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

My 2018 Honda experienced a catastrophic engine failure (blown head gasket) at only 30,012 miles. A head gasket is not a wear item and should not fail at such low mileage. I previously reported related symptoms during dealer service visits in July 2024 and August 2025, including signs consistent with cooling or engine performance issues, prior to the complete failure. The vehicle has been properly maintained, has not been abused or modified, and shows no signs of neglect. Honda has denied goodwill assistance solely due to vehicle age, despite the extremely low mileage and premature nature of the failure. This appears to be a durability defect resulting in premature engine failure well below expected service life.

NHTSA ODI 11710091

As I was driving myself and child on the interstate 65 mph the vehicle all of a sudden dropped speed and would not accelerate. I drifted the car off the interstate off ramp and pulled into a store parking lot. Luckily, we did not cause an accident or hit anything or anyone. All the lights on car's dashboard blinking some examples are EPS, VSA, Malfunction lamp, Breaking system, check engine light, etc. My car did not show that it was running hot, was not smoking, however would not accelerate. The car had a slight rattle, running bad, shaking slightly; all in all, not working appropriately. No earlier indication that something was wrong just came all of a sudden, no warning at all. Car was brought to Billy Navarre in Lake Charles, LA, where they concluded that head gasket was blown. I had to come out of pocket to fix the head gasket and all of the other problems that it caused. Car milage 84,097, bought brand new in 2018. This is a major safety issue for the public! Multiple people have this same problem. I have documentation on all the work the dealership completed. And I have filed a report to Honda.

NHTSA ODI 11707381

Honda needs to recall all the newer vehicles starting with 2018 to 2024. All lights on the dashboard is on and while I’m on highway, the car would apply the brake itself and when I released my foot from the pedal, the car run smoothly again. I took the car to Honda dealership last year and I was charged over 1500 dollars, still the car is having the same issue. This is frustrating. Today, the car is showing the camera like I was trying to back up, even though the car was on drive mode. Unbelievable.

NHTSA ODI 11706651

The head gasket leaked and a piston warped. The symptom was feeling a piston misfire and then the car wouldn't go over 10 miles per hour. Our safety was compromised because we were on a busy (45mph) road and couldn't turn off quickly nor go fast to keep up with traffic. The problem has been reproduced at an independent service center. The vehicle has only been inspected by the mechanic. The previous week all the electrical systems reported a failure. That was repaired by replacing some hose that collapsed on itself. During the misfire, the check engine light flashed, but it didn't before or after (when we were driving very slowly).

NHTSA ODI 11698638

I am writing regarding my recently purchased used 2018 Honda Accord. The car has low mileage and initially ran well, but it has developed a recurring cylinder misfire problem. When this happens, the car slows down and cannot exceed 20 mph. This issue has occurred several times—once while my daughter was driving on the highway, creating a dangerous situation as she tried to pull over safely. I took the car to both a Honda dealership and an independent mechanic. The dealership diagnosed a head gasket issue and quoted over $6,000 for repairs. However, the independent shop could not identify the issue—no error codes appeared during their diagnostic scan. After I shared the dealer’s diagnosis, the independent mechanic mentioned that this may be a known design flaw in certain Honda Accords from this model range. From what I’ve learned, the problem involves the engine’s cooling system design. The coolant travels inside the engine around the outside of the cylinders, and Honda used a small channel between cylinders to allow coolant flow. This channel appears to be the failure point, leading to head gasket problems in multiple vehicles. I believe this may be a systemic issue affecting many Honda Accords with this design, and I urge someone from this office to investigate and make Honda take responsibility for these repairs. I am in a position where I am able to transition away from this vehicle, so this will not help me. So I hope you are able to help other, because the repair bill could cripple people and hinder them for using a vehicle that they rely on to provide for themselves and their family.

NHTSA ODI 11698388

turbo charger split causing engine failure which almost created a serious accident.

