2005 Honda Accord Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Sep 17, 2026Published Oct 15, 2026

Good

Ranks 16th of 25 Accord years we score.

Owner complaints: 686; 51 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 17.1; 372,020 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.57×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 274; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 15
NHTSA crash rating: Not rated; no overall rating before 2011

← 2004 Accord 2006 Accord →

Should You Buy the 2005 Honda Accord?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2005 Honda Accord is 71 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported about half as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 16th of the 25 Accord years we score.

The most reported problem is airbag warning lights (78 of 686 complaints). Owners also complain about the transmission and the brakes. 274 of the 686 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 15 recalls. For comparison, the 2004 scores 65 and the 2006 scores 75.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Good reliability score of 71
About half the problems of the average car its age
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls

Cons

Airbag warning light78 complaints
Transmission: failure or loss of drive75 complaints
Brakes: loss of braking47 complaints

How the 2005 Accord Earned Its Score

Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems	0.60×	−8
Everyday problems	0.50×	−3
Problems in the last two years	0.87×	−9
Recalls	3.2×	−9
Score		71

What Owners Report

We read all 686 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2005 Honda Accord, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Airbag warning light
78 complaints (11%)
Warning lights, a failure and a stored fault code. Median mileage when it started: about 88,000 miles.
Transmission: failure or loss of drive
75 complaints (11%)
Failure or loss of drive, harsh or delayed shifts and a loss of power. 50 of these 75 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 78,000 miles.
Brakes: loss of braking
47 complaints (7%)
Loss of braking, vibration or shudder and early wear. 15 of these 47 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. In 5 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 7 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 58,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
40 complaints (6%)
Sudden acceleration and surging. 29 of these 40 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 60,000 miles.
Steering: a leak
37 complaints (5%)
A leak, sticking or stiffness and a failure. 6 of these 37 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 76,000 miles.
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
36 complaints (5%)
No deployment in a crash, deployment injury and deployment with no crash. 7 of these 36 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 80,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
35 complaints (5%)
No deployment in a crash, deployment with no crash and deployment injury. 13 of these 35 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 105,000 miles.
Seat belts: stopped working
25 complaints (4%)
A feature that stopped working, a failure and warning lights. 4 of these 25 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 109,000 miles.
Screen and audio: stopped working
24 complaints (4%)
A feature that stopped working, problems that come and go and a failure that needed a new part. Median mileage when it started: about 71,000 miles.
Stall (cause not stated)
23 complaints (3%)
Stalling. 14 of these 23 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 80,000 miles.
Engine: stalling
20 complaints (3%)
Stalling, surging and vibration or shudder. 7 of these 20 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 85,000 miles.
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
20 complaints (3%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, blowout and damage. 8 of these 20 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 43,000 miles.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: parts breaking or coming apart
16 complaints (2%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, a feature that stopped working and a failure. 2 of these 16 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 63,000 miles.
Side or curtain airbags: deployment with no crash
14 complaints (2%)
Deployment with no crash, no deployment in a crash and a failure. 3 of these 14 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 65,000 miles.
Paint and rust: peeling
13 complaints (2%)
Peeling, paint fading / peeling and fading. Median mileage when it started: about 112,000 miles.

