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)

413 of 1,418 complaints match · Electrical system · clear filters · page 3 of 17

Mar 9, 2024Electrical system

ABS Control Module failure. This is a safety issue because it causes the anti-lock brakes and traction control to not work. Cost of repair $2,537.95 at Honda dealership. Representative seen the lit up dashboard and knew exactly what the issue was before technician even diagnosed it. Told me that the chip to fix it has been out of stock for well over a year.

NHTSA ODI 11576325

Feb 29, 2024Electrical systemBrakes

The contact owns a 2013 Honda Accord. The contact stated that there was a vibrating rumbling sound while starting the vehicle. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA ID Number: 10088442 (Electrical System) however, the vehicle was not included. The vehicle had not been taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.

NHTSA ODI 11574736

Feb 6, 2024Electrical systemLane DepartureDriver assistance

UNKNOWN

NHTSA ODI 11570331

Jan 10, 2024Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine

Dear NHTSA, I am writing to urgently bring to your attention a pervasive issue with the starter in Honda Accord 2013 models equipped with a push-start system. The problem began in January 2023, leading to the replacement of the car battery, brakes, and tire sensors. Despite these efforts, the issue persisted, prompting the replacement of the starter in December 2023. However, within two weeks, the newly replaced starter failed again. The problem recurred on January 09, 2024, despite cumulative repairs exceeding $3000. I have found numerous online complaints from other Honda Accord 2013 owners, indicating a widespread problem that requires immediate investigation to ensure the safety of vehicle owners. If additional information or clarification is required, please do not hesitate to contact me at [XXX] Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11564695

Jan 8, 2024Electrical systemWheelsBrakes

I have had car serviced faithfully since ownership in 2013. Last visit to dealer I was informed that the VSA modulator control unit has malfunctioned. It’s very concerning that there has not been a recall on this since it impacts brakes, tires, steering. I am requesting a replacement of this modulator at no charge.

NHTSA ODI 11564223

Dec 30, 2023SteeringElectrical system

Lost ability to steer vehicle. It was impossible to steer the car. The car was running on and in one instance moving at low sped in my own driveway. There have been 3 instances when this happens. The problem went away after turning the car off and restarting the vehicle. 2) the starter won’t start on occasion as it takes multiple attempts to start vehicle. 3) I had to replace the starter and also a sensor forward collision sensor so the entire dashboard display for every light would turn off. Literally, every light on the dashboard turns on, even for low tire pressure. The bidders concern from operation perspective is the steering. There’s no doubt in my mind that this is a critical and serious defect with this make and model of the 2013 Honda Accord. I looked online and there are literally thousands of reports of the same issue. There are complaints of uncontrollable steering too. One gentleman did a YouTube video demonstrating what’s happening. I will do the same for the steering in this vehicle the next time it happens. Why hasn’t the NHTSA issued a mandatory recall and forced Honda to make this recall happen now. I hope this isn’t a political decision because I know lives are in serious jeopardy with this loss of ability to steer the vehicle with no warning. Lastly, I’ve bought and owned 5 Honda in my lifetime: 3 Honda Accords, 1 Odyssey and 1 Pilot and I’ve never needs to file a complaint in the past as they’ve always been a reliable, safe vehicle. I’m extremely concerned about this problem and I urge NHTSA and Honda to do the right thing and issue an immediate recall to remedy this issue. You are now aware of this issue in a formal complaint and it appears that there are already several thousand complaints based on what’s online. Please take action.

NHTSA ODI 11562717

Dec 30, 2023Electrical system

The passenger side window stop and starts and when it gets to full close, it opens back up on its own a few inches. For another Honda Accord that I own if the same year, the passenger window does not go up/down from the drivers side.

