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

My Accord reported multiple warnings at engine start up (check engine light, warnings about cruise control, etc.), and the engine ran rougher than normal. I immediately drove to a Honda dealer for service. The Honda dealer, Checkered Flag Honda of Norfolk, Virginia, diagnosed a blown head gasket in cylinder 2, which allowed all coolant to drain into the engine. They also indicated that fuel injectors and spark plugs were compromised and required replacement. The vehicle has approximately 75,000 miles, has received regular maintenance, and was operated in normal driving conditions.

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1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I purchased my 2018 Honda Accord in 2024, and in 2025, I experienced significant issues with the vehicle. During my visits to both Honda of Southaven and Honda of Tupelo, they indicated that the head gasket might be the problem, which is a known issue with this model. I believe the malfunction is related to this component, and I can confirm that it is available for inspection upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The issues with my vehicle have directly endangered my safety and the safety of my children. While driving, the car started jerking unexpectedly and then cut off entirely on the highway, which could have resulted in a severe accident. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, I have visited Honda of Southaven and Honda of Tupelo over three times reporting these problems. Both dealerships acknowledged the issue, with one dealership stating it was likely the head gasket, which they mentioned seeing frequently with Honda vehicles. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? I have not had an inspection by the manufacturer or police. However, I have had my vehicle inspected by two authorized Honda dealerships, where they diagnosed the problem. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes, before the failure, there were multiple warning lights on the dashboard, which indicated that something was wrong with the vehicle. These symptoms began appearing shortly after I purchased the car in 2024, and they escalated over time leading up to my visits to the dealerships in 2025.

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Had in tank fuel pump replaced as recall stated. After 1 year went bad again. Honda refused to cover the repair. My car stalled on the interstate in traffic running around 50 to 60 mph.

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A loss of power while driving on the freeway created a dangerous situation and nearly caused an accident. The issue was diagnosed by the Honda dealer as a misfire of the 3rd cylinder due to a head gasket failure and a fuel injector issue. No other symptoms were detected as this appeared suddenly at the worst possible time.

NHTSA ODI 11749712

I own a 2018 Honda Accord LX 1.5T. The vehicle has developed an intermittent hard-start condition after sitting overnight. The engine cranks for approximately 5–6 seconds before starting and runs very rough for the first 2–5 seconds before smoothing out. Warm restarts are normal. While driving, the vehicle hesitates and stumbles during acceleration, is slow to build RPM, and fuel economy has noticeably decreased. During one hard acceleration event, the vehicle lost power and the check engine light flashed. I also observed that if I turn the ignition on and allow the fuel pump to prime for several seconds before starting the engine, the vehicle starts noticeably quicker than if I start it immediately. This makes me concerned that the fuel system may not be maintaining proper fuel pressure after the vehicle sits. Because of the hard starting, hesitation, intermittent loss of power during acceleration, and the improvement after allowing the fuel pump to prime, I am submitting this complaint for investigation because these symptoms could create a safety risk when entering traffic or accelerating.

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I just paid $250 for diagnostic fee and Honda mentioned it’s a head gaskets failure ironically enough for my model it’s a world wide problem I just spent $2k on a turbo charger job on my car last month thinking that was the problem

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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.

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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.

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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.

NHTSA ODI 11746022

The head gasket failed. Dealer diagnostic was performed and they determined leak of coolant into cylinder number 3. All maintenance done on car. No reason to fail. Further internet search shows that the head gasket failure on the 2018 accord 1.5 turbo seems to be a common issue and therefore a manufacturer defect. Yes it is available upon request. When accelerating the car will stall and lose power. Merging on to the highway the car would not move faster than 20mph and could have caused vehicles behind me to hit me. Yes, the problem was identified and reproduced by the dealer. Yes, the vehicle was inspected and serviced but upon receiving vehicle back, problem remained. The only symptoms present was a rough cold start and intermittent rough idle. The check engine light appeared only once the loss of power occurred.

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I was traveling North on Highway 55 in Huntsville, AL when I put the car in sport mode all of the error lights came on immediately. This has happened on several occasions. My passenger seat belt error always comes on. When I call about getting the recall fixed it could never be done because the dealer ships says the parts are not available.

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Car seem to misfire alot , having a lot of head gaskets issues aswell as turbo issues, 10s of 1000s of people like me are experiencing these common problems, taking so much money out of our pockets when its should be handle the correct way

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The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact stated that multiple warning lights were illuminated on the dashboard prior to any issues. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and entering onto the highway, the vehicle slowed down on the highway and eventually stalled. The vehicle was able to get safely to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with a high pressure fuel pump failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure milage was unavailable

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While driving the car it went in to limp mode, restricting the ability to maintain normal driving. It did this because the head gasket needs to replaced because coolant is leaking into # 3 cylinder. My wife and others were put at risk when she had to pull over in an area that was unsafe according to a Summerville police officer who came to her aid and helped her get the car to a safe area.

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I own a 2018 Honda Accord with approximately 108,000 miles. My vehicle has experienced ongoing fuel system and drivability issues connected to the fuel pump recall. It took over two years for Honda to complete the recall repair due to delays and lack of available parts. During that time, my vehicle developed additional issues including failed fuel injectors that required replacement. Even after those repairs, the vehicle continues going into limp mode, causing loss of power and creating a serious safety concern while driving. When I brought the vehicle to Honda for diagnosis, I was charged approximately $180 just to scan the vehicle and then quoted nearly $4,000 in additional repairs. In addition, my vehicle experiences what many Honda owners refer to as the “Christmas lights” issue, where multiple warning lights suddenly illuminate across the dashboard at the same time. This appears to be a widespread complaint among owners of this model and is often associated with ongoing fuel system, electrical, or sensor-related problems. Honda vehicles are marketed as reliable, yet many owners of this model have reported similar problems related to the fuel system, injectors, limp mode, and dashboard warning light failures after the recall issues. I believe the prolonged delay in addressing the recall contributed to further damage to my vehicle. Honda should take responsibility for these known issues and provide assistance to affected customers.

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Car was failing in 2024 due to fuel recall. It was fixed by Webbs auto shop. Now 2026 recall shows with DMV and Honda is failing at providing a proof of correction after Inspecting the car and approving all the changes made to it. I am unable to get my car tags due to Honda failing to comply with what DMV is needing to complete this request for my tags.

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My car is 2018 accord 2.0t The car just started jerking then I brought it to honda they said head gasket replacement needed, my car was properly maintained and it still happened

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Blown head gasket after multiple spark plug replacements for misfires.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Car keeps throwing cylinder 2 misfire, replaced all spark plugs, fuel indicators and still having issues. Think it’s the ecm/pcm is bad or there’s a bad connection.

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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.

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The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle either hesitated or stalled with the "Emissions System Fault", "Engine Power Reduced", "See your Dealer" messages displayed. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under the recall. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer approximately six times after the recall repair. The spark plugs, ignition coils, and turbo charger were replaced after several visits; however, failure persisted. The vehicle was also taken to an independent mechanic, and the battery was replaced but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the wiring harness and head gasket needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided a case number, but offered no additional assistance. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

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