NHTSA ODI 11696057

The issue first appeared during my initial test drive before purchase in 2019. The salesman stated it was a low-battery issue from the car sitting on the lot. Since then, the same problem has recurred multiple times. The vehicle displays multiple warning lights — “Electric Powertrain Fault,” Check Engine, EPS, and VSA — with reduced power, jerky acceleration, and temporary loss of throttle response. This poses a safety risk when merging or crossing intersections. Vehicle: 2018 Honda Accord Sport 1.5T, approximately 52,000 miles. Diagnostic codes retrieved include U0401-68 (ECM/Electric Powertrain Communication Failure), U0416-68 (VSA/EPS System Malfunction), and P0302 (Cylinder #2 Misfire). These faults have occurred despite replacement of spark plugs, ignition coils, and fuel injectors (all OEM Honda parts). Dealerships have not been able to permanently correct the issue. The problem appears related to the ECM or communication network between the powertrain and stability systems. The sudden loss of power and unpredictable throttle response during normal driving creates a serious safety hazard.

NHTSA ODI 11695045

I have a 2018 Honda accord 1.5t I have always done oil changes and maintenance accordingly. My car went into limp mode over the summer. I brought it to my dealership who said the head gasket was bad and it was going to cost over 5,000$ to fix. This is a known problem on these cars as I have gathered information all over the internet. Honda refuses to do the right thing and have a recall. I do not have the money to replace the head gasket at the hefty dealership level. I have been waiting over 3 months in an attempt of a DIY replacement. The company I have been ordering with has had many issues and I am still without a vehicle. The vehicle only has 138,000 miles

NHTSA ODI 11694354

I own a 2018 Honda Accord EX-L equipped with the 1.5-liter turbo engine. Over time, the vehicle began showing symptoms of coolant loss without any visible leaks, a sweet odor under the hood, and intermittent white smoke from the exhaust after startup. The engine would sometimes idle roughly and hesitate under acceleration. No external leaks were found by my mechanic. I later learned that these symptoms are consistent with a possible head-gasket or coolant-intrusion issue affecting this engine type. The problem poses a potential safety risk because coolant can enter the combustion chambers, leading to engine misfire, loss of power, or complete engine failure while driving. The issue has not yet been formally recalled, but I have seen multiple complaints and reports of similar failures in 2018–2022 Accords, Civics, and CR-Vs with the same 1.5-liter turbo engine. A warning light (“check engine”) appeared intermittently, and the temperature gauge fluctuated during normal driving. The problem has been inspected by an independent repair shop, but Honda has not provided a permanent repair or warranty coverage. The issue appears to be consistent with the allegations in recent class action filings regarding head-gasket and coolant-leak defects in Honda 1.5T engines.

NHTSA ODI 11692246

The head gasket needs replaced because of a faulty design....this is an expensive fix and one I think Honda knows about, but because the fix if almost all labor, they don't care because it is making them a ton of money on repairs. The engine block cooling is designed to cause a head gasket failure with can ruin the engine and even if you catch it, is very expensive to fix. and Honda doesn't even offer an adequate fix and this WILL happen again. I have talked to Honda techs who have confirmed that belief.

NHTSA ODI 11687937

Coolant leak through the gasket into a cylinder so now I need a new head gasket. When I start my car, it starts to shake and don’t accelerate. I just got my turbo done in April because of the same issues.