Show 60 more problems

Power windows or regulator: stopped working
13 complaints (2%)
A feature that stopped working, problems that come and go and unusual noises. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
Shifter or park: the car rolling away
13 complaints (2%)
The car rolling away, locking up and parts breaking or coming apart. 6 of these 13 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 82,000 miles.
A/C condenser: a leak
11 complaints (2%)
A leak, damage and parts breaking or coming apart. Median mileage when it started: about 40,000 miles.
Headlights: damage
10 complaints (1%)
Damage, a feature that stopped working and dimming. 1 of these 10 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility. Median mileage when it started: about 74,000 miles.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
10 complaints (1%)
The car not starting and hard starting. 4 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 62,000 miles.
Door lock actuators: stopped working
9 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working, a failure that needed a new part and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 82,000 miles.
Instrument cluster: works on and off
7 complaints (1%)
Problems that come and go, a failure and a feature that stopped working. 1 of these 7 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 39,000 miles.
Vibration (cause not stated)
7 complaints (1%)
Vibration or shudder and loss of steering control. Median mileage when it started: about 137,000 miles.
Door latches: parts breaking or coming apart
6 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and not opening or unlocking. Median mileage when it started: about 112,000 miles.
Engine sensors or computer: fault code
6 complaints (under 1%)
A stored fault code, a loss of power and a failure. 2 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 40,000 miles.
Interior trim: peeling
6 complaints (under 1%)
Peeling, parts breaking or coming apart and unusual noises. 3 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 105,000 miles.
Noise (cause not stated)
6 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises. Median mileage when it started: about 37,000 miles.
Torque converter failure
6 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part, parts breaking or coming apart and a leak. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 88,000 miles.
Brake power assist: a hard pedal or less assist
5 complaints (under 1%)
A hard pedal or less assist and a failure. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
Check engine light (cause not stated)
5 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 146,000 miles.
CV axles: parts breaking or coming apart
5 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a failure. 2 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 74,000 miles.
Hybrid battery failure
5 complaints (under 1%)
A failure, a leak and draining the battery. Median mileage when it started: about 34,000 miles.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
5 complaints (under 1%)
A loss of power. 3 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 29,000 miles.
Accelerator pedal: sticking or stiffness
5 complaints (under 1%)
Sticking or stiffness. 4 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
Warning lights (cause not stated)
5 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 116,000 miles.
ABS failure
4 complaints (under 1%)
A failure, warning lights and problems that come and go. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 93,000 miles.
Brake calipers failure
4 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and rust or corrosion. Median mileage when it started: about 40,000 miles.
Climate controls: stopped working
4 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and problems that come and go. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 55,000 miles.
Fuel economy: high fuel use
4 complaints (under 1%)
High fuel use.
Hybrid system (inverter, motor, IPU): warning lights
4 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights, a failure that needed a new part and a loss of power. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 25,000 miles.
Key fob: stopped working
4 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 66,000 miles.
Windshield wipers: stopped working
4 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility. Median mileage when it started: about 46,000 miles.
12V battery failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Battery drain: draining the battery
3 complaints (under 1%)
Draining the battery. Median mileage when it started: about 250,000 miles.
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
3 complaints (under 1%)
Burning or using oil.
Exhaust or catalytic converter: parts breaking or coming apart
3 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a failure that needed a new part. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 45,000 miles.
Fuel pump: stalling
3 complaints (under 1%)
Stalling. Median mileage when it started: about 90,000 miles.
Ignition or push-button start: not releasing
3 complaints (under 1%)
Not releasing, locking up and the car not starting. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start.
Manual transmission or clutch failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and harsh or delayed shifts. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 20,000 miles.
Airbag sensor failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and a stored fault code. Median mileage when it started: about 82,000 miles.
Seat position sensor failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and a stored fault code.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
Hesitation and a loss of power.
Seats: damage
3 complaints (under 1%)
Damage, overheating and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: an injury.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
3 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: an injury.
Transmission computer failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Ball joints and control arms: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Body seals (water leak): damage
2 complaints (under 1%)
Damage and water leaking in.
Control arm bushings failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and shattering or cracking.
Control module (unspecified): stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and a failure. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Engine air intake: sticking or stiffness
2 complaints (under 1%)
Sticking or stiffness and a failure that needed a new part. Both describe a serious outcome.
Engine mounts: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart.
Exterior lights: works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and not shutting off.
Ignition coils or spark plugs: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart.
Passenger airbag sensor failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and a feature that stopped working.
Cruise control: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working.
Fuel pump relay failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start.
Trunk latch or lock: rust or corrosion
2 complaints (under 1%)
Rust or corrosion and not closing or latching.
Vehicle fire (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
A fire. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a fire.
Oxygen sensor failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part.
Phone and navigation: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working.
Stability control (VSA): warning lights
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Starter failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part.
Taillights or brake lights: works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go.
Wheel rim: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and sticking or stiffness. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of braking.
Windows or locks or sunroof (operate by themselves): the system acting on its own
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own.

Reported Once (68)

Show the 68 problems reported once

A/C: stalling
Airbag inflator (rupture risk or Takata): parts breaking or coming apart
Uneven tire wear: pulling or wandering
Alternator or charging failure
Cooling system: a leak
Several warning lights at once
Engine (misfire codes): fault code
Engine failure: locking up
Frame or structure: damage
Fuel filler door failure
Fuel gauge or level sensor: wrong readings
Horn: stopped working
Mirrors: stopped working
A/C drain: water leaking in
Airbag equalizer: parts breaking or coming apart
Audio or control panel illumination: stopped working
Bushings (location not stated) (cause not stated)
Cabin water leak (entry point unknown) (cause not stated)
Child-seat LATCH strap: damage
Child-seat chest clip: parts breaking or coming apart
Clock spring failure
Clutch pedal bracket: parts breaking or coming apart
Cruise control cable: parts breaking or coming apart
Cruise control switch: stopped working
Cylinder head: damage
Door courtesy lights: not shutting off
Door warning light
Driver-seat airbag module failure
Driver-seat airbag sensor failure
Fire (cause not stated)
Fluid leak (cause not stated)
Frontal airbag sensor
Fuel filling system: cannot fill tank
Glove compartment light: not shutting off
Harmonic balancer bolt: sticking or stiffness
Hazard-switch illumination: stopped working
High power hose failure
Hybrid powertrain control module: fault code
Idler pulley or bolt: parts breaking or coming apart
Immobilizer: stalling
Interior or dashboard illumination: dimming
Interior illumination: works on and off
Noise box failure
Radio backlight: stopped working
Rear window glass: shattering or cracking
Security alarm: the system acting on its own
Sensor (function unspecified) failure
Serpentine belt: parts breaking or coming apart
Shift indicator light: works on and off
Sun visor: obstructs mirror
Supplied vehicle jack: stopped working
Throttle body: sticking or stiffness
Throttle cable: parts breaking or coming apart
Tire valve stem: shattering or cracking
Tire valve stems: a leak
Trunk latch: not opening or unlocking
Trunk lid support: stopped working
Wheel attachment: parts breaking or coming apart
Wheel well: damage
Windshield washer: stopped working
Windshield washer system: stopped working
Parking brake: loss of braking
Piston rings: damage
Struts or shocks: unusual noises
Timing belt: a leak
Transmission fluid leak
Unexplained crash (cause not stated)
Windshield: damage

How the 2005 Honda Accord Compares With Other Years

The other Accord years of the 7th generation, 2003 to 2007, and the years just before and after it. When two scores are less than 3.5 points apart, treat them as about the same.

Year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Per 10k cars	Recalls	Most reported problem
2008	Good	73	0.75×	34.2	8	Brakes: early wear
2007	Good	76	0.36×	11.6	9	Steering: a leak
2006	Good	75	0.37×	12.0	12	Steering: a leak
2005 This year	Good	71	0.57×	17.1	15	Airbag warning light
2004	Caution	65	0.85×	24.3	13	Transmission: failure or loss of drive
2003	Caution	60	1.6×	44.4	13	Transmission: failure or loss of drive
2002	Good	72	0.80×	23.3	5	Transmission: slipping

See every Accord year

2005 Honda Accord Recalls

A recall can cover some or all cars of this model year. Look up a specific car by its VIN at NHTSA to see which recalls are still open on it.

Air bags: inflator module
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 19V499000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 27, 2019. By the fourth quarter of 2020, 22% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 19V501000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 27, 2019. By the fourth quarter of 2020, 42% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 19V182000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 6, 2019. By the third quarter of 2020, 49% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
NHTSA 18V268000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Apr 26, 2018. By the third quarter of 2019, 85% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An air bag module does not meet the advanced air bag requirements can increase the risk of injury or death in the event of a crash.
NHTSA 16V178000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 30, 2016. By the third quarter of 2017, 27% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the passenger seat occupant or other occupants possibly causing serious injury or death.
NHTSA 15V370000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 15, 2015. By the fourth quarter of 2017, 65% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

Show 9 more recalls

Air bags: inflator module
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 15V320000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 28, 2015. By the fourth quarter of 2017, 68% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 14V700000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Nov 4, 2014. By the first quarter of 2016, 70% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 14V353000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 20, 2014. By the fourth quarter of 2015, 70% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Steering: hose, piping, and connections
If this occurs, power steering fluid can leak onto a hot catalytic converter, leading to smoke and possibly an under-hood fire.
NHTSA 12V222000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 17, 2012.
Power train: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
This could result in a short circuit causing the engine to stall. Additionally, broken pieces of the outer race or ball bearing from the secondary shaft may become lodged in the parking pawl resulting in the vehicle rolling after the driver has placed the…
NHTSA 11V395000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Aug 4, 2011.
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump
If the fuel pump loses power while driving, the engine could stall without warning, and a crash could occur.
NHTSA 07V097000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 14, 2007.
Air bags: sensor/control module-inactive
A failure of the sps causes the air bag system to default to full inflation pressure, regardless of the seat position. Full deployment of the driver's air bag can increase the risk of injury for smaller drivers in a frontal crash.
NHTSA 07V001000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 3, 2007.
Electrical system: fuses and circuit breakers
If the fuel pump loses power while driving the engine could stall without warning which could result in a crash.
NHTSA 05V132000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Apr 5, 2005.
Air bags: frontal
A torn air bag may not offer the same level of protection, in the event of a crash, thereby increasing the risk of injury to the driver.
NHTSA 04V551000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Nov 18, 2004.

Honda Warranty Extensions and Programs

Repairs Honda agreed to cover or update outside a recall. Whether one applies depends on the VIN and the conditions listed. A Honda dealer can confirm.

Customer support programHonda 20-010
Driver's airbag inflator
The problem:
The driver's airbag inflator can be faulty, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the driver's airbag inflator for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light must be on. A Honda dealer test must show the inflator is faulty. Only replacement inflators that fail later are covered. Open inflator recalls must be done first. Salvage or branded titles are not covered.
Coverage:
Covered until January 31, 2030.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 20-015
Front passenger's airbag inflator
The problem:
The front passenger's airbag inflator can be faulty, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the front passenger's airbag inflator for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light must be on. A Honda dealer test must show the inflator is faulty. Only replacement inflators that fail later are covered. Open inflator recalls must be done first. Salvage or branded titles are not covered.
Coverage:
Covered until January 31, 2030.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 18-047Ended
Driver's airbag inflator
The problem:
The driver's airbag inflator can be faulty, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
While the program ran, a Honda dealer replaced the driver's airbag inflator for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light had to be on. A Honda dealer test had to show the inflator was faulty. Only replacement inflators that failed later were covered. Salvage or branded titles were not covered.
Coverage:
The program ended on June 30, 2022.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 18-065Ended
Front passenger's airbag inflator
The problem:
The front passenger's airbag inflator can be faulty, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
While the program ran, a Honda dealer replaced the front passenger's airbag inflator for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light had to be on. A Honda dealer test had to show the inflator was faulty. Only replacement inflators that failed later were covered. Salvage or branded titles were not covered.
Coverage:
The program ended on October 31, 2022.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)

NHTSA Investigations

Defect investigations by NHTSA that cover this model year, with what they found.

Braking performance of the 2005 Accord Hybrid
Closed without a recall
A defect petition asked NHTSA to investigate braking in the 2005 Accord Hybrid. The petitioner said the car braked poorly over rumble strips, then accelerated into oncoming traffic, killing a passenger. NHTSA reviewed 2005-2007 Accord Hybrid complaints, Honda data and its own tests. It judged more investigation unlikely to find a defect and denied the petition in December 2011.
NHTSA DP10004 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Nov 18, 2010 to Dec 14, 2011
Takata air bag inflators rupturing, mostly in humid areas
Led to a recall
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation began in June 2014 after six Takata air bag inflator ruptures. It covered Honda Accord, Civic, CR-V, Odyssey and Pilot models from 2001 to 2007, among others. All 10 makers started regional recalls within about two weeks. NHTSA asked them to widen the recalls. It closed in March 2015 and moved to engineering analysis EA15-001.
NHTSA PE14016 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Jun 11, 2014 to Mar 2, 2015
Takata air bag inflator ruptures across all makers
Still open
NHTSA's engineering analysis, opened in February 2015, covers Takata air bag inflators that can rupture. It includes Honda Accord, Civic, CR-V, Odyssey and Pilot models from 2001 to 2007, among others. NHTSA is studying the root cause, the affected vehicles and whether repairs are adequate. The record links 194 recall campaigns to it. It is still open.
NHTSA EA15001 Opening report (PDF)Open since Feb 24, 2015
Rupture risk in Takata inflators with a desiccant
Still open
NHTSA's engineering analysis, opened in September 2021, asks whether Takata inflators with a moisture-trapping desiccant could degrade and rupture over time. They are not yet recalled. It covers Honda Accord, Civic, CR-V, Odyssey and Pilot models from 2001 to 2015, among others. No field ruptures have been reported in them. The case is still open.
NHTSA EA21002 Opening report (PDF)Open since Sep 17, 2021
Pedestrian alert sounds on hybrid and electric vehicles
Closed
A petition asked NHTSA to apply its pedestrian alert sound rule to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. NHTSA opened a defect petition in January 2023. It lists Honda hybrids and electric cars, including Accord, Civic and CR-V hybrids. The petitioner withdrew in June 2023. NHTSA closed the case in August 2023 without a finding.
NHTSA DP22005 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Jan 27, 2023 to Aug 7, 2023

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA gave the 2005 Accord no overall, frontal or side rating. It did rate each seat in those tests and lists the seat ratings under Rating Breakdown on its page. We show them the same way below. These tests are from before 2011, so the stars are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and newer models. See the 2005 Accord ratings on NHTSA.gov.

2-door with side airbags

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Driver seat5/5

Passenger seat5/5

Side crashNot rated

Front seat4/5

Rear seat5/5

RolloverNot rated

4-door and Hybrid 4-door, all with side airbags

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Driver seat5/5

Passenger seat5/5

Side crashNot rated

Front seat4/5

Rear seat4/5

RolloverNot rated

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2005 Accord, from its recalls, Honda's programs and the problems owners report most.

Confirm the Recalls Were Done

Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.

Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 19V499000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 19V501000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 19V182000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 18V268000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 16V178000
Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 15 recalls and which are still open.

On the Test Drive

Accelerate gently from a stop and again at 20 to 40 mph. Shudder, slipping or harsh shifts are warning signs. Ask for the transmission fluid records.
Brake firmly from a moderate speed. A soft, hard or pulsing pedal, or a brake warning light, is a warning sign.
Turn the wheel fully left and right, parked and at low speed. Sticking, notches or stiffness are warning signs.

Ask the Seller

Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.

Airbag warning lights
Transmission
Brakes
Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes and transmission fluid changes.

Before You Pay

Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.

What to do next

All Accord Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Honda may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.