RoadVitals

2021 Honda Accord

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints 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.
247
+6 complaints in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest May 21, 2026
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
1 currently open
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
16
9 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 247 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2021 Honda Accord, most frequently naming the driver assistance, electrical and engine categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 143 manufacturer communications are on file.

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

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

May 21, 2026
98,892 units potentially affected
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
The risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)Manufacturer number Refer to CommentsView on NHTSA.gov

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

Feb 1, 2024
750,114 units potentially affected
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
The risk: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)Manufacturer number XHP, VHQView on NHTSA.gov

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Dec 18, 2023
2,490,460 units potentially affected
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
The risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)Manufacturer number KGC, KGDView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA24002OpenEngineering Analysis

Inadvertent Automatic Emergency Braking

Opened Apr 15, 2024

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.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Exterior lighting
Filed Nov 6, 2026

In many Hondas, Toyota, Kia, Hyundai you name it they have this flaw. If it is dark out and headlights are needed but they have bright running lights people will be driving around without taillights and the cars won't say a thing, I think headlamps suggested messages should appear on their dash so they know they have to turn them on or auto headlights that can't be disabled should be mandated on all new cars

NHTSA ID
11776338
Incident
Nov 6, 2026
Driver assistanceEngineFuel system
Filed Oct 28, 2026

I am submitting this complaint regarding an ongoing safety concern with my 2021 Honda Accord. Multiple lights indicate engine system problems which includes, check engine light, car jerks at acceleration, seat sensor recall. I took my vehicle to multiple shops including the Honda Dealership. However, they were unsuccessful to identify the cause. Multiple problems such as Turbo, belt, fuel system problem constantly comes up. I have attempted to take my vehicle for the recall, which was scheduled, however after waiting 4hrs, the dealership stated they did not have the parts. I am concerned about the potential risk to myself, my daughter and my passengers and believe these issues warrant further investigation to help prevent possible accident or injury.

NHTSA ID
11774309
Incident
Oct 30, 2025
BrakesElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Oct 18, 2026

Vehicle: 2021 Honda Accord Sport Subject: Intermittent Electrical Malfunctions, Multiple Safety Warnings, and Loss of Acceleration I am reporting ongoing safety concerns involving my 2021 Honda Accord Sport. On multiple occasions, my vehicle has displayed several dashboard warnings, including brake system, electric parking brake, vehicle stability assist, hill-start assist, adaptive cruise control, and electric power steering warnings. These warnings have appeared intermittently in the past and sometimes disappeared on their own. On October 18, 2026, while traveling on the highway at approximately 65 mph, these warnings had already been displayed for approximately 30 minutes to an hour when my vehicle suddenly began struggling to accelerate. Despite pressing the accelerator, the vehicle continued losing speed, and the RPM gauge remained around 2,000 RPM. It felt as though something was holding the vehicle back. After several moments, the vehicle suddenly regained power, accelerated, and the RPM increased. This was particularly concerning because I was traveling at highway speed. I also experienced electrical problems with the interior lights. While the vehicle was running, neither the automatic interior lights nor the overhead lights near the rearview mirror would turn on. They remained inoperative after I turned off the vehicle. Later, the lights began working again, but I noticed the right overhead light fading while the left remained illuminated. The battery was replaced earlier this year, in 2026. I am concerned that these intermittent malfunctions could result in a sudden loss of power or failure of important vehicle safety systems while driving. I am requesting that these problems be documented and investigated for a potential safety defect or recall. I have photographs of the dashboard warnings available as supporting documentation.

NHTSA ID
11771988
Incident
Apr 16, 2026
Driver assistanceElectricalEngine
Filed Oct 17, 2026

Electrical problems that causes damages to the engine and problems with acceleration.

NHTSA ID
11771823
Incident
Oct 17, 2026
Filed Oct 16, 2026

Infotainment System glitching: "ghost touch"; the screen is not registering my touches and randomly selecting/pushing buttons all on its own. Took it to Honda dealership and they have no answer or fix. This happens from time to time while driving, causing a huge safety concern. Extremely distracting to me, the driver. Everywhere I go to get answers, I only get "issue is known to manufacturer but no fix available; they are currently working on a fix". This has happened multiple times intermittently since I've purchased the vehicle in 2021.

