What 1,812 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 Honda Accord Plug In Hybrid

In 2023, the car had a rough start during cold weather. Honda confirmed there was a service bulletin and told me my fuel injectors were likely failing. It’s a known issue. For 2 winters, I used Sea Foam to manage the problem. This winter, the dash completely lit up. I returned to Honda for an update to new version of the same service bulletin. They did the fix but it did not solve the problem. Tonight my car went into limp home mode and had to be towed to the mechanic for the fuel injector repair. We were on NC Interstate 540 when the car rapidly lost acceleration and luckily made it to a gas station for safe pick up. Me, my passenger and other drivers were all endangered the 3 times I had to pull over to stop and restart the car.

NHTSA ODI 11707294

Fuel pump is bad causing the car not to start.

NHTSA ODI 11707301

FULL PUMP ENGINE

NHTSA ODI 11706579

Vehicle: 2018 Honda Accord Sport 1.5T, VIN [XXX] , 108,584 m, registered Indiana. Vehicle suffered from well-known 1.5L turbo oil dilution defect (TSB 19-091) since 5/24/21, 35k m, towed Honda dealership check engine light on, loss acceleration. Dealership diagnosed misfires cylinders 2 &3 caused by faulty fuel injectors from gasoline contaminating engine oil, 4 injectors,related parts $1,495.53. Defect persisted, ongoing issues: VTEC solenoid failure, spool valve replacement, turbo full assembly replacement, multiple spark plug replacements over four+ years, due to same oil dilution causing fouling/misfires. $3,855+ spent related repairs, due to defect. 6/14/25 & 6/21 car decelerated, 9 warning lights illuminated. Examined, diagnostics clear. 10/29/25 engine light, loss of acceleration, almost resulted in highway crash. Towed Victory Honda Highland, IN 11/10, sat 40+ days. No communication. Eventually diagnosed blown head gasket, leaking injectors. No loaner provided despite request. Corporate requested teardown 11/25 wasn’t done. Manager demanded deposit before teardown. American Honda denied goodwill, refused escalation 3xs, assigned same unresponsive manager, but out till New Year. Broke 48-hour callback promise 12/17. Upon request, Honda towed Team Honda Merrillville, IN no repairs done at Victory. Since transported Team Honda nothing repaired, waiting teardown confirmation, leaving my family without transportation 2+ months. Defect documented TSB 19-091, ongoing class-action suit 1:22-cv-02662, N.D. Illinois 1,200+ NHTSA complaints identical failures. ‘18 Honda Accord Sp 1,200 + documented similar complaints, yet Victory Honda, Team Honda, & American Honda not addressed issue. Lack of communication, refusal to address known safety issue. Should investigation/mandatory recall/coverage. Safety Risk: Sudden loss of power on highway = crash hazard. Spent $3,855+; car undrivable, family without vehicle to/from work. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11706655

The vehicle is misfiring due to faulty fuel injectors. Causing every light on the dash to come on.

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After vehicle got serviced an open recall for fuel pump, my car has been having issues. I know is related to the head gasket/fuel injections. My car has been great, monthly maintenance service up until I got that recall fixed. I now regret it getting repaired, but I had to, to be able to receive my DMV tags. I was driving about 45 MPH and vehicle stopped accelerating will not speed over 20 MPH and the check engine light turned on. Just got full transmission flush and oil change and this happened. I read many article online that this happens after this recall repair to the ACCORD 1.5T EX2018

NHTSA ODI 11704056

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started and shifted to drive(D), the traction control and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The contact stated that the "Hill Start Assist Failure – Vehicle Might Roll Upon Brake Release” and “See Dealer Immediately” messages were displayed. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, but the warning lights remained illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the head gasket was blown and needed to be replaced, and the fuel pump that was previously replaced was faulty and needed to be replaced. The fuel pump was repaired, but the head gasket was not replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA ODI 11703078

At just under 60,000 miles, the check engine light came on with 10 warnings all at once when the car was started. When I took it to Honda they said that 2 of the cylinders are misfiring and the fuel injectors need to be replaced. These are failing far too early on this model of vehicle and it is likely due to the recalled fuel injector that they took years to replace due to inventory. There should be a recall for the fuel injectors.

NHTSA ODI 11702477

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal from a complete stop, the vehicle lunged forward. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel injectors and spark plugs had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure recurred approximately 5 years later while accelerating from a complete stop at a stoplight, and the vehicle failed to accelerate at the intended speed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission sensor had failed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred while attempting to leave a parking lot. The contact stated that the failure remained persistent and was recurring more frequently. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, Carson Honda(1435 E 223rd St, Carson, CA 90745), who performed a dual-clutch transmission check, but no failure was found. Additionally, the dealer diagnosed that there was excessive misfiring on cylinder #3 due to a head gasket leak. The dealer determined that the head gasket kit, the spark plugs, and the fuel injectors needed to be replaced, and an oil change needed to be performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had become inoperable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11701921

Several system warnings. Dealership diagnostic "bad fuel injectors" Vehicle has 62,735 miles.

NHTSA ODI 11701368

The problem I am having with my vehicle Honda accord 2018 is with the head gasket. I was on the highway and as I was driving suddenly all the signs came on the display and gave a warning that my vehicle is overheating and it came down to 20mph while I was on the highway. This was very risky to me and the other vehicle around me.