NHTSA ODI 11687020

Upon commuting to work, the car failed to accelerate causing the car to almost suddenly stop while driving; at the same time of the failure warning lights and beeping occurred. No warnings prior to failure. By God’s grace, I was not yet on the expressway and avoided what would have been a horrible accident jeopardizing not only my life but the lives of anyone that would have been behind me. The gasket failed (cylinder #3) and is available for inspection upon request. It was a significant safety issue as the failure occurred without warning causing the car to stop no warning. Yes, the dealer has confirmed the failure and I was quoted a $5800 repair cost in spite of a owning a lifetime power train warranty. No, the vehicle or component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance. I did place a call to American Honda and we were given a case #15822812 (but this case has since been closed without action.) No warnings occurred before the failure. (Beeping and messages occurred at the time of failure.) Had the failure occurred at a high rate of speed, on an expressway, loss of life could have occurred and no one would know what caused the accident since cars are usually towed away and declared “totaled.” Fortunately, I was on a road of 35mph but in just a few more minutes would have been at a speed of 65mph. There is a further safety concern that the dealer admits that there is a known problem with the OEM component but plans to continue to replace with the same product. Note: this car has a superior care record and only 110,000 miles which means the failure is likely to occur again with the same parts. Internet searches are confirming this is a known product failure with no recall.

NHTSA ODI 11686154

Car stalled/went into limp mode in the middle of turning onto a busy road almost hit by oncoming traffic. Check engine light came on, as well as all other warnings. Ran diagnostics and show fuel running lean and cyl 2 misfire. Checked all other possible issues related to codes and all signs point to bad fuel injectors.

NHTSA ODI 11684645

I currently own a 2018 Honda Accord 1.5L 4 cylinder with only 62,800 miles at the start of the issue. Around the end of July 2025 the car started to jerk. It started with a slight jerk and escalated daily, over about a week, until the car started going into limp mode. The car was taken to a repair shop near my house. This shop said they were receiving an engine misfire code, replaced all spark plugs, and car driving good again. Around 8/15/2025, I started having the same issues. On 8/19/25 the car went into limp mode again in a busy highway. Took it to a Honda/Acura repair shop. They again found the same misfire codes, replaced 1 spark plug, and the car was driving okay. This Honda/Acura shop found low coolant in the engine and believed I had a leaking head gasket as they have been seeing a high number of Honda 1.5L engines, similar years, with this issue. The shop suggested I contact Honda as it is a known issue. On 8/19, the Honda dealer service department told me they are seeing a lot of that issue but Honda has no current plan to extend warranties or issue a recall, despite the widespread, known issue. The dealership’s service department instructed me to call Honda corporate to discuss the issue and potential coverage. Corporate did open a case for a potential Good Faith repair. I was told that I would have to take it to a Honda dealership for official diagnostics, pay that fee out of pocket, then submit documents and info for coverage review. The car was driving okay for about 1 week and on 8/27/25, began having the same problems. I was able to get an appointment on 9/2/25 at the dealership. On 9/2/25, the dealership confirmed the head gasket is bad and the car requires head gasket, head bolt, belts, fuel injector, and coolant replacement, and oil change. The dealership again acknowledged this is a known issue with the vehicle. These vehicles are stopping on busy highways (with speed limit of 50mph) and interstates or going into limp mode, not going over 20mph.

NHTSA ODI 11684620

After having the fuel pump recall completed on my Honda Accord, I began experiencing serious engine problems that I had not had before the recall repair. Shortly afterward, my vehicle developed a blown head gasket, coolant leaking into the engine, and turbo issues. These failures occurred outside of my extended warranty (which has also since expired), but they started only after the recall work was performed. I contacted my dealership and Honda corporate for assistance through a goodwill request, but they denied coverage, stating I am outside of warranty and they cannot determine fault. However, I have since learned that other Honda owners have reported experiencing the same or very similar engine issues after this recall repair. Currently, the vehicle is undriveable without risking complete engine failure. The cost of repair is extremely high, leaving me at a financial loss for a problem I believe is directly related to the manufacturer’s recall repair.

NHTSA ODI 11683314

My car is always having some electrical issue but when I type in my VIN number, no recalls are listed under my VIN number and then for the last couple of days I've been experiencing acceleration problems when I look up a 2018 Honda Accord it is saying that fuel pumps have been an issue, but my VIN number pulls up no information as far as me falling under that recall what are the proper steps to get my car looked at to see if my VIN number Even though it's not populating, any recall falls under the recall

NHTSA ODI 11682689

Fuel pump recall. Put in an order with Honda dealer January 2024 for the pump. On February 2025 asked if they submitted the order back in January 2024? They said it was. Now it's August 2025 (20 months since) and waiting. NHTSA says if they failed to fix in a timely manner to make a report online. Is 20 months long enough? Driving with a safety recall. Second making a complaint with the 10 speed auto transmission 2nd to 3rd hard shift and 4th to 3rd hard shift. Putting stress on other components can break mounts, the transmission, axles, ect. could also launch the car into the car in front of you, in heavy (slow bumper to bumper) traffic. Wasted my own money and time draining and filling 5 quarts of honda 2.0 transmission fluid. (Also replaced the trans filter behind the warmer housing) Did not fix the issue. Contacted American Honda and they said It's out of warranty and I need to pay for diagnostic and repairs. (I just bought the car in 2023 at 45k miles. Previous owner must of felt it and should of did something while under warranty.) Honda know this issue from the beginning and hiding the issue to save money. Check the Accord forums online. It's most of us if not all the 18-20 10 speed models. Vehicle is 2018 Accord 2.0 10 speed 50k miles. Plus the normal Phantom braking and lane departure which will automatically steer you off the road, so you have to fight the steering wheel.

NHTSA ODI 11679136

There are 10 warning lights currently on the dash. This is and has been an ongoing issue for over a year. Turning off the car then turning it back on the lights would go away. The car would periodically start to slow on its own while foot was still on the gas pedal which was dangerous in the middle of traffic or going 65 to 70 miles per hour on a highway. December 31, 2024 my car got towed to the Honda Dealership because the car stalled and wouldn't go past 15 miles per hour. Again the dash lit up. It was my understanding that it was because of the latest recall of the fuel pump issue that took over a year to be completed. The recall of the fuel pump was done January 6, 2025which took a week to complete and a week of work I missed with no available loaner car available to me. Once I got the car back the lights were not on the dash anymore but within 5 minutes of driving the car the lights came back on but the car did not stall and was able to go past the 15 miles per hour that was the original problem. Since January 2025 I have been dealing with these warning indicator lights and being the lights were on when Honda received the car to perform the recall I would assume a diagnosis would have been done but once I got the receipt there was no other issues recorded that was wrong with the car. There are absolutely too many Honda Accords with this problem. I've read everything from moisture in the tail lights triggering the lights, faulty battery, head gaskets, injectors to spark plugs. My car is no longer under a warranty and I have no means of paying for a guessing game when it comes to diagnosing the real problem with these cars. People are paying $5000 sometimes more and still having the same problem once they drive away. I honestly think a recall on this issue need to happen before something tragic happens. Maybe because it took over a year for Honda to get parts in to fix the recall fuel pump issue this is an exact result of going so long with the faulty fuel pump.

NHTSA ODI 11672961

All of the lights in the dash came on . We took it to Honda , at first they said it was the coils and spark plugs. I had them replaced , the same thing happened again the computer read that it was misfiring on one of the cylinders . They kept it and ran several tests . They then tried to say that it the result of a bad oil change but we knew better. After about a month they said that it had over heated and blown the head gasket . I ended up having to use my warranty and pay a deductible.

NHTSA ODI 11671302

I am writing to report a serious mechanical issue with my 2018 Honda Accord 2.0T that I believe may constitute a design or manufacturing defect with potential safety implications. At approximately 112,000 miles, the engine in my vehicle suffered a blown head gasket, which my mechanic determined was caused by a stretched timing chain. This failure followed roughly nine months of unexplained coolant consumption, during which time no visible leaks were detected. In addition to the coolant loss, the vehicle experienced two separate instances of entering limp mode while driving, creating a significant safety risk due to sudden loss of power. Furthermore, during the winter months, I repeatedly lost cabin heat, suggesting early signs of internal engine issues related to coolant circulation or combustion gas intrusion. These symptoms point to a progressive failure that was not addressed by any recall or Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) during my ownership. Given the growing number of reports from other 2.0T Accord owners experiencing similar issues with premature timing chain wear and associated engine damage, I believe this may be a systemic issue that warrants investigation by NHTSA. A stretched timing chain causing catastrophic engine damage can easily lead to unexpected stalling, limp mode, or loss of control in certain conditions — all of which raise concerns about vehicle safety and reliability.

