2021 Honda Accord Hybrid Owner Complaints

My vehicle is currently suffering a failed head gasket. I was alerted about this issue from local mechanics and friends way before it actually happened. I took it to services and regular maintenance even more frequently after that. However, it still failed no matter what. I took it to the dealership, they even admitted that this is a known problem for this generation of vehicle. They still proceeded to ask nearly $7000 to fix it, saying that even though this is a known issue, there was no recalls on the vehicles so they could not waive or deduct the fees.

NHTSA ID

11721881

Incident

Feb 26, 2026

I purchased my vehicle in March 25th 2024 a message on my dashboard saying engine is too hot so in August of this year I took it to the shop for a diagnosis test and they told me that the car didn’t run hot when they drove it so again in October 10th I was driving home and my car lost power on the freeway so I pulled over and then all my lights on the dashboard came on so I took it to the shop on October 13th and they told me that my head gasket was faulty and my coolant system was faulty. To me a major problem should have not happened within a years time and I had my maintenance done on my car like I should have.

NHTSA ID

11696661

Incident

Oct 10, 2025

I received an initial Honda recall notice on March 2024 regarding a recall and have been trying to reach out Honda dealership to get updates on the parts but they always say its on backorder and they even do not have an option for us to order the parts or place us in que for the next order. Would like to bring this to NHTSA attention and get some help with it.

NHTSA ID

11691029

Incident

Mar 1, 2024

Occasionally the touch screen will have phantom touches and start randomly acting like it was clicked in random parts. This makes it do random things like switch from navigation to radio to calling random numbers. While driving this is especially distracting and poses a safety hazard. The issue is reported many times online and seems to be common especially when they temperature outside is above 70 degrees.The only solution from Honda seems to be to pay to replace the screen but it’s not a true fix as it can happen again.

NHTSA ID

11686473

Incident

Sep 8, 2025

The screen randomly freezes or toggles between different screen without user input. It will randomly exit navigaton, end calls, increase volume, etc. This happens irrespective of day or night and whether I am using Android Auto of the factory navigation. Several times it has ended navigaton while driving cause me to have to pull over to avoid going in the wrong direction or missing turns. The system has also had its software updated the, factory reset and software reset with no improvement in the situation.

NHTSA ID

11685477

Incident

Aug 14, 2024

Vehicle entertainment system experiences phantom touches that changes or turns off navigation, makes calls, flashes between applications, is unresponsive to touch etc. This is very distracting at best since the screen can be flashing while driving. Also it can be dangerous as it can stop navigation while in route. This happens/has happened radomly for at least two years on my vehicle. Honda refuses to acknowledge that this is a problem. It is all over message boards and has been for several years. For example: https://www.driveaccord.net/threads/2021-touring-infotaiment-glitching.568213/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/10thgenaccords/comments/1eh9b7b/screen_ghost_touching_and_more/

NHTSA ID

11682182

Incident

Jul 11, 2023

While I was driving on the freeway, the car brakes hard on its own when there were no cars in front of me. This happened twice. Thankfully there were no cars behind me either, otherwise I might have gotten into an accident

NHTSA ID

11677786

Incident

Mar 3, 2025

Shortly after purchasing this 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid (used, from a dealer), the infotainment touchscreen began to exhibit phantom touch behavior — the screen activates or presses buttons on its own without user input. This causes menus to change, volume to fluctuate, navigation to exit, or apps to open/close while the vehicle is in motion. It occurs frequently. The issue is not related to driver error, screen protector use, or moisture. The system has been rebooted and factory reset without improvement. A dealership employee has personally witnessed the issue in person, and I have recorded video proof of it occurring. This behavior is distracting and unsafe, as it pulls the driver’s attention away from the road unexpectedly as the screen flashes, and produces audible beeps. This issue makes it difficult or impossible to control basic vehicle functions like audio, phone calls, or climate. On one occasion, it rapidly switched inputs and opened screens while I was actively driving. Given how many critical systems are integrated into this touchscreen — including vehicle settings, audio, climate, backup camera interface, and navigation — a malfunction like this compromises safe operation of the vehicle whilst the vehicle is in motion. This defect was not disclosed prior to sale and was present within the first few days of ownership. I urge NHTSA to investigate this issue for potential design flaws or hardware failures in Honda’s infotainment systems, particularly in Accord Hybrid models with the Display Audio touchscreen.

