What 1,812 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 Honda Accord Fhev

At 157000 miles I am being forced to replace my fuel injectors and a blown head gasket on my 2018 Honda Accord. As I am sure you are aware, this is an ongoing issue with this model specifically, and yet no recalls have been issued. Please understand that this was a sudden failure as I had no signs there was an engine issue before being forced into limp mode while driving on the freeway. I also had my mother in the car when all of a sudden, my car could not go above 25 mph while in traffic. Thankfully we could pull over safely and were not hurt or killed. All the lights/warning messages on the dash became illuminated before finally settling on an “emissions problem.” All other warning symbols remained lit. My thermostat started to rise dangerously high especially while idling. I cannot stress how terrifying or dangerous this was. After a diagnostic last week at a Honda dealership, I was told I have a cylinder 3 misfire and that after they pressurized the system, they found a coolant leak which is due to the head gasket. I was also told my fuel injectors (which were just replaced in Sept. 2025) are already in need of replacement as well, but that I would only be charged parts for this repair as it would be included with the labor of having to tear down the engine. Despite this, I was still provided an estimate with the full cost of the fuel injectors as well at nearly $1600. My grand total for these repairs came to $6895. I was told at most it would be $6300 – not that that is much of a discount on an issue that should have been recalled. Again, this is a known design flaw and NOT a result of my neglect.

NHTSA ODI 11748530

Blown Head Gasket

NHTSA ODI 11748102

We started driving and after driving the tire pressure light went on. We stopped checked all tires pressure everything was fine. Then about 2 or 3 hours later every light on my dash board lit up. Check Engine Light: Brake System Light: Traction Control Light: Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS) Light: Adaptive Cruise Control Light: Power Steering Light. There was no weird Sounds and no smoke or smell. Got off at the first exit I could and stopped at a gas station to check my fluids engine and battery just make sure nothing was wrong. Had to get a hotel room next morning when it was time to leave the lights were still on and I drove to auto zone up the street and had them see what codes were coming up. They told me it was the turbo and water gate. I then go my car towed

NHTSA ODI 11748210

2018 Honda Accord EX-L with the 2.0L turbocharged engine. At approximately 113,000 miles the head gasket failed, allowing engine coolant to leak into cylinders 2 and 3. Symptoms included repeated cold-start engine misfires (diagnostic codes P0302, P0303, P0300), illuminated check-engine light, intermittent loss of power / limp mode, and gradual loss of coolant with no visible external leak. The failure was confirmed by an independent mechanic as a blown head gasket between cylinders 2 and 3. This matches a widely reported design defect in Honda's 1.5L and 2.0L turbocharged engines (2016–2022 Accord, Civic, CR-V, Acura RDX/TLX) that is the subject of federal class-action litigation. The sudden power loss this defect can cause while driving presents a safety risk. Repair cost approximately $6,000, paid out of pocket, with no recall in effect. Requesting NHTSA investigate a potential design defect and recall.

NHTSA ODI 11747924

While on the highway, going approximately 60-65mph, lights on my dashboard suddenly lit up and turned right back off as my car began to decelerate on its own. After I was able to get my car off to the side of the highway, I had to have it towed home as it was inoperable. I had it towed to my preferred auto shop and they discovered the engine had failed at only 84,000 miles. The total cost was approximately $8,600. After a bit of research, it seems this is a known issue for this engine model from Honda and nothing has come of it so far.

NHTSA ODI 11748015

Bad engine, and Honda knows it, and they will not fix my car. I have reported this to Honda America and Honda Japan. Cylinder 2 and the head gasket went bad at 77,000 miles. I am disabled and a full-time student. This was diagnosed at Honda Autonation in Columbus Ga. I even asked whether they would take it as a trade-in. They said no, so my next step is to file a class action lawsuit against Honda when they should have just accepted responsibility and fixed my car. There is a forum on Reddit and Facebook with 1000s of people with the same problem. [XXX] [XXX] Mailing address: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11748061

The car was sold to me in 2021 with no airbags and no working seatbelt in the back passenger seat. The car was bought at AX Auto in Atlanta Ga. I have been in touch with them and they keep ignorning me and will not fix this issue.

