Owners have filed 356 complaints
about the 2021 Honda Accord with NHTSA between 2021 and 2026.
The largest single group is the driver assist & collision avoidance.
Across this model's run it ranks 32 of 33 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 — 19
Against the median year of the Honda Accord. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 49
9.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 65
38% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
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
4749.5%
Warnings
1414.7%
Assist
99.5%
Adaptive Cruise Control
99.5%
Warning
88.4%
Blind Spot Detection
33.2%
Body
33.2%
Windshield
22.1%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
617.6%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
25.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
514.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
25.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1132.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
25.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
617.6%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Side pole crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2021 Honda ACCORD 4 DR FWD
9.3% risk
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.
Mar 2021peak 20Sep 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2021 Honda Accord
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...
Recalls on the 2021 Honda Accord
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.
24V064000
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
Risk: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can 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.
21V900000
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021 Accord Sedan, Accord Hybrid, CR-V, Ridgeline, 2022 Insight and CR-V Hybrid vehicles. The automatic locking retractor on the second-row center seat belt assembly may deactivate improperly, which can result in an unsecured child restraint system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202625112,371 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Issue: On certain vehicles, the weight sensor for the front passenger seat may not have been manufactured properly. As a result, the passenger-front airbag and knee airbag could deploy in a crash that doesn't require them to. Note: This recall is an expansion of Transport Canada recall no. 2024-059. If the weight sensor fails, the SRS warning light would turn on in the instrument panel. Safety Risk: An airbag system that doesn't work properly could increase the risk of injury in a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the passenger-front seat weight sensor.
Recall 202405966,846 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, the weight sensor for the front passenger seat may not have been manufactured properly. As a result, the passenger-front airbag and knee airbag could deploy in a crash that doesn't require them to. Note: If the weight sensor fails, the SRS warning light would turn on in the instrument panel. Safety Risk: An airbag system that doesn't work properly could increase the risk of injury in a crash. Corrective Actions: Honda will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership for an inspection if the SRS warning light is on. If the SRS warning light is on due to a faulty weight sensor, the weight sensor will be replaced. When repair parts are available, Honda will send you a second letter. They will advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the passenger-front seat weight sensor.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Granite City, ILCrash2 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 problems continued to get worse. Sometimes the buttons do not work, sometimes they do, sometimes the lights don’t work and sometimes they do and sometimes the safety features and break system automated itself. I have slammed my head on the steering wheel on multiple occasions. I believe this needs to be looked into because the malfunction of the car falsely reports danger and caused an accident. Yes every time it malfunctions it flashes briefly and so quickly on the screen .
NHTSA complaint #11720988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 problems continued to get worse. Sometimes the buttons do not work, sometimes they do, sometimes the lights don’t work and sometimes they do and sometimes the safety features and break system automated itself. I have slammed my head on the steering wheel on multiple occasions. I believe this needs to be looked into because the malfunction of the car falsely reports danger and caused an accident. Yes every time it malfunctions it flashes briefly and so quickly on the screen .
NHTSA complaint #11720988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OHCrash
ENGINE
Vehicle accelerated on its own and propelled the vehicle over a curb and into a building. This occured even though the gear shift was in the Park position. My grandchild and I were thrown forward as vehicle hit the building. Vehicle has not been inspected since incident occurred just yesterday, 11/20/2025. No warnings preceded the incident,
NHTSA complaint #11700745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OHCrash
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle accelerated on its own and propelled the vehicle over a curb and into a building. This occured even though the gear shift was in the Park position. My grandchild and I were thrown forward as vehicle hit the building. Vehicle has not been inspected since incident occurred just yesterday, 11/20/2025. No warnings preceded the incident,
NHTSA complaint #11700745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South Jordan, UTCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
I was driving northbound in on I15 in Salt Lake City when a Home Depot Bucket blew into my lane. I slowed down to change lanes when the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) deployed without warning, bringing my car to an almost stop causing a semi tractor trailer to hit me from behind.
NHTSA complaint #11694798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving northbound in on I15 in Salt Lake City when a Home Depot Bucket blew into my lane. I slowed down to change lanes when the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) deployed without warning, bringing my car to an almost stop causing a semi tractor trailer to hit me from behind.
NHTSA complaint #11694798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Sumter, SC
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Vehicle started flashing all lights on dashboard. I drove it for awhile and then it eventually went off. A few days later same lights came back on a car started misfiring. Was told by Honda that is was the Turbo that's going bad. Today is just cut off on me. Luckily there wasn't anyone behind me. I see a lot of people are having these same issues and a recall should be put out immediately.
NHTSA complaint #11763472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle started flashing all lights on dashboard. I drove it for awhile and then it eventually went off. A few days later same lights came back on a car started misfiring. Was told by Honda that is was the Turbo that's going bad. Today is just cut off on me. Luckily there wasn't anyone behind me. I see a lot of people are having these same issues and a recall should be put out immediately.
