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

Whenever in park or reverse the vehicle suddenly power cycles. The vehicle also power cycles when steering and locks the wheel. This can be fatal if it happens on the public road in the middle of traffic.

NHTSA ODI 11748251

The first time it happened, the power steering of the car suddenly stopped working while driving on the highway. Now it happens randomly and usually start with a quick jerking motion of the steering wheel. I've looked into this and lot of Honda Accord owners had this issue before. I want to file a complains on this and see if the NHTSA can do anything to have Honda address/fix this issue for me. Thanks,

NHTSA ODI 11747796

Sudden and total loss of Electronic Power Steering (EPS) while driving. The EPS light came on and the steering wheel became too heavy to safely steer, creating an immediate crash hazard. The dealer found diagnostic trouble code 34-05.

NHTSA ODI 11745479

I was just driving normally when, completely out of nowhere, my whole dashboard suddenly lit up with a massive cluster of warning lights all at the exact same time. The power steering light, ABS light, traction control (VSA), tire pressure light, and the main brake light all popped up instantly. The most confusing part is that my steering and brakes actually feel completely fine. There is mechanically nothing wrong with how the steering turns or how the brakes stop, but the car is flashing these major warnings anyway. It feels like a total electronic malfunction or a computer glitch where the car is falsely screaming that there's a catastrophic failure when everything is physically working fine.

NHTSA ODI 11743076

Upon taking hand off steering wheel car turns tires to the left all the way to the lock all by itself

NHTSA ODI 11742420

Reporting severe dealer negligence and physical structural damage during secondary repairs for Federal Safety Recall 20V-769 / Campaign W9F at Darcars Honda (Fairfax, VA). The technician severely violated Honda TSB 20-125 protocols, physically mushrooming the steel on the left lower control arm (LCA) boss. This blunt-force mechanical damage compromises the structural integrity of the suspension and creates a high probability of out-of-spec ovality in the steering knuckle/mating bore, creating an ongoing dynamic safety hazard. Please see the attached formal documentation and photographic evidence for full details.

NHTSA ODI 11739319

Steering mechanisms stopped functioning properly. Steering wheel was very loosely turning to the left and very difficult to turn to the right. Car would veer to one direction when driving unless I was holding the wheel steady. Driving the car was dangerous and I pulled over immediately when I noticed the difference. Carefully brought it immediately to a mechanic and did not want it on the road. Driving the car put myself at risk, my children and husband and other drivers on the road. Luckily, I noticed it right away. There were no warning signs, no lights on the dashboard and all exterior looked normal. It happened spontaneously and was very scary. The vehicle has been inspected and driven by my local mechanic and he said the driving was crazy and is showing signs of a faulty steering rack.

NHTSA ODI 11736524

While the vehicle is in motion. The steering wheel will turn by itself without input from the driver. As of right now, the steering is stiff while making a left turn, and will free wheel back to right turn Without input from driver. This will occur on and off while driving. If you are not attentive, it will easily cause an accident. This first happened 19FEB2026. No warning lights present in the dashboard. Took it to the local Honda dealership and was told to have the whole steering rack and pinion assembly replaced without any explanation or diagnosis. The dealership also mentioned that there are no DTC code present or stored.

NHTSA ODI 11723468

Problem started when leaving parking lot. The car started pulling to right. Hard to turn to left. Then the problem stop car will drive normal for a little ways then all of a sudden it will pull to right. Just took it to Honda did the recall on battery and steering to day. Car still has steering issues. It will drive normal for a little ways then all sudden pull to the right. Have to make sure to have a good grip on the steering wheel at all the time. I know if I hit a bump or turn to the right the steering issue will start most of the time. So time turn left problem goes away. But know when it will come and go. Driving 20 minutes may come and go 5 times or may stay pulling to right the hold time. I would not drive the car on interstate or high speed with this issue not safe. It probably not safe to drive at all because you never know when the car going to pull hard to the right.

NHTSA ODI 11714014

No accident occurred. I just believe that the symptoms our car has are the exact same issues that caused a recall. I’m just relaying information to help set the parameters of the recall. Secondly I am curious why the service manager didn’t mention about a recall possibly concerning our car. Even though it isn’t in the window of the recall ( but shows all symptoms). Guess I’m feeling a little jaded with the way the service manager conveniently left out they didn’t have any parts for our car and they would have to order them. Anyway they knew I was driving the car home and they only had 6 hours to mess with it.

NHTSA ODI 11710549

There were no warnings the power steering failed just as the previous recalls on the 2000 model Hondas did but there's no recall for this one the ABS has been affected there's no power steering and reduced engine power on and off a number of safety lights on dash the exact symptoms as described for number of Honda's before this one even the same year model but not this one 2013 Honda Accord vin [XXX] . I keep writing and promises if no one is taking notice to my complaint INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11707755

Electronic steering motor. Car would jerk to the left into oncoming traffic. Reproduced issue at Japanese auto import. Ordered and replaced oem steering motor.no warning lights or symptoms Pryor to first incident. Had new oem part installed and the replacement part is acting same way and making some clicking sounds after less than 10,000 miles, and 18 months.

NHTSA ODI 11707559

the power steering suddenly doesnt work. luckily appeared and noticed upon starting the car. the dashboard sensor light appeared as well at that time. did minor troubleshooting that was suggested by articles read such as tested battery, was fine. looked for lose connections and corrosion, none seen. became aware also that this is a known problem.

