 miles an hour, and it does not resolve by restarting the car. The dealership and Honda America’s main phone line have as of yet been unable to give me a clear answer as to why this is happening or whether it can be fixed. A sudden drop in speed and power on the highway as we have experienced many times over the last five years is inherently extremely dangerous.
NHTSA complaint #11715485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Chester, OH
POWER TRAIN
The car loses power. It starts as a misfire on cylinder 2 (P0302 code) and the engine starts to shutdown (or goes into a safe mode with no power). The result is loss of speed which creates a safety hazard especially on highways. This has happened multiple times and the car has been in the shop 4 times for this issue. We have to pull off the road, turn the car off, sit for a minute and restart the car. It will then run ok. This has happened during acceleration and when just trying to keep speed on an incline. The dealership has not been able to identify an issue. The head gasket was replaced in April 2025 because they thought there was a pin hole that was causing oil to push into the cylinder. The misfire continued to happen. It was in the shop on October 2025 and they found nothing wrong with the spark plug, induction coils, gas feed. Therefore no understanding of the root cause.
NHTSA complaint #11693248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Chester, OH
ENGINE
The car loses power. It starts as a misfire on cylinder 2 (P0302 code) and the engine starts to shutdown (or goes into a safe mode with no power). The result is loss of speed which creates a safety hazard especially on highways. This has happened multiple times and the car has been in the shop 4 times for this issue. We have to pull off the road, turn the car off, sit for a minute and restart the car. It will then run ok. This has happened during acceleration and when just trying to keep speed on an incline. The dealership has not been able to identify an issue. The head gasket was replaced in April 2025 because they thought there was a pin hole that was causing oil to push into the cylinder. The misfire continued to happen. It was in the shop on October 2025 and they found nothing wrong with the spark plug, induction coils, gas feed. Therefore no understanding of the root cause.
NHTSA complaint #11693248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesPingree Grove, IL
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, various warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the Lane Departure, Lane Keep Assist, ACC, and Blind Spot Detection warning lights remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the malfunction or warning lights were a result of the camera being faulty and that the camera needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.
NHTSA complaint #11686086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plymouth Charter Township, MI
ENGINE
The engine head gasket failed due to design flows. I have to put coolants and oil on a daily basis to keep the car running to avoid overheating.
NHTSA complaint #11683633 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pleasant Hill, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
At approximately [XXX]. Pacific, I was traveling southbound in the fastrak lane of the [XXX] departing from Pleasant Hill, California headed to Pleasanton, California. As I began to accelerate, the engine began to sputter. Immediately, the check engine light flashed on, then the dashboard reported a number of issues ranging from brake failure, TPMS failure, power assisted steering failure, vehicle stability assist failure and a number of other issues that I have never encountered since purchasing the vehicle. The sudden deceleration almost resulted in other cars impacting my car as this occurred during the morning commute. I was able to safely navigate off of the freeway. I was on speakerphone with Honda when this occurred. Had I not acted swiftly, a potential high speed rear end collision was likely to have occurred. I immediately took the car to Concord Honda. The team at Concord Honda performed a diagnosis and advised me that my head gasket was leaking water into the combustion chamber which resulted in the sudden loss of power. I was and continue to be dissatisfied with the handling of this issue by Honda as my car has never been handled by another mechanic. My car has a perfect or near perfect maintenance record and should not have a blown head gasket at 80k miles especially since my car is meticulously maintained and serviced by Concord Honda. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11679970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pleasant Hill, CA
ENGINE
At approximately [XXX]. Pacific, I was traveling southbound in the fastrak lane of the [XXX] departing from Pleasant Hill, California headed to Pleasanton, California. As I began to accelerate, the engine began to sputter. Immediately, the check engine light flashed on, then the dashboard reported a number of issues ranging from brake failure, TPMS failure, power assisted steering failure, vehicle stability assist failure and a number of other issues that I have never encountered since purchasing the vehicle. The sudden deceleration almost resulted in other cars impacting my car as this occurred during the morning commute. I was able to safely navigate off of the freeway. I was on speakerphone with Honda when this occurred. Had I not acted swiftly, a potential high speed rear end collision was likely to have occurred. I immediately took the car to Concord Honda. The team at Concord Honda performed a diagnosis and advised me that my head gasket was leaking water into the combustion chamber which resulted in the sudden loss of power. I was and continue to be dissatisfied with the handling of this issue by Honda as my car has never been handled by another mechanic. My car has a perfect or near perfect maintenance record and should not have a blown head gasket at 80k miles especially since my car is meticulously maintained and serviced by Concord Honda. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11679970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pleasant Hill, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
At approximately [XXX]. Pacific, I was traveling southbound in the fastrak lane of the [XXX] departing from Pleasant Hill, California headed to Pleasanton, California. As I began to accelerate, the engine began to sputter. Immediately, the check engine light flashed on, then the dashboard reported a number of issues ranging from brake failure, TPMS failure, power assisted steering failure, vehicle stability assist failure and a number of other issues that I have never encountered since purchasing the vehicle. The sudden deceleration almost resulted in other cars impacting my car as this occurred during the morning commute. I was able to safely navigate off of the freeway. I was on speakerphone with Honda when this occurred. Had I not acted swiftly, a potential high speed rear end collision was likely to have occurred. I immediately took the car to Concord Honda. The team at Concord Honda performed a diagnosis and advised me that my head gasket was leaking water into the combustion chamber which resulted in the sudden loss of power. I was and continue to be dissatisfied with the handling of this issue by Honda as my car has never been handled by another mechanic. My car has a perfect or near perfect maintenance record and should not have a blown head gasket at 80k miles especially since my car is meticulously maintained and serviced by Concord Honda. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11679970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
when i am driving in an area near my home with road construction- there is a certain area that has a metal plate in the road and when i approach in from the east my car will automatically brake hard. luckily this has not caused an accident but i suspect that it may because it is a busy road.
NHTSA complaint #11668985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
when i am driving in an area near my home with road construction- there is a certain area that has a metal plate in the road and when i approach in from the east my car will automatically brake hard. luckily this has not caused an accident but i suspect that it may because it is a busy road.
NHTSA complaint #11668985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Los Angeles, CA
ENGINE
Subject: Safety Complaint – Premature Head Gasket Failure in 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid (VIN: [XXX] ) Dear NHTSA Representative, I am submitting this letter as a formal complaint regarding a serious and premature mechanical failure in my 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid (VIN: [XXX] ). At approximately 96,000 miles, the head gasket failed, resulting in major engine problems and potentially unsafe vehicle performance. I am the original owner of this vehicle and have maintained it consistently in line with Honda’s recommended service intervals. The engine has never been overheated or misused, yet the head gasket has failed much earlier than expected for a modern vehicle, especially a hybrid model. After researching online, I have found multiple reports of similar issues involving 2018 Honda Accord models experiencing premature head gasket failure, many of them under or near 100,000 miles. I am concerned that this may point to a widespread defect that could compromise the reliability and safety of these vehicles. A sudden head gasket failure can cause the engine to overheat, lose power, or even stall — all of which present potential risks to the driver and passengers, especially at highway speeds. I respectfully request that the NHTSA investigate this issue further to determine whether a safety-related defect exists and if a recall or manufacturer action should be issued. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Please feel free to contact me if any additional information is needed to support the investigation. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11655397 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,169 milesNewburgh, NY
