RoadVitals

2011 Honda Accord

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
296
+1 complaint in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
9
Latest Jun 27, 2019
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
36
32 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 296 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2011 Honda Accord, most frequently naming the airbags, interior & seats and engine categories. 9 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 75 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

9 campaigns cover this model year

View all 9

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
19V502000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jun 27, 2019
9,555 units potentially affected
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic GX NGV, 2012-2015 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2014 Fit EV, 2010-2014 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are F5F and Q5E.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)Manufacturer number F5F, Q5EView on NHTSA.gov
19V378000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

May 16, 2019
19,138 units potentially affected
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2013 TSX Sport Wagon, and 2010-2012 ZDX and 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, 2012-2014 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2013 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The front passenger air bag inflator may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
The risk: An incorrectly installed air bag inflator may not properly deploy the passenger frontal air bag in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator installation and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 5, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are M4O, P4R, T4Q, and W4P.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)Manufacturer number M4O, P4R, T4Q, W4PView on NHTSA.gov
18V661000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Sep 27, 2018
1,355,406 units potentially affected
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014 Honda Insight and Acura TSX and TSX Wagon, 2014-2015 Honda Crosstour and Pilot vehicles nationwide, as well as certain 2014 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, California, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan) and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Honda is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Acura TSX, TSX Wagon and ZDX, Honda Crosstour, Insight, Fit and Pilot vehicles, 2011-2012 Honda Accord and 2011 Honda Civic NGV, Civic, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Lastly, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX and ZDX, Honda Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot, 2011-2013 TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord and 2010-2011 Honda Civic NGV, Civic, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are M2J and S2K.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)Manufacturer number M2J, S2KView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 296
Steering
Filed Jul 31, 2026

At only 61,083 miles, the rack and pinion on my 2011 Honda Accord was diagnosed as leaking by Baierl Honda in Wexford, PA. The dealership documented the issue as: “FOUND RACK AND PINION LEAKING; PARTS/LABOR (INCLUDING ALIGNMENT AND POWER STEERING FLUID) $2,777 PLUS TAX.” This is a major steering component that should last well over 150,000 miles under normal conditions, yet mine failed extremely early. A leaking rack and pinion creates a serious safety concern. Prior to diagnosis, I experienced increased steering effort and inconsistent steering feel, especially during low‑speed turns and parking maneuvers. Loss of hydraulic pressure in the steering system can lead to sudden difficulty steering, which poses a risk during highway driving or emergency situations. This failure is part of a known pattern affecting 2008–2012 Honda Accords. Numerous owners have reported premature rack and pinion leaks and failures at relatively low mileage, suggesting a defect in the internal seals or manufacturing tolerances. Despite the frequency of complaints, Honda has not issued a recall or service bulletin addressing the problem. Given the safety implications and the documented pattern of premature failures, I believe this issue warrants investigation.

NHTSA ID
11753909
Incident
Aug 21, 2024
Other / unspecified
Filed Mar 5, 2026

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Wheel Rim split in half 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Potential for car flipping if I were on highway or driving fast. Entire tire rim collapsed and could have easily injured passenger. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No, complaining to NHTSA here is first. Showed photos to VIP Auto and they said it was a manufacturer's defect and to file this report. 4. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? None

NHTSA ID
11722263
Incident
Feb 28, 2026
Electrical
Filed Feb 17, 2026

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Honda Accord. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 110,655. It was later discovered that the title mileage was 304,415. The contact discovered the discrepancy through Carfax, where it showed that, as per the last emissions test conducted on 01/29/2026, the mileage was 304,415.

NHTSA ID
11718636
Incident
Feb 16, 2026
Mileage
304,415 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Feb 9, 2026

Statement by American Honda Regarding Left and Right Front Drive Shaft Recalls Our 2011 Honda Accord, driven by our grandson, had experienced a possible breakage of the drive shaft, leaving him stranded on an off-ramp on the freeway. It appears Honda has had recalls for this mechanical failure on a limited number of VN numbers. I did find that there had been over 292 complaints according to NHTSA campaign number XXX. I did reach out to Honda, and with no explanation other than no recalls on this VIN [XXX [XXX] selective safety recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11716666
Incident
Feb 7, 2026
Engine
Filed Jan 27, 2026

