Vehicles / Honda / Accord / 2021

2021 Honda AccordUNDER FEDERAL INVESTIGATION

239 federal complaints (370 component records) · 4 recall campaigns on file · 1 federal investigation · 140 service bulletins · 2 Canadian recalls
See all 46 model years of the Honda Accord →
Engine
1.5L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
30 city / 38 hwy
Federal complaints
239
Recall campaigns
4
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Driver assistance
96
Electrical system
65
Other
56
Engine & cooling
39
Brakes
30
Fuel system
15
Air bags
15
Power train
13
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 22 complaints01 years old: 28 complaints2 years old: 30 complaints3 years old: 31 complaints4 years old: 66 complaints5 years old: 61 complaints56 years old: 0 complaints7 years old: 0 complaints8 years old: 0 complaints9 years old: 0 complaints10 years old: 0 complaints1011 years old: 0 complaints12 years old: 0 complaints13 years old: 0 complaints14 years old: 0 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 238 of 239 complaints with a usable failure date.

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Driver assistance

96 complaint records7 crash reports
"Sudden braking; car comes to a complete stop and brakes so Hard. Most likely fault from Collision Mitigation Brakking system..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse driver assistance parts in the directory →

Electrical system

65 complaint records1 fire report4 crash reports
"Car won’t start, all lights on the dashboard are on and off and shows a message about brake problems and contact the dealership..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

39 complaint records3 crash reports
"Starts Vehicle at cold start and notice right away engine turbulence, engine light flashing, lost some coolant and white smoke. Scan vehicle for codes, engine misfire #2...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
EA24002
opened Apr 2024
OPENForward Collision AvoidanceInadvertent Automatic Emergency Braking
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...