NHTSA ID
11771581
Incident
Oct 15, 2026
Fuel system
Filed Oct 15, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at 65 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle hesitated and then accelerated; however, the vehicle then failed to accelerate above 20 MPH. Several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact's wife drove the vehicle to a safe location and parked. While attempting to start the vehicle, the engine started and then shut off. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a fuel pump failure requiring fuel pump replacement. The contact referenced a recall with a similar failure description; however, the contact's VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 152,100.

NHTSA ID
11771399
Incident
Oct 14, 2026
Mileage
152,100 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Oct 11, 2026

I bought my Accord in February of 2026 with only 79k miles (now at 93k). 3 days after purchasing all of these warning lights popped up regarding emissions, brake system, power steering, etc. I brought it back in and they said that it needed a new fuel injector on cylinder one (which didn’t fix the issue). I have replaced all 4 spark plugs and kept up with maintenance since it has been in my ownership. Now I’m having issues with the car going in limp mode, decreased acceleration, decreased mpg, and constant misfire codes! I do not feel safe in this car anymore since it has almost left me stranded as well as it disabling the safety features which could put me at risk. Honda desperately needs to fix this issue seeing as it’s putting their customers at risk, along with others on the road. NHTSA please do something!

NHTSA ID
11770383
Incident
Feb 23, 2026
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Oct 9, 2026

Was at a stoplight, came to a complete stop once at a complete stop car completely shut all the way off, losing all electricity no hazard lights. You cannot press down on the brakes to restart the car. You could not do anything. Car lost 100% of power 5 to 10 minutes later, Vehicle shut back on automatically and engine started to run automatically.

NHTSA ID
11770230
Incident
Oct 9, 2026

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

ONL6LA10152026

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owner Notification Letter - a programming issue within the Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto software may cause an invalid "License Authentication Error" message to appear on the display audio screen after approximately 1,500 ignition ON/OFF cycles.

AATS31549

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Tech Line Summary Article - Customers may report that the center display unit changes screens on its own, registers unintended inputs, or operates erratically without user interaction. The condition may be more noticeable when vehicle interior temperatures are elevated.

A26-003

ENGINE

Service Bulletin - Under certain conditions, the cylinder head gasket effectiveness may be reduced which may cause vehicles to experience overheating, coolant loss, and/or misfire. In some cases, DTCs P0300 through P0304 may also be stored (DTCs are not required for repair).

AAHS09162026902

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Dealer Message - On August 21st, 2026, American Honda issued a Product Update for certain 2018-2022 Accord and Accord Hybrid models that received the accessory Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto upgrade. Refer to Service Bulletin 26-068 for additional information regarding the Product Update.

AATS31549

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Tech Line Summary - Customers may report that the center display unit changes screens on its own, registers unintended inputs, or operates erratically without user interaction. The condition may be more noticeable when vehicle interior temperatures are elevated.

AEBM08262026901

ENGINE

Dealer Message - Under certain conditions, the cylinder head gasket effectiveness may be reduced which may cause vehicles to experience overheating, coolant loss, misfire, and/or DTCs P0300 through P0304 stored.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Honda Accord by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026150042.2
20251030048.9
20241583164.6
2023955171.0
20222674164.4
2021Viewing2474165.6
20203705163.3
20197006265.8
20181,9036263.7
20175403058.0
20166134058.0
20156025261.2
20149824259.8
20131,4275561.9
20123748163.1
20112969058.5
201058113158.8
200972711260.6
20081,5219359.2
200752410467.2
200643317465.5
200565624465.6
20041,01822464.8
20031,98724563.9
20021,05016766.9
2001922191068.5
20001,18321563.5
19991,13517561.4
19981,20019361.3
199746015055.3
199647213055.4
199554314265.0
199436913058.9
199318611058.8
199220612058.9
199121213159.8
199019212663.1
1989861156.3
1988882160.5
19871113363.2
1986542663.4
1985131256.5
1984222354.1
1983710—
1982102050.0
1981701—
1980201—
1979211—
1978010—
1977010—
1976010—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.