2018 Honda Accord Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
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What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2018 Honda Accord, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine54722.2%
- Driver assistance47519.3%
- Fuel system46318.8%
- Electrical28211.5%
- Brakes25910.5%
- Powertrain (other)1315.3%
- Steering592.4%
- Airbags582.4%
- Body & structure572.3%
- Visibility331.3%
- Seat belts291.2%
- Exterior lighting241.0%
- Other / unspecified150.6%
- Suspension150.6%
- Interior & seats70.3%
- Tires & wheels40.2%
- Heating & air conditioning10.0%
- Transmission10.0%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Doors lock actuators problem the break so fast , Fuel injector problem head gasket, Break warning sistem problems
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
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Doors lock actuators problem the break so fast , Fuel injector problem head gasket, Break warning sistem problems
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I own a 2018 Honda Accord with approximately 132,000 miles. Shortly after my vehicle was serviced for the fuel pump recall, multiple warning lights and system failure messages appeared simultaneously. The affected systems include Road Departure Mitigation, Emission System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Auto High Beam, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Electric Power Steering, Vehicle Stability Assist, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Hill Start Assist, and the Air Bag System. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The failure of multiple safety and driver-assistance systems has created a significant safety risk. My vehicle is currently operating in limp mode, resulting in reduced performance and making it difficult to drive safely in traffic. The loss or malfunction of systems such as collision mitigation braking, power steering, vehicle stability assist, adaptive cruise control, and air bag monitoring increases the risk of an accident and could jeopardize the safety of both vehicle occupants and other motorists. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. I took the vehicle to a Honda dealership for diagnostic testing after the warning lights appeared. The dealer confirmed that multiple systems were reporting faults. I was advised that numerous components would need to be replaced at a substantial cost. Prior to the fuel pump recall service, I had not experienced any of these issues and the vehicle operated normally. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle has been inspected by a Honda dealership for diagnostic purposes. To my knowledge, it has not been inspected by Honda corporate, law enforcement, or insurance representatives. Were there any warning lamps, mes
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
driving on highway 65mph steering wheel sticks and jerks the car side to side very scary almost ran into car next to me at that speed. I called the dealer to report it. I am waiting to bring vehicle in to diagnose. they stated that it is a known issue and that it is more than likely the electronic steering box rack and pinion.
All alarms are on. Breaks adaptive cruise control hill assist and all other alarms. Taken in to 2 Honda deals and serval mechanics they cannot figure out what’s wrong with it. About once a month all the alarms will clear while driving and the car sensors will start making the car drive odd. Have to fight the steering wheel to keep it straight and wheels will independently break, thinking it’s sliding but it’s not. Extremely dangerous on snowy road or wet roads.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The door handle is coming off where the key part is and handle part it.
See attached document for complaint.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
I owned a 2018 Honda Accord,i got it new from the dealership so im the only owner of this vehicle. my headlights keep building condensations prematurely causing them to fail . I have already replaced multple headlights because of this . also when the bulbs go out honda made it where the bulbs can not be replaced at all. these headlights cost close to $1000 each plus 500 in labor to installed. theres should be a recall for this as its costing me soo much money . I hoping we must hold accountability to its highest level so consumer dont have suffer like this. Thank you so much for reading!
The sunroof spontaneously exploded while traveling at 50mph. Was not a rock. The sound was extremely distracting and could easily cause a wreck, especially if the sunroof visor was open. Could also cause bodily harm.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
The car was sold to me in 2021 with no airbags and no working seatbelt in the back passenger seat. The car was bought at AX Auto in Atlanta Ga. I have been in touch with them and they keep ignorning me and will not fix this issue.
I was traveling North on Highway 55 in Huntsville, AL when I put the car in sport mode all of the error lights came on immediately. This has happened on several occasions. My passenger seat belt error always comes on. When I call about getting the recall fixed it could never be done because the dealer ships says the parts are not available.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
I owned a 2018 Honda Accord,i got it new from the dealership so im the only owner of this vehicle. my headlights keep building condensations prematurely causing them to fail . I have already replaced multple headlights because of this . also when the bulbs go out honda made it where the bulbs can not be replaced at all. these headlights cost close to $1000 each plus 500 in labor to installed. theres should be a recall for this as its costing me soo much money . I hoping we must hold accountability to its highest level so consumer dont have suffer like this. Thank you so much for reading!
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
These also are warning signals that keep coming on I took it to AutoZone obd scanner said is was misfire cylinder2got spark plug changed and engine coil still showing same thing on scanner
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact stated that the backup camera was turning on and off. While reversing, the backup camera turned black over time. The check engine and ACC adaptive cruise control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who confirmed the vehicle was not covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V629000 (Back Over Prevention, Visibility). The dealer provided an unknown diagnosis, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who opened a case and referred to the NHTSA hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 98,179.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
When Tpms light comes on, all safety features including cruise control become disabled. Lane assist and collision safety features become disabled. On top of that, I have had Honda look at my rear end after they replaced a rear upper control arm after being in a ditch and at 246,000 current miles, I have replaced my tires 16 times due to the rear tires ripping the tread off between 10-15k. If there was nothing else wrong, why have I spent between $10,000-$15,000 miles on tires? I have had numerous alignments at Honda and elsewhere. Marion Honda claims it’s normal! I was told I can put adjustable control arms on. I have met other Honda accord sport 1.5t owners with 50k miles on one set of tires, yet I can’t get more than 15k on the rear tires. Clearly something is bent or incorrect currently I am re replacing the upper control arm.. They say the alignment rack does not flag anything. I have bought between Goodyear, Michelin, and Pirelli tires they also replaced a turbo, only for a few months later to have a pressure problem that Findlay Honda found I was missing an oring in the turbo or intercooler. How? Orings do not call out. Fast forward 18 months and another bad turbo on this lemon!
Vibration in car took it to dealership but still can't figure out what's causing to vibrate so much when driving and idling.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
everytime upon start up i get a message saying supplement restraint system error see dealer, should not be having this issue
Also the side of the center console. I have leather seats and all my years of owning cars with leather my head rest or center console has ever looked like this.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
While traveling on the interstate at 70-74mph without warning, the tire suddenly blew out, causing the car to shake and forcing me to the shoulder, which almost led to an accident. The car was recently serviced at a Honda dealership, which noted my tire tread was in good condition. The problem appears to be with the sidewall of the tire, which blew, causing the issue.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
4 year old Accord, 28k miles, garaged, not driven much in the past 2 years. A/C has failed.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact stated that in April of 2021 the vehicle was taken to a dealer for an unknown recall related to the BCM. Months later, the contact parked her vehicle in the driveway and walked around it to retrieve her trash can, when she turned around it was discovered that the vehicle was rolling causing the front to crash into her against the garage wall. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact sustained a pelvic bone injury and was transported to the hospital for medical treatment. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a dealer. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .