Home · 2013 Honda Accord Plug In Hybrid · Complaints

What 1,418 owners told NHTSA about the 2013 Honda Accord Plug In Hybrid

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (1,418)Crash / fire / injury (86)Steering (497)Electrical system (413)Engine (179)Brakes (112)Transmission & drivetrain (109)Airbags (51)Speed control (50)Seats (47)Fuel system (45)Driver assistance (44)

109 of 1,418 complaints match · Transmission & drivetrain · clear filters · page 2 of 5

May 17, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

Good day on may 14, 2023. Driving on the highway in NYC and axle broke almost causing a major accident. My model car and year and also region is listed for a recall on the same part however my vin was not included.

NHTSA ODI 11522474

Feb 15, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact's son owns a 2013 Honda Accord. The contact stated that upon depression of the accelerator pedal, the vehicle would intermittently shake without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer on multiple occasions; however, the failure persisted. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V769000 (Power Train) which she linked to the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. THE CONSUMER STATED TWO TIRES WERE THE CAUSE OF THE VIBRATIONS. TWO NEW TIRES WERE PURCHASED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED.

NHTSA ODI 11452030

Feb 4, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

All warning lights on the dashboard suddenly lit up one day. The car is in excellent condition with all recommended maintenance up-to-date and no accidents. Honda dealer said the VSA modulator needed to be replaced and quoted $1756 + tax for the repair. Parts are unavailable, so repairs cannot be made. Dealer admits this is a very common problem with Honda vehicles and suggests I do not worry about it and just keep driving the vehicle - even though safety features are all disabled and the car may not be safe to operate. An online search reveals this is a VERY common and known issue that Honda USA has failed to address.

NHTSA ODI 11450339

Jan 19, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

Driveshaft failed at dynamic damper by metal breaking.

NHTSA ODI 11448004

Dec 23, 2021SteeringTransmission & drivetrain

It happens at least twice a year for the past 8 years I’ve owned the car , the eps light comes on and it’s hard to steer my car, ive almost been in accidents every time this happens , there should be a recall on This issue and so thing should be done before someone or myself gets hurt

NHTSA ODI 11444840

Dec 17, 2021SteeringTransmission & drivetrainElectrical system

VSA, brake, ABS, EPS, tire pressure light always on and won’t go away! I thought there would be enough information about this in the web. There is but, not actual solution. You would have to change out so much and still the lights would come back. Recently, my VSA light coming on and off have made my brakes and something else grind whenever i press on the brakes. To a point where I would need to pull over and hold vSA off button to not have brake grind when pressing on them. There should be enough content to be able to realized that this is a cause and concern for Honda vehicles.

NHTSA ODI 11444209

Nov 17, 2021Transmission & drivetrain

I believe that my vehicle, a 2013 Honda Accord Sport CVT, should be included in this recent safety recall in regards to CV Axles that are at risk of excess rust/corrosion which left untreated could lead to a crash or injury. Safety recall in question (Service bulletin 20-125) - https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2020/RCRIT-20V769-5506.pdf Honda of America refuses to look at my case because my VIN is not a part of the original recall. My local Honda dealership did let me know that this recall was issued only for vehicles sold in the Midwest because they are more susceptible to rust and corrosion. I originally purchased the vehicle in Florida (I'm the original owner) in October of 2012. I moved to Iowa in 2015 and am now experiencing the same problems as the safety recall in question. I've had my vehicle inspected by my local Honda dealership in Des Moines IA and they have confirmed that I'm showing the same symptoms as the recall that require a complete CV axle replacement. Because my VIN number was not included in this recall, they are unable to perform any repairs. I've called Honda of America and because of my VIN, they also refuse to even look at my case even though I now live in an area that uses a high volume of salt on the roads during the wintertime. I believe that I am not the only one and others could be at risk if they also moved to an area with a high volume of salt on the roads. I’m concerned about driving my vehicle anywhere because I know that my CV axles are at risk of breaking under load.

NHTSA ODI 11440843

Nov 3, 2021Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemBrakes

The ABS Module has failed on this car. Upon a lot of research, I have found that a lot of people are stating they have had this same issue with their honda accords within a few years before and after. This is a $1700 fix from Honda that most people are not going to be able to afford and a lot of people are having problems with..... the part is also on a nationwide backorder which to me seems like they have surely had to replace a lot of them..... I believe that this should be investigated for a recall. I spoke with someone at Honda and they also agreed that this should be looked at for a recall. This could be very dangerous to have failing ABS systems on vehicles. Research on forums where people discuss this will show that this is a common problem and a recall should be considered.

