Honda Accord transmission problems

3,862 of the 32,167 complaints filed about the Honda Accord are about the transmission — 100% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2003.

3,862

Complaints

100%

Share of all complaints

130

Crashes

15

Fires

Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year

1981 Accord 1 0.0%
1982 Accord 1 0.0%
1983 Accord 1 0.0%
1985 Accord 1 0.0%
1986 Accord 5 0.1%
1987 Accord 7 0.2%
1988 Accord 11 0.3%
1989 Accord 3 0.1%

Median failure at 116,000 miles

1990 Accord 16 0.4%

Median failure at 118,000 miles

1991 Accord 19 0.5%

Median failure at 152,000 miles

1992 Accord 28 0.7%

Median failure at 194,975 miles

1993 Accord 18 0.5%
1994 Accord 21 0.5%

Median failure at 124,999 miles

1995 Accord 19 0.5%

Median failure at 147,323 miles

1996 Accord 28 0.7%

Median failure at 125,000 miles

1997 Accord 36 0.9%

Median failure at 77,000 miles

1998 Accord 281 7.3%

Median failure at 86,200 miles

1999 Accord 251 6.5%

Median failure at 82,000 miles

2000 Accord 209 5.4%

Median failure at 110,068 miles

2001 Accord 215 5.6%

Median failure at 84,000 miles

2002 Accord 480 12.4%

Median failure at 88,286 miles

2003 Accord 933 24.2%

Median failure at 98,063 miles

2004 Accord 350 9.1%

Median failure at 100,000 miles

2005 Accord 114 3.0%

Median failure at 70,500 miles

2006 Accord 49 1.3%

Median failure at 98,640 miles

2007 Accord 59 1.5%

Median failure at 88,306 miles

2008 Accord 71 1.8%

Median failure at 78,150 miles

2009 Accord 36 0.9%

Median failure at 62,175 miles

2010 Accord 45 1.2%

Median failure at 64,120 miles

2011 Accord 21 0.5%

Median failure at 4,700 miles

2012 Accord 27 0.7%

Median failure at 62,000 miles

2013 Accord 110 2.8%

Median failure at 15,500 miles

2014 Accord 64 1.7%

Median failure at 53,313 miles

2015 Accord 40 1.0%

Median failure at 29,000 miles

2016 Accord 29 0.8%

Median failure at 28,750 miles

2017 Accord 33 0.9%

Median failure at 15,813 miles

2018 Accord 136 3.5%

Median failure at 14,110 miles

2019 Accord 43 1.1%

Median failure at 32,500 miles

2020 Accord 16 0.4%

Median failure at 2,833 miles

2021 Accord 13 0.3%
2022 Accord 8 0.2%
2023 Accord 3 0.1%
2024 Accord 6 0.2%

Median failure at 75,000 miles

2025 Accord 5 0.1%

What owners said

2021 Honda Accord 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.

2018 Honda Accord Alpharetta, GA

POWER TRAIN

Car went into limp mode and was struggling to accelerate, went and got it diagnosed and was notified that my spark plugs needed to be replaced. Car began running fine but a few months went by and the issue came back. I was told I needed my spark plugs changed again. After the third time, I went and had my car diagnosed again and was told I needed a battery for the car because it was drained. Then I got the Turbo replaced and still the issue remains. All lights on the dashboard are on, car overheats and goes into limp mode, sometimes not accelerating over 20 MPH. My car went into limp mode on the highway, this scared me, so I haven't drove it since. Ive seen countless comments of users with the same make and model, experiencing the same issue. Its sad that Honda, known to be a trustworthy and reliable brand for years would do their customers like this, especially considering the state of the economy at the moment.

NHTSA complaint #11761198 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Honda Accord Las Vegas, NV

POWER TRAIN

There is a hole in the engine block and it happed while I was driving, people could’ve been hurt on the road because of this mechanical failure. Vehicle has only been inspected by a private mechanic who found the problem. There was no warning of this besides a add air to tire warning.