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
26V332000Air BagsHonda (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,...Normally free
24V064000Air BagsHonda (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,...Normally free
23V858000Fuel System, GasolineHonda (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...Normally free
21V900000Seat BeltsHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021 Accord Sedan, Accord Hybrid, CR-V, Ridgeline, 2022 Insight and CR-V Hybrid vehicles.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2026251
2026-05-21
Seats And Restraints12,371Issue: On certain vehicles, the weight sensor for the front passenger seat may not have been manufactured properly. As a result, the passenger-front airbag and knee airbag could deploy in a crash that doesn't require them to.
2024059
2024-02-01
Airbag66,846Issue: On certain vehicles, the weight sensor for the front passenger seat may not have been manufactured properly. As a result, the passenger-front airbag and knee airbag could deploy in a crash that doesn't require them to.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
A26-003
Sep 2026
EngineService 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
Sep 2026
Electrical SystemDealer 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.
AATS31549
Aug 2026
Electrical SystemTech 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.
A26-003
Aug 2026
EngineService Bulletin - 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 thru P0304 stored.
AEBM08262026901
Aug 2026
EngineDealer 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.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
AEBM08212026901
Aug 2026
Electrical SystemDealer Message - Due to a software programming issue within the Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto system, an invalid "License Authentication Error" message may appear on the Display Audio screen after approximately 1,500 ignition switch activations ON/OFF.
A26-068
Aug 2026
Electrical SystemService Bulletin - On certain 2018-2022 Accord and 2018-22 Accord Hybrid vehicles equipped with the Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto software upgrade, a programming issue within the Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto software may cause an invalid "License Authentication Error"...
A23-094
Apr 2026
StructureService Bulletin - There is a dull creaking, rubbing, popping, or clicking noise coming from the front of the vehicle while turning at low speeds potentially due to the bump stop contacting the top of the front damper body.
AAR12192025901
Dec 2025
Electrical SystemDealer Message - Some customers have reported a pop-up message on the audio unit display stating: “Please insert USB drive containing valid software license file and press OK button.” When this message appears, the audio unit becomes unresponsive.
APS&12192025902
Dec 2025
Electrical SystemDealer Message - Some customers have reported a pop-up message on the audio unit display stating: “Please insert USB drive containing valid software license file and press OK button.” When this message appears, the audio unit becomes unresponsive.
ATS30025
Dec 2025
Electrical SystemTech Line Summary - Customers who have purchased the Accessory CarPlay /Android Auto upgrade are complaining that a pop-up message appears on the audio unit display stating, “Please insert USB drive containing valid software license file, and press OK button”.
A25-074
Jul 2025
EngineService Bulletin - Oil leak at timing chain tensioner inspection cover due to possible insufficient sealant adhesion on inspection cover.
A23-094
Feb 2025
StructureService Bulletin - There is a dull creaking, rubbing, popping, or clicking noise coming from the front of the vehicle while turning at low speeds due to the bump stop contacting the top of the front damper body.
ATI&12022024909
Dec 2024
EngineDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2018-2024 Accord 1.5Ls, 2021-2024 Civics 1.5Ls, 2023-2024 CR-Vs 1.5Ls, and 2017 Fits with customer complaint of Check Engine Light (CEL) on with DTC P0420 [Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold]...
ATI&11052024902
Nov 2024
EngineDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2018-2024 Accord 1.5Ls, 2021-2024 Civics 1.5Ls, 2023-2024 CR-Vs 1.5Ls, and 2017 Fits with customer complaint of Check Engine Light (CEL) on with DTC P0420 [Catalyst System Effciency Below Threshold]...
ATI&08152024902
Aug 2024
EngineDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2018-2022 Accord 1.5Ls (no 2.0L) & FHEVs, as well as 2017-2022 CR-V 1.5Ls (no 2.4L), & 2020-2022 CR-V FHEVs with a customer complaint of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on with the DTC P030X...
ATI&07262024902
Jul 2024
EngineDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2018-2022 Accord 1.5Ls (no 2.0L) & FHEVs, as well as 2017-2022 CR-V 1.5Ls (no 2.4L), & 2020-2022 CR-V FHEVs with a customer complaint of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on with the DTC P030X...
ATI&06032024904
Jun 2024
Electrical SystemDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2018-2022 Accords with customer complaint of Charging System Problem (battery icon) or Auto Engine Idle Stop Problem Lamp coming on the Multi-Information Display (MID).
ATI&05312024901
May 2024
