2021 Honda Accord
Common Problems
Ranked from 105 federal NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
19 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Infotainment System Glitches and Malfunctions
27complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe infotainment system experiences random screen changes, ghost touches, and unexpected actions while driving.
$200–$1,500est. infotainment unit service · 0.5–3 hrs laborGet local quotes - 2
Head Gasket Failure
17complaintsHigh severityEngineThe head gasket has failed, leading to engine misfires, loss of power, and engine overheating.
$1,400–$2,800est. head gasket replacement · 8–15 hrs laborGet local quotes - 3
Lane Departure Assist System Malfunction
15complaintsMedium severityOtherThe lane departure assist system incorrectly activates and deactivates, causing the vehicle to jerk and potentially steer into another lane.
Related recall: 21V900000
- 4
Forward Collision Avoidance System Malfunction
14complaintsSafety riskOtherThe forward collision avoidance system engages unexpectedly, causing sudden braking and potential loss of control.
Related recall: 21V900000
- 5
Engine Misfires and Check Engine Light
13complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine misfires and the check engine light illuminates, often accompanied by engine turbulence and white smoke.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 6
Dashboard Warning Lights and Engine Issues
12complaintsMedium severityEngineMultiple dashboard warning lights illuminate simultaneously, often indicating engine or propulsion system issues.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 7
Automatic Emergency Braking System Malfunctions
11complaintsSafety riskBrakesThe automatic emergency braking system engages unexpectedly, causing sudden stops without any visible obstacles.
- 8
Forward Collision Avoidance System Malfunctions
11complaintsSafety riskBrakesThe forward collision avoidance system engages unexpectedly, causing sudden stops without any visible obstacles.
- 9
Automatic Braking System Malfunction
10complaintsHigh severityOtherThe forward collision avoidance system engages unexpectedly, causing the vehicle to brake suddenly without warning.
Related recall: 21V900000
- 10
Infotainment System Glitches and Ghost Touches
10complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe infotainment system experiences random screen changes, ghost touches, and malfunctions, leading to distractions and safety concerns.
$200–$1,500est. infotainment unit service · 0.5–3 hrs laborGet local quotes - 11
Recall Issues with Airbags
8complaintsSafety riskElectricalMultiple reports of delayed or unavailable parts for airbag recall repairs, leading to unresolved safety risks.
- 12
Electrical System Glitches
6complaintsLow severityElectricalRandom malfunctions in the infotainment system, including screen glitches and unexpected button presses, causing distractions.
- 13
Fuel System Issues
6complaintsMedium severityFuel systemUnexplained loss of power and stalling, often accompanied by warning lights, indicating potential fuel system failures.
Related recall: 23V858000
- 14
Engine Power Loss and Misfires
5complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine experiences sudden power loss, misfires, and enters limp mode, posing a risk of stalling and loss of control.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 15
Vehicle Speed Control Issues
5complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe vehicle speed control system malfunctions, causing the car to accelerate or decelerate uncontrollably.
- 16
Service Brakes Issues
4complaintsMedium severityBrakesUnexpected activation of the brake system, leading to sudden deceleration without driver input, posing safety risks.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 17
Service Brakes Fail to Function Properly
3complaintsSafety riskBrakesThe service brakes fail to engage properly, leading to loss of control and potential accidents.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 18
Braking System Fails to Engage Properly
2complaintsSafety riskBrakesThe anti-lock braking system fails to engage during normal driving conditions, leading to loss of control.
- 19
Power loss during heavy rain
2complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe engine loses power and the check engine light flashes during heavy rain, risking loss of control.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.