2018 Honda Accord

On February 21, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE22003) to assess reports of inadvertent activation of the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), an automatic emergency braking (AEB) system, in model year 2017-2019 Honda CR-V and 2018-2019 Honda Accord vehicles.  The reports allege that activation of the AEB system occurs while driving with no apparent obstruction in the vehicle's forward path, resulting in sudden vehicle deceleration. Honda indicated that they were aware of a total of X,XXX reports that may relate to the alleged defect. Honda provided analysis of the alleged defect and alleges that some customers possibly had an inadequate understanding of the CMBS and its limitations.  However, many consumer complaints allege that Honda dealerships were unable to reproduce the condition or state that they were informed that this is considered normal CMBS operation. To date, ODI has received a total of 1,294 consumer complaints of inadvertent activation of CMBS in 2017-2022 Honda CR-V and 2018-2022 Honda Accord vehicles. A total of 31 complaints alleged a crash and 50 alleged an injury.  The Total column in the Failure Report Summary removes duplicate reports and shows the total number of reports with unique VINs from all Manufacturer, ODI, and EWR data sources.  In some cases, there were multiple reports associated with a particular vehicle in which recurring failures were alleged.  In total, there were X,XXX reports, 93 injury incidents and 47 crashes involving vehicles with unique VINs that may relate to the alleged defect. PE22-003 has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety related consequences of the inadvertent AEB activations. The scope has been expanded to include assessment of model year 2020-2022 Honda CR-V and Accord vehicles. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

On February 21, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE22003) to assess reports of inadvertent activation of the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), an automatic emergency braking (AEB) system, in model year 2017-2019 Honda CR-V and 2018-2019 Honda Accord vehicles.  The reports allege that activation of the AEB system occurs while driving with no apparent obstruction in the vehicle's forward path, resulting in sudden vehicle deceleration. Honda indicated that they were aware of a total of X,XXX reports that may relate to the alleged defect. Honda provided analysis of the alleged defect and alleges that some customers possibly had an inadequate understanding of the CMBS and its limitations.  However, many consumer complaints allege that Honda dealerships were unable to reproduce the condition or state that they were informed that this is considered normal CMBS operation. To date, ODI has received a total of 1,081 consumer complaints of inadvertent activation of CMBS in the subject vehicles.  A total of 24 complaints alleged a crash and 42 alleged an injury.  The Total column in the Failure Report Summary removes duplicate reports and shows the total number of reports with unique VINs from all Manufacturer, ODI, and EWR data sources.  In some cases, there were multiple reports associated with a particular vehicle in which recurring failures were alleged.  In total, there were X,XXX reports, 84 injury incidents and 40 crashes involving vehicles with unique VINs that may relate to the alleged defect. PE22003 has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA24002) to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety related consequences of the inadvertent AEB activations.  Further the scope has been expanded to include assessment of model year 2020-2022 Honda CR-V and Accord vehicles. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

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 ID

11756560

Incident

Aug 1, 2026

In July 2026, our 2018 Honda Accord required a head gasket replacement. Prior to the diagnosis, the vehicle began experiencing rough starts and engine misfires. While driving, the car suddenly lost power and would not accelerate beyond approximately 10 mph. After returning home and restarting the vehicle, its performance temporarily returned to normal; however, the engine continued to idle roughly. We had the vehicle scanned, and the diagnostic result indicated a misfire in Cylinder 3. The vehicle was taken to our local Honda dealership, where we were informed the head gasket failed and needed to be replaced. Given that the vehicle has fewer than 140,000 miles, we do not believe such a major engine repair should be necessary. Over the past 25 years we have owned multiple Honda vehicles, including Accords, Civics and CR-Vs well over 200,000 miles with our current 2008 Honda CR-V having more than 344,000 miles. None of these vehicles have ever experienced a head gasket failure or similar engine issue. We have never had such a significant costly repair, over $6,000. We are extremely disappointed that our 2018 Accord required such a significant repair at relatively low mileage. We have also learned of allegations in ongoing litigation Bissell v American Honda Motor Co, involving similar head gasket issues affecting Honda vehicles. Based on our experience and the number of reported complaints, we believe Honda should issue a recall, provide warranty coverage or reimburse affected owners for repair costs whichever benefits the customer. We respectfully request that Honda review our case and consider reimbursement or goodwill assistance for this unexpected and expensive repair.