NHTSA ID

11672047

Incident

Jul 2, 2025

The infotainment system has major issues. We cannot use it bc it is dangerously distracting. If a phone is connected it will randomly make unrequested calls, mute calls over and over again, turn off navigation, falsely reports police or accidents without anyone prompting it to do so and randomly turns on static and loud radios stations. Which is startling. It will also randomly start playing iTunes or a podcast that you’ve never heard of. It is always flipping screens. It isn’t an occasional occurrence. It is all the time. Recently during a 10 minute drive it made 4 unrequested calls. If a phone is not connected it flips through screens and turns on the radio randomly and tries to connect to phones without being requested to do so. When you do try to connect a phone good luck. It won’t work easily or only the sound will come through but the screen will say nothing is connected. The touch screen only works about 20% of the time. You have to find your phone to hang up a phone call you didn’t make. We have recorded video of incidences. It has been happening since we got the car but recently it has been worse.

NHTSA ID

11665569

Incident

Jun 7, 2025

While driving all of a sudden seat belt sign pops up and stays there . I think there is something wrong with seat belt system.

NHTSA ID

11664645

Incident

Apr 1, 2025

This issue has been happening since purchasing my vehicle in 2021. While driving my 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid in warm weather (above ~60°F), the infotainment touchscreen malfunctions frequently. The screen registers phantom touches on its own—switching menus, blasting the radio, canceling navigation, and dropping phone calls. After each phantom touch, the screen becomes completely unresponsive for 30–60 seconds, leaving me unable to access key functions like navigation or climate controls. This happens almost daily in warmer conditions, especially on longer drives. My Honda dealer replaced the audio unit, but the problem persists. They acknowledged it’s a known issue but have no fix. This malfunction is a major safety risk and makes it difficult to comply with hands-free laws, as I’m forced to troubleshoot the touchscreen while driving.

NHTSA ID

11659901

Incident

May 9, 2025

Since the first winter after I purchased my vehicle in 2021, typically when cold, but not always, I lose all the Honda Sensing (Advanced Driver Assist Features). The dashboard lights up with the following warnings . - Collision Mitigation Braking System Problem. See Dealer - Road Departure Mitigation System Problem. See Dealer - Auto High Beam Problem. See Dealer - Adaptive Cruise Control System Problem. See Dealer - Lane Keep Assist System Problem. See Dealer This failure of these safety systems can last anywhere from 5-60 minutes. Sometimes if you shut the vehicle off and turn it back on again, the warning will go away. On multiple cold mornings (below ~45°F), my 2021 Accord Hybrid displays a cascade of safety system failure warnings upon startup. The dash shows errors for the collision mitigation braking, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, road departure mitigation, and more—all at once. When these systems are disabled, it severely compromises safety. This issue happens repeatedly in colder weather. The dealer has personally witnessed the issue in their service bay and acknowledged it's a known problem but had no fix, advising me to turn the car off and on again. This recurring failure of critical safety systems in cold conditions puts me, my passengers, and other road users at risk.

NHTSA ID

11659893

Incident

May 9, 2025

On 3 occasions, was accelerating on interstate (after entering from ramp), check engine light began blinking, car shook terribly & went into limp mode - gas pedal was to the floor but car continued to lose power. Had to pull off road - turned car off, waited 20 minutes, turned car back on - check engine light went off & car was drivable. Another time, while accelerating on interstate, check engine light started blinking & all warning lights came on flashing. Car began losing power - had to pull off on side of the interstate - car was towed to the dealership. Another time, was pulling off from a light on highway - I accelerated, check engine light began blinking, car shook terribly & went into limp mode, requiring me to pull off on side of the highway - turned the car off for 15 minutes - turned it back on, light was off & was able to drive car. Most recent incident - was accelerating on small, 2 lane highway - check engine light began flashing & car shook terribly but didn't go into limp mode - otherwise behaved as before. Each time, took the car to the dealer ASAP to report problem. First time, was told they had to fix broken tail light b/c it was throwing off system & they couldn't get a computer reading. Once done, was told that they got a "CYL2 Miss Fire Code. Performed diagnosis on code. Diagnosis led to improperly adjusted valves. Performed valve adjustment. Found half of valves loose and half tight." Was road tested - no further concerns noted by dealer. Other times, was told that computer wasn't showing any codes. Last event literally happened in front of Advance Auto - pulled in/hooked up to check code - indicated a Cyl 2 misfire. Took to dealer - said no code showing - berated me for having checked @ Advance - said it erased any codes, even though I told them the code that was noted. This is a serious safety issue due to car going limp when accelerating on interstate where others are going 70-90 mph. Dealer says nothing they can do d/t no code showing.

