What 958 owners told NHTSA about the 2014 Honda Accord Plug In Hybrid

I received a diagnosis from Honda Dealership today that my 2014 vehicle has a failed VSA Modulator which regulates brakes and all abs features. They stated it was only from wear and tear on my vehicle. I am only at 109,000 miles. They quoted me a price of $3000.00 to fix the problem and noted I could not pick up my car without signing a statement that I understood the problem and understood that my brakes would eventually fail without fixing the problem. I cannot currently afford to fix the problem or safely drive my vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11534822

While driving one day in early April 2023 , numerous system warning lights such as braking and collision alert lights came on. I took the car to Germain Honda of Dublin. They told me that the VSA MODULE CONTROL UNIT needed to be replaced. Next they told me the part was on back order. As of today, 7/14/23 it is still on back order. Dealer tells me it is okay to drive the car. A lot can go wrong in 3 months. Today I discovered the 2013 Honda Accord has the same type of problem and is on recall for repairs to be done. Seems like the 2014 Honda Accord needs to be recalled for repairs. Part # 57110-T2G-L02

NHTSA ODI 11532246

The VSA ABS modulator failed, and it will be available for inspection upon request. The failure of this causes the ABS system to not work along with traction control. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic that pulled the codes and then taken for an estimate to the Honda dealer who confirmed the issue with the modulator. There are 4 warning lights in addition to the "FCW System Failed" message on the dash. The ABS light, traction control, FCW, and Tire Pressure indicator lamps all display and cannot be cleared. The FCW System Failed message cannot be cleared to be able to see other maintenance that is due such as an oil change or to view current mileage. The message and warning lights just popped up unexpectedly while pulling into to parking spot. For a brief time, the steering wheel would shake while driving making it appear that there was another issue, but there was not.

NHTSA ODI 11529716

ABS modular failed causing ABS brakes FCW and LDW and Traction control to stop working

NHTSA ODI 11528576

Hello, The ABS and Traction Control lights of my car came on a few weeks ago. I took it to the dealer and they did a diagnostics and they said it is a faulty/bad ABS (VSA) module (computer). Thee car has fairly low mileage and I did not expect the car to have any serious safety issue at around 65000 miles. The dealer told me the part costs about $1500 and the labor is $600. It is too much for me too afford and it is a safety issues at the same time. When I did a bit of online research I saw it is a popular issue for Honda owners and a lot of them complain and suffer about it. It reveals that Honda has a design flaw with any ABS/VSA module. apparently the module is not designed to tolerate the operating condition of the car (vibration, temperature...) and it gets faulty after a few years or some thousand miles. It is very popular. I could provide evidence of it based on my online research. Some Honda owners apparently try to reset the computer and turn of the light (mask the issue) since it is very costly to replace the part but they do not understand the safety impact it has on the passengers. Apparently Honda is ware of its design flaw too but because of the large cost of this module tries to deny or hide it. If you do online research on Honda accord or civic (all accord and civic after 2011, 2012) ABS or VSA module/modulator issues you will see bunch of it. It is a popular issue which needs a bigger action. Since it is safety and it is Honda's design flaw I wanted to report it to you. Please investigate this safety issue further. It might end up being a recall due to safety and since some owners ignore or reset it due to the very high cost. Please help. It is very costly to fix it as you see and I do not want to pay since the vehicles is fairly low millage and it is a Honda's design flaw. You don't see this issue on Internet with Toyotas or Nissans.

NHTSA ODI 11526031

My vehicle is not starting consistently, seems like a starter issue

NHTSA ODI 11525386

LDW, FCW, brake, ABS, etc. lights flashing. After much research it appears this is a known problem that affects thousands of Honda vehicles. I have found that the VSA Module is responsible- the solenoid is bad. This part needs to be replaced but is on back order with an unknown date when it will be available. Honda has been aware of this problem for many years!! This is a safety issue and is unsafe to operate this vehicle. As there are no replacements available there is no other option but to drive it as I need my car. If an accident occurs due to this part malfunctioning it will be Hondas responsibility due to the fact that they have known this is a problem and that there are no replacements available!!

NHTSA ODI 11524453

Antilock Brake System modulator failure. Malfunction lights showed Forward Collision Warning System Failure, Antiskid malfunction, FCW and LDW lights illuminated. DTC Code 81-19. THis problem occurred over 2 week period. Dealer replaced ABS modulator.

NHTSA ODI 11494525

During normal operation of the vehicle several indicating lights suddenly illuminated on the cluster...etc. steering, FCW, LDW, ABS, traction control and the verbiage " FCW FAILED". With the ABS unit not functioning properly the vehicle may, can and will skid uncontrollably under emergency braking, especially during inclement weather conditions. The same can be said for the traction control under acceleration, or normal driving depending on the road condition. With the FCW, and LDW not functioning the risk of a rear, or side collision is greatly increased again, pending the weather condition. As for the steering I am clueless as to the implications it may have, especially that this vehicle is equipped with electronically assisted steering. This vehicle was taken into the local Honda dealer to be looked at after the several attempts to clear codes. First by shutting the vehicle the off and restarting it several times and disconnecting the battery for extended period of time more than once. The dealer ran a diagnostic check, which they conclude that the VSA/ABS modulator needs to replace because of "81-20 ABS CPU internal circuit malfunction, 61-11 VSA modulator control unit power source circuit low voltage: repair will require new VSA Modulator" The vehicle has been taken into the HONDA dealer for inspection (see above statement). It has not been inspected by the police or by the insurance. NO! there were no warning lamps, messages or symptoms to indicate a possible malfunction of the system. This issue first appeared on the 6 July 2022. After doing several independent research about this failure, associated fix and cost to repair. I realized that this is a major issue affecting this make, model, trim, and year. It also extends to these manufacture's other models, trims, and years prior to and after. A Simple search of 2014 Accord "FCW FAILED" will highlight the broad scope of this issue.

NHTSA ODI 11473671

Automatic Breaking System activated upon approaching overhead signs and metal type overpasses. This caused the vehicle to reduce speed significantly on highways and toll roads. Issue not inspected or confirmed by any garage or dealer as it’s random and hard to duplicate. Brake warning and collision lights activate upon false detection. Issue has been occurring randomly since we purchased vehicle. Dealer identified no recall for system issue.

NHTSA ODI 11460902

A strange thing occurred while I was dropping my grandchildren to school on 3/30/22 at 8:45 AM.  After dropping off the kids, as I started the car in the car drop off lane, there was no acceleration despite me hitting the accelerator, the car would not accelerate, and cars exiting the school parking lot backed up behind my car. Suddenly, the car accelerated in an uncontrolled manner on its own, brakes did not work, and all warning lights on the side of the dashboard came on.  I steered the car towards an empty area and was ready to crash it into an obstacle to bring it to a stop.  I tried to put the car in park but despite putting it in park, the car continued its acceleration forward. I also tried to turn off the car by hitting the start/stop button but the car would not turn off. The car accelerated uncontrollably for at least 0.3 miles. After this uncontrolled and automatic acceleration, the car came to a stop. I had the car towed to the Honda dealership. Honda dealership advisor told me that there was no recall on this model.  However, a quick search on car message boards shows that this phenomenon of sudden and uncontrolled acceleration has been reported on 2014, and 2015 and 2016 Honda Accord model year cars as well. Fortunately, no children or their parents in the school were injured this time.   I hope you will direct the Honda dealership to identify and fix the problem.  I am afraid to drive the car without understanding the reason for this frightening experience.  Dealership address is 675 State Avenue Emmaus PA 18049 Phone number 610-965-1365 Associate who is helping me is Michael Paxos

NHTSA ODI 11459512

It stated forward collision warning failed, all lights popped up.

NHTSA ODI 11455312

Inexplicably and randomly, the FCW comes on the 2014 Honda Accord Ex-L. It is accompanied by most the other lights in the dashboard coming on (ex. lane departure, anti lock brakes, power steering, Traction control. When you turn car off and wait, the system seems to fix itself and all is fine until it recurs. It's very scary. My mechanic diagnosed and spoke to Honda who advised replacement of Honda ABS Control Module/Modulator Assembly. This is a very expensive part (approx. $1300) and unavailable at Honda. The concern is the safety situation plus the fact that this is a wide problem impacting so many other customers. I came upon this Honda forum where so many customers are having an identical problem to mine: https://www.driveaccord.net/threads/fcw-system-failure-message.77644/page-11#post-6861865 I'm requesting that this issue be investigated and Honda issue a recall and help customers such as me mitigate this problem. My son drives this car and I'm scared for him as safety features are disable when the electrical problem happens and then it fixes itself until the next time. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11442876

A sensor in the ABS module has failed, and has caused FCW, LDW, ABS, TCS to all not work. Honda wants me to replace the module, but says the parts on back order for forseeable future and that they can’t do anything for me. How can 1 part cause the failure of so many safety systems? How can they not stock this important repair part? Everytime I drive, my safety and the safety of those around me is compromised, and Honda’s solution given to me from the dealer was to call back in 3 months to check if the part can be ordered. (And then pay $2000 to have it installed)

NHTSA ODI 11436465

The forward collision warning system failed is lit up on the dash as well as ABS and other warning lights. I took the vehicle to a mechanic and he advised he has seen many Hondas with this issue and the VSA module is bad, which is what controls the anti-lock brakes. The specific code was 34_11 ABS Solenoid Valve Malfunction.

NHTSA ODI 11430013

The forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems failed and the alerts for ABS and steering come on. Dealer says it needs an ABS modulator, but there are none in the United States.

