2019 Honda Accord Hybrid Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2019 Honda Accord Hybrid, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Driver assistance2926.4%
- Engine2623.6%
- Fuel system1614.5%
- Electrical1614.5%
- Brakes87.3%
- Powertrain (other)54.5%
- Steering32.7%
- Visibility21.8%
- Body & structure21.8%
- Exterior lighting10.9%
- Heating & air conditioning10.9%
- Airbags10.9%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
1. Component: The engine head gasket and the combustion system (specifically Cylinder 2). Specifics: A leak-down test confirmed a failure in Cylinder 2, leading to coolant intrusion. This was initially masked by a water pump code, but after the water pump was replaced and the code returned, a borescope confirmed "clean" pistons (steam-cleaned by coolant) and tap scarring. Availability: Yes, the vehicle and all diagnostic records are available for inspection. 2. Emergency Maneuvers: On multiple occasions, the car entered "Limp Mode" while driving 70–75 mph on the freeway. This caused a sudden, dangerous drop in speed, forcing me to maneuver through high-speed traffic to reach the median/suicide lane. Stranded: The vehicle overheated 5 times in one trip, leaving me vulnerable on the side of a busy freeway. 3. Yes. An independent shop confirmed the failure via a leak-down test, a borescope inspection, and physical analysis of the spark plugs. They confirmed that despite the computer throwing a water pump code, the mechanical failure is the head gasket. 4.Status: It has been inspected by an independent service center. I am now using their findings to pursue a lawsuit/claim against Honda for selling a vehicle with a pre-existing internal engine defect. 5. Timeline: Symptoms began in April 2024 (two months after purchase). Initial Signs: An "Emission System" warning light appeared. The diagnostic code indicated a water pump failure, which was replaced in April. Recurring Symptoms: In November, the car suffered multiple misfires and "Limp Mode." In March, the "Emission System" light and the same water pump code returned, but the shop confirmed the pump was functional and the true cause was the head gasket leak into the cylinders.
Description of Incident: 1. Component/System Failure: The engine cooling system and head gasket failed. A certified shop has confirmed coolant intrusion and a failed leak-down test on Cylinder 2. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2. Safety Risk: My safety and the safety of my family and other drivers were put at extreme risk. On March 1, 2026, the vehicle suffered a sudden loss of motive power while traveling at 70 MPH on the freeway. The car dropped to 15 MPH instantly, forcing me to maneuver across active lanes to a narrow shoulder with almost no space. I was nearly hit by high-speed traffic. This has occurred over 8 times since 2023. 3. Confirmation by Service Center: The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by an independent service center On Site Lube Auto & Tire. They utilized a borescope and leak-down test to verify the internal engine failure. 4. Inspections: The vehicle has been inspected by a certified independent technician. I am in the process of notifying the manufacturer (Honda) of these findings for their inspection and accountability. 5. Warning Lamps & Symptoms: Prior to the total power loss, the vehicle displayed engine temperature warnings and "check engine" lights. These symptoms first appeared approximately 8 months after purchase in 2023 and have progressively worsened, leading to the current engine failure. 6. Additional Notes: This failure is identical to issues cited in active class-action lawsuits regarding Honda's engine defects, affecting both standard and Hybrid models. I am communicating via written report/email for documentation and accessibility purposes.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Head gasket blown on engine. Burned off coolant so no leaks detected and just showed high temperature to pull over and let engine cool. Could have cause engine fire and/or disabled vehicle while on road. Very expensive fix and dealers who were contacted said they’ve had multiple vehicles repaired for same issue. Online is widely reported problem with this make and model and among the different trim types all same problems
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed the vehilce intermediately misfired due to oil leak. No warning lights were illuminated The vehicle was taken to the local where it was diagnosed the head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
City street driving speed < 35-40 mph, engine began rough idling at stop light after traveling just 1/8 mile. After driving less than 1 mile on level ground, engine slowed and would not accelerate above 20 mph. After another mile or so, increasing uphill grade caused speed to slow to 12-14 mph. Stepping on gas caused car to slow down even more, with shaking and jerky stop-start of vehicle. Maintaining 10-12 mph permitted vehicle to continue uphill climb for a few more miles so I could reach home. Downhill coasting was smooth with no gas pedal acceleration. Overnight parked in garage, and no problems driving vehicle to local independent auto mechanic. They were able to duplicate problem after 2 days and multiple test drives. Diagnosed permanent and temporary engine codes: misfires of cylinders 1 and 4 with ignition coil malfunction, misfires of cylinders 1, 2, 4, and random misfires. Also permanent codes: antilock brake ECM Failure, electric power steering vehicle stability assist System Malfunction, electric servo brake electric power train System Malfunction. Mechanic removed coils and spark plugs, found cylinder 4 has moisture. Coils, plugs cleaned and re-installed. Honda Dealer unable to duplicate problem after 3 days.
