Home · 2021 Honda Accord Plug In Hybrid · Complaints

What 217 owners told NHTSA about the 2021 Honda Accord Plug In Hybrid

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (217)Crash / fire / injury (16)Driver assistance (58)Electrical system (54)Engine (30)Brakes (25)Airbags (14)Fuel system (14)Lane Departure (14)Transmission & drivetrain (11)Steering (8)Speed control (7)

Newest first · 217 complaints · page 8 of 9

Feb 1, 2023Driver assistance

This car has randomly slammed on the breaks too many times to count and has been reported far too many times. Today while in the left lane on 95 southbound this car randomly slammed on the breaks so violently the speed was reduced 20 mph with seconds. This is incredibly dangerous, HOW LONG WILL YOU ALL THIS

NHTSA ODI 11505069

Sep 6, 2022Driver assistance

Vehicle tends to turn on brake warning light when there is nothing in the way. Driving with no obstacle in the way and the brake warning sign will display on dashboard. I’ve driven it on the highway with no cars and it will signal me to brake for no reason. I’m afraid the brakes might apply which could cause a serious accident.

NHTSA ODI 11483068

Sep 4, 2022Driver assistance

Vehicle flashed "brake" on the dashboard and automatically engaged brakes despite nothing being ahead in the road. This occurred on a clear, sunny day around late morning on the interstate. Similar issues have occurred previously where the car flashed the "brake" warning light despite nothing being immediately ahead in the road. With this other incident the brakes were not engaged. This time the brakes engaged, then released, and the car continued. Later on that same trip, the "brake" warning would again flash despite no objects being immediately ahead in the road. The vehicle arbitrarily braking without warning or reason is extremely dangerous as it may cause vehicles behind including much larger trucks to slam into the car. The Honda dealer and Honda customer service were both contacted when the car on a previous occasion flashed "brake" despite no obstructions but neither has returned my messages.

NHTSA ODI 11482817

Sep 2, 2022Transmission & drivetrainBrakes

the steering wheel shakes extremely when using the brake. especially at 60 to 65 miles on curves it's awful. (2) throttle is slow to react as if losing power. Apart from small climbs when I stop and release the brake the drive tends to go backwards as if it were a car with a manual transmission. Honda Dealer from downy. Can’t find the problem.

NHTSA ODI 11482521

Aug 15, 2022Driver assistance

My automatic emergency breaking kicked in today when there were no cars in front of me. My car began beeping loudly and flashing the word “BRAKE” and the car abruptly stopped in the middle of a very busy road. My daughter and I could’ve been very hurt but were lucky there was enough room behind us that we didn’t get rear ended. Nobody has checked this out yet because it just happened, but I am willing and open to having it looked at. I had a brief warning while the car flashed “BRAKE” and beeped, but there were no cars in front of us, and nothing I could do to make the car not slam on the brakes by itself.

NHTSA ODI 11479470

Aug 2, 2022SuspensionCrash

Around 12:30pm last week, we were driving a 2021 Honda Accord on a straight and clear Northbound Freeway. All of a sudden, our car started to swerve left and right a few times, even though my wife tried to keep the car straight. She didn't steer the wheel much, fearing that the car may go sideways or whatever, but she just couldn't make the car straight. I was in the car and saw the dashboard flashing something red and could only remember some words like … hi…lock… In just a few seconds, she hit the barrier/divider separating the Northbound/Southbound freeway. After that, the car went straight and we were able to stop the car on the shoulder. It really put our life in danger but luckily no one got seriously injured. The major damage and concern is: the front left wheel got tucked up into the fender with a snapped lower controller arm connecting the front left wheel to suspension as in the photos. Honda refused to inspect the car because it got into an accident, but it’s clear something of the car likely the front left lower control arm went wrong / defective before the accident. We didn’t see any warning signs before the incident.

NHTSA ODI 11477224

Jul 5, 2022Driver assistance1 injury

Honda Accord multi point serviced July 2nd at Hendricks Honda Easley SC. Immediately after I was driving on Haywood Rd. Greenville SC when my vehicle slammed on brakes for no reason. There was no car, animal, pedestrian or debris in road to cause to happen. As a result I experienced whip lash and was seen by a doctor and therapist July 5th. This has caused me to be afraid to drive my own car plus miss work plus enjoy my July 4th. I have reported this to Honda Motor Company and I also returned to Hendricks Honda to have a diagnostic test performed but all they did was put 20 miles on my vehicle and said I would have to bring it in and leave it for 3 - 4 hours. WHY? If you truly checked it out today I don't feel I need to return for them to just tell me anything. I really feel like they wasted time doing nothing today. There diagnostic was just driving my vehicle and adding unnecessary miles.

NHTSA ODI 11472428

Jul 2, 2022Speed controlDriver assistanceCrash

Car moving slowly and suddenly races and speeds UP. Hard to STOP it. Has happened twice, 8 to 10 Months apart.. First time was on a small driveway. Was able to STOP CAR , with no damages. 2nd occurrence i was pulling into a parking Space. Foot not on gas or brake and again the CAR accelerated. This Time the CAR hit a handicapped parking sign and pushed it over. The sign stopped the CAR with Assistance from me. There was a small drop in front of the CAR and a tree 10-15 Feet in front of the Hill. The passenger in my CAR would have been in severe trouble had I not gotten the CAR stopped. My husband thought i may have somehow activated the cruise control. But i was going less than 20 miles per hour each time. This could be a deadly problem if a Child or Someone Crossed in front of me.

NHTSA ODI 11472159

Jun 22, 2022

Hi there! I have reported this a couple of times to Honda directly, so it's possible they've already fixed it, but my father pointed out that I should let you guys know as well since it could be a serious safety issue... Basically, the feature shown on the Honda dashboard that "reads" speed limit signs is (or at least was earlier this year) very buggy; e.g. I've encountered instances where it indicates a speed limit of 60mph in 20mph, or even 100mph in a 60mph zone; apparently it's often getting those numbers from unrelated highway signs and not speed limit signs. As far as I can tell this feature should be disabled until it can made much more reliable; otherwise I'm worried it could cause a dangerous accident.

NHTSA ODI 11470437

Jun 8, 2022Driver assistance

The forward collision will automatically brake with nothing visibly in front of it. I have drove down the highway going 60mph. No car, animal, person, tall grass, etc in front of me or crossing the road and my vehicle pops up brake, brake, brake, and my car slams on break. This will cause someone to rear end me which can lead to a serious injury or even dead. I have contacted Honda corporate who instructed me to contact Townsend Honda in Tuscaloosa, AL. I contacted Townsend Honda and they stated that it was nothing they could do about it and they have other complaining of the same issue.

NHTSA ODI 11468331

May 31, 2022Driver assistance

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving approximately 45-50 MPH and switching lanes, the collision mitigation braking system engaged inadvertently. The forward collision warning light illuminated. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and was able to continue to drive. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred several times while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be test-driven however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The dealer also informed the contact that the collision mitigation braking system was operating as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,200.

NHTSA ODI 11466849

May 28, 2022SteeringSuspensionBrakes

When turning left or right from/into a parking spot a rubbing sound (similar to two pieces of rubber rubbing against each other) can be heard in the cabin and sometimes from the left wheel well area and slightly felt in the steering wheel. No safety issues are currently present at this time but vehicle should not be having this issue in less than a year of ownership. Vehicle has been taken into Hoen Honda in Carlsbad, Ca 5/28/22 12:47pm. Two technicians inspected the vehicle and were unable to replicate/notice the problem but customer is able to replicate it but was not possible to identify source. Noise was not profound so dealer recommended to wait until noise becomes worse to re-diagnose. Customer has a personal mechanic that recommended they take the vehicle to a dealer due to car having 8k miles and still falling under warranty but did not attempt to diagnose or repair vehicle. No warning lamps or component failure has happened yet but symptoms first appeared around January 2022. When reversing the vehicle and slightly applying the brake a loud groaning sound can be heard from the rear brakes. Due to the brakes being a safety component any noise associated with brakes becomes a safety concern. Vehicle was inspected at the same time 5/28/2022 12:47pm as the steering noise at Hoen Honda in Carlsbad, Ca. Brake noise was not able to be replicated by technicians at the time but was recommended to lubricate rear brakes. If issue persisted customer was advised to return to the dealer for further diagnosis. Brake noise was able to be confirmed by customer's mechanic. Customer was advised to take it in to dealer for diagnosis due to vehicle having 8k miles and car still being under warranty. No warning lamps or other symptom prior to the problem. The problem first appeared in January 2022.

NHTSA ODI 11466551

May 24, 2022Service Brakes, Air

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle was shuddering and vibrating with an abnormal sound. The contact stated that while shifting into reverse there was a loud roaring sound coming from the brakes. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rear rotors need to be replaced and that the brakes were overheating. The vehicle was repaired but the sound from the brakes returned. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.

NHTSA ODI 11465984

May 22, 2022Body & structure

The paint is peeling off 6 months After I bought the car.South shore honda and American honda are not doing anything. I spoke with the manager at South shore honda,,willie Mejia who referred me to American Honda and American Honda referred me back to the dealer.

NHTSA ODI 11465656

May 5, 2022Brakes

My car randomly slams on the breaks with no one/nothing in front of me! I’ve reported this to the dealership multiple times. This last time it occurred it brought me to a complete stop in the middle of the road.