ENGINE
About two weeks ago, I could have been killed on the New York State Thruway when my 2018 Honda Accord suddenly lost all power. One moment, I was driving normally—then, without warning, my check engine light came on, I had zero ability to accelerate and was forced to pull over as my car rapidly lost speed. II had my vehicle towed to Morehead Honda where they ran diagnostics and told me my car needed nearly $6,000 in repairs due to coolant leaking into the engine, which caused cylinder misfires and valve damage. But here’s the kicker—this same issue has happened to other Honda Accords of the same model year, yet Honda refuses to recognize it as a widespread problem. Morehead Honda admitted to me that they’ve seen this issue before in other 2018-2020 Honda Accords and 2017-2018 CR-Vs. In fact, they said Honda quietly fixed the problem in newer models (2021+)—but they still won’t acknowledge it as a defect in mine. That means my engine failure is not some one-in-a-million fluke—it’s something that has happened to multiple owners of the same model and year. But Honda refuses to take responsibility, leaving me on the hook for an absurdly expensive repair. Many others have had the same or similar issues. Below are some: 2017-2020 Honda Accord owners who have reported coolant leaks, cylinder head cracks, head gasket failures, or related issues: 2018 Accord 2.0T owner blew a head gasket, with a potential cracked engine block. The dealership diagnosed the issue on cylinder #3, with coolant mixing into the engine oil. A 2018 Accord EX-L 2.0T owner experienced a coolant loss leading to a blown head gasket and coolant leaking into cylinders 2 and 3. A 2018 Accord 1.5T owner had dashboard warnings and the car failed to accelerate. The dealership diagnosed a blown head gasket, with coolant leaking into cylinders 3 and 4. A 2020 Honda Accord owner suffered a blown head gasket at 58,000 miles. The dealership confirmed it was the fourth such case they had seen.
NHTSA complaint #11642998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stratford, CT
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
DEFECTIVE RECALLED-REPLACEMENT FUEL PUMP? NHTSA Campaign # 23V858000 “Fuel pump failure can cause engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.” My 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid had gotten 50 mpg in September & October of 2024 – as it had been getting consistently, reliably for the past six years. Also, I have Always driven 545 miles per tank of gas consistently, reliably for the past six years. My original fuel pump, which was recalled (NHTSA #23V858000), NEVER failed and operated perfectly efficiently for six years. In December 2024 I observed the NHTSA fuel-pump-recall and had the “perfect” original fuel pump replaced. As soon as the “New” fuel pump was installed at the dealership, my MPG dropped to 39mpg AND miles-driven-per-tank of gas dropped to 445 miles! Shocking! My 2018 Accord Hybrid lost 100 miles of driving Range, and mpg dropped to non-hybrid performance! This leaves me to question the SAFETY of the NEW Recall-Replacement fuel pump. Also, since the “New” replacement Fuel pump was installed, my High-Voltage Lithium-Ion Battery Pack has been “kicking-in” more frequently to assist the less efficient new fuel pump. This causes the gas engine to rev longer at high rpms whenever I start the car in order to constantly recharge the HV Lithium Ion Batteries that must assist the less efficient New fuel pump . It appears to be a precarious cycle of decline for both the fuel pump and HVLI batteries! Help! I would like NHTSA to determine: 1.Is the replacement fuel pump “failing” from the time of installation? 2.Was a “new” fuel pump actually installed, or was a “defective part replaced in the original recalled fuel pump? 3.Is the replacement fuel pump not designed technologically as the original fuel pump? 4.How SAFE is the “NEW Fuel Pump”? 5.Are other Honda Hybrid owners who had their fuel pumps replaced under # 23V858000 complaining of poor performance? Is this a serious indication of rapid replacement (New) fuel pump failure?