NHTSA ID

11756291

Incident

Jun 25, 2026

In the duration of ownership with this vehicle, there is always lights lighting up on the dashboard which trigger my sensors and causes my dashboard to light up like a Christmas tree. I do not feel safe when that happens randomly in the middle of driving on the highway.

NHTSA ID

11756137

Incident

Aug 1, 2026

While driving, my vehicle began shaking/rough running and the check-engine light came on. Multiple warning lights and system warnings appeared on the dashboard, including the brake system, steering, traction control, and TPMS warnings. The vehicle experienced noticeable shaking and reduced/abnormal performance. I am concerned that this may be a safety-related defect because multiple vehicle systems are being affected.

NHTSA ID

11756096

Incident

Aug 10, 2026

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 ID

11755610

Incident

Apr 1, 2026

At 92,156 miles, my 2018 Honda Accord Touring (1.5L Turbo) suffered a catastrophic structural head gasket failure that caused dangerous engine instability while driving. The failure first manifested with a sudden eruption of multiple warning lights across the dashboard while the vehicle was in motion. Following a subsequent startup after a doctor's appointment, the vehicle began shaking violently due to immediate engine misfires. Driving a vehicle that is actively shaking and suffering from cylinder misfires in live traffic creates an unpredictable stall risk and an immediate safety hazard to myself and surrounding motorists. A certified technician at Ourisman Honda of Woodbridge pressurized the cooling system and physically confirmed that engine coolant is actively leaking directly onto the engine cylinder walls (Cylinders 1 and 2) due to a structural head gasket failure. This is a severe design defect that causes unexpected powertrain disruption on public roads.

NHTSA ID

11755320

Incident

Jul 19, 2026

Major safety issue will lead to loss power and visual hazard for cars on road. 2018 accord 1.5 has a coolant leak in cylinder 2 and three via scope verified , shop said it needs a headgasket. It had misfire codes on scanner and shakes when start up. This will be potentially big issue if motor blows up on free way from overheating. Honda corporation won’t do a replacement for the good faith because the car has not been to “Honda” for service.

NHTSA ID

11755091

Incident

Jul 19, 2026

My vehicle started stalling and shaking right before all of the warning lights on my dashboard came on and the safety features stopped working (brake assist, brake hold etc). After checking, the spark plugs were all burnt out so I changed it along with the coil pack and this remedied the issue temporarily until it happened again a few weeks later. This time, I was on the highway going at around 55mph when the car suddenly started stalling and the speed dropped to 10mph. Luckily, I was in the right lane and had no cars behind me because it would've caused an accident. I pulled over to the side of the highway, shut the car off for 15 minutes and then took the nearest exit with my hazard lights on, going at around 10 mph. I took my car to the dealership and they stated that I need a new head gasket which will cost me from $5,000 to $9,000. After doing research, there are hundreds of other Honda's which are experiencing this same issue. Currently, the condition is worsening as the car is shaking abruptly and I am not able to drive over 30mph. I also experienced a burning smell.

NHTSA ID

11754920

Incident

Jun 18, 2026

Service Bulletin - Honda has developed software updates to the Honda Sensing system to enhance driver experience by modifying the circumstances when the advanced driver assist system (ADAS) decelerates the vehicle or the extent of deceleration. The software covers Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), and Road Departure Mitigation (RDM).

Dealer Message - Due to software programming issues of the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), unexpected vehicle deceleration may occur.

Service Bulletin - American Honda has identified a condition that may affect Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) operation. Due to software programming issues of the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), unexpected vehicle deceleration may occur.

Dealer Message - Some customers have reported a pop-up message on the audio unit display stating: “Please insert USB drive containing valid software license file and press OK button.” When this message appears, the audio unit becomes unresponsive. The rear-view camera remains functional.

Dealer Message - Some customers have reported a pop-up message on the audio unit display stating: “Please insert USB drive containing valid software license file and press OK button.” When this message appears, the audio unit becomes unresponsive. The rear-view camera remains functional.

Tech Line Summary - Customers who have purchased the Accessory CarPlay /Android Auto upgrade are complaining that a pop-up message appears on the audio unit display stating, “Please insert USB drive containing valid software license file, and press OK button”. When this message is displayed, the audio unit is not responsive to control inputs, however the rear-view camera remains fully functional.