NHTSA complaint #11761461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Honda Accord Cincinnati, OH

POWER TRAIN

- The steering system appears to be malfunctioning. The steering wheel becomes sticky or feels like it catches while turning, and there is a clunking and grinding noise when the steering wheel is turned. The vehicle and affected components are available for inspection upon request. - The steering issue creates a potential safety risk because the steering wheel may not turn smoothly or respond as expected. The sticking sensation and grinding/clunking noises could affect my ability to safely control the vehicle, especially while turning, parking, or avoiding a hazard. - Not yet. The problem has been experienced while operating the vehicle and needs to be inspected and diagnosed by a qualified service center. -Not yet.The vehicle has not yet been inspected regarding this specific issue. -There were no warning lamps or messages displayed, if applicable. The symptoms include sticky or catching steering, along with clunking and grinding noises when turning. The symptoms first appeared recently and occur while turning the steering wheel.

NHTSA complaint #11761052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2009 Honda Accord Detroit, MI

POWER TRAIN

I am submitting this complaint regarding two separate front drive shaft/axle failures involving my 2009 Honda Accord while living and driving in [XXX], a state specifically identified by American Honda as a "salt belt" state in connection with its XXX recalls involving corrosion-related front drive shaft breakage. The front passenger-side drive shaft/axle on my 2009 Honda Accord snapped in XXX. The driver-side front drive shaft/axle subsequently broke on XXX. These were two separate failures involving both front sides of my vehicle and created a serious and potentially dangerous loss of vehicle operation. I am particularly concerned because my fiancée has experienced nearly identical failures involving her 2010 Honda Accord while we have been living and driving in the same [XXX] conditions. The driver-side front drive shaft/axle on her vehicle snapped on XXX, and the passenger-side front drive shaft/axle subsequently snapped onXXX. Thus, between our two Honda Accords, both front drive shafts/axles on each vehicle have failed, resulting in four separate front drive shaft/axle failures across two vehicles in the same household. Our experience is also concerning in light of multiple publicly reported complaints involving 2009 and 2010 Honda Accords describing front axle, CV axle, or driveshaft failures, including reports attributing such failures to salt corrosion. We are attaching one such complaint involving a 2010 Honda Accord as a representative example. I recognize that another consumer's complaint does not, by itself, establish the cause of my vehicle's failures or prove the existence of a defect. Nevertheless, the existence of multiple similar reports involving these model years is significant when considered together with the two separate front drive shaft/axle failures involving my vehicle, the two similar failures involving my fiancée's 2010 Honda Accord, and American Honda's prior acknowledgment. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11759358 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2010 Honda Accord Detroit, MI

POWER TRAIN

I am submitting this complaint regarding two separate front drive shaft/axle failures involving my 2010 Honda Accord while living and driving in [XXX], a state specifically identified by American Honda as a "salt belt" state in connection with its December 15, 2020 recalls involving corrosion-related front drive shaft breakage. The driver-side front drive shaft/axle on my 2010 Honda Accord snapped on XXX. The passenger-side front drive shaft/axle subsequently snapped on XXX. These were two separate failures involving both front sides of my vehicle and created a serious and potentially dangerous loss of vehicle operation. I am particularly concerned because my fiancé has experienced nearly identical failures involving his 2009 Honda Accord while we have been living and driving in the same [XXX] conditions. The front passenger-side drive shaft/axle on his vehicle snapped in XXX, and the driver-side front drive shaft/axle subsequently broke on XXX. Thus, between our two Honda Accords, both front drive shafts/axles on each vehicle have failed, resulting in four separate front drive shaft/axle failures across two vehicles in the same household. My concerns are further heightened by the existence of multiple publicly reported complaints involving 2009 and 2010 Honda Accords describing front axle, CV axle, or driveshaft failures, including reports in which the failures were attributed to salt corrosion. I am attaching one such complaint involving a 2010 Honda Accord as a representative example. I recognize that another consumer's complaint does not, by itself, establish the cause of my vehicle's failures or prove the existence of a defect. However, these reports are significant when considered alongside the two separate front drive shaft/axle failures involving my vehicle, the two similar failures involving my fiancé's 2009 Honda Accord, and American Honda's prior acknowledgment that road-salt corrosion can cause front driv INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11759356 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Honda Accord Saltillo, MS