Electrical SystemDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2018-2022 Accords with customer complaint of Charging System Problem (battery icon) or Auto Engine Idle Stop Problem Lamp coming on the Multi-Information Display (MID).
ATI&05172024907
May 2024
EngineDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2018-2022 Accords with customer complaint of Charging System Problem (battery icon) or Auto Engine Idle Stop Problem Lamp coming on the Multi-Information Display (MID).
ATI&05032024903
May 2024
EngineDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2018-2022 Accords with customer complaint of Charging System Problem (battery icon) or Auto Engine Idle Stop Problem Lamp coming on the Multi-Information Display (MID).
A23-026
May 2024
EngineService Bulletin - During engine start in cold conditions, a miscalculation in the PCM causes the air-fuel ratio to exceed DTC rich criteria, resulting in the vehicle experiencing drivability concerns. This issue is most common in regions with cold weather.
ATI&04082024904
Apr 2024
Electrical SystemDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2018-2022 Accords with customer complaint of Charging System Problem (battery icon) or Auto Engine Idle Stop Problem Lamp coming on the Multi-Information Display (MID).
ATI&03212024907
Mar 2024
Electrical SystemDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2018-2022 Accords with customer complaint of Charging System Problem (battery icon) or Auto Engine Idle Stop Problem Lamp coming on the Multi-Information Display (MID).
ATI&02292024903
Feb 2024
Engine And Engine CoolingDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2018-2022 Accords with customer complaint of Charging System Problem (battery icon) or Auto Engine Idle Stop Problem Lamp coming on the Multi-Information Display (MID).
ONL6VP02192024_2
Feb 2024
Power TrainOwner Notification Letter - The driven pulley in the transmission (CVT) was not properly hardened due to improper heat treatment during the manufacturing process.
ATI&02142024908
Feb 2024
Engine And Engine CoolingDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2018-2022 Accords with customer complaint of Charging System Problem (battery icon) or Auto Engine Idle Stop Problem Lamp coming on the Multi-Information Display (MID).
ATI&01312024902
Jan 2024
Electrical SystemDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2018-2022 Accords with customer complaint of Charging System Problem (battery icon) or Auto Engine Idle Stop Problem Lamp coming on the Multi-Information Display (MID).
ATI&01092024901
Jan 2024
Electrical SystemDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2018-2022 Accords with customer complaint of Charging System Problem (battery icon) or Auto Engine Idle Stop Problem Lamp coming on the Multi-Information Display (MID).
A23-094
Nov 2023
StructureService Bulletin - There is a dull creaking, rubbing, popping, or clicking noise coming from the front of the vehicle while turning at low speeds due to the bump stop contacting the top of the front damper body.
ATI&10182023902
Oct 2023
Service BrakesDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2021-2022 Accords (non-Hybrid) with customer complaint of a rear brake noise while driving in reverse. The noise can be described as humming, moaning similar to a foghorn.
A23090A
Sep 2023
StructureService News - Several customers have reported loose or unset weatherstrips at the door sash. When a car comes in with this condition, you can successfully reinstall an undamaged weatherstrip back in place until permanent countermeasure parts are available.
ATI&04172023904
Apr 2023
StructureDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2018-2022 Accords and 2022 HR-V Sports with a customer complaint of a front damper noise.
ATI&03312023906
Mar 2023
SuspensionDealer Message Request for Visit: 2018-2022 Accord & HR-V Front Damper Noise (ACTION REQUIRED)
ATI&03282023902
Mar 2023
Fuel SystemDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is investigating certain 2020-2022 Accords, CR-Vs, Odysseys, Passports, Pilots, Ridgelines, 2020 Fits, 2020-2021 Civic Hatchbacks, 2020-2023 Civic Sedans/Coups with a customer complaint of the Check Engine Light (CEL) on &...
ATI&03142023901
Mar 2023
StructureDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2018-2022 Accords and 2022 HR-V Sports with a customer complaint of a front damper noise.
A23-026
Mar 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingService Bulletin - Under certain circumstances, the vehicle may experience driveability concerns. This may result in the following DTC’s to set: • P0300 (Random Misfire Detected), • P0301 (No. 1 Cylinder Misfire Detected), • P0302 (No.
ATI&03132023905
Mar 2023
Fuel SystemDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is investigating certain 2020-2022 Accords, CR-Vs, Odysseys, Passports, Pilots, Ridgelines, 2020 Fits, 2020-2021 Civic Hatchbacks, 2020-2023 Civic Sedans/Coups with a customer complaint of the Check Engine Light (CEL) on &...
ATI&03102023903
Mar 2023
StructureDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2021-2022 Accords and 2022 HR-V Sports with a customer complaint of a front damper noise.
ATI&02212023902
Feb 2023
SuspensionDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2021-2022 Accords and 2022 HR-V Sports with a customer complaint of a front damper noise.
ATI&02152023902
Feb 2023
VisibilityDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2019-2022 Accords with a customer complaint of the front passenger’s window inop & 2019-2022 CR-Vs with a customer complaint of the rear passenger’s window inop.
ATI&01252023
Jan 2023
Electrical SystemDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2019-2022 Accords with a customer complaint of the front passenger’s window inop & 2019-2022 CR-Vs with a customer complaint of the rear passenger’s window inop.
ATI&01242023901
Jan 2023
Electrical SystemDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2019-2022 Accords with a customer complaint of the front passenger’s window inop & 2019-2022 CR-Vs with a customer complaint of the rear passenger’s window inop.
ONL6VP01232023
Jan 2023
Power TrainOwner Notification Letter - The driven pulley in the transmission (CVT) was not properly hardened due to improper heat treatment during the manufacturing process.
ATI&01032023907
Jan 2023
Fuel SystemDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is investigating certain 2020-2022 Accords, CR-Vs, Odysseys, Passports, Pilots, Ridgelines, 2020 Fits, 2020-2021 Civic Hatchbacks, 2020-2023 Civic Sedans/Coups with a customer complaint of the Check Engine Light (CEL) on &...
A22120A
Dec 2022
Electrical SystemService News Article - Some customers complain that their key fobs are not working (they cannot lock, unlock, or start their vehicle), with vehicles typically towed into the dealership.
ATI&12132022903
Dec 2022
Electrical SystemDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is investigating certain 2020-2021 Accords, CR-Vs & Odysseys with a customer complaint of the Check Engine Light (CEL) on & the DTC P0087 (Fuel Rail Pressure Too Low [Loss of Fuel Pressure]) stored.
ATI&12132022906
Dec 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is investigating certain 2020-2021 Accord 2.0Ls & Civic 2.0Ls with a customer complaint of an oil leak or a dealer technician noticing an oil leak from the head cover gasket during a routine maintenance.
A22-052_Version2
Dec 2022
Power TrainService Bulletin - Due to an improper heat treatment during the manufacturing process, the driven pulley in the CVT was not properly hardened.
A22-052
Dec 2022
Power TrainService Bulletin - Due to an improper heat treatment during the manufacturing process, the driven pulley in the CVT was not properly hardened.
ABOM12022022
Dec 2022
Power TrainDealer Message - Today, December 2, 2022, American Honda is announcing a product update for a total of 75 model year 2021 Accord and CR-V units to address incorrect CVT operation which may cause vehicle slippage, noise, and illumination of the MIL.
ATI&11282022902
Nov 2022
VisibilityDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2018-2022 Accords with a customer complaint of the front passenger’s window that is not going up or down.
ATI&11282022904
Nov 2022
Fuel SystemDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is investigating certain 2020-2021 Accords, CR-Vs & Odysseys with a customer complaint of the Check Engine Light (CEL) on & the DTC P0087 (Fuel Rail Pressure Too Low [Loss of Fuel Pressure]) stored.
ATI&11282022905
Nov 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is investigating certain 2020-2021 Accord 2.0Ls & Civic 2.0Ls with a customer complaint of an oil leak or a dealer technician noticing an oil leak from the head cover gasket during a routine maintenance.
ATI&11072022902
Nov 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is investigating certain 2020-2021 Accord 2.0Ls & Civic 2.0Ls with a customer complaint of an oil leak or a dealer technician noticing an oil leak from the head cover gasket during a routine maintenance.
ATI&11022022901
Nov 2022
VisibilityDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2018-2022 Accords with a customer complaint of the front passenger’s window that is not going up or down.
ATI&10252022903
Oct 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is investigating certain 2020-2021 Accords, CR-Vs & Odysseys with a customer complaint of the Check Engine Light (CEL) on & the DTC P0087 (Fuel Rail Pressure Too Low [Loss of Fuel Pressure]) stored.
ATI&10242022904
Oct 2022
VisibilityDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2018-2022 Accords with a customer complaint of the front passenger’s window that is not going up or down.
ATI&10212022901
Oct 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is investigating certain 2020-2021 Accord 2.0Ls & Civic 2.0Ls with a customer complaint of an oil leak or a dealer technician noticing an oil leak from the head cover gasket during a routine maintenance.
ATI&10062022901
Oct 2022
Fuel SystemDealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is investigating certain 2020-2021 Accords, CR-Vs & Odysseys with a customer complaint of the Check Engine Light (CEL) on & the DTC P0087 (Fuel Rail Pressure Too Low [Loss of Fuel Pressure]) stored.

Showing 60 of 140 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Try the camera, sensors, and any driver-assist features in a parking lot.A blank or frozen backup camera image and phantom sensor alerts are this vehicle's driver-assistance complaints.
  2. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  3. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 4 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Honda Accord →