Honda service center (1601 Dallas Pkwy, Frisco, TX 75034) is avoiding making a repair of recalled fuel pump. I took the car in on what they said was a slow day for a 3hr repair. They told me it would take 2+ days to repair and that if I scheduled in advance they could make sure to get it done in about 3 hours. I scheduled a week in advance with an appointment and came in and they used the same excuse again telling me that it would take them 2+ days. When I complained they came up with a second excuse that the repair can't be done on a mostly full tank of gas (which is not true, it's just harder for them to do it) and even if it was true, they've never once notified me during my prior interactions. The Honda dealership is clearly avoiding their obligation to make the repair and is putting my safety at risk.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Vehicle was being driven on the highway when suddenly engine hesitated and started stalling. Speed was reduced from around 65MPH down to the low 40s. Cars were stacking up behind and passing, causing potential hazardous conditions. Vehicle was taken to a mechanic shop and diagnosed with misfiring, after reading OBD II with many alerts coming on. Further diagnostics revealed cylinder head gasket was leaking coolant into engine, as shown by borescope images. This is a known problem on 2018-2020 Honda Accords with both 1.5T & 2.0 engines. The multiple alert messages started to come on a few weeks ago, but the engine hesitation and stalling just started this week. At first we suspected a 12V battery issue, but testing confirmed battery was at 12.8V with no issues.
1. Component: The engine head gasket and the combustion system (specifically Cylinder 2). Specifics: A leak-down test confirmed a failure in Cylinder 2, leading to coolant intrusion. This was initially masked by a water pump code, but after the water pump was replaced and the code returned, a borescope confirmed "clean" pistons (steam-cleaned by coolant) and tap scarring. Availability: Yes, the vehicle and all diagnostic records are available for inspection. 2. Emergency Maneuvers: On multiple occasions, the car entered "Limp Mode" while driving 70–75 mph on the freeway. This caused a sudden, dangerous drop in speed, forcing me to maneuver through high-speed traffic to reach the median/suicide lane. Stranded: The vehicle overheated 5 times in one trip, leaving me vulnerable on the side of a busy freeway. 3. Yes. An independent shop confirmed the failure via a leak-down test, a borescope inspection, and physical analysis of the spark plugs. They confirmed that despite the computer throwing a water pump code, the mechanical failure is the head gasket. 4.Status: It has been inspected by an independent service center. I am now using their findings to pursue a lawsuit/claim against Honda for selling a vehicle with a pre-existing internal engine defect. 5. Timeline: Symptoms began in April 2024 (two months after purchase). Initial Signs: An "Emission System" warning light appeared. The diagnostic code indicated a water pump failure, which was replaced in April. Recurring Symptoms: In November, the car suffered multiple misfires and "Limp Mode." In March, the "Emission System" light and the same water pump code returned, but the shop confirmed the pump was functional and the true cause was the head gasket leak into the cylinders.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was driving on a city street at about 30mph. There was no one in front of me or behind me. Nothing in the road. The orange rectangular brake light came on for no reason, kept flashing and it felt as if the brakes were automatically being pumped, slowing the car down to a compete stop. In addition, I had no control of the steering. It was very dangerous situation which could have resulted in accident or injury.