POWER TRAIN

In September 2025, all dashboard lights came on while driving down the road. I immediately pulled over and turned the car off. When turning the car back on, all lights remained on and I drove to the nearest repair shop, where at this time it was beginning to run hot. I was told at this point that the head gasket had blown and this would need to be replaced. I replaced the head gasket for $4100.00. After that, in October 2025, I had to replace the fuel injectors and coil packs. In February 2026, driving down the road, the car was not running hot but all lights came on the dash again and it went into limp mode. The car had to be towed to a repair shop where it was stated that coil packs needed to be changed again. In August 2026, the turbo had to be replaced, resulting in an additional $2500.00

NHTSA complaint #11759432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Honda Accord Phenix City, AL

POWER TRAIN

The car dashboard Is lit up and loose power out of nowhere when driving .

NHTSA complaint #11759281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Honda Accord St. Louis, MO

POWER TRAIN

The head gasket failed in the engine. Coolant leaked into the cylinder head causing the engine to overheat and put the driver at danger to immediate vehicle failure while driving. The problem was confirmed by the dealer. The vehicle has only been inspected by the dealership. There were warning lamps that indicated engine overheating.

NHTSA complaint #11758913 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Honda Accord 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.

2022 Honda Accord Clayton, NC

POWER TRAIN

Different codes started blanking after I got gas June 11, 2026. Soon as I cranked up it started flashing warnings. Emission system, brake system, sport mode doesn’t work, cruise control doesn’t work, check engine light on, tire pressure light on. I took it to midlands Honda on June 15, 2026. They told me turbocharger and need spark plugs based off mileage. I took it to oreily, they say it only scan the engine light code which is turbocharger. Started a claim with Honda support and they denied me based off my mileage for goodwill credit. Said they contacted dealership and it’s not a manufacturer issue so I have to fix it out of pocket. Warranty expired. They kept calling me weekly until August 4, 2026 (when they told me they denied me). On August 12, 2026 my trunk won’t open. I contacted them back and they told me I have to pay for the diagnostic again (almost 200.00) since it’s a separate issue. That’s crazy. It’s a whole group on social media where everybody having the same issue. Even some fixed the turbo and lights on dashboard still on. My turbo charger code can’t be the reason my trunk won’t open.

NHTSA complaint #11757278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Honda Accord Durham, NC

POWER TRAIN

I am reporting a safety concern involving my 2018 Honda Accord. I purchased my vehicle used in January 2024 at approximately 90,000 miles and have kept up with the recommended maintenance during my ownership. At approximately 120,000 miles, a Honda dealership diagnosed head-gasket failure with coolant intrusion involving cylinders 3 and 4. Before diagnosis, the vehicle experienced rising engine temperature while idling, coolant loss, jerking during acceleration, numerous warning lights, and severely reduced acceleration. The problem progressed to loss of power and stalling while driving and slowing/stopping, requiring me to place the vehicle in Park and restart the engine to continue driving. The vehicle also developed unstable RPMs and engine surging while in Park. Honda performed a cooling-system pressure test and borescope inspection and confirmed coolant intrusion. Head-gasket replacement cost approximately $5,000. I contacted American Honda (Case #16533411), but goodwill assistance was denied because the vehicle is outside warranty and Honda stated it had no Honda-dealership service history. I am reporting this because the head-gasket failure resulted in loss of propulsion and stalling while operating the vehicle, creating a serious safety concern.

NHTSA complaint #11756560 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Honda Accord Odenville, AL

POWER TRAIN

The car has a blown head gasket at 72k miles the odometer. This seems to be a major problem with 2018-2022 honda accords with the 1.5 turbo engine. it also has a bad fuel pump.

NHTSA complaint #11755895 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 Honda Accord Albany, NY

POWER TRAIN

Car lost power while driving and came to a slow stop, was unable to accelerate. This was dangerous and I was on a relatively busy street will a small shoulder. Car made no noises or gave any warnings prior to this issue. Car engine was eventually able to powered back on, engine light now shows, along with power system light

NHTSA complaint #11755833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Honda Accord Brunswick, GA

POWER TRAIN

My fiancé was driving my 2018 Honda Accord when the vehicle suddenly jolted violently while accelerating up a bridge. Immediately afterward, multiple warning lights, including the check engine light, came on and the vehicle lost all power. Thankfully, she was able to coast down the bridge and pull into an empty parking lot. This was extremely dangerous because the vehicle lost power while being driven and could have caused a serious accident. After turning the vehicle off and restarting it, the car appeared to operate normally. Because the issue was intermittent, I initially suspected the battery. I had the battery tested multiple times, but it was fine. Since the problem continued, I took the vehicle to a Honda dealership. They diagnosed a blown head gasket and estimated the repair would cost approximately $6,000. The vehicle is only worth about $6,000, making the repair financially unreasonable. Apparently this is a known/common issue with 2018 Honda Accords. I requested Honda goodwill assistance, but Honda declined. I then took the vehicle to a second independent repair shop for another opinion. They advised that the head gasket needed for the vehicle was on back order and therefore could not provide a repair estimate. The fact that this replacement component is currently on back order is concerning and raises further questions about how frequently this repair is being needed. If Honda cannot keep enough replacement parts in stock to service affected vehicles, it further suggests that this may be a widespread issue that deserves additional investigation. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request and has been inspected by both a Honda dealership and an independent repair shop. I am extremely concerned that a vehicle can suddenly lose all power while being driven and that a repair for a known/common issue costs nearly the entire value of the car. I believe this issue warrants further investigation by Honda and consideration of a recall or assistance.

NHTSA complaint #11755610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Honda Accord Absecon, NJ

POWER TRAIN

The driver front left driveshaft inboard joint has started making noise when putting the car into drive, reverse, and taking off from a stop. The part is currently installed in the car and is not available for inspection. It has been inspected by an OEM dealership and confirmed to have play in the driveshaft. It has not been inspected by anyone else. Upon research, I found NHTSA recall 20V769000 that concerns this exact issue. The inboard and outboard joints are rusting and is allowing moisture to get inside of the joint. My VIN did have the open recall in 2021. The vehicle was inspected by an OEM dealer in March, 2021 for a clicking noise that I could not replicate at the time. The dealer confirmed that the recall inspection they did in March, 2021 was inspected, but the driveshafts were not replaced. The noise is now consistent and can be replicated.

NHTSA complaint #11755342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Honda Accord Trenton, NJ

POWER TRAIN

The car keeps giving me misfires

NHTSA complaint #11753856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Honda Accord Clarksville, TN

POWER TRAIN

Car shuts off at highway speeds and in stop and go traffic like it has a fuel delivery issue. Car sputters and then loses all power. I know there was a previous recall on this vehicle but I’m curious whether it was actually fixed on my car specifically.

NHTSA complaint #11753367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2012 Honda Accord at 100,000 miles Amesbury, MA

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2012 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH and turning left onto a secondary road, the vehicle abruptly stopped in the middle of the road. The vehicle was pushed off to the shoulder of the road with help from other motorists who had stopped to aid. The vehicle was later towed to the local mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the front passenger’s side CV axle was fractured from corrosion. The CV axle and the rear brakes and rotors were replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V769000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA complaint #11752147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Honda Accord Stoughton, MA

POWER TRAIN

While driving my 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid, the vehicle suddenly displayed multiple warning messages, including a Check Engine Light, and immediately entered limp mode. Engine power was significantly reduced, making it difficult to accelerate and safely keep up with surrounding traffic. This unexpected loss of power created a potential safety hazard because the vehicle could not respond normally to throttle input. The vehicle was diagnosed by an authorized Honda dealership. The dealer confirmed Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P2101 and determined that the throttle body assembly had failed. The throttle body assembly and gasket were replaced, and a software update was also performed before the vehicle could be safely driven again. I paid approximately $670.34 for the repair at the Honda dealership. After researching this issue, I found reports from other owners of recent Honda Accord Hybrid vehicles experiencing similar P2101 throttle body failures resulting in limp mode. I am submitting this complaint because an unexpected throttle body failure that causes a vehicle to enter limp mode while driving may present a safety risk, especially if it occurs in traffic or during highway driving. I believe this issue should be reviewed to determine whether it affects additional vehicles.

NHTSA complaint #11751783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Honda Accord problems