NHTSA ODI 11439183

Sep 22, 2021Transmission & drivetrain

TSB 13-053 has not been honored, no notice was sent recently made aware due to CVT juddering/shaking issues. Needs Throttle Body Replaced and updated software for optimum performance. Noticble mostly start stop or under 15mph.

NHTSA ODI 11433974

Sep 8, 2021Transmission & drivetrain

Drivers-side CV Axle Broke on 9/8/2021. Lost all drive power on residential street while backing out a driveway. No accident occurred. Was diagnosed by AAA and Service Center as Driver Side Broken CV Axle. No warning lamps, messages or other warnings. Car was in for a full service and inspection at a Honda dealer on 3/8/2021.

NHTSA ODI 11432206

Aug 8, 2021Transmission & drivetrain

The car has been driving funny for a few weeks. The car will not go into gear.

NHTSA ODI 11428221

Apr 18, 2021Transmission & drivetrain

WATER PUMP SEIZED. DRIVE BELT SHREDDED.

NHTSA ODI 11408680

Apr 15, 2021Transmission & drivetrainEngine

EXCESS VIBRATION AND OIL CONSUMPTION DUE TO VCM OPERATION. VCM ALSO MAKES THE TRANSMISSION SEARCH FOR GEARS WHILE DRIVING AT A STEADY SPEED

NHTSA ODI 11408167

Apr 9, 2021Transmission & drivetrain

HONDA ACCORD SPORT 2013 I4 CVT. CV AXLES ARE CORRODED DUE TO FAILING PAINT FINISH. THIS CORROSION GETS INSIDE THE RUBBER RESONATOR(DONUT LOOKING PIECE), AFFECTING THE INTEGRITY OF THE AXLE. HONDA HAS RECALLED THESE AXLES IN OTHER STATES, BUT NOT IN UTAH. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE CAR AND HAVE BEEN DENIED BY HONDA ON REPLACING AXLES PER THE RECALL.

NHTSA ODI 11407185

Sep 24, 2020Transmission & drivetrainEngine

THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION HAVE CLASS 1 LEAKS GASKET AREA. TO BE MORE SPECIFIC, LEAKS FOUND ON ENGINE HEAD GASKET AND TRANSMISSION HOUSING AREA.

NHTSA ODI 11360897

Sep 14, 2020Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HONDA ACCORD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE STARTER WOULD INTERMITTENTLY GRIND PREVENTING THE VEHICLE FROM STARTING. THE CONTACT STATED HE WOULD LET THE VEHICLE SIT FOR A COUPLE MINUTES BEFORE THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. SEVERAL ATTEMPTS WERE MADE WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CONTACTED THE DEALER KELLY HONDA (540 LYNNWAY, LYNN, MA 01905; (781) 595-5252) WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT OF SERVICE BULLETIN 16-002. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

NHTSA ODI 11354957

Aug 5, 2020Transmission & drivetrain

MY DAUGHTERS 2013 HONDA ACCORD V6 HAD A STUTTER UPON ACCELERATION. AFTER RESEARCHING THE ISSUE, THE TRANSMISSION WAS FLUSHED 4 TIMES. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE NEW TRANSMISSIONS HONDA PUT IN THE 2013. A FEW DAYS AGO THE SIDE WALL OF THE SIDE MISSION EXPLODED. CHUNKS OF METAL WAS FOUND ON THE GROUND AND IT SMELLED LIKE IT MIGHT CATCH ON FIRE.

NHTSA ODI 11343535

Jul 2, 2020Transmission & drivetrain

1. THERE IS HESITATION WHEN ACCELERATING AND THE SHIFTS ARE HARD AND JOLTING 2. THE DOWNSHIFTING COMING FROM HIGHWAY SPEEDS IS TERRIFYING. HARD, JOLTING SHIFTS THAT HAPPEN WAY TOO EARLY AND WAY TOO CLOSE TOGETHER. IT MAKES IT LIKE THE CAR IS STALLING CAUSING A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE THIS ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL AND THERE REALLY NEEDS TO BE A RECALL OR A TUNING SOFTWARE UPDATE THAT FIXES THIS. *TR