I'm having symptoms of cold startup engine rattle type clatter sound for approximately 2-3 seconds and then it goes away. Doesn't do that again unless the car sits for a period of time. If it's been started recently like within 1 hour or 2 hours it will startup with out making that metal rattle/clatter sound for 2-3 seconds. I was told it's likely the 2.4l engine VTC actuator is failing letting the engine oil drain out causing a dry start. I was told it was a common issue and even the internet is saying the same thing that this is a widely known issue. There should be a recall for this because this should not be happening My car has only 156,000 miles on it. And I've own cars with well over 200,000 miles and that's never happened never had I had an engine problem related to the timing chain or the VVT system. I'm hoping this is a recall where will be soon because it's not affordable repair bill for many people. Please let this become a recall or whatever it's called to have the manufacturer take responsibility and fix the problem. I would have not had bought this vehicle if I was aware of this issue probably because it's not a low cost repair I was told. Otherwise this car is a great car runs good drives good once it starts and runs for a few seconds. It's only when the car sets for a period of time not running and you go just start it and you hear that rattle for 2-3 seconds. When I bought the vehicle it wasn't doing this at least not when I first bought it.

NHTSA ID
11713516
Incident
Jan 4, 2026
Airbags
Filed Jan 21, 2026

The contact owns a 2011 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 35 MPH with her son inside the vehicle, the driver’s side and the driver’s seat air bags deployed unexpectedly. Neither independent mechanic nor the dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 172,000.

NHTSA ID
11712528
Incident
Jan 21, 2026
Mileage
172,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Sep 24, 2025

On Tuesday, September 23, I was applying the brakes as I was approaching a stop sign. When I had slowed to about fifteen miles an hour the car suddenly accelerated and the brakes were not enough to stop it so I shifted into neutral and stopped. The engine continued to race in neutral. I shifted into drive and things returned to normal. I then started to move forward and the car suddenly again accelerated rapidly. I shifted into neutral and then into drive and things returned to normal. I then drove home without a further problem.

NHTSA ID
11689591
Incident
Sep 23, 2025
Electrical
Filed Jun 25, 2025

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was approximately 107,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was approximately 260,000.

NHTSA ID
11669233
Incident
Jun 4, 2025
Mileage
260,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

A18-066

AIR BAGS

Service Bulletin - Warranty Extension: Customer Support Program For Front Passenger's Airbag Inflator.

A21120A

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

Service News - The navigation clock and date are incorrect. This is due to a limited GPS receiver Capacity resulting in rollover of the internal chip memory; the rollover occurred on January 1, 2022, at 12:00AM local time.

A21120A

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

ServiceNews Article - The clock shows the incorrect time. This issue is due to a limited GPS receiver capacity resulting in "rollover" of the internal chip memory; the "rollover" will occur on January 1, 2022, at 12:00AM local time. As a result, once specific triggers are met, the navigation date and time will be incorrect.

APP05122020

EQUIPMENT

Dealer Message - The May episode of Tech2Tech is now posted. We've got some valuable information for you, so check it out! This month we're featuring "Replacing That Leaky Front Rocker Arm Oil Control Valve."

A20-016

AIR BAGS

Service Bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement front passenger's airbag inflator only.

A20-023

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Service Bulletin - The front rocker arm oil control valve is leaking.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Honda Accord by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026400—
2025770047.2
20241353164.6
2023835170.2
20222214164.0
20212174166.2
20203455164.4
20196636266.2
20181,8336264.5
20175293058.9
20165944058.8
20155995261.7
20149754260.8
20131,4185563.2
20123728164.1
2011Viewing2969058.9
201057913158.7
200972011259.5
20081,5209359.4
200752410467.5
200643017464.5
200565624465.6
20041,01622465.3
20031,98724564.2
20021,05016767.4
2001920191068.0
20001,18321563.5
19991,13517561.4
19981,20019361.3
199746015055.3
199647213055.4
199554314265.0
199436913058.9
199318611058.8
199220612058.9
199121213159.8
199019212663.1
1989861156.3
1988882160.5
19871113363.2
1986542663.4
1985131256.5
1984222354.1
1983710—
1982102050.0
1981701—
1980201—
1979211—
1978010—
1977010—
1976010—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.