2018 Honda Accord Owner Complaints

Formal Complaint Regarding Repeated Warning Lights and $2,600 Turbocharger Repair Recommendation – 2018 Honda Accord Dear Honda Customer Service / Dealership Management, I am writing to formally express my concern and frustration regarding ongoing issues with my 2018 Honda Accord and the diagnosis and repair recommendation I have received from the dealership. My vehicle has been experiencing an intermittent problem where multiple warning lights and/or error indicators on the dashboard come on at the same time. The problem does not remain consistently active. The warning lights may stay on for several days, then disappear, and later return again. This has happened multiple times. Because the issue is intermittent, I have attempted to have the vehicle properly diagnosed rather than simply replacing parts based on a temporary warning or error code. I have also had a diagnostic scanner connected to the vehicle. At various times, the scanner has not shown an active problem or has not provided a clear explanation that would justify replacing a major and expensive component. Despite the intermittent nature of the problem, I have now been advised that I may need to spend approximately $2,600 to replace the turbocharger due to an underboost condition. I have serious concerns about this recommendation. First, I want to understand exactly how the dealership determined that the turbocharger itself has failed and that replacing the turbocharger will actually resolve the underlying problem. An “underboost” condition or related diagnostic code does not necessarily, by itself, establish that the turbocharger is defective. There can potentially be other causes of an underboost condition, including issues involving boost-control components, hoses, connections, sensors, vacuum or pressure leaks, wiring, electronic controls, or other related components.

NHTSA ID

11766745

Incident

Sep 17, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving, the vehicle lost automotive power with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the head gasket was allowing coolant to leak into the cylinders which caused the vehicle to lose automotive power. The contact was informed that the head gasket needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.

NHTSA ID

11766520

Incident

Sep 1, 2026

Mileage

150,000 mi

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, several unknown warning lights unexpectedly illuminated on the instrument panel. The failure mileage was approximately 116,242.

NHTSA ID

11766507

Incident

Sep 23, 2026

Mileage

116,242 mi

My car keeps losing power suddenly! Sometimes it has even started to stall while driving. Also the electrical menu has tons of errors and isn't working. There are several recalls on Honda Accords for the fuel pump and the vehicle assistance module but my vin doesn't show up.

NHTSA ID

11766240

Incident

Jul 1, 2026

this is a known issue with honda. the head gasket is blown causing all the warning lights to come up on the dash. my car has not got hot, it goes up to the H but goes right back down to normal setting. i have had my local honda dealer look at my vehicle and that is what they told me was the issue. since my car has a rebuilt title, honda won't cover the cost for the repair. i bought the car last year from an out of state small dealer with a rebuilt title. honda is being sued for this issue, because they know about it and still were making the vehicles. this is no fault of my own and honda should honor the recall and repair my car at no cost to me. as i am now unable to drive the car and i can't afford to have it repaired. i contacted honda of america and filed a claim and also a good-will request, but because of the rebuilt title, i was not eligible for help. every single honda made during these specific years 2018-2021 are having the same issues. not one car should be discriminated against because of a rebuilt title. the re-build has zero impact on the head gasket and the cylinders being too close together, and the turbo causing the head to blow. my car is right at 128,000 miles, and it’s known for the issue to start occurring around 120,000 miles. then come to also find out there’s an ongoing issue with gas leaking into the oil. they denied my request on that too. any help would be greatly appreciated! thank you for your time and consideration! -RF-

NHTSA ID

11765319

Incident

Dec 31, 1969

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "SRS Fault" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the passenger’s seat occupant detection sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. Additionally, the mechanic retrieved a seat belt fault code. No further information was available. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failures and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V332000 (AIR BAGS) nor 23V158000 (SEAT BELT). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 72,000.

NHTSA ID

11765191

Incident

Jul 1, 2026

Mileage

72,000 mi

I am not sure WHAT component failed. My lights on my dash will not go off. I have done everything I was told to do, ever down to a new Battery. & they will not go off. My car will not go over a certain speed. Before this, there were no problems. No warning lights & it was driving perfectly fine. PLEASE HELP. When I researched this issue, I noticed a million others having the SAME problem. There has to be a recall on these Honda’s. Let alone, just a simple answer as to WHY this is happening.

