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)

Newest first · 1,418 complaints · page 8 of 57

Feb 23, 2024SteeringTransmission & drivetrain

When driving, the car's steering will jerk sporadically. It is also incredibly hard to turn the wheel. The inspection by the Honda Dealer has proven that it is the power steering rack is faulty. Something has gone wrong and it is making the car dangerous to drive. My safety is at risk because if the car jerks suddenly, I will crash either into a structure or another vehicle likely resulting in death at high speeds. There is no warning light at all. This seems related to the formal safety probe open in May 2021 for 2013-2015 Honda Accords. I have been doing research and a LOT of people are posting about it online.

NHTSA ODI 11573574

Feb 20, 2024Steering

A steering failure. Unable to steer the car. It goes to the left and steering wheel is not returned to the center and kept turning out of my lane. I've brought the car in authorized Honda dealer on 1/29/24 for full maintenance service on 1/29/24 and there are no recalls on this issue.

NHTSA ODI 11572952

Feb 13, 2024Steering

Unknown lost all power steering have changed battery starter and alternator trying to fix the problem electrical power steering!

NHTSA ODI 11571707

Feb 12, 2024Brakes

The ABS module on the vehicle has failed. After searching for the issue online, I have discovered that this is a common problem with several years of Hondas but there has not been a recall of this defective piece of equipment.

NHTSA ODI 11571554

Feb 6, 2024Electrical systemLane DepartureDriver assistance

UNKNOWN

NHTSA ODI 11570331

Jan 20, 2024

For a couple of months, my Honda Accord 2013 EX 4-cylinder engine has had a sporadic inability to start the vehicle. There are times I had to press the start button several times (2-6 times) and once it starts the car runs smoothly. The vehicle's mileage was 84,000 when it started having the starter problem. I replaced the battery with a new one assuming it was the battery but the sporadic inability to start the vehicle remained the same.

NHTSA ODI 11566624

Jan 17, 2024Steering

Steering completely locked up. No errors or warnings appeared on the dashboard so the car was towed in for repairs. The dealership updated EPS software to fix the issue.

NHTSA ODI 11566158

Jan 12, 2024Steering

Car driving normally until sudden power steering failure. Steering wheel stayed straight when I tried to veer left - I had to use two hands to steer for the rest of the drive. This could’ve been dangerous in the initial moments as I was driving downhill and around a curve in wet weather. No dash lights have come on, and I haven’t driven it again yet. Car hasn’t been inspected yet as it’s Friday afternoon.

NHTSA ODI 11565139

Jan 10, 2024Steering

The contact owns a 2013 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel independently jerked to the right. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was diagnosed with a defective electric power steering (EPS) gear box. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under warranty or recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 124,419.

NHTSA ODI 11564621

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, 2023Steering

The steering system failed/malfunction. when turning the wheel counter-clockwise, the steering wheel jerks and temporarily shuts down the vehicle even while driving. Steering wheel has failed during the middle of a left hand turn in multiple intersections. Very unsafe and scary situation when the car does not respond or perform any inputs when the drive is trying to correct/move the wheel. the steering wheel stiffens and is unable to be moved for a few seconds while the car is on Drive. The problem has been confirmed by the dealer but stated since there are no codes provided, they are unable to service the vehicle and are unsure what that issue is and what may be causing it. vehicle has been inspected by multiple Honda dealerships, no one is able to determine what is causing this issue *but they can reproduce it) No warning lamps or messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. Issue first became apparent and has been getting progressively worse about 2 year ago (150,000 miles)

NHTSA ODI 11562716

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 27, 2023Steering

The steering suddenly became hard to turn right on a freeway going at 60 miles per hour (and came to normal in about 10 seconds) and then in about 10 more minutes when I took a left turn exiting the freeway, the steering remained stuck going left and had to pull it back to center with some effort. Got it checked with a honda dealer and they say something is wrong with the EPS system, where some torque value at rest is incorrect. There is a 13 year extended warranty for EPS torque sensor but only if certain codes show up. Unfortunately those torque sensor DTC codes do not show up on my vehicle and they say it could be a shorted EPS motor and hence it's not being covered in warranty and the current recommendation is changing the entire steering rack and I'm asked to pay out of pocket. There are lot of EPS complaints for 2013 accord

NHTSA ODI 11562114

Dec 22, 2023Steering

The contact owns a 2013 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the power steering became inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to steer. The contact stated that the steering wheel was pulling to the left. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the power steering unit. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified about the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

NHTSA ODI 11561462

Dec 22, 2023Brakes

ABS control module went out, causing all of my dash lights to turn off and on intermittently. On top of that, car isn’t braking properly.

NHTSA ODI 11561512

Dec 22, 2023Steering

Pretty sure it has something to do with the electrical power steering. The car will randomly steer to the left by its self it will do it driving or just running it does it all the time. I have videos and paper record of eveything from multiple sources. It could kill somebody and hurt others in the process. It wouldn’t let me upload the files. If they are needed

NHTSA ODI 11561571

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 13, 2023Steering

Car power steering wheel was not function, I couldn't turn the power steering wheel and the wheel was shaking, luckily it's not happened while I was driving, the problem occurred when I started the car, there was warning lamps on the dash boards, It happened a few time and I was scare to drive the car. Car was towed to dealer and dealer diagnostic code 34-05 power relay stuck off, it costed me $920 to fix, I saw online so many complains with this model year about the same problem, my car only has 80K miles and always service at dealer. I wrote to Honda corporation and open a complain, they want me to sent all the dealer papers and proof of payment, they said I could get help with the payment in 9 weeks, after 8 weeks I follow up with them and they said they didn't get the paper ( I sent through email reply like they told me) So I took my time and re- sent the papers again, took a lot of my time to upload all the paper they required. Finally they said they got it and the manager will contact me, I got a called and the manager said they will have to confirm with the dealer, took another 2 weeks and after that they call me and said Honda corporation will reimburse me only $300, took another TWO weeks to finally get a check from them, totally 3 months from the time I open a case, what a joke! Please have this car recall and make Honda pay for all the fixing cost since this happened to a lots of vehicle on the road.

NHTSA ODI 11560024

Dec 4, 2023None

Drove The Car to Work As Me Return To The Car …. car won’t rollover or starters …. After 2 1/2 week from purchase it from the dealership Eastern Motors… After calling me in a taking away the warranty back … Car stops working 3 days afterwards

NHTSA ODI 11558461

Dec 3, 2023Seat belts

The seat belt buckle in the back seat on the right side just easily came right out. If I were to have gotten in an accident whoever was sitting there could have been badly hurt due to the seat belt buckle malfunction. I still have yet to get if fixed because it is such a serious safety issue I’m unsure of who to trust to fix it to where it is as safe as it was supposed to have been

NHTSA ODI 11558199

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

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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 →