2018 Honda Accord Owner Complaints

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

Ac compressor problem

NHTSA ID

11754715

Incident

Jun 10, 2026

Doors lock actuators problem the break so fast , Fuel injector problem head gasket, Break warning sistem problems

NHTSA ID

11754713

Incident

Mar 11, 2026

Starting in the middle of July my 2018 Accord began showing a "Supplemental Restraint System Problem. See Your Dealer." message. Upon dealer(Ed Martin Honda) inspection it was found that the passenger seat airbag sensor was faulty and needed replaced. Upon checking I found that there is a recall for the faulty sensor but my VIN is not included. I urge further inspection as this appears to be a more wide spread issue than Honda is reporting.

NHTSA ID

11754668

Incident

Jul 11, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated, and the message "SRS Fault - See Dealer" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that rodent had eaten through the wiring and that the wiring insulation was soy-based, and the air bag cable and the harness cable needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 68,000.

NHTSA ID

11754483

Incident

Jun 15, 2026

Mileage

68,000 mi

I own a 208 Honda Accord Sport 1.5L Turbo that I purchased new. At approximately 69,000 miles, the vehicle experienced a cylinder head gasket failure, allowing coolant to enter the engine. The vehicle was diagnosed by Honda dealership, which recommended replacing the cylinder head gasket, cylinder head bolts and spark plug at an estimated cost $6,500. Prior to this failure, the vehicle began overheating and warning indicators appeared. The failure resulted in the vehicle becoming unsafe to operate because continued driving could have caused severe engine damage or an unexpected loss of power. The vehicle has been maintained throughout my ownership and I have retained maintenance records. I was also informed by Honda dealership that they have seen multiple 2018 Honda accords 1.5L turbo vehicles come in with the same head gasket issue. Based in my experience, I believe this may represent a recurring defect affecting this model.

NHTSA ID

11754287

Incident

Jun 10, 2026

Since 11/2026 I have had issues with this car. 11/2025 mis-fire on cylinder 2 replaced turbo and spark plugs due to all dash lights on and would not accelerate over 10mph. 6/2026 all dash lights lit up again and would not accelerate over 1-20 mph misfire on cylinders 1 and 3 codes P0301 and 0303. Replaced coils, spark plugs and found fuel leaking out of injectors. Replaced injectors. 07/2026 all dash lights lit up again and would not accelerate over 10-20 mph. Found leak in the cylinder head gasket, replaced head gasket which had to go to a machine shop to machine the head.

NHTSA ID

11754272

Incident

Nov 14, 2025

At roughly 83,000 miles, my 2018 Honda Accord 1.5Lt experienced a major engine failure caused by a blown head gasket. At the time of the failure, I was driving on a major road. While accelerating, the vehicle had "bucked" forward, which triggered the engine light to flash at which time the vehicle had no longer responded to me pushing on the gas pedal. This caused a major safety issue as I then had to get off of the road to avoid collisions with other vehicles. I immediately brought the car to a Honda dealership, who confirmed that the head gasket needed to be replaced. There were no prior indications that the vehicle had any issues.

NHTSA ID

11753578

Incident

Jun 26, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the engine temperature rose, and the vehicle lost automotive power. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, turned off the vehicle, and allowed the engine to cool down before restarting the vehicle, and the vehicle returned to normal operation. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was undetermined. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, Balise Honda of West Warwick (509 Quaker Ln, West Warwick, RI 02893); where it was diagnosed with a blown head gasket, which was caused by coolant leaking into the cylinders. The contact was informed that the head gasket, fuel injectors, and several other unknown parts needed to be replaced. The contact researched and was made aware of an unknown NHTSA Campaign; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 166,000.

NHTSA ID

11753528

Incident

Apr 29, 2026

Mileage

166,000 mi

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the engine and TPMS warning lights illuminated. The message that the vehicle should not be driven was displayed. The lane assist feature was inoperable. The contact disconnected the battery, and the warning light disappeared. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

NHTSA ID

11753272

Incident

Jul 17, 2026

Mileage

55,000 mi

At approximately 44,000 miles, multiple warning lights illuminated on the dashboard of my 2018 Honda Accord (1.5L turbocharged engine), including brake system, electric power steering, and driver-assistance/collision-mitigation warnings, accompanied by a rough start and an engine misfire. I took the vehicle to an authorized Honda dealer, which performed a diagnostic scan and a borescope inspection. The dealer confirmed engine coolant leaking internally into cylinder 3, a confirmed cylinder 3 misfire (code P0303), and a low coolant reservoir, and advised that the vehicle was not safe to drive. The diagnostic scan also returned fault codes across multiple safety systems, including ABS/VSA stability control, electric power steering, the electric brake booster (low-voltage power circuit fault), and the driver-assistance/collision-mitigation system. This is a head gasket failure allowing coolant to enter the cylinders — a failure mode widely reported on this engine — and it occurred at low mileage, creating a risk of engine misfire, stalling, and loss of power. No crash, fire, or injury has occurred. The dealer's repair order documenting these findings is available on request. I have reported this to the Honda corporate, and they are not responding and stalling the delivery or any update on the case. It has been 3 weeks, and it is causing prolonged inconvience and safety issue to me and my family

NHTSA ID

11753271

Incident

Jun 23, 2026

My 2018 Honda Accord EX's transmission failed after just 88,000 miles. I have owned 3 Hondas and I never had this experience. All bought a Honda World in Westminster, California. I did some research and spoke to a private transmission service company, Leon's Transmissions, and they told me that in 2018, Honda replaced the old transmission they were using with a CVT transmission. They said that clients who bought Honda Accords in 2018 have had the transmission fail on them between 80,000 - 100,000 miles. They also said that HONDA knew that the CVT in 2018 was a bad transmission but instead of alerting clients, they "chose" to work on improving the CVT transmission for future vehicles. I have taken in my Honda regularly for service which is about 3 times a year. I just had it serviced on May 29, 2026 with an oil and lube, a new air and cabin filter, and brakes. TWO MONTHS later, July 7, 2026 I discovered a "shimmy, grunting" sound when I started it. NO WARNING lamps, messages on my dashboard. I took it into my dealership that I have used since 2002. They told me the transmission had failed, that the warranty was only up to 60,000 miles and that to replace it would cost me $9000.00 dollars. NO DISCOUNTS, NO LOYALTY help, nothing. I am a retired senior and I cannot afford this cost. My dealership said that the car is NOT safe to drive, but to take it to CARMAX and see if I can get anything for the car. What nerve. I believe I should be given some compensation or a new transmission for this gross negligence on Honda. I took in my car for regular service, did not put too many miles on the car in the last 8 years (just 88,000) and feel that they should have CHECKED the transmission each time I serviced the car or alerted me via a recall about the transmission early on.

NHTSA ID

11752820

Incident

Jul 1, 2026

The Accord Dashboard lights are coming on for all systems; collison mitigation braking problem, road departure mitigation system propblem, emission system problems avoid heavy acceleration and high speed, tire pressure monitoring system problem, brake system problem brake performance may be reduced, electric power steering system problems steering assist reduced , vehicle stability assist system problem, reduced traction and handling, I have had the car serviced 3 times and they cannot correct this problem. a friend with a 2017 accord is having the very same issue. Looks like this should be a RECALL to fix

NHTSA ID

11752782

Incident

Jan 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle, and a fuel odor was entering the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle immediately stopped. The contact activated the hazard lights until a tow truck was able to arrive on scene to tow the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the head gasket was blown and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was no longer operable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

NHTSA ID

11752592

Incident

Jul 24, 2026

Mileage

68,000 mi

I bought this car used and I've only had it two months and the head gasket has blown. I didn't know the 10th generation had bad gaskets and turbos i found that out after I purchased the car. Literally everyone i know now that had one the gasket or turbo went out. Not only that it was a recall on my fuel pump no one told me about until I added it to my insurance and they told me. Yes Honda dealership fixed it for free now it needs to be a recall on these turbos and head gaskets. It's not fair. I wouldn't recommend Honda to no one now and they say Honda last a lifetime. Thats not true quit making the 10th generation and take it off the market.

NHTSA ID

11752530

Incident

Jul 23, 2026

At approximately 159,000 miles, my vehicle exhibited multiple dashboard warning lights simultaneously including ABS, VSA, EPS, TPMS, brake, ACC, CMBS, and RDM warnings along with engine misfire codes. Borescope inspection confirmed coolant intrusion into cylinder 1. Cylinders 2, 3, and 4 were dry. Diagnosis confirmed head gasket failure consistent with the known design defect in the 1.5L turbocharged i-VTEC engine related to inadequate head bolt clamping force versus boost pressure. This failure is the subject of active class action litigation (Bissell v. American Honda Motor Co., Case 3:24-cv-02286-AJB-MMP). Vehicle requires full head gasket replacement at my own expense estimated at $900+. No recall has been issued despite widespread reports of identical failures across 2018-2022 Honda Accord 1.5T vehicles.

NHTSA ID

11752497

Incident

Jul 7, 2026

Blown head gasket at ~94k miles. Cost over $7k to replace with a used engine and Honda offered zero reimbursement assistance. This is a major problem on the 10th generation engines.

NHTSA ID

11752415

Incident

Mar 30, 2026

My Accord reported multiple warnings at engine start up (check engine light, warnings about cruise control, etc.), and the engine ran rougher than normal. I immediately drove to a Honda dealer for service. The Honda dealer, Checkered Flag Honda of Norfolk, Virginia, diagnosed a blown head gasket in cylinder 2, which allowed all coolant to drain into the engine. They also indicated that fuel injectors and spark plugs were compromised and required replacement. The vehicle has approximately 75,000 miles, has received regular maintenance, and was operated in normal driving conditions.

NHTSA ID

11752305

Incident

Jul 22, 2026