3,854 of the
32,025 complaints filed about the Honda Accord
are about the transmission —
12% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2003.
3,854
Complaints
12%
Share of all complaints
130
Crashes
15
Fires
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The 10th Gen probably with the head gasket and fuel injector Dashboard be lit up like a Christmas tree every light on. This been a problem with a lot on the 2018-2022 Honda accords when driving it lose speed going real slow lose power, and you have to try get your car off the road
NHTSA complaint #11750477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I can’t drive the car normal have to drive 60mph or under the radio went out and Honda can’t seem to figure out why so I can’t connect CarPlay. Myself and my kids are at risk due to the car randomly cutting off at any given time. I took it to Honda twice and my car has not been checked they constantly say they’re backed up but don’t have any rentals in stock. Can’t get the car inspection done because the lights are on. No they’re were none the light randomly popped up and said it was a camshaft sensor piece I got that change and the lights are still on. Took it to a mechanic to have it diagnosed and they’re stating it’s the turbo. Which is pretty annoying the car maintenance is don’t regularly and I’ve only had it for a year and a half.
NHTSA complaint #11750468 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I own a 2018 Honda Accord LX 1.5T. The vehicle has developed an intermittent hard-start condition after sitting overnight. The engine cranks for approximately 5–6 seconds before starting and runs very rough for the first 2–5 seconds before smoothing out. Warm restarts are normal. While driving, the vehicle hesitates and stumbles during acceleration, is slow to build RPM, and fuel economy has noticeably decreased. During one hard acceleration event, the vehicle lost power and the check engine light flashed. I also observed that if I turn the ignition on and allow the fuel pump to prime for several seconds before starting the engine, the vehicle starts noticeably quicker than if I start it immediately. This makes me concerned that the fuel system may not be maintaining proper fuel pressure after the vehicle sits. Because of the hard starting, hesitation, intermittent loss of power during acceleration, and the improvement after allowing the fuel pump to prime, I am submitting this complaint for investigation because these symptoms could create a safety risk when entering traffic or accelerating.
NHTSA complaint #11749726 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Head gasket failure, coolant leaking into cylinder 1 and 3. Car stuttering when try to accelerate and has trouble getting up to speed on highway. Coolant mixing with oil, rear main seal leak. It is available for inspection currently at dealership where it was diagnosed. My safety was jeopardized because I barely can accelerate on the highway causing cars to tail gate me and potentially crash into the back of me. The issue has been confirmed by Honda service department as a faulty head gasket. There were no warnings signs, no overheating nor any smoke indications of a faulty failing head gasket only stuttering at low spreads and not being able to accelerate. The problem first appeared a day or so before I brung it to Honda for a diagnosis. These are well none litigated issues with these head gaskets and are safety concerns that they’re failing to address.
NHTSA complaint #11748951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
A motor mount bolt sheared causing the engine to shift violently making the vehicle undrivable. The car was driving in a residential area traveling at a low rate of speed, making a right turn when it occurred. Had it happened on a highway, the result could have been catastrophic. The car was towed to the dealer where it was purchased. The dealer stated that since the vehicle was out of warranty, they would not make any exceptions. We have reported this to Honda Corporate and are waiting for a response but felt that because of the safety concerns we should also report this to NHTSA. Here is a link to a video from the service department: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11749064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle: 2019 Honda Accord Sport 1.5L VIN: [XXX] Mileage: Approximately 122,497 My vehicle experienced a cylinder head gasket failure accompanied by coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders, injector-related issues, fuel trim failures, and cylinder misfires as diagnosed by an authorized Honda dealership. Prior to diagnosis, the vehicle experienced engine performance concerns associated with the misfire condition. The dealership documented historical misfire events and coolant intrusion into the combustion chambers. I am submitting this complaint because I am concerned that injector-related issues, engine misfires, coolant intrusion, and cylinder head gasket failures may represent a recurring condition affecting similarly equipped vehicles. Engine misfires and coolant intrusion can potentially result in reduced engine performance, loss of power, unexpected vehicle behavior, or engine failure while the vehicle is being operated. I request that NHTSA review this issue and determine whether a broader investigation is warranted. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11746216 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dashboard displayed multiple messages and icons/warnings. Steering wheel locked, acceleration was low, barely any power to drive. Engine running rough condition. OBD2 scanner P0302 and P0303 detected. Engine misfire. Honda Dealership diagnosis car. Main concerns include a head gasket blown or crack. Coolant leaking into cylinder 2 and 3. Tie rod cracked. Pressure test low. The vehicle has no prior history of cylinder head removal or head gasket replacement. Vehicle has been properly maintained through consistent oil changes.
NHTSA complaint #11745174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have a misfire and all the warning lights came on. This is due to Honda having the fuel pump recalled that has damaged all the fuel injectors. It took them almost a year to get the recall parts and now myself and a ton of others are now having to pay for these fuel injectors to have a car that doesn't stall and die on the road. Honda should have taken care of this knowing it damaged the fuel injectors.
NHTSA complaint #11743894 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.