RoadVitals

2020 Honda Accord Powertrain (other) Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the powertrain system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Powertrain (other) reportsComplaints 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.
16
Latest Aug 10, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
5%
of 345 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
0
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2020 Honda Accord submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 16 reports on file name it.

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

Owner reports naming powertrain

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 10, 2026

The car has a blown head gasket at 72k miles the odometer. This seems to be a major problem with 2018-2022 honda accords with the 1.5 turbo engine. it also has a bad fuel pump.

NHTSA ID
11755895
Incident
Apr 2, 2026
Driver assistanceFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 30, 2026

The car keeps giving me misfires

NHTSA ID
11753856
Incident
Jun 8, 2026
Driver assistanceFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 23, 2026

Transmission Fuel pump Ac compressor

NHTSA ID
11733453
Incident
Dec 31, 1969
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Mar 10, 2026

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The turbo charger and the fuel pump How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Both instances I was driving and car automatically started to decelerate while I was on the busy interstate. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes by a dealer Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No but Honda has been notified because there is currently a recall out for these issues that includes my year of vehicle but not my vin. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes every system in the vehicle stated it was failing and engine light came on.

NHTSA ID
11723444
Incident
Mar 9, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Mar 10, 2026

2020 Honda Accord Sport 1.5. Routine maintenance always done on time. At 108K turn my car on after a routine 45 minute drive an hour or so previous and all warning lights come on. TPMS, Brake System Problem, road dept system, emissions system. Dealer reports Head Gasket needs replaced and 3rd cylinder misfire, coolant leak etc. Quoted $5K to repair. Only 108K miles. Honda isn’t what it used to be. Quick search reveals the 10th Gen accords and civics suffer from early failure of this product routinely. Surely a known defect worthy of recall.

NHTSA ID
11723416
Incident
Mar 7, 2026
BrakesFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Jan 12, 2026

Was operating the vehicle at about 30mph and the braking system started malfunctioning by giving me limited braking power and throwing a bunch of lights on the dash along with sudden loss of acceleration. Tried to press the pedal again and it didn’t respond I drifted to a stop in the middle a lane in the road. Had to shut vehicle off then restart to regain function. All conditions were clear outside. The dealer I bought it from has been very suspicious since the purchase. Bought as a “certified pre-owned” but have had nothing but problems in the couple weeks of owning. Such as the TPMS system continuously going off saying “low tire pressure” the dealer has seen it multiple times and still can’t figure out the problem. They said they’re gonna start “throwing random parts at it” Issues just continue to get worse with little to no cooperation with the dealership. Will be inspected in the morning once it’s towed in. No longer feel safe operating vehicle. Warning lamps came on after the malfunction. Then flickered on and off a few times then stayed on when I restarted the vehicle.

NHTSA ID
11710278
Incident
Jan 11, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jan 3, 2026

Complete loss of power on acceleration. Car goes limp while driving on highway or a 50 mph street - very dangerous to have loss of power when other cars are driving fast too. We have replaced the spark plugs, coils, and fuel injectors. That was a waste of time and money bc the same problem existing- loss of power again! Turns out, it’s bc the Head gasket has a design flaw - deep grooves between the cylinder heads and head bolts that are not strong or tight enough. I have lost all trust for Honda bc this has not been issued as a recall. After quick online research- Everyone is having the same issue who has these models, this needs to be a safety recall bc Honda created a faulty head gasket design. This car is not safe bc the head gasket design, and I’m making payments on a car that I can’t even drive. Unethical for Honda to not take accountability for this! I’m driving my 03 Toyota that has over 300k miles is more reliable than this 2020 Honda - paying for a car I can’t drive makes me despise Honda for not issuing this recall.

