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

Head gasket failed at 58k miles without overheating per assessment at honda dealership. Safety was affected by going into limp mode instantly turning left onto 55 mph 4 lane road, no warning lights prior going into limp mode. Brief misfire occurred prior to incident, (did not know at time because it did not seem significant and no warning light). Dealer reports multiple 2018 honda accord 1.5L head gasket and fuel injector failures. Unknown if manufacture would inspect. In addition fuel injector has completely failed and requires replacement per honda dealership assessment, this occurred after dealership repaired head gasket. Waiting for final repair invoice, can and will provide upon request

NHTSA ODI 11724958

I took my accord into Snellville GA Honda dealer for fuel pump recall and the day I received it from the service department, it started to sputtter and engine shutdown. I took back 3 times and got a different answer each time. I believe the turbo charger may have been affected from the fuel pump being bad. The latest diagnostic says it has turbo under boost issue.

NHTSA ODI 11724386

I am submitting a claim regarding a major repair needed on my 2018 Honda Accord. The vehicle was recently diagnosed at an authorized Honda dealership, where technicians determined that the engine requires a head gasket repair. I was quoted approximately $7,000 for the repair. Based on the research I have done, premature head gasket failure appears to be a known and recurring issue reported by other owners of this model, often occurring around 100,000 miles or even sooner. This type of failure at this mileage is unexpected for a properly maintained vehicle and raises concern about a potential defect or design issue. Additionally, the vehicle showed no clear warning signs prior to the diagnosis. There were no dashboard warnings or indicators that would have alerted me to an imminent failure, which made it impossible to address the problem before significant damage occurred. Given the nature of the failure, the relatively low mileage for such a major engine issue, and the high repair cost quoted by the dealership, I am requesting that this matter be reviewed and that assistance or coverage for the repair be considered.

NHTSA ODI 11724422

After recent service from local honda dealership vehicle started to drive sluggish. Had all fluids changed and the coolant flushed when serviced at the dealership. The vehicle now displays several different alerts upon start up "Emissions systems failure" Brake system failure" Hill Assist failure" Power Steering failure". Vehicle was returned to dealership and it was determined the head gaskets need to be replaced due to coolant leaking. This vehicle has been maintained consistently with documentation and shouldn't have this type of failure with only 100k miles. Repairs are $4800 and this should definitely be investigated because this is common in Honda Accord model years 2018-2022.

NHTSA ODI 11724260

A 2018 Honda Accord 1.5T developed an engine misfire, coolant loss, and reduced acceleration shortly after purchase from a dealership on 01/07/2026 (around 156,000 miles / 15,000). On 01/23/2026, during a Honda dealer inspection at about 157,255 miles, the technician noted misfires on startup, found the coolant overflow reservoir empty, pressure-tested the system, and confirmed coolant leaking into cylinders 3 and 4 from the head gasket. The dealer recommended head gasket replacement plus spark plugs, drive belt, and valve adjustment. I was told that continued driving could worsen the condition, leading to overheating and further engine damage. After that diagnosis, the vehicle’s drivability worsened, and it became unsafe to rely on due to misfires and loss of acceleration, especially on the highway. The selling dealership refused to assist, claiming the defect was not present at the time of sale; Honda America acknowledged the head gasket concern but denied a goodwill claim, citing the high cost of the issue and lack of NHTSA enforcement on this issue. An independent repair shop then provided a second inspection/estimate consistent with the same head-gasket repair scope. The vehicle and repair records are available for inspection. No crash or injury occurred, but the defect caused a sudden loss of power and overheating while driving; I was stuck on the highway on two occasions with my hazard lights on after acceleration completely halted. Warning symptoms (the engine light) only appeared when the car suddenly stopped accelerating. Two days after an around-5,000 headgasket repair, drivability problems and multiple dashboard warnings appeared, including turbo-related concerns; this concern is ongoing.

NHTSA ODI 11724001

I was driving and all the lights on the dash board came on. Including the engine light. I took the vehicle to the dealership service center and they said the turbo function of my engine was failing. and it was still covered under warranty so they fixed that. One day after the picking it up all the lights came back on. I took it back and they stated that the fuel injectors are failing thus causing engine misfires resulting in the engine light coming back on and the car randomly stalling or slowing. They indicated that the fuel injectors are NOT covered and repairs are around 2,400.00, I believe this should be covered because there was a previous recall on the fuel on the fuel pump (which is connected to the injectors). Also I don't understand how the "turbo" was still covered under warranty but the injectors are not. Upon doing my research this is a known problem on this make and model and Honda should correct the known defect.

NHTSA ODI 11723275

A 2018 Honda Accord suddenly displayed multiple dashboard warning messages at the same time after previously operating normally. The warnings include: Emission System Problem (avoid heavy acceleration), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) problem, Brake System problem, Brake Hold System problem, Electric Power Steering system problem, Vehicle Stability Assist problem, Hill Start Assist problem, Adaptive Cruise Control system problem, Collision Mitigation Braking System problem, and Road Departure Mitigation System problem. These alerts appeared simultaneously when the vehicle was started, even though the car had been driven the night before without any issues. The vehicle still starts and runs, but the number of system warnings suggests a possible electrical, sensor, or control module issue affecting multiple vehicle systems.

NHTSA ODI 11722891

Head Gasket Failure at 121,000. It has also affected the spark plugs. We were quoted a 4300 repair at the Honda Dealership in Carlsbad. Engine displayed all lights and went on power loss mode and suddenly couldn't go more than 5-10 MPH, so we had to tow it. Was dangerous getting such a slow car into a parking lot safely.

NHTSA ODI 11723175

Head Gasket caused multiple issues with coolant burning quickly. Multiple ignition coils also got damaged and had to be replaced. Though the underlying issue with the gasket was not addressed by the dealership. The head gasket is currently broken and does not function at all and the car has only driven 84000 miles.

NHTSA ODI 11723179

Blown head gasket

NHTSA ODI 11722322

All dash lights are on and the Honda dealership told me I have a blown head gasket, need a turbo replacement & fuel pump in which I wasn’t able to drive the car for 7 months at 112,276 miles..This seems like a known issue for this make and model vehicle after 100,000 miles

NHTSA ODI 11721898

There are many warming lamps on in the car. My car won't pick up speed it in limp mode once I crank up. I have to turn it off and restart any order for it to go and pick up speed. My number 3 plug keep showing something wrong it has been replaced multiple times but still having the same issue. I had it checked out it's saying the same problem fuel. I have had my fuel pump change and still having problems. 2018 are bad models for honda and there should be multiple recalls because everyone having the same problems. Head gaskets,fuel injection, turbo problems as well as fuel pump

NHTSA ODI 11721969

Wastegate actuator is no longer working and turbo on vehicle is no longer working as needed. My car currently has every warning light on the dashboard and fails to provide all advanced driver assistance systems that come with my vehicle making it unsafe. The problem has been addressed by Honda dealership service themselves as my code came back that it is a turbocharger wastegate sensor issue. Car has not been inspected by a manufacturer, police, insurance. All warning lights went off on car over two years ago from 2026.

NHTSA ODI 11721635

On February 26, 2025 I was driving my 2018 Honda Accord Sport (118,000 miles) with a 1.5t engine on a 55mph 2 lane roadway at approximately 55mph with 4-5 cars behind me when the engine suddenly went into "limp" mode and quickly decelerated to approximately 25 mph. I could see the cars behind me suddenly brake to avoid hitting me. I pull off on the shoulder, turned my car off and restarted. The car then drove normally to home. I took the car to the Honda dealer who diagnosed a blown head gasket. The sudden deceleration was caused by a misfire due to coolant entering the combustion chamber during the combustion cycle. The sudden deceleration almost caused an accident. When this happens the Accord does not warn the drivers behind with brake lights or flashers. I had the head gasket replaced at a cost of $4000+ The dealer's mechanic believes the cause is improper head bolt torque specs at the factory. Honda is aware of the a head gasket problem with the 2018-2020 Accord 1.5t engine, see Honda's NHTSA filings attached offering visa cards to mechanics who report head gasket failures, yet refuses to recall the engine or pay for replacing the head gasket unless under warranty. This is my 4th Accord (1985, 1986, 2007, 2018). I have never had any engine problems with my other three Accords. Honda needs to recall this engine and correct the head gasket problem so as to avoid unannounced, uncontrolled, and unintended deceleration at highway speeds due to going into limp mode (70-75 mph on interstates down to 25 mph) that can cause following cars to crash into the Accord. I purchased the car with 22,000 miles on the odometer and performed regular maintenance since I purchased it. See comments beginning on page 2: https://www.driveaccord.net/threads/blown-head-gasket-any-recall.559243/?post_id=6844792#post-6844792

NHTSA ODI 11721764

It appears to be either the fuel pump or fuel injectors, at certain times of acceleration the car stops accelerating, the engine light blinks, I have to shut the car off and restart it. It seems like if I slow my car down then try to accelerate, like going through a roundabout or sitting in stop and go traffic really seems to set the problem off. I took it to a Honda dealership a couple years ago and they informed me it was fuel injectors but they were not in stock, they assured me the car was fine to drive, I called a couple times to ask if they had gotten the part, they sternly told me they would call me, anyways they never called me and it still happens, there is a recall out for other 2018 Honda Accords that seem to have a similar problem. All my lights are constantly on due to this problem, none of the features on my car work. Sometimes if I reset my battery the lights are fine for a while but the problem still persists. If I "Rev" my car up and gas it pretty hard when I immediately start driving it seems to help.

NHTSA ODI 11721578

The high-pressure fuel pump on my 2018 Honda Accord failed even though the vehicle had previously been repaired under a recall for the same issue. While driving, multiple warning lights illuminated on the dashboard, including the check engine light and other system warnings. The vehicle began running rough and lost power, creating a dangerous driving condition, especially in traffic. This is the second occurrence of fuel system failure despite the recall repair being completed. The recurrence of this issue raises serious safety concerns, as sudden power loss or engine malfunction while driving increases the risk of an accident. The vehicle is currently not safe to drive due to the risk of stalling or loss of power. The problem appears to be related to the high-pressure fuel pump system that was previously addressed under recall.

NHTSA ODI 11721597

I was driving on the interstate and suddenly I could no longer accelerate, my engine light started blinking and I had to pull over to a gas station as my car would not go above 25-30mph. I turned it off and back on and it work so I took it home. I took it to Honda’s the next day and after diagnosis they said that my head gasket was damaged causing coolant leaking into my engine cylinder and warping of the engine. They recommended an engine replacement. I never had any warning indications on my dashboard until then. I filed a case with American Honda to assist with repairs and it has been over two weeks without resolution. I no longer felt safe continuing to drive my car and I traded my car in for safety.

NHTSA ODI 11721294

Engine Head gasket failure even after regular proper maintenance

NHTSA ODI 11719601

I had to have $6400.00 worth of repairs (2018 Honda Accord Sport ) due to stalling & engine light came on and then it wouldn't go-due to the head gasket not being recalled and since they had the engine out, i also had to have other repairs they said were necessary plus car rental on top of that...I had only made my 2 car pymts when this happened!

NHTSA ODI 11717785

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact stated that one of the tires was punctured by a nail, and after the tire was replaced, the check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Zone, where it was diagnosed, and determined that there was a misfire in cylinder #2. The vehicle was then taken to a certified mechanic who replaced the cylinder, engine, ignition coil, and spark plug. After the vehicle was repaired, it was returned to Auto Zone to be diagnosed again. The contact was informed that there was a misfire in cylinder #2. The vehicle was returned to the mechanic, and it was confirmed that the spark plug in cylinder #2 was new. The contact continued driving the vehicle; however, a month later, several warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #2. The dealer recommended replacing the fuel injectors and that an alignment of the radar was needed, and there was a failure with the transmission fluid, the CVT, and a software failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was previously included in a recall for the failure; however, the recall repair was already performed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11717179

The car can't start because of the recall

NHTSA ODI 11717378

The cylinder head gasket on this vehicle has failed, causing engine coolant to leak into the combustion chambers (coolant intrusion). This has resulted in a recurring and dangerous loss of motive power that has put my safety and the safety of other motorists at risk on multiple occasions. Specifically, the vehicle has repeatedly entered "Limp Mode" while in active traffic, causing a sudden, drastic loss of acceleration that left me unable to maintain the flow of traffic or safely maneuver. This component failure is available for inspection upon request. The problem has been officially confirmed by Holman Honda of Fort Lauderdale, where technicians diagnosed the blown head gasket and confirmed the presence of coolant in the cylinders. The manufacturer's authorized dealership has inspected the vehicle and provided a formal repair estimate. Prior to the multiple "Limp Mode" failures, the vehicle exhibited clear warning symptoms starting in late 2025, including violent engine stuttering and a "shimmering" vibration during cold starts. Additionally, a distinct "gurgling" or bubbling sound was audible behind the dashboard, indicating combustion gases displacing coolant. During the actual failure events, the dashboard displayed a "Christmas Tree" effect of warning lamps, including "Emissions System Problem," "Brake System," and "Power Steering System" alerts, which disabled critical safety and driver-assist features while the vehicle was in motion. This persistent design defect has created a high risk for rear-end collisions and total engine seizure.

NHTSA ODI 11715808

I purchased this 2018 Honda Accord Sport brand new from the dealership, relying on Honda’s longstanding reputation for reliability and longevity. At approximately 120,000 miles, the vehicle suffered a blown head gasket during normal driving conditions. The vehicle has been properly maintained according to Honda’s recommended schedule. I have already opened a claim with Honda corporate regarding this issue and am currently awaiting their response. Despite proper maintenance, this catastrophic engine failure occurred, suggesting a design or manufacturing defect rather than misuse. This issue presents both a safety concern and a substantial financial burden, as I am a single mother of four who depends on this vehicle for daily transportation. Based on reports from other owners, this appears to be a widespread defect affecting 10th-generation Honda Accords with the 1.5L turbo engine, which I respectfully request NHTSA investigate.

NHTSA ODI 11715419

Head gasket failure. Dealership did inspect vehicle and said this is a common issue. No warning prior to headgasket issue.

NHTSA ODI 11715425

After I took my car in for a fuel pump recall, it caused one of my injectors to be bad which will be 3000 dollars fix out of my pocket. this happened a few months after I took my car to the dealership, and it was doing fine before taken to the dealership for the recall. there are many other owners who reported they experienced the same thing, with all the dash lights came on but couldn’t find the exact cause until they replace their fuel injectors. First, all the alarms appeared, even the engine light was on but they would all go away after a few days. It had been on and off randomly for the past 4 months. the car is still driving fine but the alarms will pop up and stay for a few weeks to a month. It would randomly not letting me accelerate and slow me down, which if i was driving on the highway all the way in the left with traffic, that would cause a traffic jam and eventually an accident with other drivers.

NHTSA ODI 11714766