NHTSA ODI 11748063

Was driving onto the interstate when car hissing sounded ,then car cut out and all my dashboard warning lights were on a loop the code is turbo boost but car died and no safety features would work i just barely missed being completely crushed by 18 wheeler

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Head gasket blew, COMMIN PROBLEM AMONG ALL THESE ACCORDS

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ALL WARNING LIGHTS FLAS ON DASHBOARD CONTINUOUSLY

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Two premature blown head gaskets and warped cylinder heads, the first at 95,000 miles, while driving on the freeway the car started to shake and all warnings lights came on, luckily I was not far from the dealership and took it right in. The second at 137,000 miles. The first repair was done at Honda of Concord dealership and was covered under the extended warranty. Warranty has since expired and the issue has happened again. This time Honda is recommending that I replace the engine, while denying my request for a goodwill repair. The dealership quoted me $10,000 for repair, and my car is maybe worth only $13,000. Honda knows that there's a design flaw with the 1.5L engines, but won't take any accountability for it.

NHTSA ODI 11747092

My vehicle will NOT drive past 20 MPH,it randomly goes into limp mode with traveling ! I’ve have it tested multiple times and no one seems to know what the issue is !

NHTSA ODI 11747267

I just replaced the head gasket 3 years ago. I was on my way home & all the lights in the dash came on. Took it to the local dealership. Once again it’s the head gasket.

NHTSA ODI 11746912

I own a 2018 Honda Accord. While driving 30 MPH the vehicle experienced head gasket failure/engine failure-trouble. The vehicle lost automotive power and decelerated to 5 MPH. I was able to drive safely. The engine light was illuminated as well as all dashboard lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic immediately, where it was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinders #2 a computer code malfunction, and then taken to dealer immediately from there. Dealer ran and found same code. found a blown head gasket. (Charging me a diagnostic code for same reading.) The vehicle was repaired privately as dealer wanted more than $1000. more to do the work. The manufacturer was contacted and assisted with the cost of the repair. The manufacturer confirmed there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle. I am out $4524.66 in repairs due to an issue that Honda is aware of and had done nothing to rectify.

NHTSA ODI 11746703

Known issue by Honda; 2018 Honda Accord Sport, 1.5L 6S Manual Transmission. Head Gasket is blown, alongside failed fuel injectors for the 1.5L motor. Vehicle has been misfiring. Not accelerating properly which is causing the vehicle to suddenly slow down in traffic, promting potential vause for accidents. Almost was involved in 2 accidents due to the sudden and complete loss of power at a decent rate of speed. CEL came on twice, which then disappeared and the vehicle acted "normal" until acceleration. Took vehicle to a Honda Dealer and was told it was the "spark plugs and the coil packs", even after explaining to them that there was engine oil on the piston heads, and low coolant. Left the dealer upset that they barely did any diagnostic work, and took it to an independant shop that actually completed a proper diagnostic performance, and confirmed the head gasket is leaking coolant, and the fuel injectors are failing. Known common issue that Honda is failing to recognize.

NHTSA ODI 11746425

There are 13 alerts showing on the instrument panel for various systems not functioning, along with accompanying yellow dash lights such as tire pressure, ABS, brake system, traction control, ACC, and LKAS. Systems not available include, ABS system, Adaptive Cruise Control, Road Departure Mitigation, Auto High-Beam, TPMS, Electric Power Steering, plus several others. These alerts first started January 2026 and occasionally would disappear; however, over the past few months the warnings have become constant. The vehicle has approx. 120,000 miles. Due to TPMS not functioning, I am not given a warning when a tire has gone flat/blown while driving as the tire pressure light is always on the dash. The only warning I am provided is the sound/smell of the rim dragging along the road to notify me the tire is flat. This poses a risk to myself and others by creating an emergent situation requiring me to pull over rapidly. Another incident occurred when ACC was enabled (at a time when the alerts had been appearing on and off). Cruise control set at 70 mph when suddenly the above mentioned alerts reappeared and ACC system became unavailable, leading to unexpected deceleration on the highway. This poses a risk to myself and others as it creates unpredictable driving patterns, unbeknownst to the driver. Initially I replaced the battery with no resolution of the issue. I later discovered maintenance code displayed by the vehicle was C003A-62 for Right Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit Failure (circuit short to ground or open). The mechanic recommended replacing the right wheel hub assembly as this was suspected to be the cause of failed circuit. When that repair lasted no more than 10 mins before the warnings reappeared, the right rear wheel speed sensor itself was then replaced. Similarly, this did not fix the issue. I have not sought additional service due to repair costs beginning to add up with no resolution. Based on the history of reports, this issue does not seem uncommon.

NHTSA ODI 11746593

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for an oil change; however, after leaving the dealer, the vehicle stalled while driving 25 MPH. The contact returned to the dealer and notified the dealer of the issue. The contact was informed that the vehicle had experienced head gasket failure and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for additional assistance. The failure mileage was 99,000.

NHTSA ODI 11746295

I own a 2018 Honda Accord equipped with the 1.5L turbocharged engine. At approximately 53,666 miles, the vehicle developed a rough idle, engine shaking during startup, intermittent check engine light, and a cylinder 1 misfire code (P0301). I took the vehicle to a Honda dealership for diagnosis. The dealership confirmed coolant intrusion into cylinder #1 after performing a cooling system pressure test and borescope inspection. The dealership determined that the engine has a failed head gasket and provided a repair estimate exceeding $6,000. The dealership advised that the vehicle should not be driven because coolant entering the cylinder can cause further engine damage, loss of power, engine stalling, overheating, or complete engine failure while driving. I believe this is a safety concern because the engine may misfire, lose power, or fail unexpectedly during vehicle operation. A major engine failure at only 53,666 miles is not consistent with normal wear and tear. I am submitting this complaint so that NHTSA can investigate potential defects involving coolant intrusion, head gasket failure, and cylinder misfires in Honda Accord vehicles equipped with the 1.5L turbocharged engine.

NHTSA ODI 11746020

I had a misfire on cylinder three. All vehicle lights came on. Vehicle had spark plugs and fuel injectors replaced. The problem persisted and the next code I received was a turbo burst under pressure code. So turbo and water pump were replaced. This made the problem worse because the new turbo made the head gasket leak. Now after paying $4000 in repairs I have to have the head gasket replaced for another $3000. This is a serious problem with these cars. Wish I never bought this piece of trash. I also replaced all break rotors pads and hoses. Terrible vehicle. Do not buy.

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Yas

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Dashboard displayed multiple messages and icons/warnings. Steering wheel locked, acceleration was low, barely any power to drive. Engine running rough condition. OBD2 scanner P0302 and P0303 detected. Engine misfire. Honda Dealership diagnosis car. Main concerns include a head gasket blown or crack. Coolant leaking into cylinder 2 and 3. Tie rod cracked. Pressure test low. The vehicle has no prior history of cylinder head removal or head gasket replacement. Vehicle has been properly maintained through consistent oil changes.

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coolant leaks into engine components, causing overheating, loss of power, and contamination of engine oil. Head gasket failed

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Side airbags deployed while driving for no reason/ no collision. Yes the car is available for inspection. The car was towed to a mechanic shop, while I was picked up by an ambulance. Yes my safety was put at risk as the airbags were deployed while car was in motion, knocking me out unconscious, leaving the car in motion possibly putting others at risk as well. I finally came to and was able to press the brake before any collision could happen. There were no warning signs prior. This incident caused me dizziness , headache , and with neck pain.

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Blown head gasket between cylinders 2 and 3 at only 100k miles. Leaking coolant and causing overheating

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Multiple misfires, dealer says blown head gasket after replacing coil and spark plugs. Quoted 6,500. Car still runs is not running hot no exhaust smoking. Told this is common issue after fuel pump was on recall and replaced. After fuel pump replaced car smelled of gas for 3 weeks.

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