NHTSA ID
11708597
Incident
Dec 24, 2025
Driver assistanceFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Dec 17, 2025

While driving my 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, VIN [XXX] , the car would start exhibiting rough engine feels, and all of the dashboard lights would come on. The car would lose power at highway speeds, and I’d have to pull over to turn the car off and on. When checking on OBDII meter, getting P0301 codes. I have replaced the coils and plugs twice and still not better. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11705486
Incident
Nov 20, 2025
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 17, 2025

Driving on I70 mm152.2 my transmission went out and I was left quickly slowing on the interstate. I was in left line and cars were passing on the right. I needed to get over because I could not pull over to the left. Thought I might get stuck stopped on the interstate but was able to get over safely. Car only had 88000 miles on it and was less than 5 years old

NHTSA ID
11674208
Incident
Jul 4, 2025
ElectricalFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 20, 2025

Starting sconce July the car will vibrate at random times and will hesitate and buck while car will vibrate and not want to move have brought the car back to the dealership over 4 times now and they can not find any issues despite me having videos and any information I can gather since July if 2024

NHTSA ID
11655665
Incident
Aug 1, 2024
Powertrain (other)
Filed Nov 11, 2024

The vehicle's transmission stalls when trying to accelerate, causing unnecessary RPM fluctuations. While going downhill with the brakes applied, the RPM gauge spikes pass 4000 RPM causing the car to accelerate rather than slow down. when this occurs, extra pressure has to be applied onto the breaks to slow vehicle down. If enough space isn't given to the car Infront, pressing the break will cause a crash. Accelerating too fast on the highway will cause blown head gasket if transmission is stalling. This seems like a common issue with 1.5L engine & Honda's CVT transmission as other owners has been through similar issue & proven by independent service center. I've taken the vehicle to different dealer for inspection. only recommendation is transmission fluid change. Dealers refuse to do anything regarding the actual issue at hand.

NHTSA ID
11624566
Incident
Sep 29, 2023
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 18, 2024

CVT belt prematurely broke causing transmission failure on 2020 honda accord. Car has 93000 mile.

NHTSA ID
11609220
Incident
Jul 27, 2024
Powertrain (other)Steering
Filed Mar 24, 2021

2020 HONDA ACCORD - NOT TRACKING STRAIGHT. DEALERSHIP SAYS THEY CANNOT RECREATE. ISSUE HAPPENS EVERYTIME GOING 50+MPH FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME WHEN CAR IS WARMED UP (30-45+ MINUTES ON HIGHWAY. DID NOT INITIALLY HAPPEN DURING RESIDENTIAL COMMUTES, BUT IS NOW STARTING TO.) WHEEL STICKS TO ONE SIDE WHEN TURNING SLIGHTLY TO EITHER SIDE AND THEN RELEASES CAUSING OVERCORRECTING. WHEEL IS LOOSE AT CENTER AND YOU CONTINUOUSLY HAVE TO ADJUST LEFT TO RIGHT TO LEFT TO STAY STRAIGHT. IT'S ALMOST AS IF THERE IS NO RESISTANCE IN A CERTAIN SECTION OF THE WHEEL. SEVERELY CONCERNING. FEELS EXTREMELY UNSAFE AND DEALERSHIP WON'T LISTEN. SEEMS LIKE SAME ISSUE FROM 2014 RECALL. PLEASE RECALL THIS ISSUE - I JUST BOUGHT A NEW CAR AND IT'S DOING THIS; SOMETHING THAT SHOULD NOT HAPPEN, ESPECIALLY IN A BRAND NEW CAR WITH ME BEING THE FIRST OWNER - BOUGHT NEW IN NOVEMBER 2019 AT 6MILES. I'VE OWNED 3 OTHER HONDA'S AND THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED. I FEEL LIKE HONDA IS JUST TRYING TO RUN MY WARRANTY OUT - I WILL FIGHT TO HAVE THIS ISSUE TAKEN CARE OF AS I FEEL LIKE I COULD CRASH AT ANY TIME.