NHTSA ODI 11562718

Dec 20, 2023Electrical system

Info Entertainment System. It was going on and off I took it to Honda and the price was well over $1,200. I have taken my car for maintenance only to Honda and think that at 120,000 miles after I replaced the starter a month before that this car should be working in full condition. I am a senior and now the radio Bluetooth cameras are no longer available. Called Honda customer service to ask for help I know 2013 was the first year they used this system because I have and XL Accord. when I called the Rep she said honda had a Goodwill program and sure they could help me ,then the second girl called and customer service and said please send me your car dealers mechanic price and Diagnostics. I scan them in and sent it to her Next day the third person in customer service called and said oh I'm sorry you are over the 90,000 warranty. But I told her customer service lady number One never said anything about the Goodwill program being s 90,000 mile warrenty. A bulony story. No help either from the email I sent to a Mr Corbin VP vomplaunts. now I have to drive around and as a senior I would like to have my cameras working anda radio. Bluetooth . I have no working camera and all the maintenance I have done on the car I am really upset I do not have any of it and I cannot go very far for example when a family member got very sick I could not travel in dark to that area because the car is not helpful without that connection.. Yes I can use the GPS on my phone but it is ridiculous that now that I have paid this car off that at 120,000 miles I'm going to have to get rid of it and I just can't afford a new one. They should fix it for less than $1,300. As a senior I really need the cameras working and I've never heard of any car without a radio. I know now that the younger cars also have the info system problem on recall. Mine should also be on that recall list. Can you help? I feel they left me rude, without even a sorry or suggestion

NHTSA ODI 11561127

Dec 1, 2023Electrical system

intermittent warning signal lights on on all three components: ABS, power steering, TPMS. It is being shown on the internet and youtube that the ABS module has faulty soldering inside that connections break easily. We need honda to recall this as this is a known problem if you search around on the internet.

NHTSA ODI 11557803

Nov 28, 2023Electrical systemDriver assistance

I get a light that comes on my dash board that says “Failed FCW System”.. most of the time it is on. Rarely it will go off the screen. Sometimes my car will randomly beep to signal that something is infront of me when there is nothing infront of me, which is what I believe to be an issue with the FCW system. This is startling and distracting to me while driving, as it is supposed to signal and keep me safe from potentially hitting objects infront of me, but it has proven itself unreliable for what its purpose is. Also with the “Failed FCW System” message on the dash, it has my other lights signaled such as the air pressure light for my tires as well as the oil light so I never know when my tires actually need air, etc…

NHTSA ODI 11557321

Nov 26, 2023Electrical systemBrakes

The ABS Module has failed on my 2013 Honda Accord LX. The ABS system may not function properly in reducing braking distances and could cause the car to slide in wet or slippery conditions increasing the chances of a collision or loss of vehicular control while driving. The car was taken to a Honda Specialist and upon inspection, the vehicle was diagnosed to have a faulty ABS module. The quoted repair was in excess of $2000 USD. The ABS, Power Steering, TPMS Check Tire, Traction Control warning lights are all ON indicating an issue with aforementioned faulty ABS Module. The warning lights all appeared simultaneously in February, 2023. Diagnostics were run and all error codes indicated a faulty ABS (VCS) module

NHTSA ODI 11556813

Nov 26, 2023Electrical system

My vehicle was inspected at a Honda Dealership in the state of CO & it all appears the VSA Modulator unit have an internal failure & it’s not functioning properly. Due to this effective issue the traction control would not be able to operate appropriately & it can cause an accident & endanger my life in traffic & other people’s life. Unfortunately, the VSA Modulator unit is “Nationally” out of stock & unable to find the VSA Modulator unit.

NHTSA ODI 11556858

Oct 6, 2023Electrical system

The ABS Module seems to fail on all 2013 Honda Accords and many other year models as well. This causes the antilock break system to not work properly, potentially causing a very serious accident. The quoted replacement from a Honda dealer is over $2k which is very cost prohibitive for many people. I'm sure you have received many complaints on this and if you don't believe the severity of this please look on any online car repair forum and you can see the countless drivers with this issue. Honda needs to pay for this not stick unsuspecting customers with a very expensive repair.

NHTSA ODI 11548552

Sep 17, 2023SteeringElectrical systemBrakes

ABS solenoid valve malfunction. VSA solenoid malfunction

NHTSA ODI 11544997

Sep 13, 2023SteeringElectrical system

My EPS light came on and could not steer the car. It would not turn either left or right. I had car towed to garage who told me power steering rack. I called Honda Dealership who told me I had o have it towed to them. I had towed to them and they told me EPS control unit. The only warning was the eps light. Why is my car not part of 15-550 or 15-056. There has been numerous issues with this year make and model when will it be resolved now that I’m having to pay $1300 and over $300 for towing

NHTSA ODI 11544262

Aug 23, 2023Electrical system

The ABS modulator failed causing all ABS, brake, seat belt and steering lights to go on.