07/28/2023 - Car showed many brake system errors: electric parking brake, vehicle stability, adaptive cruise control, etc. Took to Heritage Honda, Bel Air, MD, and got error code diagnosis of PI20-00, brake system/pedal simulator failure. Heritage "reflashed" pedal simulator and cleared code. Told OK to drive but if brake system errors showed up again, pull over to side of road and have car towed. Drove 20+ miles home. 07/29/2023 - Car again showed brake system errors as on 07/28. Husband and I drove car around our development and there were no brakes, even after husband pumping and pushing down on brake pedal very hard. 07/31/2023 - Flat bed towed car to Martin Honda, Newark, DE and got same error code. Paid to replace brake pedal simulator, PN 01469-TWA-A56. Issue is that brake system did not fail safely, because failure of pedal simulator left me with no brakes. Requested Honda pay entire Martin Honda invoice but Honda paid $1400 of repair. Have since requested that Honda pay remaining $1000 that I paid, plus diagnostic fee for Heritage Honda, and towing charge.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
City street driving speed < 35-40 mph, engine began rough idling at stop light after traveling just 1/8 mile. After driving less than 1 mile on level ground, engine slowed and would not accelerate above 20 mph. After another mile or so, increasing uphill grade caused speed to slow to 12-14 mph. Stepping on gas caused car to slow down even more, with shaking and jerky stop-start of vehicle. Maintaining 10-12 mph permitted vehicle to continue uphill climb for a few more miles so I could reach home. Downhill coasting was smooth with no gas pedal acceleration. Overnight parked in garage, and no problems driving vehicle to local independent auto mechanic. They were able to duplicate problem after 2 days and multiple test drives. Diagnosed permanent and temporary engine codes: misfires of cylinders 1 and 4 with ignition coil malfunction, misfires of cylinders 1, 2, 4, and random misfires. Also permanent codes: antilock brake ECM Failure, electric power steering vehicle stability assist System Malfunction, electric servo brake electric power train System Malfunction. Mechanic removed coils and spark plugs, found cylinder 4 has moisture. Coils, plugs cleaned and re-installed. Honda Dealer unable to duplicate problem after 3 days.
I was driving on the freeway and my engine lost power and all the lights on my dashboard went haywire. I tried to get off the freeway but with the loss of power made it extremely difficult and dangerous. I thought I was going to get into an accident since my car slowed down so abruptly. I had to limp my way across traffic which was very scary. The car was jerking and shaking. I finally got to the side of the freeway and the car did not want to continue so I called for a tow truck and waited on the side of a busy highway. The tow truck brought my car to the Honda dealership which diagnosed the problem immediately as a blown head gasket. They said it was a known problem and the mechanic knew what to look for. They fixed the head gasket and I have my car back. My car only has 92k miles and I don’t think the head gasket should fail this early in the vehicles life. I properly maintain my engine with routine oil changes. There is no reason the engine should break down like this. I feel that there is a defect in Honda’s head gasket.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was driving on a city street at about 30mph. There was no one in front of me or behind me. Nothing in the road. The orange rectangular brake light came on for no reason, kept flashing and it felt as if the brakes were automatically being pumped, slowing the car down to a compete stop. In addition, I had no control of the steering. It was very dangerous situation which could have resulted in accident or injury.
Ever since I bought the 2019 Accord Hybrid new. There has always been a steering wheel tug or slight sticking. I complained to Ocean Honda (at the Time, no longer in business, now North Hollywood Honda). They said it was normal. Fighting the steering wheel on long drives didn't seem normal. I thought maybe it was lane asset issue. Turned it off and back on. Fixed the problem for a while but starting again. After Covid I started working from home. So less driving. Not enough long driving to get it to react. Now there is a recall on the newer model Honda Accords that sound the same as my older Accord. My hope is that owners of older Accords are also speaking up to be included in the new steering wheel recall. These older Accord could be dangerous too. ***I can't add the correct date below. Incident around June 2020, but more than just one***
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD HAS A STRESS CRACK FROM EDGE OF FRAME TO CENTER OF WINDSHIELD. AND IT'S WITH NO APPARENT REASON OR IMPACT. ON THE EXTERIOR, THE CRACK IS APPARENT BY SIGHT BUT CANNOT BE FELT BY TOUCH. THE CRACK LOOKS TO BE INSIDE THE GLASS. THE CAR HAS BEEN DROPPED OFF AT THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP FOUR HOURS AGO AND WAITING FOR THEIR ASSESSMENT.