NHTSA ID
11404732
Incident
Nov 30, 2020
Mileage
400 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Oct 31, 2020

FROM OCT 10 TO OCT 14, I PARKED MY CAR AT OFF AIRPORT PARKING LOT FOR 5DAYS. WHEN I CAME BACK, MY CAR DIDN'T START. MY CAR WAS TOWED TO THE CLOSEST HONDA DEALERSHIP. I GOT THE INSPECTION REPORT FROM THE DEALERSHIP STATING THAT THE REASON WHY MY CAR DIDN'T START IS DUE TO BAD GAS. I WENT TO THE GAS STATION, WHERE I PUMPED MY GAS LAST TIME BEFORE I FLEW OUT OF ATL, TO CHECK WITH THEM. THEY PROVIDED ME A COPY OF THE SYSTEM STATUS REPORT OF 10/9/20 SHOWING THAT THERE WERE NO ISSUES. SO I WENT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THEY HAVE CONFIRMED THAT #3 CYLINDER IS FULL OF WATER; THEY SAID THEY COULD GET A FUEL SAMPLE ONCE I AUTHORIZED THEM TO WORK ON THE FUEL TANK REMOVAL AND CLEANING. ONCE THEY PROCEEDED, THEY STATED THEY FOCUSED ON CLEANING THE SPARK PLUGS AND PERFORMING AN OIL CHANGE WHICH LED THEM TO FIND OUT THERE IS INTERNAL DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. SO THEY TOLD ME THEY WOULD STOP UNTIL MY INSURANCE COMPANY CHECKS THE CAR. THEY SAID THEY TOOK MULTIPLE FUEL SAMPLES AND DID NOT SEE WATER BUT THERE WAS WATER FILLED IN THE ENGINE CYLINDERS. THEY HAVE ASKED ME IF THE CAR WAS IN A FLOOD, BUT THERE WAS NO MASSIVE RAIN OR STORM WHICH FLOODED THE AREA. THEY EMPHASIZED THAT IT IS NOT A WARRANTABLE REPAIR AS IT IS NOT A PROBLEM CAUSED BY THE MANUFACTURER, WHICH SOUNDED QUESTIONING. THE TECHNICIAN TOLD ME IF THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE OIL AND FUEL TANK, THEN THE ONLY WAY THAT WATER CAN GET INTO THE ENGINE IS MANUALLY POURING LOTS OF WATER THROUGH AIR INTAKE, WHICH ALSO SOUNDS RIDICULOUS AS I HAVE NEVER TOUCHED IT NOR THERE WAS NO TRACE OF SOMEONE TRYING TO OPEN MY HOOD FROM INSIDE AND PUTTING WATER. AFTER I EXPLAINED TO THEM, THEY SAID THEY STILL CANNOT PROVIDE AN ANSWER AS TO WHY THERE IS WATER, BUT IT CANNOT BE WARRANTABLE REPAIR. IF THEY DO NOT KNOW THE CLEAR CAUSE OF THE ISSUES, HOW CAN THEY STRONGLY CONFIRM IT IS NOT DUE TO MANUFACTURER ISSUES?

NHTSA ID
11372484
Incident
Oct 14, 2020
Mileage
15,525 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 18, 2020

THE CAR WAS IN MOTION ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND IT STOPPED ACCELERATING. I PULLED OVER AND COULD NOT GET THE CAR TO ACCELERATE MORE THAN A COUPLE MPH.

NHTSA ID
11340086
Incident
Jul 17, 2020
Mileage
2,466 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jan 15, 2020

WE RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2020 HONDA ACCORD EX. WE HAVE DRIVEN IT ABOUT 3200 MILES IN THE 3 MONTHS WE OWNED IT. DURING THAT TIME IT HAS SHIFTED FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL 3 TIMES WHEN MY WIFE, WHILE DRIVING FORWARD AT NORMAL SPEEDS, LIGHTLY BRUSHED THE SHIFTER WHILE ADJUSTING A CONTROL ON THE DASH OR ON THE STEERING WHEEL. THE THIRD TIME SHE ATTEMPTED TO QUICKLY SHIFT BACK TO DRIVE AND BECAUSE THE LOCK IS ON THE FRONT SIDE OF THE SHIFT KNOB IT WAS DEPRESSED AND SHE WENT PAST DRIVE INTO SUPER (LOW GEAR); THE LOWER GEAR SLOWED THE CAR VERY ABRUPTLY (AND, OF COURSE DID SO WITHOUT ACTIVATING THE BRAKE LIGHTS) AND SHE WAS NEARLY REAR ENDED. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND WE ARE CONSIDERING SELLING THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID
11299486
Incident
Jan 14, 2020
Mileage
3,200 mi

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.

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Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

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