NHTSA ODI 11663754

This car had a manufacturer recall for the "fuel pump". I was advised by Honda to go get the car checked by the dealer to evaluate if the issues I was getting were related to the recall. I paid close to $400 to get the car diagnosed and about 3/4 months after that I was told that the part is available for the recall service. I got the repair scheduled at the dealership and got the part replaced. Ever since I got this fuel pump replaced, now the car is struggling to pickup. It looks like a miss fire but it doesn't show any errors on display. In this condition, this car is not safe to drive around as it is skipping the engine thrusts. I have looked at Honda website and other online resources and people are talking about these issues but HONDA hasn't said or done anything about it. It all started after I got the fuel filter replaced.

NHTSA ODI 11657150

The 1000 miles or so, when trying to increase speed, would feel the gears slip between revolutions. I would let up on the gas pedal then slowly resume pressure, which sometimes worked or sometimes didnt. On April 19th while going up a hill on a side road, the car stalled and transmission warning light came on. I pulled over and shut the car off and restarted was able to slowly continue up hill at 15 miles per hour with the slipping becoming worse ( this is when I first called Honda to bring it in on Monday April 21.) I was able to arrive to work. After leaving work I pulled out of the parking lot and the car just stalled with all lights and warnings going off from engine to airbag warnings to tire pressure lights going off and dinging. This is when i called a tow truck to tow to the Curtiss Ryan Dealership. After talking to them at dealer they told me that other accords have had this problem.

NHTSA ODI 11656515

This vehicle was built terrible. It had a blown head gasket at 86,000 miles. The head was warped. My valve guides and seals were compromised and leaking into the combustion chamber. I need a full head resurfacing job with new gaskets all around. New injectors and new valve cover gasket and everything around. This car has a design flaw and needs to be recalled for mediocre heads life. It almost caused me to get crashed from the back from a semi truck because the car decided to lose complete power while on the road. The cars recalls have been addressed but this whole issue with the faulty heads needs to be addressed. My vehicle is in the shop now and I will have to pay a little over $4,000 now. It's a hazard on the road when you get near to 90,000 miles.

NHTSA ODI 11656200

Scanned for codes. Found P0303, P0299, and P2243 stored. Found coolant entering cylinder 3. Found excessive play in the waste gate rod and found A/F sensor is not responding. Needs head gasket. Vehicle starts up and runs rough. All alerts on alerts on dash on cust states check engine light on. Honda sensing alerts on.

NHTSA ODI 11655914

Cylinder 1 and Cylinder 3 misfire (Cylinder 3 misfired multiple times, even after attempts to fix it), and now I have a blown head gasket. On more than three separate occasions, my car has either stopped completely in the middle of the road—sometimes on the highway in the fast lane, with cars traveling 80+ mph behind me, putting my life at significant risk—or it will suddenly drop from the speed of traffic (80+ mph) to under 30 mph in a matter of seconds, out of nowhere. If it weren't for me swerving into an open lane to the right one time, I would have undoubtedly been rear-ended by a car traveling 80 mph. In that instance, my speed went from 0 mph to less than 30 mph in just seconds, which could have easily paralyzed me or even killed me had I hit my head on impact. Though I didn’t sustain a physical injury the first time this happened on the freeway, I did suffer a panic attack due to the sudden and extreme danger of the situation. Yes, the problem has been confirmed by two separate Honda dealerships at different times, but both were caused by the same issue. The vehicle has been inspected by the manufacturer, as I had it checked at two different Honda dealerships. No, there were no warning messages or symptoms prior to the failure; all issues occurred suddenly while driving, when my car barely started producing any power on the freeway.

NHTSA ODI 11651193