NHTSA ODI 11540316

Aug 17, 2023Electrical systemFire

I got off work and went to car and open the door and it was smoke everywhere the electricity problem occurred between the radio dash and the middle car components everything is burned and melted through in the middle and I have sent in pictures to the car max claims to investigate.

NHTSA ODI 11539171

Aug 11, 2023SteeringElectrical systemBrakes

The ABS Module Failure All of the dashboard light are on due the a Faulty ABS Module, YouTube and other Honda forums reported the same problems. The ABS Module is poorly designed The connectors are very thin and they break apart with the vehicle vibration, the Abs dashboard light, Steering control dashboard light, Traction control dashboard light,TPMS dashboard light all are in the ABS Module control unit. Honda need to Issue a Recall for the abs Module failing after 35k miles of its vehicles its a safety issue and it should be dressed. Thank You

NHTSA ODI 11537816

Jul 30, 2023Electrical systemBrakes

My dashboard is lit up like a christmas tree. Went to dealer who found the ABS control module went out. The nation is out of this part as it is a common problem. There are several articles on the web that discuss how these have gone out and there is no where to buy the part and is not recalled yet. ABS system will not engage without this which is extremely unsafe. Apparently this is effecting 2013-2107 accords.

NHTSA ODI 11535387

Jul 24, 2023Electrical systemBrakes

ABS, BRAKE, TCS and PSC lights illuminated indicative of VSC Modulator failure at 122,000 miles. Dealer stated part needs replacement. Too many issues on this issue to not be addressed by Honda.

NHTSA ODI 11534195

Jul 14, 2023Electrical systemBrakes

All dash lights come on. Fcw system failure. Abs/vsa module failed is what me and a lot of other people with the same car, have the same issues. Abs brake module to replace is $1100 and on backorder and alot of people can't drive there cars, some have had issues that almost caused accidents, mine seems to run fine for now, just started happening. Honda needs to do something about this, way to many people have this problem and Honda should be way more reliable and helpful for this common failure.

NHTSA ODI 11532238

Jun 28, 2023Electrical systemLights

Abs module is a common issue on these vehicles I think it’s ridiculous that owners have to come out of pocket 2600$ for a part that should be recalled ! The part is on back order and has been for almost a year now and it’s impossible to get it anywhere else . Please do something about this as I love Honda but have never delt with something like this before . I would hate to have to switch to a different car at another company !

NHTSA ODI 11529282

May 30, 2023Electrical system

About six months ago the starter began to malfunction. It has malfunctioned intermittently ever since. A week ago my wife who drives this car told me the car fails to start more often as she goes to pick up our grandchildren and she is afraid it will simply quit working at all. I am fearing the same thing. She says it makes a clicking or grinding noise and the the dash board lights all come on. After several tries it has started, but I am afraid it will leave them stranded in an unsafe situation. These problems with the 2013-2017 Honda Accords are well know and documented. These cars should be recalled to address this issue. It's a crime that they haven't been. In many cases persons have spent a great deal of money without a solution. O'Daniel Honda in Omaha gave me a price of $818. to replace the starter motor. Yet for some people the problem is ongoing even after replacing the starter motor! Why hasn't a recall been issued?

NHTSA ODI 11524555

May 6, 2023SteeringElectrical system

Started vehicle and power steering was not functioning. Steering light illuminated on dashboard. Car was towed to dealership who started they secured the connection and the problem would not happen again. Two days later exact same issue occurred, no power steering and extremely difficult to steer.

NHTSA ODI 11520765

Mar 15, 2023Electrical system

Drivers side front door and passenger rear door lock actuator failed to lock and unlock doors. No warning lamps. Could not access door and could not open doors from inside. 2013 Accord Sport.

NHTSA ODI 11512014

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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 →