NHTSA ODI 11463440

May 1, 2022SteeringCrash2 injuries

As I was driving on the highway out of nowhere the car jerked away from me. I was unable to maintain control again as it kept gearing itself to the left. The emergency brake didn’t come on at all and the car slide on the freeway and ended up flipping completely over the bridge to the other side injuring all passengers

NHTSA ODI 11462923

Apr 25, 2022

A few months after I bought the car,the paint is peeling off.Today 4/25/22,it has gotten worse

NHTSA ODI 11462150

Apr 18, 2022Brakes

My car is not even 1 year old and I have been having problems with my rear brakes. They squeak or grind when I am in reverse and with my foot on the brake pedal to back out of a parking spot or drive way etc. I have taken it to the dealership, Right Honda-Scottsdale Az, 3 different times. They said they could not reproduce the sound. The service guy on my first visit said that if it continues they should replace rear brake pads and deglaze the rotars.Never happened. Left it there overnight, at Honda Corps direction, again the same thing. I spoke with Patrick at Honda and I sent him an email with a video of the sound from outside the car as well as inside. He got back to me last week and basically said there is nothing they can do. I have taken it to a car repair place that I have been going to for 30 years and showed them the video and they said that in there opinion the pads should be changed and rotors deglazed. I explained that to Patrick from Honda and he said they would not do that since they are not sure it would work. Asked him what they would do and he attributed it to either weather etc. Told him I have had at least 10 accords and never had this problem. The car is less than a year old with just 10000 miles on it, less when I first took it there. Really not sure what the issue is but it is very concerning since it concerns my brakes.I have tried to upload the video but I cannot. You can email me and I can attach it.

NHTSA ODI 11461167

Apr 15, 2022Lane Departure

The vehicle has a camera that reads speed limit signs, and reports the current speed limit in the instrument cluster. This feature does not work as expected, and the car regularly reports wildly inaccurate speeds, such as a speed limit of 10 MPH on a highway, or a speed limit of 85 MPH in the city. This happened on numerous occasions. The vehicle does not have an option to disable this feature. As a result, it is distracting for the driver, and may also cause accidents by giving false information about the road to the driver.

NHTSA ODI 11460963

Apr 4, 2022Driver assistance

WHILE DRIVING ON A ROAD ,IT AUTOMATICALLY APPLIED THE BRAKES AS IF ANY VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME OR ANY OBSTACLES CAME IN FRONT OF MY VEHICLE ,BUT IT WAS NOTHING I WAS VERY LUCKY THAT THERE WAS NO VEHICLE BEHIND ME OTHERWISE I WOULD HAVE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT

NHTSA ODI 11459606

Mar 22, 2022BrakesLane DepartureDriver assistance

21 Accord breaking itself there is no reason and there is no car around. Blind Spot working itself there is no car around car. Almost had 4 accidents. Not driving anymore waitin attorneys for lemon law

NHTSA ODI 11457907

Mar 21, 2022SteeringBrakesCrash

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 mph, the steering wheel and brakes failed to function. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated he drove into a side rail and stretched the driver side panel of the vehicle. The contact also stated the rear view camera was not functioning. The air bags did not deploy. The contact stated he did not have any injuries nor seek medical attention. No police report was filed. The contact he was able to drive to his residence but continued to experience the failure on the steering wheel and multiple warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.

NHTSA ODI 11457664

Mar 21, 2022Driver assistance

The car slowed down and break in the middle of intersection no others cars or people in the way

NHTSA ODI 11457697

Mar 11, 2022Driver assistance

The automatic breaking system has almost caused 2 accidents. As I am easing into a stop with a car in front of me, my car has applied the automatic breaking system while I am breaking. The car In front was a car length ahead of me, thus it should not have been activated because I was not in danger. This almost caused an accident because the person behind me was basically getting a break check from me. Although it is trying to prevent an accident from happening it is actually causing one. A similar incident happened when a car was turning into a side street. I was slowing down and easing into my breaks when suddenly the automatic break system was applied. Again I had a safe distance between me and the car that was turning and it made be break really hard. The car behind me had to swerve out of the way in order to avoid a crash. The automatic breaking system is ruining my break pads. I am barely at 7000 miles and my accord is starting to make noise when I apply pressure to my breaks when I am backing up.

NHTSA ODI 11456284

Mar 7, 2022Electrical systemBrakes

I was with my family taking the on ramp to the Long Island expressway, when suddenly the rear wheels locked up and the parking brake was engaged. I hit the brakes. And as fast as it happened is as fast as it resolved. Scared all of us and almost got hit from the car behind us.

NHTSA ODI 11455604

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Working with the data? Download all 217 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 28, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2021 Honda Accord Plug In Hybrid verdict →