2006 Honda Accord Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Sep 17, 2026Published Oct 15, 2026
Ranks 9th of 25 Accord years we score.
- Owner complaints
- 430
- 34 are recall notices
- Per 10,000 cars
- 12.0
- 328,736 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- 0.37×
- same age, 1× is average
- Serious outcomes
- 152
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 12
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
- no overall rating before 2011
Should You Buy the 2006 Honda Accord?
Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2006 Honda Accord is 75 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported about a third as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 9th of the 25 Accord years we score.
The most reported problem is the steering, mostly a leak (46 of 430 complaints). Owners also complain about the brakes and the transmission. 152 of the 430 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 12 recalls. Honda also offers a warranty extension that may still apply, for check engine light for catalytic converter codes (CA, CT, ME, MA, NY and VT). For comparison, the 2005 scores 71 and the 2007 scores 76.
Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask a Honda dealer about warranty extension 18-023 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.
Pros
- Good reliability score of 75
- About a third of the problems of the average car its age
- No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
- 1 Honda warranty extension may cover repairs
Cons
- Steering: a leak46 complaints
- Brakes: loss of braking45 complaints
- Transmission: failure or loss of drive31 complaints
How the 2006 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
| Item | Vs average | Points lost |
|---|---|---|
| Starting score | 100 | |
| Serious problems | 0.37× | −6 |
| Everyday problems | 0.38× | −2 |
| Problems in the last two years | 0.86× | −8 |
| Recalls | 2.6× | −9 |
| Score | 75 |
What Owners Report
We read all 430 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2006 Honda Accord, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.
Steering: a leak
46 complaints (11%)
A leak, sticking or stiffness and a failure. 6 of these 46 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. In 4 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 94,000 miles.
Brakes: loss of braking
45 complaints (10%)
Loss of braking, vibration or shudder and early wear. 12 of these 45 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 28,000 miles.
Transmission: failure or loss of drive
31 complaints (7%)
Failure or loss of drive, harsh or delayed shifts and vibration or shudder. 17 of these 31 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 110,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
30 complaints (7%)
No deployment in a crash, deployment with no crash and deployment injury. 10 of these 30 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 115,000 miles.
Airbag warning light
28 complaints (7%)
Warning lights. In 5 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 106,000 miles.
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
22 complaints (5%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, shattering or cracking and a leak. 14 of these 22 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 61,000 miles.
Frontal airbags: deployment with no crash
17 complaints (4%)
Deployment with no crash, no deployment in a crash and warning lights. 3 of these 17 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
17 complaints (4%)
Sudden acceleration and surging. 13 of these 17 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 31,000 miles.
A/C condenser: damage
16 complaints (4%)
Damage, a leak and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 26,000 miles.
Power windows or regulator: stopped working
9 complaints (2%)
A feature that stopped working, a failure that needed a new part and the system acting on its own. Median mileage when it started: about 81,000 miles.
Side or curtain airbags: deployment with no crash
9 complaints (2%)
Deployment with no crash and deployment injury. 2 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 108,000 miles.
Engine: unusual noises
8 complaints (2%)
Unusual noises, surging and a loss of power. 2 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 107,000 miles.
Paint and rust: damage
8 complaints (2%)
Damage, rust or corrosion and paint fading / peeling. Median mileage when it started: about 53,000 miles.
Engine sensors or computer: a loss of power
7 complaints (2%)
A loss of power, a stored fault code and a failure. 4 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 148,000 miles.
Headlights: dimming
7 complaints (2%)
Dimming, damage and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 39,000 miles.
Show 42 more problems
Seat belts: locking up
7 complaints (2%)
Locking up, unusual noises and a failure. 1 of these 7 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 44,000 miles.
A/C: stopped working
6 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 97,000 miles.
CV axles: parts breaking or coming apart
6 complaints (1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart. 4 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 158,000 miles.
12V battery failure
5 complaints (1%)
A failure that needed a new part and a bad smell. Median mileage when it started: about 90,000 miles.
Stall (cause not stated)
5 complaints (1%)
Stalling and hesitation. 3 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 90,000 miles.
Screen and audio: stopped working
4 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 51,000 miles.
Manual transmission or clutch failure
4 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part, slipping and sticking or stiffness. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 6,000 miles.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
4 complaints (under 1%)
The car not starting. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
A/C compressor: damage
3 complaints (under 1%)
Damage and a leak.
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
3 complaints (under 1%)
Water leaking in.
Ignition or push-button start: sticking or stiffness
3 complaints (under 1%)
Sticking or stiffness, key removable in gear and the car not starting. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 15,000 miles.
Interior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
3 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and damage.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
A loss of power. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 205,000 miles.
Mirrors: loose
3 complaints (under 1%)
Loose, parts breaking or coming apart and vibration or shudder. Median mileage when it started: about 6,000 miles.
Driver seat position sensor failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and a stored fault code. Median mileage when it started: about 110,000 miles.
Door lock actuators: works on and off
3 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go, parts breaking or coming apart and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
Seats: parts breaking or coming apart
3 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, overheating and a failure. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 33,000 miles.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
3 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking. Median mileage when it started: about 126,000 miles.
Shifter or park: the car rolling away
3 complaints (under 1%)
The car rolling away. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 194,000 miles.
Windshield: optical distortion
3 complaints (under 1%)
Optical distortion and shattering or cracking.
Windshield wipers: hesitation
3 complaints (under 1%)
Hesitation, parts breaking or coming apart and a failure that needed a new part.
ABS: warning lights
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Airbag inflator (rupture risk or Takata): parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash.
Ball joints and control arms failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and parts breaking or coming apart.
Climate controls failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and problems that come and go.
Control arm bushings: shattering or cracking
2 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking and damage.
Control module (unspecified) failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and a feature that stopped working.
Several warning lights at once
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Door latches: not opening or unlocking
2 complaints (under 1%)
Not opening or unlocking.
Engine failure: stalling
2 complaints (under 1%)
Stalling and damage. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
2 complaints (under 1%)
Burning or using oil.
Ignition coils or spark plugs: damage
2 complaints (under 1%)
Damage and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Instrument cluster: wrong readings
2 complaints (under 1%)
Wrong readings and a feature that stopped working.
Alarm system failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and the system acting on its own.
Cruise control: the system acting on its own
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own and surging.
Fire (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
A fire. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Stability control (VSA): warning lights
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights and soft pedal.
Torque converter: vibration or shudder
2 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder and a stored fault code.
Vibration (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Jerking and vibration or shudder.
Wheel rim: damage
2 complaints (under 1%)
Damage and parts breaking or coming apart.
Windows or locks or sunroof (operate by themselves): the system acting on its own
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart.
Reported Once (49)
Show the 49 problems reported once
- Uneven tire wear: early wear
- Check engine light (cause not stated)
- Engine mounts: parts breaking or coming apart
- Exhaust or catalytic converter: warning lights
- Exterior lights: dimming
- Fuel economy: high fuel use
- Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
- Heater: stopped working
- Horn failure
- Key fob: shattering or cracking
- Noise (cause not stated)
- Passenger airbag sensor failure
- A/C expansion valve failure
- A/C receiver dryer failure
- VTEC component failure
- Accelerator pedal: hesitation
- Airbag control unit bolts failure
- Airbag sensor: warning lights
- Alternator belt: damage
- Cabin air filter: clogged
- Cylinder head: damage
- Driver seat position sensor harness: damage
- Electrical noise (part not stated): unusual noises
- Exhaust heat shield: rust or corrosion
- Exterior door handles: sharp edges cut hands
- Fluid leak and detached part (not identified) (cause not stated)
- Front and rear end (parts not stated) (cause not stated)
- Fuel screen: clogged
- Glove compartment light: stays lit
- Heat-damaged underhood and windshield-area parts (cause not stated)
- Passenger side airbag sensor failure
- Rear window glass: shattering or cracking
- Security alarm: stopped working
- Sensor (described as bark sensor) failure
- Side window: unusual noises
- Throttle actuator control: surging
- Transmission mounting (part not stated): parts breaking or coming apart
- Trunk lid support failure
- Under-hood fire (cause not stated)
- Underhood fire (cause not stated)
- Unspecified service damage
- Vehicle fire (cause not stated)
- Oxygen sensor: warning lights
- Piston rings: damage
- Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
- Starter failure
- Taillights or brake lights: stopped working
- Transmission computer: stalling
- Warning lights (cause not stated)
How the 2006 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 This year | Good | 75 | 0.37× | 12.0 | 12 | Steering: a leak |
| 2005 | 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 |
2006 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 19V499000Recall 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 19V501000Recall 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 19V182000Recall 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 18V268000Recall 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 16V178000Recall 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 15V370000Recall 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 6 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 15V320000Recall 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.
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 12V222000Owner 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 11V395000Owner letter (PDF)Issued Aug 4, 2011.
Equipment: owners/service/other manual
The language in the owner's manuals is not in accordance with the current mandatory requirements.
NHTSA 06V270000Issued Jul 26, 2006.
Tires: bead
If the bead sealing area is damaged, loss of air could occur while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 05V536000Owner letter (PDF)Issued Nov 28, 2005.
Air bags: frontal
If the bolts loosen or fall out, the sensor may fail to properly detect a crash, possibly resulting in delayed or non-deployment of the front airbag increasing the risk of injury.
NHTSA 05V510000Owner letter (PDF)Issued Nov 3, 2005.
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.
- Warranty extensionHonda 18-023
Check engine light for catalytic converter codes (CA, CT, ME, MA, NY and VT)
- The problem:
- The engine control unit can misread sensor signals as a worn catalytic converter, and the check engine light comes on.
- The fix:
- A Honda dealer updates the engine software and replaces the front and rear catalytic converters for free.
- Who qualifies:
- The check engine light must be on with a catalytic converter fault stored. The car must be registered in CA, CT, ME, MA, NY or VT.
- Coverage:
- 17 years from the original purchase date. No mileage limit in the first year after launch, then 200,000 miles.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Warranty extensionHonda 18-022Ended
Check engine light for catalytic converter codes
- The problem:
- The engine control unit can misread sensor signals as a worn catalytic converter, and the check engine light comes on.
- The fix:
- While the program ran, a Honda dealer updated the engine software and replaced the front and rear catalytic converters for free.
- Who qualifies:
- The check engine light had to be on with a catalytic converter fault stored. The car had to be registered outside CA, CT, ME, MA, NY and VT.
- Coverage:
- The program ended on December 31, 2018. It lasted 6 months from launch or 200,000 miles, whichever came first.
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 recallA 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 DP10004Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Nov 18, 2010 to Dec 14, 2011
Takata air bag inflators rupturing, mostly in humid areas
Led to a recallNHTSA'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 PE14016Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Jun 11, 2014 to Mar 2, 2015
Takata air bag inflator ruptures across all makers
Still openNHTSA'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 EA15001Opening report (PDF)Open since Feb 24, 2015
Rupture risk in Takata inflators with a desiccant
Still openNHTSA'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 EA21002Opening report (PDF)Open since Sep 17, 2021
Pedestrian alert sounds on hybrid and electric vehicles
ClosedA 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 DP22005Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Jan 27, 2023 to Aug 7, 2023
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings
NHTSA gave the 2006 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 2006 Accord ratings on NHTSA.gov.
4-door and Hybrid 4-door, all with side airbags
2-door with side airbags
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2006 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 12 recalls and which are still open.
Ask a Honda Dealer
Ask whether this warranty extension applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.
- 18-023: check engine light for catalytic converter codes (CA, CT, ME, MA, NY and VT)
On the Test Drive
- Turn the wheel fully left and right, parked and at low speed. Sticking, notches or stiffness are warning signs.
- Brake firmly from a moderate speed. A soft, hard or pulsing pedal, or a brake warning light, is a warning sign.
- 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.
Ask the Seller
Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.
- Steering
- Brakes
- Transmission
- 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