NHTSA complaint #11642798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rio Vista, CA
SEAT BELTS
On 2/3/25 a warning light came on in my 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid while driving home (supplemental restraint system problem, see your dealer). I immediately called the Honda dealer where I get my car serviced to explain the problem. I was told I would need to bring the car in and pay $200 for a diagnostic and they would have to keep the car for a few days. Well I know the problem, MY DRIVER SEATBELT NO LONGER LOCKS WHEN I HIT THE BRAKES. I TESTED IT THE WHOLE 1 HOUR DRIVE HOME. I then called Honda Customer service and they were closed. However they did mention the car I have based on my phone number and said there were no recalls. I was in a panic driving home from work for an hour with no fully functioning seat belt. I went online and there is a seat belt recall on Honda cars but apparently not the year mine was made. I bought my car brand new, it's only 6 years old and I expect to have functioning seatbelts. I also do not expect to pay out of pocket for ANY DIAGNOSTIC COST WHEN MY SEAT BELT CLEARLY NO LONGER FUNCTIONS AS IT SHOULD. I would like this information reported to Honda ASAP. I do not have a second car and I'm in a panic about having to drive to work. Please HELP ME. I will also try again to call Honda corporate office tomorrow.
NHTSA complaint #11640533 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Napa, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Since the recall has been in place, I have attempted to get it fixed. I have reported to Honda lights coming on and off since January 14th. On January 17th took photos and video. On Thursday [XXX], the emissions light came on regarding this issue and losing power. I called Napa Kastner Honda and reported the issue and spoke with Lizette at 330pm she said it was part of the recall, but I could continue to drive the vehicle and they would call me when parts become available. Each time I go in I have to pay for diagnosis testing. I don’t want to continue to wait and want to sell my vehicle now, but no dealer will accept a trade in or offer the actual value of my vehicle given the emission light. No one is helping me remedy this issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11638657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Delray Beach, FL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11638031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kirkland, WA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Honda of Kirkland (12420 NE 85th St, Kirkland, WA 98033) failed to remedy a recall on my vehicle within a reasonable period of time. I received notice by mail from American Honda in late November that the parts to remedy a recall on my vehicle were now available, and I could have it serviced for free at any authorized Honda dealer. I contacted Honda of Kirkland on December 2, and they told me the parts were not available and declined to schedule an appointment. I called them again on December 9, and they said they placed an order for the parts, and would call me back to schedule an appointment. On January 2 (24 days since last contact, 31 days since initial contact), they still had not called me back, so I called them again, and they informed me that the first available appointment would be on April 17. I then reached out another authorized Honda dealer, still on January 2, and they ordered the parts and said they would call back. A few days later, they called back to confirm they had the parts, and scheduled an appointment for January 27. So it was clearly possible to remediate the defect in a reasonable period of time -- Honda of Kirkland simply chose not to do so. In summary, Honda of Kirkland obstructed each of my three attempts to have this defect remediated, by: 1. Falsely claiming that the parts were not unavailable. 2. Promising and then failing to contact me to schedule an appointment. 3. Offering me a first-available appointment 136 days after I first contacted them.
NHTSA complaint #11635542 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kirkland, WA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Honda of Kirkland (12420 NE 85th St, Kirkland, WA 98033) failed to remedy a recall on my vehicle within a reasonable period of time. I received notice by mail from American Honda in late November that the parts to remedy a recall on my vehicle were now available, and I could have it serviced for free at any authorized Honda dealer. I contacted Honda of Kirkland on December 2, and they told me the parts were not available and declined to schedule an appointment. I called them again on December 9, and they said they placed an order for the parts, and would call me back to schedule an appointment. On January 2 (24 days since last contact, 31 days since initial contact), they still had not called me back, so I called them again, and they informed me that the first available appointment would be on April 17. I then reached out another authorized Honda dealer, still on January 2, and they ordered the parts and said they would call back. A few days later, they called back to confirm they had the parts, and scheduled an appointment for January 27. So it was clearly possible to remediate the defect in a reasonable period of time -- Honda of Kirkland simply chose not to do so. In summary, Honda of Kirkland obstructed each of my three attempts to have this defect remediated, by: 1. Falsely claiming that the parts were not unavailable. 2. Promising and then failing to contact me to schedule an appointment. 3. Offering me a first-available appointment 136 days after I first contacted them.
NHTSA complaint #11635542 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, MD
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the parts were not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11632690 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.