NHTSA ODI 11429772

WHEN OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES ARE AT LEAST 95 DEGREES OR HOTTER, THE FRONT CAMERA OVERHEATS AND THE FORWARD COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM AND LANE DEPARTURE WARNING SYSTEM DON'T FUNCTION UNTIL THE CAMERA COOLS DOWN WHICH CAN TAKE UPWARDS OF 15 MINUTES.

NHTSA ODI 11413471

THE AIR MASS FLOW SENSOR IS DEFECTIVE IVE REPLACED IT SERVERAL TIMES AS FOR THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND FCW SYSTEM FAILED

NHTSA ODI 11406145

CONSTANT ERROR WARNING 'FCW SYSTEM FAILED' POPS UP WHILE DRIVING, MANY DASH ERROR LIGHTS TURN ON, AND ALL ABS AND VSA SYSTEMS ARE DEACTIVATED. SYSTEM USUALLY RESETS WHEN CAR RESTARTED BUT THE ERROR HAPPENS AGAIN WITHIN A FEW MINUTES OF DRIVING. TOOK CAR TO DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED IT AS VSA MODULATOR UNIT IS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. WHILE THIS IS A VERY EXPENSIVE PART AND DISAPPOINTING THAT A CRITICAL SAFETY SYSTEM WOULD FAIL THIS EARLY IN THE CAR'S LIFE (MY CAR ONLY HAS 58,000 MILES), AMAZINGLY THERE ARE NO REPLACEMENT UNITS AVAILABLE IN THE USA, AND THIS PART HAS BEEN BACK ORDERED BY HONDA FOR AT LEAST A MONTH, WITH NO RESOLUTION DATE. SO I CANNOT HAVE THE SYSTEM FIXED BECAUSE HONDA DOESN'T HAVE ANY VSA MODULATORS ANYWHERE IN THE USA. THIS ISSUE SEEMS TO BE INCREASING IN FREQUENCY ESPECIALLY IN THE V6 ACCORDS LIKE MINE. IS HONDA OUT OF THE PART BECAUSE SO MANY VSA MODULATORS ARE STARTING TO FAIL? IT SEEMS LIKE A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT MY CAR HAS NO ABS OR VSA SYSTEM WORKING WHILE DRIVING, AND HONDA IS ALSO UNABLE TO OFFER A FIX SINCE THE PART IS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI 11405093

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HONDA ACCORD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRACTION CONTROL, TPMS, SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. ADDITIONALLY, THE FORWARD COLLISION WARNING AND LANE DEPARTURE WARNING MESSAGES WERE DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUTONATION HONDA ROSEVILLE (230 AUTOMALL DR, ROSEVILLE, CA 95661, (866)984-4756) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST MODULE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000.

NHTSA ODI 11402590

I AM RECEIVING A FWS FAILURE LIGHT ON MY DASHBOARD. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY ADVISED THAT THE MODULE THAT CONTROLS THAT SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF ABOUT $1800. IT IS MY BELIEF THAT HONDA SHOULD PAY THE COST TO REPLACE THIS MODULE. IT IS NOT A MATTER OF NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. ADDITIONALLY THERE IS A RECALL HONDA DTC U0416/68 FOR ANOTHER MODEL.

NHTSA ODI 11383373

THE FORWARD COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM HAS NOT WORKED DURING THE TIME I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE. I HAVE ATTEMPTED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS TO SIMULATE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE FCW SHOULD ALERT, WITH NO SUCCESS. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE SELLING DEALER FOUR TIMES. ON TWO OF THE VISITS THE FCW ONLY WORKED ONCE AFTER TESTING FOUR OR MORE TIMES.THE FCW NOTIFICATION WAS TOO CLOSE FOR SAFELY TAKING ACTION. THERE WAS NO CHANGE IN THE WARNING DISTANCE WHEN CHANGING THE SETTINGS- LONG, NORMAL, SHORT. ON THE TWO OTHER OCCASIONS THE FCW DID NOT WORK AT ALL. DEALER ADVISED IT WAS TO DANGEROUS TO RIDE ALONG ON TEST DRIVES. HONDA AMERICA WOULD NOT FURNISH EXPECTED STOPPING DISTANCES TO DETERMINE IF FCW WAS WORKING PROPERLY BECAUSE THERE WAS TOO MANY VARIABLES AND THIS INFORMATION WAS PRIVATE COMPANY INFORMATION. THIS IS AN IMPORTANT SAFETY DEVISE AND SHOULD WORK PROPERLY. HONDA AMERICA REFUSED MY REQUEST TO SEND TO AN EMPLOYE TO TEST DRIVE. UPDATED 9/28/15 *LN UPDATED 12/08/2017*CN *TR

NHTSA ODI 10743425