NHTSA ID

11764632

Incident

Sep 14, 2026

My car starting shutting off on me suddenly while driving. No warning lights. Eventually had it towed to honda. Honda informed me it was the head gasket that blew with only 109,000 miles on the car at the time. My car had the 1.5 turbo engine that is now currently under investigation for this same issue. Ended up having a used motor put in it that cost me $4,000

NHTSA ID

11764530

Incident

Dec 31, 1969

Side airbag not working properly ("SRS problem" intermittently showing up on dashboard): DTC checked and found B0020-13: Open or increased resistance in the left side airbag inflator. No accident on this side of the vehicle has occurred to my knowledge. A few months ago back in March my car was impacted on the right rear tire/quarter panel (repaired at caliber collision). That's the only known accident. The SRS notification first appeared 2 weeks ago and then it turned off. It appeared again yesterday 9/14/2026.

NHTSA ID

11764523

Incident

Sep 14, 2026

I am reporting a recurring safety and mechanical issue with my 2018 Honda Accord 1.5T, which currently has approximately 128,900 miles. My vehicle has been experiencing shaking/rough operation and multiple warning lights while driving. Diagnostic scans have shown P0301 – Cylinder 1 Misfire and U0401-68. The ignition coils were replaced with original/OEM parts in an attempt to correct the issue. After the repair, the warning lights went away temporarily, but within several days the same warning lights and symptoms returned, and the vehicle again showed the P0301 cylinder 1 misfire code. I am concerned because the vehicle continues to shake and operate abnormally despite the repair. I have learned that Honda has addressed cylinder-head-gasket concerns involving certain 1.5L turbocharged Accord vehicles, which may cause engine misfires. However, I have not had my vehicle diagnosed with a defective head gasket, so I am not claiming that this is definitely the cause of my vehicle's problem. When I checked my VIN through NHTSA, it showed 0 unrepaired recalls. I am submitting this complaint so that NHTSA has a record of the recurring problem and can determine whether my vehicle's condition may be related to a broader safety defect affecting 2018 Honda Accord 1.5T vehicles. I am concerned about the possibility of the continued misfire causing loss of engine performance, loss of power, stalling, or otherwise making the vehicle unsafe to operate if the underlying problem worsens. I have photographs of the diagnostic scans documenting the codes and records showing the previous repair.

NHTSA ID

11764229

Incident

Sep 2, 2026

Since I purchased this car in 2022, the collision mitigation braking system has randomly engaged for no reason. This has happened multiple times over the years, day and night, when no other vehicle, road obstructions, or other factors warrant the system triggering.

NHTSA ID

11763757

Incident

Sep 11, 2026

1>Engine failure: Around the time vehicle reached 148,000 miles on it, it blew a head gasket on cylinder 2. Coolant was in the cylinders. The vehicle would not accelerate and was misfiring. 2> Safety was affected as this occured on interstate 40 and caused the vehicle to slow to an unsafe speed. 3>Problem was confirmed by Morganton Honda- Morganton NC. 4> Check engine light.

NHTSA ID

11763581

Incident

Mar 4, 2026

Unknown of actual issue. Experiencing persistent hard excessive jerking when accelerating. Extended warranty was placed for most Hondas due to head gasket issue but not for 2.0T

NHTSA ID

11763250

Incident

Jun 20, 2026

The contact's sister-in-law owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle, the vehicle stalled with several warning lights illuminated. The driver pulled over to the side of the road, and the vehicle failed to restart immediately. The vehicle was restarted after a while. The driver continued driving, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the cylinder head gasket, gasket kit, and coolant needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.

NHTSA ID

11762778

Incident

Jun 8, 2025

Mileage

132,000 mi

Vehicle dashboard lights up with multiple warnings, power loss/limp mode in traffic and while driving. Dealership said it’s a very common problem but Honda refuses to make a recall. Technician says it is most likely caused by faulty fuel pump which is already recall that caused damage to the injectors.