NHTSA ODI 11699034

Issue is intermittant, however extremely dangerous. Vehicle steers to the right until it cannot go further without any intervention with the steering wheel. Upon a right turn the vehicle will NOT return to center steering. If this is occuring vehcile will turn very quickly if your hands come off the steeering wheel for any amount of time.

NHTSA ODI 11698327

My Honda Accord is now difficult to drive due to tendency of steering wheel to cycle to the right at sporadic or random intervals. On more than three occasions, simply starting the car resulted in the steering wheel spinning to the right more than one full turn on it's own without my touching the steering wheel. The uncontrolled steering is more prevalent at lower speeds under 25 or 30 MPH and is even more challenging in close parking situations. Although I have driven the car without this problem for approximately 8 years, with the sudden onset of issues last month, the Honda dealer claims this recall is not covered on my VIN number due to the car being repossessed from the former owner who inflicted significant interior damage which totaled the car. By the time I purchased the car the interior was in pristine and newly repaired condition with a salvage title. To my knowledge and experience the car has never been involved in any wreck. Dealer would like approx. $4600 from me to make the repairs to the electronic steering gearbox which would normally be covered under the current recall (which expires next year for my 2013).

NHTSA ODI 11696837

All lights related to Tire pressure, Sterring control, Vehicle Stability Assist and ABS comes up in dash board. The ABS control module suddenly fails because of very bad design and manufacturing (just dry solderings!). Search EBAY, one can find so many offering services to repair this failed ABS control module. For replacement ot costs 3500. This looks like is common failure. Very dangerous to drive with that failed ABS control module. Why is this not in a recall yet?

NHTSA ODI 11693117

Steering is very hard to turn. The car is not drivable

NHTSA ODI 11690873

The contact owns a 2013 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while attempting to complete a left turn, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast into a nearby parking lot, where the failure persisted. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with failures with the driveshaft and steering gearbox. The driveshaft was repaired at that time. The contact stated that while leaving the independent mechanic at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly veered to the left, prompting the contact to immediately return the vehicle to the independent mechanic. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the steering gearbox. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 160,000.

NHTSA ODI 11689536

I was driving and all of a sudden my steering wheel started steering on its own quickly to the right and it was very difficult to keep control of the steering wheel couldn’t keep control and car was going against traffic and merging into other vehicles. When I finally came to a stop the steering wheel still moved on its own. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The safety of myself and my children is at risk while driving the car, it could cause major damage to other vehicles and structures and harm to us. The problem was inspected by Honda dealer and advised there is an extended warranty on EPS and confirmed that the EPS malfunction and needs to be replaced, but was advised that American Honda will not honor the warranty because there are no system codes coming up, there where no warnings, lights on dash, noises or anything indicating EPS failure. Car has always been taken for maintenance and repairs at a certified Honda dealer, American Honda will not take responsibility for the dangerous and deadly malfunction.

NHTSA ODI 11687017

EPS system light coming, steering pulling off to one side ocassionally

NHTSA ODI 11684316

The steering on this vehicle went bad and now pulls/pushes in each direction. This issue seems similar to what is described here https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-recalls-defects/honda-accords-under-investigation-for-steering-problems-a4542071576/

NHTSA ODI 11681978

Steering wheel would not turn left or right and became very jumpy and stiff to steer!

NHTSA ODI 11678208

After a driveshaft recall repair was performed on July 10, 2025, at Germain Honda of Dublin, my 2013 Honda Accord EX-L immediately began showing multiple safety system warning lights, including ABS, VSA, traction control, and check engine. These lights had never appeared prior to the repair. Diagnostic codes included: •VSA Solenoid Valve Malfunction •Modulator Control Unit Power Source Circuit (IG) Low Voltage These point directly to the ABS/VSA modulator, which is located near where the driveshaft repair was done. Despite the timing, Honda has refused to cover the repair, quoting me nearly $3,000. The dealer also cleared the codes before I arrived and then claimed they were “historic” with no documentation. I’ve confirmed my battery and alternator are in good condition, ruling out the common causes of voltage errors. I believe something was disturbed or left improperly connected during the recall service, resulting in a dangerous condition involving the vehicle’s braking and stability systems. This is a potential safety risk that arose after a manufacturer-issued recall repair, and I am requesting a formal investigation into similar cases if reported.

NHTSA ODI 11677781

The ABS pump/motor, ABS modulator needs to be replaced. This is a pretty common issue with the Honda Accord from 2008-2017. Fixing this problem is expensive at the dealer. I believe Honda motors should have a recall about this situation because how pricy this is. Looking online for information and videos on youtube many people have been quoted 2,800 dollars and up to replace it. I just replace the ABS sensor driver side and ABS, Brake, Steering Wheel came out. These are coming on and off. Please I would like to get some help with this situation.

NHTSA ODI 11674383

I had my vehicle serviced and repaired at Barber Honda here in Bakersfield, California, last year. They replaced the electrical power steering, but the problem came back. The light on the dashboard with a wheel-shaped icon turned on, and the wheel locked. It was a scary situation because we were driving on the freeway. I want to know what steps to take.

NHTSA ODI 11674144