NHTSA ODI 11337259

May 12, 2020Transmission & drivetrain

I WAS DRIVING MY CAR IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD. THE DASH ON THE CAR DISPLAYED A "START STOP" ERROR. THEN, THERE WAS MUCH LESS HORSEPOWER. I AM GUESSING THERE WAS BETWEEN 10 AND 20 HORSE POWER. THE CAR COULD BARELY GO 20 MILES PER HOUR. THEN, THE DASH SAID, STOP THE CAR. YOUR CAR IS OVER HEATING. SO, I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE STREET AND STOPPED THE CAR. I WAS LUCKY THAT I WAS ON A RESIDENTIAL SIDE STREET. WHERE I LIVE, SOME SECTIONS OF FREEWAY ARE 12 AND 16 LANES WIDE. IF I HAD LOST POWER IN THIS SITUATION, I DON'T THINK I COULD HAVE MADE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD SAFELY. THE WATER PUMP ON MY MODEL CAR WAS PART OF A SAFETY RECALL. AUDI CLAIMS THAT THEY HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEM WITH THE DESIGN BEFORE MY CAR WAS MANUFACTURED. HOWEVER, THE WATER PUMP ON MY CAR ONLY LASTED FOR 49,000 MILES. I SUSPECT THAT THE RE-DESIGN OF THE WATER PUMP IS STILL NOT ADEQUATE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE WITH OUR WATER PUMP. *TR

NHTSA ODI 11324262

Jul 1, 2019Transmission & drivetrainElectrical system

STARTER FAILURE DESCRIBED IN HONDA'S TSB 16-002. CAR EXHIBITED A GRINDING NOISE UPON TRYING TO START. IT WOULD FAIL TO START. THIS WAS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. HONDA FINALLY REPLACED THE STARTER BUT WAS UNWILLING TO WARRANTY THE KNOWN PROBLEM. A YEAR LATER I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI 11228652

Apr 20, 2019Transmission & drivetrain

WHEN PUSHING START BUTTON THE ENGINE WOULD MAKE A GRINDING SCREECHING NOISE. AT 34,000 MILES STARTER WAS REPLACED. NOW AT 70,000 MILES SAME NOISE IS COMING AGAIN FROM ENGINE. SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH V6 MODELS. THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN 16-002 FOR THIS ISSUE HOWEVER AFTER ADDRESSING THE ISSUE ONCE ALREADY IT SEEMS TO BE A REOCCURRING ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI 11202659

Mar 11, 2019Transmission & drivetrainEngineFuel system

UPON START UP, ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD LIT UP. FCW FAILURE NOTED ON THE DIGITAL DISPLAY. ACCELERATION NON EXISTENT IN THIS STATE. SEVERAL RESTARTS (34 WAS THE MAX), NO LIGHTS ON THE DASH. CAR RAN FINE. DEALER DIAGNOSED IT AS A TIMING CHAIN THAT HAD EXPANDED. SEEMS TO BE FIXED. (ONLY BEEN TWO DAYS). I THINK IT IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE LACK OF POWER COULD MANIFEST ITSELF AT ANY TIME. IMAGINE GETTING ON A HIGHWAY WITH NO POWER TO ACCELERATE.

NHTSA ODI 11185779

Feb 10, 2019Transmission & drivetrain

REAR WHEEL BEARINGS DETERIORATED, CAUSING LOUD NOISES FROM THE REAR AT SPEEDS AS LOW AS 10 MILES PER HOUR. HAD TO BE REPLACED ON BOTH SIDES.

NHTSA ODI 11176022

Nov 30, 2018Transmission & drivetrainEngineFuel system

TWO NIGHTS AGO I WAS DRIVING ON I-75 BACK HOME FROM WORK , I WAS GOING SPEED LIMIT 70-75 MPH AND THE CAR SUDDENLY STARTED "BOGGING DOWN", DIDN'T WANT TO GO ABOVE 30 MPH AND A NUMBER OF DASH LIGHTS WERE ON: SERVICE ENGINE, POWER STEERING, TIRE PRESSURE AND MAYBE TRACTION CONTROL. I TURN OFF THE CAR, TURN IT BACK ON, AND THE LIGHTS STILL ON. I DRIVE SHORT DISTANCE HOME AT 25-30 MPH. THE FOLLOWING MORNING I LOOKED AT THE CAR, DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING WRONG I FELTED VERY UNSAFE FROM CAR SUDDENLY SLOW IN THE MIDDLE OF HWY I-75 GOING FROM 70-75 MPH TO 25-30 MPH, THIS HAPPENED WITH OUT ANY WARNING OR ENOUGH TIME TO PULL OVER THE SHOULDER, DEFINITELY A BAD ACCIDENT WOULD HAPPENED HERE.

NHTSA ODI 11155245

Jul 25, 2018Transmission & drivetrain

VEHICLE SHAKES BACK AND FORTH WHILE REDUCING OR INCREASING SPEED AROUND 10 MPH. THIS HAPPENS OFTEN IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. HONDA APPEARS TO HAVE DOCUMENTED THE PROBLEM UNDER SB 13-053.

NHTSA ODI 11113623

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Working with the data? Download all 1,418 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 28, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2013 Honda Accord Plug In Hybrid verdict →