NHTSA ODI 11700713

Car has lost power or gone into "limp mode" while driving on multiple occasions. Car was never listed under the fuel pump recall but had all associated symptoms & problems. Had to have fuel pumps replaced in December 2023 due to car not starting because of faulty fuel pumps. Car has been properly maintenced since purchased brand new in February 2018. currently around 121,000 miles. Car overheated this past summer, Coolant seems to be leaking somewhere as just filled with coolant month ago and needed to refill with about quarter to refill to correct amount. Oil also seems to be having slow leakage problem somewhere within the engine as there is excessive oil on drip pan. Had all 4 spark plugs changed in March of 2025. Car has been going into limp mode and looses power for few seconds to minutes sometimes, almost causing multiple accidents while driving on highways. Pull over to shut off and give few minutes to restart and able to resume driving No warnings before this occurs. Randomly all dashboard lights light up 2 weeks ago and put car into limp mode, was driving on highway at high rate of speed (65mph) safety was compromised several times while this occurs. Engine seems create knocking sounds to known due to oil dilution problem. Cold weather seems to affect issues to onset more often. Also been having stalled or rough start ups in colder weather or when engine is not warmed up. Researching these issues seems to be that 2018 Honda Accords had known head gasket failure. This should become a class action lawsuit and also a recall

NHTSA ODI 11700574

After having fuel pump replaced by recall at random times dashboard will light up with all system lights, car will go into limp mode and loose power for a few seconds and then I am able to resume driving. Extremely scary as there is no warning. This has happened both on the freeway at high rates of speed and on neighborhood roadways. Safety has been compromised several times and Honda dealer is not able to reproduce the issue, retrieve any warning codes or offer any assistance. This has randomly been occurring for several months. When not having this exact issue car runs with no other issues.

NHTSA ODI 11700101

Engine knock caused by oil dilution which is known manufacturing issues with my model of car.

NHTSA ODI 11699977

My car lost power while driving on multiple occasions. My car was originally on the fuel pump recall list but the dealership did not have the part for 6+ months. When the part did come in I found out my car was no longer on the recall list. I had to have my fuel pump injectors replaced due to a faulty fuel pump.

NHTSA ODI 11698991

Emission system, low acceleration to the point it becomes a safety hazard in the freeway, I almost got rear ended twice, the car jolts, it stops out of no where, head gasket issues at only 65k. Maintenance was kept up but there’s a Facebook group called Honda sport 2018 to 22 on these models of the same issue “Christmas tree lights”

NHTSA ODI 11699077

I own a 2018 Honda Accord that was subject to a fuel pump recall. The dealership replaced the fuel pump in July 2025 as part of the recall. Shortly after the replacement, all dashboard warning lights illuminated. I took the vehicle in for diagnostic inspection and was informed that the fuel injector and head gasket had failed. The estimated cost of repairs is $5369.69. I believe these failures may be related to the fuel system recall or indicate a broader defect in the vehicle’s engine or fuel components. I am deeply concerned about the safety and reliability of the vehicle, especially since these issues arose immediately after the recall repair. I am currently unable to afford the repair, and I fear the vehicle may pose a risk to myself and others on the road. This situation has caused me significant stress and anxiety. The unexpected financial burden has disrupted my personal and professional life, and I feel unsafe driving a vehicle that may have underlying defects. I am frustrated that a recall repair may have led to even more severe mechanical issues, and I am left without clear support or resolution. I had no choice but to pay for the repairs out of pocket, despite the financial strain. I am seeking guidance on how this cost might be recovered—whether through manufacturer assistance, warranty extension, or further recall action. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate whether this issue is connected to the existing recall or represents a wider safety defect affecting other vehicles of the same make and model.

NHTSA ODI 11697015

While accelerating car jerks at times. At time car will go in limp mode I’ll have to safely try to get to side of road turn car off. Restart and continue driving. I’ve changed spark plugs, coil packs, turbo, fuel injectors, fuel pump and battery. I continue to put money into my car and nothing helps.

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unknown

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The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving approximately 50-55 MPH, the vehicle was jerking before shutting off. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact was able to move over safely. The vehicle was restarted and continued to drive. The ABS, steering, battery, engine, and Lane Departure warning lights were flashing. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Shelor Motor Mile (270 Jarrett Dr SE, Christiansburg, VA 24073), who confirmed that the fuel pump had not been serviced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11694914

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

The fuel injectors became faulty at about 90,000 miles, a mechanic could not identify the issue until about 110,000 miles. A blow head gasket followed.

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Bad fuel injectors reported by diagnostic testing done by Honda dealership after recall was completed on fuel pump. All warning lights on dashboard lite up and multiple warnings from car. This is a known issue with these specific Honda engines. Very costly repairs that if not completed can cause other engine issues.

NHTSA ODI 11692722

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

Head gasket leak after replacing recalled fuel pump. Took my car in for safety recall on fuel pump, just 24 hrs later every check engine light came on and my vehicle slowed to a stop (car went into limp mode). This happened on a busy street with vehicles flying by. I had my vehicle towed to Lancaster Honday (CA) where they did my safety recall the day before, they confirmed the head gasket leak. I had my vehicle diagnostics done at a different place as well and they confirmed the bad news, but also said this should not be happening to a new car with 66,000 miles. They advised I call corporate Honda and have them do a goodwill repair where the pay the repair since it is out of its 60,000 miles warranty. I had zero symptoms of this happening before it actually happened. I regularly had maintenance done on my car. I am very dissatisfied and disappointed that Honda just declined my goodwill repair after a month of waiting on them to “review the case”. I couldn’t be more sad and more screwed at this time. $5000 is not something I have right now to take care of something I shouldn’t have to. This is only happening to 1.5 liter Hondas in my certain year range. I wanted a 2.0 originally, but the dealership did not have any at the time so I am needing help. I will reach out to the ongoing pending lemon law case in CA to join the base and try to get my car fixed and have Honda do the right thing! I am not happy!

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