NHTSA complaint #11763472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sumter, SC
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
Vehicle started flashing all lights on dashboard. I drove it for awhile and then it eventually went off. A few days later same lights came back on a car started misfiring. Was told by Honda that is was the Turbo that's going bad. Today is just cut off on me. Luckily there wasn't anyone behind me. I see a lot of people are having these same issues and a recall should be put out immediately.
NHTSA complaint #11763472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Knoxville, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Door lock actuator(s) randomly failing to lock/unlock. Multiple reports on forums for same exact issue. Replace one, another fails shortly after. Issue involves both locking and unlocking, putting safety individuals at risk for unexpected access to car or inability to lock car once inside. No messages, warnings, or suggestions from car to tell me that the locking had failed.
NHTSA complaint #11762690 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Conway, AR
POWER TRAIN
Unable to use cruise control Unable to use lane control Unable to use tire pressure gauge Unable to use auto brake system Car shakes due to a sudden decrease in engine performance. Turbocharger issues Powertrain System issues ECM Failure
NHTSA complaint #11761750 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Conway, AR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Unable to use cruise control Unable to use lane control Unable to use tire pressure gauge Unable to use auto brake system Car shakes due to a sudden decrease in engine performance. Turbocharger issues Powertrain System issues ECM Failure
NHTSA complaint #11761750 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Conway, AR
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Unable to use cruise control Unable to use lane control Unable to use tire pressure gauge Unable to use auto brake system Car shakes due to a sudden decrease in engine performance. Turbocharger issues Powertrain System issues ECM Failure
NHTSA complaint #11761750 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pleasant Prairie, WI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Dash lights on for Brake system malfunction. Emergency parking brake light on as well as TPS system. Lights around Park, Neutral and drive not illuminated. Battery and alternator are in good standing.
NHTSA complaint #11761169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pleasant Prairie, WI
SERVICE BRAKES
Dash lights on for Brake system malfunction. Emergency parking brake light on as well as TPS system. Lights around Park, Neutral and drive not illuminated. Battery and alternator are in good standing.
NHTSA complaint #11761169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Irvington, AL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
All of my services lights are on in th dashboard.
NHTSA complaint #11760127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Irvington, AL
ENGINE
All of my services lights are on in th dashboard.
NHTSA complaint #11760127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Irvington, AL
SERVICE BRAKES
All of my services lights are on in th dashboard.
NHTSA complaint #11760127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sacramento, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SUBJECT: A REQUEST FOR HONDA CORPORATE INVESTIGATION AND GOODWILL ASSISTANCE - 2021 HONDA ACCORD I am submitting a formal complaint regarding serious and recurring electrical and safety-related problems with my 2021 Honda Accord. 1. Numerous dashboard warning lights and safety-system warnings illuminate simultaneously. 2. The vehicle repeatedly displays messages instructing me to "See Dealer." 3. The power door locks repeatedly click and cycle as though they are attempting to lock or unlock on their own. 4. The stereo, on its own, scrolls through buttons and bluetooth blinking through all the stereo options on its own. 5.An OBD diagnostic code reader is unable to properly communicate with the vehicle and reports "Unable to Connect/Vehicle Not Found." 6. Sudden brake activated without any object being in front of the vehicle. 7. Factory Rims Extensive finish failure The simultaneous occurrence of these problems strongly suggest that this may involve an electrical, communication-network, body control module, wiring, power-supply, or other vehicle system defect rather than ordinary wear and tear. I am particularly concerned because the dashboard warnings involve vehicle systems that may affect braking, steering, stability control, driver-assistance features, and other safety functions. When numerous safety warnings illuminate at the same time, I have no reliable way of knowing which vehicle systems are actually functioning correctly. The repeated activation of the door-lock system is also concerning. The locks should not continuously activate on their own during normal vehicle operation. Combined with the diagnostic communication failure and multiple warning messages, this raises concern regarding a larger electrical or vehicle-network malfunction. Although the vehicle is currently outside the factory warranty period, this type of widespread electrical and safety malfunction should not reasonably occur in a 2021 vehicle as the result of normal use.