I WAS DRIVING AND ENTERING THE FREEWAY WHEN MY CAR MADE A LOUD EXPLODING POP. THERE WERE NO CARS NEXT TO ME AS I WAS ENTERING THE ON-RAMP. THERE WERE NO OVERHEAD BRIDGES OR TREES. NOTHING FELL FROM THE SKY. I STOPPED THE CAR AND FOUND THE SUNROOF SHATTERED WITH A LARGE HOLE. THERE WAS NO DEBRIS INSIDE OTHER THAN GLASS. I BELIEVE THAT THERE IS A DEFECT WITH THE SUNROOF THAT CAUSED IT TO SHATTER. IT SHOULD NOT HAVE SHATTERED THIS MUCH WITH JUST NORMAL USE. THIS OCCURRED ABOUT 5 MINUTES AFTER LEAVING MY INDOOR GARAGE SO THE CAR/SUNROOF WAS NOT OVERHEATED. IF THE INNER COVER WAS OPEN AT THE TIME, THE GLASS WOULD HAVE SHATTERED INTO THE CAR AND CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I HAVE SEEN MULTIPLE REPORTS OF THIS SAME THING HAPPENING AND THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED WITH THE MANUFACTURERS BEFORE SOMEONE IS HURT OR KILLED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Paint is peeling on the roof along the sides in the grooves and in the groove between the back window and the body. This appears to be the exact same paint issue that was reported on the 2018 Honda Accord models made at this plant. I just noticed this today (9/19/25) but given the rust, this has probably been a problem for longer.
Passenger door well not unlock from key fob (keyless unlock a door) or inside unlock switch. This is an intermittent problem and Honda dealer cannot resolve it. I believe this imposes a safety hazard. I cannot get in unless I use the key or go round to the passenger side and crawl over to the inside door latch.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE MAJOR PROBLEM IS THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WILL NOT ACTIVATE WHEN SOMEBODY BETWEEN 65 POUNDS AND 89 POUNDS SET IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. HONDA OWNER'S MANUAL ON PAGE 63 STATES THAT THE AIR BAG IS ACTIVATED AT 65 POUNDS. IN THE YEAR THAT WE HAVE HAD THIS CAR, WITH MY WIFE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE AIR BAG HAS NEVER BEEN ACTIVE. THE SEAT BELL WARRING WILL SAY PUT ON SEAT BELT, BUT THE AIR BAG WILL NEVER ACTIVATE WHILE DRIVING. SEE ATTACHED EMAIL TO NHTSA AND HONDA IN FEBRUARY, APRIL AND MAY. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR THE LAST YEAR, BUT IT STARTED IN JUNE 2019 AND IS STILL DOING THE SAME THING. ATTACHED ALSO IS THE SERVICE REPORT FROM CHAPMAN HONDA THAT WOULD DO NOTHING ABOUT THE VARIOUS PROBLEMS.*DT CONSUMER STATED HE IS HAVING ISSUES WITH THE SUN ROOF, WOULD NOT CLOSE ON A RAINY DAY.*JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
2019 HONDA ACCORD. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A/C CONDENSER SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER INQUIRED ABOUT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY IN REFRENCE TO CORROSION AND REFRIGERANT LEAKS DUE TO DEFECTIVE AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSERS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE EXTENDED WARRANTY SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE MAJOR PROBLEM IS THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WILL NOT ACTIVATE WHEN SOMEBODY BETWEEN 65 POUNDS AND 89 POUNDS SET IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. HONDA OWNER'S MANUAL ON PAGE 63 STATES THAT THE AIR BAG IS ACTIVATED AT 65 POUNDS. IN THE YEAR THAT WE HAVE HAD THIS CAR, WITH MY WIFE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE AIR BAG HAS NEVER BEEN ACTIVE. THE SEAT BELL WARRING WILL SAY PUT ON SEAT BELT, BUT THE AIR BAG WILL NEVER ACTIVATE WHILE DRIVING. SEE ATTACHED EMAIL TO NHTSA AND HONDA IN FEBRUARY, APRIL AND MAY. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR THE LAST YEAR, BUT IT STARTED IN JUNE 2019 AND IS STILL DOING THE SAME THING. ATTACHED ALSO IS THE SERVICE REPORT FROM CHAPMAN HONDA THAT WOULD DO NOTHING ABOUT THE VARIOUS PROBLEMS.*DT CONSUMER STATED HE IS HAVING ISSUES WITH THE SUN ROOF, WOULD NOT CLOSE ON A RAINY DAY.*JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .