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

I own a 2018 Honda Accord equipped with the 1.5L turbo engine. The vehicle is experiencing a head gasket failure consistent with numerous complaints reported by other Honda owners online and through NHTSA. My vehicle began showing symptoms including rough cold starts, engine misfires, loss of coolant without visible leaks, and reduced engine performance. Diagnostic testing indicated head gasket failure and coolant intrusion into the cylinders. The repair cost quoted to me is extremely expensive. This appears to be a widespread defect affecting 2018 Honda Accord 1.5T vehicles. Many owners are reporting similar failures at relatively low mileage, often involving cylinder misfires, overheating, coolant loss, and major engine damage. This issue creates a potential safety hazard because the vehicle can suddenly lose power, enter limp mode, or stall while driving. Honda should investigate this issue and provide assistance or recall coverage for affected vehicles. Consumers should not be responsible for major engine repairs caused by an apparent design or manufacturing defect. Vehicle: 2018 Honda Accord 1.5T

NHTSA ODI 11738567

Blown head gasket after multiple spark plug replacements for misfires.

NHTSA ODI 11738602

The head gasket failed on my 2018 Honda Accord 2.0T at 81,000 miles due to weak factory head bolts stretching under turbo boost, causing cooling system over-pressurization and risk of engine stalling/overheating

NHTSA ODI 11738311

1) The cylinder head gasket was “blown” and leaking coolant into cylinder 2. 2) As I was merging into traffic, my vehicle suddenly lost power and entered limp mode and the check engine light began flashing. 3) Yes, serviced at the dealer and confirmed 4) Inspected by dealer 5) No

NHTSA ODI 11737418

I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2018 Honda Accord equipped with the 1.5L turbocharged engine. The vehicle has experienced repeated engine-related failures despite multiple repair attempts by an authorized Honda dealership. Problems have included dashboard warning lights, engine misfires, loss of power, fuel odor, and suspected head gasket failure. Most concerning, on September 20, 2025, while exiting a highway with my child in the vehicle, the car suddenly lost power and all dashboard warning lights illuminated simultaneously. The vehicle became inoperable in traffic and required towing. This created a serious safety hazard and could have resulted in an accident. The vehicle has been returned to the dealership multiple times for the same or related issue on the following dates: • July 8, 2025 – mileage 80,099 • July 10, 2025 – mileage 80,101 • September 20, 2025 – mileage approximately 82,000 • October 27, 2025 – mileage 84,453 • October 28, 2025 – mileage 84,473 • April 16, 2026 – mileage 93,812 Repairs have included replacement of the high-pressure fuel pump and repeated diagnostic inspections, but the issue remains unresolved. I understand many owners of Honda vehicles equipped with the 1.5L turbocharged engine have reported similar problems involving head gasket failure, coolant intrusion, misfires, overheating, fuel system issues, and sudden loss of power. I am concerned this defect presents a significant safety risk.

NHTSA ODI 11737464

The engine stalled on the freeway. Has been having rough idles on cold start. Water gurgling/sloshing sounds coming from behind the dash on cold start. White, sweet smelling smoke periodically comes from the exhaust. Followed up with spark plug replacements. The vehicle still has all previous issues. Upon further inspection coolant reservoir is empty indicated a leak. No leaking fluid has been found. Suggests internal leaking. Issue is likely failing head gasket issue. Bissel v. American Honda Co. has been suing over this issue. The head gasket is allowing coolant into the cylinders mixing with fuel causing misfires and stalling the engine. Extremely dangerous. Likely to cause accidents.

NHTSA ODI 11736925

My car is having issues with the head gasket. My car check engine lights came on like a lit Christmas tree with many warnings (Emission System, Brake System, Departure, Uphill and many other more). I took my car into Capital Honda for a diagnostic on 5/4/26 and they informed that it was the head gasket that needs to be replaced. They are charging me $6000 to repair and do not have the funds to fix. Also I contacted Honda Corporate since I read on google that I may qualify for the goodwill program and they said I didn’t qualify since I did not purchase warranty on the vehicle when I got it. I also do see that there is a lawsuit in place for this. I’ve kept up with my car maintenance and never had an issue till now. The car is running rough and it’s shaking a lot. It’s also loosing coolant from the reservoir.

NHTSA ODI 11736982

The head gaskets and turbo supercharger goes out at a certain amount of miles

NHTSA ODI 11736624

While driving at highway speeds, the vehicle experienced a sudden jerking and a catastrophic loss of motive power (Limp Mode). Simultaneously, multiple safety systems failed, including the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Adaptive Cruise Control, and Road Departure Mitigation. The vehicle became a road hazard in active traffic. A certified Honda dealership technician inspected the vehicle and confirmed a premature head gasket failure with coolant intrusion into cylinders 2 and 3. The engine is non-drivable and the vehicle is at 84,000 miles. Despite the documented nature of this design defect and its current litigation, American Honda Motor Co. has denied any assistance. The vehicle also has an open safety recall (24-009) for a fuel pump failure which presents identical safety symptoms.

NHTSA ODI 11736007

I have a 2018 Honda Accord 1.5 sport and it had a premature head gasket failure at 78,880 miles. This is a well known issue with this engine. When I took the car in for repairs at Nalley Honda in Jonesboro Georgia the head mechanic at the location said these engines were not built right and he has seen an extreme amount of premature failures on this type of engine. He had been with Honda for 25 years and said he expected a recall on this and to keep my receipt on the repair. Hondas are usually known to be great cars and that has been my experience in the past, but this specific model does not pass expected reliability standards for a car! A $6K head gasket repair at 78K miles is not reasonable. I see that there is a class action lawsuit on this car for this same head gasket issue which shows that this is not a one off issue. Please issue a recall for this car and protect all the people who are on the hook for this ridiculously expensive repair at no fault of their own.

NHTSA ODI 11735818

Car is constantly misfiring! I got my fuel injectors, plugs, coils all changed. Honda is now saying head gasket! Why isn’t this being recalled! I am seeing multiple people with the same head gasket issue.

NHTSA ODI 11735455

All lights on head dash are on , all components are not working properly or effected because of this. (Engine light brake light abs light tire light traction control light , sensors out all) while driving vechile reduces power does not operate randomly , have to pull over shut the car off and turn it back on. Has high vibrations lot of shaking, stauling. I have had it looked at with multiple shops and dealer . Everybody is playing a guessing game and can not pin point what exactly it is . Was told it was spark plugs and coils, alternator , fuel injectors. ALL have been repaired, and still have all lights on dash and still facing every problem listed after repairs. Been inspected by manufacturer. Say not been resolved was told if it wasn’t what was already fixed they don’t know and that this is very common right now . It first APRIL 2026 (3) times. May 2 times 2026

NHTSA ODI 11735520

I have a Honda Accord Sport 2018 Engine 1.5L Turbo(1.5T) Mileage- 97,776 I am reporting a suspected premature head gasket failure which is affecting my vehicle and my mechanic told me this has been going on for a while now with the Accords around my year model. On cold starts, the engine shakes and idles roughly for about 10-20sec. There has been some jerking during acceleration and prior stalling incidents. I have also experienced a blinking check engine light which indicates an active misfire condition. The vehicle has been maintained regularly and have proof upon request. The anti-Freeze is leaking inside the cylinder 2 and 3 which is causing the misfires. The check engine light which is blinking is causing safety concern due to potential power loss and the risk of stalling while driving. This issue appears to be widespread among vehicles equipped with the 1.5T but also around the years of my vehicle. Honda dealership brought it to my attention during the last recall, and my personal mechanic (independent service) diagnosed my car and mention the same thing. I believe this is a manufacturing or design defect and request that NHTSA investigate this issue for potential recall or required manufacturer remedy

NHTSA ODI 11735601

First I had to replace all injectors and now I have a cylinder 4 misfire and need a head gasket job that’s being quoted at $5000!!! I’ve done all maintenance and upkeep and my car looks new. I’m in Honda groups and this is happening to everyone with the 10th generation accord that’s 1.5t engine. This should be a recall! I thought Hondas were the best. This is ridiculous and the car has no life. It’s literally in limp mode.

NHTSA ODI 11735296

My 2018 honda accord 1.5T EX-L has a head gasket failure, creating the potential for the engine to misfire and stall while driving. The car has been well maintained with all scheduled maintenance done on time. The need for new head gaskets has been assessed by a local dealership, and quoted at 4500-8500 dollars. The spark plugs have also seized, and if they break off during the repair, then that adds $4000 to rework the top of the engine. I replaced the spark plugs at 120,000 miles and around the 140,000 mile mark I started noticing the car would occasionally misfire while accelerating. I replaced all 4 coils, and the misfire issue persisted. It is intermittent for now, but indicative of a head gasket failure according to the dealership. The issue is most frequent when accelerating to highway speeds- ie a highway on ramp. One time the misfire put my car into "limp mode" on a tight on ramp, forcing me to restart the car in a dangerous situation. The other time it happened, I was thankfully able to coast downhill to an exit to restart my car. In either case, it created a dangerous loss of power, and given the head gaskets are not a wear item- it should not be the drivers responsibility to replace the faulty part.

NHTSA ODI 11735119

Blown head gasket

NHTSA ODI 11734575

The gas pedal failed to work on three separate occasions. The car essentially went into “limp” mode where the whole car stop driving out of nowhere. These models of Honda are known for the head gasket prematurely going out which has caused me car to have multiple misfires, warning lights, loss of power. The problem has been confirmed by the dealership and an independent mechanic.

NHTSA ODI 11733530

I am writing to formally report a recurring and serious mechanical issue involving the head gasket in the 2018 Honda Accord equipped with the 1.5L turbocharged engine. This issue appears to be widespread and poses both safety and financial concerns for vehicle owners. In my experience, the vehicle began exhibiting symptoms consistent with head gasket failure at relatively low mileage. These symptoms included unexplained coolant loss, engine overheating, white exhaust smoke, rough engine performance, and in some cases misfires. Upon inspection and diagnosis, the root cause was identified as a failed or failing head gasket. This failure is particularly concerning because it occurs prematurely and without warning, despite regular maintenance and responsible vehicle use. A head gasket is a critical engine component, and such failures can lead to severe engine damage, sudden loss of power, and unsafe driving conditions—especially if overheating occurs while the vehicle is in motion. Additionally, the cost of repair is substantial, often ranging from several thousand dollars, placing an unexpected financial burden on owners. Many drivers, including myself, rely on these vehicles for daily transportation, and this defect undermines the reliability that is expected from a modern vehicle. There is growing evidence through consumer reports, online forums, and mechanic feedback that this is not an isolated incident but rather a pattern affecting multiple 2018 Honda Accord 1.5L vehicles. The consistency of these reports suggests a potential design or manufacturing defect related to the engine or head gasket system. Given the safety implications and frequency of occurrence, I respectfully request that the NHTSA investigate this issue further to determine whether a recall or manufacturer accountability action is warranted. Addressing this defect would help prevent further financial hardship and reduce the risk of unsafe driving conditions for affected vehicle owners.

NHTSA ODI 11732895

I experienced repeated stalling, loss of drive power while on the highway, limp mode, and all dashboard warning lights over several years. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Honda dealership multiple times and specifically asked whether these symptoms were related to the known fuel pump recall. Each time I was told the recall was not the cause. I was also told recall parts were unavailable or delayed. Based on dealership misdiagnoses, I paid out of pocket for multiple repairs including spark plugs and ignition coils which they claimed were the reason for my car acting up, that did not resolve the issue. Among other repairs I did on my own like replace the battery twice and what not. I have since received Honda’s official recall notice confirming that a faulty fuel pump causes the exact symptoms I reported. My vehicle is now completely inoperable it does not start and cannot be driven or transported. I have filed two claims with Honda Corporate, both denied based on mileage. I believe the vehicle’s failure is a direct result of Honda’s failure to address the recall in a timely manner and the dealership’s repeated misdiagnosis.

NHTSA ODI 11732960

Head gasket failure, Over heated randomly putting myself and kids unsafe and at risk for accident. Been confirmed by independent service center. Not inspected by police or insurance. Had cylinder misfire a week prior.

NHTSA ODI 11732713

Blown head gasket. This appears to be a widespread issue amongst all 10th gen honda accords due to a poorly designed engine by Honda.

NHTSA ODI 11732585

At 144000 miles all vehicle lights came on and vehicle engine would shake and vibrate. Computer said misfire on cylinder three. Changed spark plugs and coil. Problem still persisted. Mechanic recommended replacing fuel injectors so i did. After injectors were replaced all the lights came back on and the car runs worse. I believe its a blown head gasket now and the mechanic is testing the head this week.

NHTSA ODI 11732197

I own a 2018 Honda Accord EX-L with a 1.5L turbocharged engine. The vehicle began overheating while idling and at low speeds, cooling down when driving at higher speeds. I brought the vehicle to a Honda dealership where a pressure test confirmed internal coolant loss with no external leaks found. The dealership diagnosed a head gasket failure and recommended replacement at a cost of $8,941. The component that failed is the head gasket on the 1.5L turbocharged engine, allowing coolant to leak internally into the cylinder. My safety was put at risk as the vehicle overheated while in traffic during normal driving conditions, creating a risk of engine failure, loss of power, and potential fire. The problem was confirmed by a certified Honda dealership via cooling system pressure test. A goodwill request has been submitted to American Honda on my behalf. Warning lights appeared on the dashboard twice indicating to turn the vehicle off immediately due to overheating. Symptoms first appeared in April 2026. I am aware of NHTSA TSB MC-10234626-0001 and an active class action lawsuit Bissell v. American Honda Motor Co. Case No. 3:24-cv-02286 addressing this exact defect on this exact engine.

NHTSA ODI 11732131

Driving in a construction zone. Two lane highway and my car immediately went into limp mode. Left me and my children stranded on the side of the road while semis and cars driving 65 mph went past very close to us. Honda knows these accords have head gasket issues and it is unsafe to be driving them.

NHTSA ODI 11732132

Apparently, my car has a leaking head gasket. It was confirmed by the Honda Dealership. While driving it will go in limp mode and will no longer accelerate. I have to pull off to the side of the road, turn the car off, and back on just to get to where I'm going. It is causing my car to stutter really bad and we're constantly having to put coolant in it. This is a safety issue and will cost about $7000 to get fixed. The most recent time it did it, I was at a stop sign and starting to go to turn and my car just would no longer accelerate.

NHTSA ODI 11731653