NHTSA complaint #11759493 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sacramento, CA
ENGINE
SUBJECT: A REQUEST FOR HONDA CORPORATE INVESTIGATION AND GOODWILL ASSISTANCE - 2021 HONDA ACCORD I am submitting a formal complaint regarding serious and recurring electrical and safety-related problems with my 2021 Honda Accord. 1. Numerous dashboard warning lights and safety-system warnings illuminate simultaneously. 2. The vehicle repeatedly displays messages instructing me to "See Dealer." 3. The power door locks repeatedly click and cycle as though they are attempting to lock or unlock on their own. 4. The stereo, on its own, scrolls through buttons and bluetooth blinking through all the stereo options on its own. 5.An OBD diagnostic code reader is unable to properly communicate with the vehicle and reports "Unable to Connect/Vehicle Not Found." 6. Sudden brake activated without any object being in front of the vehicle. 7. Factory Rims Extensive finish failure The simultaneous occurrence of these problems strongly suggest that this may involve an electrical, communication-network, body control module, wiring, power-supply, or other vehicle system defect rather than ordinary wear and tear. I am particularly concerned because the dashboard warnings involve vehicle systems that may affect braking, steering, stability control, driver-assistance features, and other safety functions. When numerous safety warnings illuminate at the same time, I have no reliable way of knowing which vehicle systems are actually functioning correctly. The repeated activation of the door-lock system is also concerning. The locks should not continuously activate on their own during normal vehicle operation. Combined with the diagnostic communication failure and multiple warning messages, this raises concern regarding a larger electrical or vehicle-network malfunction. Although the vehicle is currently outside the factory warranty period, this type of widespread electrical and safety malfunction should not reasonably occur in a 2021 vehicle as the result of normal use.
NHTSA complaint #11759493 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sacramento, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
SUBJECT: A REQUEST FOR HONDA CORPORATE INVESTIGATION AND GOODWILL ASSISTANCE - 2021 HONDA ACCORD I am submitting a formal complaint regarding serious and recurring electrical and safety-related problems with my 2021 Honda Accord. 1. Numerous dashboard warning lights and safety-system warnings illuminate simultaneously. 2. The vehicle repeatedly displays messages instructing me to "See Dealer." 3. The power door locks repeatedly click and cycle as though they are attempting to lock or unlock on their own. 4. The stereo, on its own, scrolls through buttons and bluetooth blinking through all the stereo options on its own. 5.An OBD diagnostic code reader is unable to properly communicate with the vehicle and reports "Unable to Connect/Vehicle Not Found." 6. Sudden brake activated without any object being in front of the vehicle. 7. Factory Rims Extensive finish failure The simultaneous occurrence of these problems strongly suggest that this may involve an electrical, communication-network, body control module, wiring, power-supply, or other vehicle system defect rather than ordinary wear and tear. I am particularly concerned because the dashboard warnings involve vehicle systems that may affect braking, steering, stability control, driver-assistance features, and other safety functions. When numerous safety warnings illuminate at the same time, I have no reliable way of knowing which vehicle systems are actually functioning correctly. The repeated activation of the door-lock system is also concerning. The locks should not continuously activate on their own during normal vehicle operation. Combined with the diagnostic communication failure and multiple warning messages, this raises concern regarding a larger electrical or vehicle-network malfunction. Although the vehicle is currently outside the factory warranty period, this type of widespread electrical and safety malfunction should not reasonably occur in a 2021 vehicle as the result of normal use.
NHTSA complaint #11759493 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,579 milesMarion, AL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the message "Emission System Problem" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the turbocharger had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the failure was a common issue. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,579.
NHTSA complaint #11758597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pinson, AL
POWER TRAIN
My car currently has displayed all lights on panel. Went to auto zone to have codes read, shows powertrain-description is code PO299 suggests turbocharger assembly. Safety is put at risk because all of the safety features are now disabled.
NHTSA complaint #11757836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lafayette, IN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Infotainment system recieving phantom / ghost touches. Screen selects menu items on its own, plays, pauses music, causes major distraction and disruption. Screen flashes when changing menus and can pull attention from the road. Safety issue!
NHTSA complaint #11757660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pinson, AL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My car currently has displayed all lights on panel. Went to auto zone to have codes read, shows powertrain-description is code PO299 suggests turbocharger assembly. Safety is put at risk because all of the safety features are now disabled.
NHTSA complaint #11757836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pinson, AL
ENGINE
My car currently has displayed all lights on panel. Went to auto zone to have codes read, shows powertrain-description is code PO299 suggests turbocharger assembly. Safety is put at risk because all of the safety features are now disabled.
NHTSA complaint #11757836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Madisonville, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Emission system
NHTSA complaint #11757216 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sunderland, MA
ENGINE
40,000 miles and 5 years after original in service date - failure of 2021 ACCORD 1.5T headgasket system between cylinder s #1-2. Required full head disassembly, removal, rebuild of head, and replacement of head gasket and associated components. $6000 quote from Honda Corporate as I was 55 DAYS outside of warranty. Absolutely ridiculous for a 5 year old car with low miles.
NHTSA complaint #11757180 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Madisonville, TX
ENGINE
Emission system
NHTSA complaint #11757216 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, AZ
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
My car stalled stopped and takes a While to turn on , all lights turned on .. coded came back and showed it was fuel pressure regulator / fuel pump. I believe it is part of the recalls put in place for other Honda accord lx as well since I’m having same problem
NHTSA complaint #11752286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, AZ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My car stalled stopped and takes a While to turn on , all lights turned on .. coded came back and showed it was fuel pressure regulator / fuel pump. I believe it is part of the recalls put in place for other Honda accord lx as well since I’m having same problem
NHTSA complaint #11752286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