NHTSA ID

11762358

Incident

Sep 1, 2026

Car was overheating while driving. Received warning signs on the dash to pull over and turn car off immediately. Which I did. Very dangerous to do, especially with my three year old on a 90° summer day. I felt fear for my life while waiting on the side of a busy road during rush hour for the engine to cool and figure out what to do. Here the head gasket blew. A defect in the engine that Honda knows about. As a matter of fact, they have lawsuits for this exact occurrence.

NHTSA ID

11762275

Incident

Sep 1, 2026

It started with multiple lights glowing on my dash. Then progressively the car felt sluggish and ultimately while driving to church in July the car cut off while I was making a turn. Some kind gentleman pushed my car helping me get out the intersection.

NHTSA ID

11762233

Incident

Jul 11, 2026

I own a 2018 Honda Accord Sport 2.0T that has been consistently maintained through authorized Honda dealerships. On July 30, 2026, at 135,968 miles, I took my vehicle to Nalley Honda for a Blind Spot Information System warning and maintenance. The dealership performed a multi-point inspection and documented the spark plugs, cooling-system hoses, and fluid leaks as PASSING. I authorized approximately $1,231 in repairs and maintenance. Only days and approximately 202 miles later, multiple warning lights appeared. I returned to the same dealership. At 136,170 miles, Honda documented DTC P0302 (Cylinder #2 Misfire). The injectors passed an air-fuel test. The technician then noted pressure releasing from the cooling system despite low coolant temperature. A head-gasket leak test was performed and FAILED. Honda diagnosed a blown cylinder head gasket and recommended approximately $4,906 in repairs, including spark plugs that had passed inspection only days earlier. I am concerned about the sudden failure of a major engine component in a well-maintained vehicle, particularly so soon after a Honda dealership inspection. I have learned that other Honda Accord 2.0T owners have reported premature head-gasket failures. A failed head gasket can result in misfires, coolant loss, overheating, reduced engine performance, and potential engine damage while driving. I am requesting that NHTSA review this complaint along with similar complaints involving Honda Accord 2.0T head-gasket failures to determine whether a defect trend exists and whether an investigation is warranted.

NHTSA ID

11761480

Incident

Aug 3, 2026

There is a hole in the engine block and it happed while I was driving, people could’ve been hurt on the road because of this mechanical failure. Vehicle has only been inspected by a private mechanic who found the problem. There was no warning of this besides a add air to tire warning.

NHTSA ID

11761461

Incident

Jul 4, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the AC evaporator became inoperable and was blowing hot air. The contact stated that the failure had been occurring since the vehicle was purchased in 2018. The contact stated that the evaporator was leaking. The dealer confirmed the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired.

NHTSA ID

11761420

Incident

Sep 1, 2026

Car went into limp mode and was struggling to accelerate, went and got it diagnosed and was notified that my spark plugs needed to be replaced. Car began running fine but a few months went by and the issue came back. I was told I needed my spark plugs changed again. After the third time, I went and had my car diagnosed again and was told I needed a battery for the car because it was drained. Then I got the Turbo replaced and still the issue remains. All lights on the dashboard are on, car overheats and goes into limp mode, sometimes not accelerating over 20 MPH. My car went into limp mode on the highway, this scared me, so I haven't drove it since. Ive seen countless comments of users with the same make and model, experiencing the same issue. Its sad that Honda, known to be a trustworthy and reliable brand for years would do their customers like this, especially considering the state of the economy at the moment.

NHTSA ID

11761198

Incident

Apr 16, 2026

While driving on a bridge at under 20 mph, the vehicle's head gasket failed, causing the engine to overheat and coolant to leak from within the engine. The vehicle threw diagnostic trouble code P2601 and immediately entered "limp mode," severely cutting engine power and vehicle speed. Because this happened on a bridge with no shoulder to safely pull over, the sudden loss of power created a serious safety hazard — the vehicle could not maintain a safe speed or keep pace with surrounding traffic, increasing the risk of being struck by other vehicles. The vehicle was taken to a Tampa Honda (11000 N Florida Ave), where the failure was confirmed to be a blown head gasket that allowed coolant to leak into the engine cylinders. The head gasket and related components were replaced at a cost of approximately $5,000 to restore the vehicle to safe operating condition. The failed component is no longer available for inspection in its failed state, as replacement was required to make the vehicle drivable. No dealer, manufacturer representative, police officer, or insurance adjuster has inspected the vehicle; only at Tampa Honda facility that performed the repair diagnosed and confirmed the head gasket failure. Prior to this incident, no warning lamps or symptoms were noted — the P2601 code and limp mode activation occurred simultaneously with the sudden overheating and coolant loss, with no advance warning. This failure is consistent with a widely reported defect pattern among Honda vehicles with similar engines, where the head gasket fails prematurely and allows coolant to enter the cylinders. Honda has not issued a recall or acknowledged a manufacturing defect despite numerous consumer reports describing the same failure mode.

NHTSA ID

11761032

Incident

Aug 22, 2026

On August 29th 2026 at 1:28PM (13:28) 148,320 mi. on odometer During interstate driving and topping the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on Interstate 275 Northbound (27.617863, -82.653639) the vehicle detected both road departure and engaged the emergency automated braking due to the shadow generated by the superstructure of the Skyway Bridge falling on the road surface. The vehicle attempted to correct the "road departure" by steering the vehicle away from the perceived problem and violently engaged the brakes nearly causing a collision as it has done numerous times before. In this particular event, it was an extraordinarily dangerous situation given the location that it occurred (190ft in the air on a walled in 2 lane interstate highway). I have reported this to NHTSA and American Honda on multiple previous occasions and await a repair or even an acknowledgement of this extremely dangerous issue. Honda has opened a case on this but have had 12+ months and no response has been issued.

NHTSA ID

11760916

Incident

Aug 29, 2026

I purchased my 2018 Honda Accord Sport from CarMax on January 16, 2026, and I have had several serious problems with the vehicle since purchasing it. Every warning light on the dashboard has come on, my radar system will not stay calibrated, and I have been told that my fuel injectors need to be replaced. In addition, the relay module was already broken when I received the vehicle, which causes the interior lights in my car not to work properly. These issues have caused serious concerns about my safety and the safety of others because I cannot depend on the vehicle’s safety systems or know when another component may fail. The vehicle and affected components are available for inspection upon request. I have attempted to get these problems addressed, but I have not been able to get a satisfactory resolution. The issues have been identified/diagnosed, and I am seeking further inspection to determine the full extent of the problems. I have not had the vehicle inspected by the police or an insurance representative, but I am trying to get the manufacturer/dealer involved so these issues can be properly documented and addressed. I am especially concerned because I have only had this vehicle since January 16, 2026, and I have already put a significant amount of money into it while still owing a substantial amount on the loan. I was also informed that the vehicle could potentially be considered a total loss within the next couple of months. I do not believe it is reasonable for me to be left responsible for a vehicle that I recently purchased from CarMax and that has developed or revealed so many serious problems. I am requesting assistance in determining whether these issues can be properly repaired, whether the vehicle is safe and reliable to drive, and what options are available to me for a resolution given the amount of money I have already invested and the remaining balance on my vehicle loan.

NHTSA ID

11760217

Incident

Feb 20, 2026

In September 2025, all dashboard lights came on while driving down the road. I immediately pulled over and turned the car off. When turning the car back on, all lights remained on and I drove to the nearest repair shop, where at this time it was beginning to run hot. I was told at this point that the head gasket had blown and this would need to be replaced. I replaced the head gasket for $4100.00. After that, in October 2025, I had to replace the fuel injectors and coil packs. In February 2026, driving down the road, the car was not running hot but all lights came on the dash again and it went into limp mode. The car had to be towed to a repair shop where it was stated that coil packs needed to be changed again. In August 2026, the turbo had to be replaced, resulting in an additional $2500.00

NHTSA ID

11759432

Incident

Sep 22, 2025