NHTSA ID

11651437

Incident

Feb 17, 2024

@ 96,970 miles, (2021 Honda Accord Hybrid) when getting on the freeway and accelerating to catch up with traffic, the car began sputtering, the check engine light flashed, the accelerator stopped working and I had to get it to the shoulder of the freeway immediately. The car sputtered and shook. I turned the car off, let it sit. I tried re-starting it and it started fine, no check engine light. I drove it slow off the freeway and to my home close by. I got it to the dealer. The Service Rep said he had never heard of this issue although it does appear on Honda Forums. He said no codes showed and decided it needed a Cylinder adjustment and then decided it also needed a new (refurbished) transmission. It was in the shop for weeks. I've tried warming the car up longer and using more expensive gas. Issue continues to happen. I called an made an appointment at the dealer for first available date. Today I had it checked for codes again from a different mechanic and the mechanic said it has no codes - at all. Fluids all perfect, no issues with coolant levels. All maintenance has been completed on schedule. I did video tape my dash when it happened Wednesday, on I80, 3/5/25 12:12pm.

NHTSA ID

11646979

Incident

Oct 16, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Accord. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11645959

Incident

Mar 3, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer several times due to the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.

NHTSA ID

11641072

Incident

Feb 6, 2023

Mileage

28,000 mi

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving at approximately 75 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact waited for several minutes for the vehicle to return to normal operation. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 71,274.

NHTSA ID

11639465

Incident

Jun 26, 2024

Mileage

71,274 mi

Cannot turn on car. Cannot put into drive. Error Message: Power System Problem. Do Not Drive.

NHTSA ID

11638319

Incident

Jan 23, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Accord. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11633685

Incident

Jan 2, 2025

Twice while driving at highway speeds the check engine light came on. My car's engine was misfiring, and I have no acceleration. Both times, I took local roads home on which I could drive below 35 mph. Pulling out from traffic lights and stop signs was difficult. The dealership where I bought the car has been unable to diagnose the problem. No codes come up on the computer, and my car is currently at the dealership. The service manager has been able to duplicate the problem and still no diagnostic codes were recorded. The dealership technicians have contacted Honda engineering for advice.

NHTSA ID

11629132

Incident

Nov 24, 2024

I just got off the freeway and coasted down the off-ramp, did not engage the brake nor the acceleration pedals. Suddenly the emergency brake system slammed on the brakes, it slowed me down from about 50 mph to around 20mph. There were no vehicles in front of me for at least 100 yards. It almost caused an accident by the people who almost slammed into the back of me.

NHTSA ID

11625686

Incident

Nov 16, 2024

Breaks failed causing vehicle accident [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11621352

Incident

Oct 11, 2024

My car has 79700 miles and starter shaking vigorously while on the freeway. Took it to the Honda dealership and I have a blown headgasket. After reading the [XXX] forums this is a ridiculously common problem with these cars around 45-90k miles. Honda is saying it's not under warranty and it's a $5400 fix for me. With so many cars with the same 10th generation engine having blown head gaskets below 100k miles this is an problem and a safety issue. Honda needs to fix these issues for their consumers. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11619138

Incident

Oct 10, 2024

At 14,000 miles the passenger front seat shifts laterally when occupied under weight shifts in turns. Also makes an audible knocking sound. American Honda would not cover this potential safety issue after positive diagnosis from our local Honda dealer. The vehicle is covered under a 12,000 mile CPO warranty.

NHTSA ID

11614606

Incident

Aug 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed with the cruise control activated, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a recurring failure. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 40,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID

11587647

Incident

May 8, 2024

Mileage

40,000 mi