2010 Honda Accord Reliability Report

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

Good

Ranks 8th of 25 Accord years we score.

Owner complaints: 580; 81 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 17.7; 281,280 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.42×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 134; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 12
NHTSA crash rating: Not rated; no overall rating before 2011

← 2009 Accord 2011 Accord →

Should You Buy the 2010 Honda Accord?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2010 Honda Accord is 76 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported about half as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 8th of the 25 Accord years we score.

The most reported problem is the brakes, mostly early wear (116 of 580 complaints). Owners also complain about high oil consumption and the engine. 134 of the 580 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 12 recalls. Honda also offers 3 warranty extensions that may still apply, for engine misfire from fouled spark plugs (piston rings) and airbag control unit (airbag warning light). For comparison, the 2009 scores 76 and the 2011 scores 81.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask a Honda dealer about warranty extension 13-078 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Good reliability score of 76
About half the problems of the average car its age
Recent complaints at or below average
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls

Cons

Brakes: early wear116 complaints
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil70 complaints
Engine: unusual noises37 complaints

How the 2010 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	0.33×	−5
Everyday problems	0.61×	−4
Problems in the last two years	0.70×	−7
Recalls	2.2×	−8
Score		76

What Owners Report

We read all 580 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2010 Honda Accord, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Brakes: early wear
116 complaints (20%)
Early wear, a failure that needed a new part and loss of braking. 6 of these 116 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. In 14 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 24,000 miles.
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
70 complaints (12%)
Burning or using oil. 1 of these 70 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. In 9 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 6 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 90,000 miles.
Engine: unusual noises
37 complaints (6%)
Unusual noises, stalling and a fire. 11 of these 37 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.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
23 complaints (4%)
No deployment in a crash, damage and injured occupant when airbag deployed. 3 of these 23 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 66,000 miles.
Ignition coils or spark plugs failure
19 complaints (3%)
A failure that needed a new part, rough running or misfires and damage. 4 of these 19 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 7 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 92,000 miles.
Airbag warning light
16 complaints (3%)
Warning lights and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 66,000 miles.
Piston rings failure
16 complaints (3%)
A failure. 14 of these 16 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. In 7 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 123,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
16 complaints (3%)
Sudden acceleration, surging and the car rolling away. 11 of these 16 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 36,000 miles.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
15 complaints (3%)
Shattering or cracking. 3 of these 15 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 67,000 miles.
Transmission: slipping
15 complaints (3%)
Slipping, harsh or delayed shifts and parts breaking or coming apart. 2 of these 15 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 104,000 miles.
Steering: locking up
13 complaints (2%)
Locking up, sticking or stiffness and a failure that needed a new part. 3 of these 13 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 48,000 miles.
VTC actuator: unusual noises
10 complaints (2%)
Unusual noises and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 98,000 miles.
Brake calipers failure
10 complaints (2%)
A failure that needed a new part, sticking or stiffness and not releasing. Median mileage when it started: about 28,000 miles.
Noise (cause not stated)
10 complaints (2%)
Unusual noises. Median mileage when it started: about 70,000 miles.
CV axles: parts breaking or coming apart
9 complaints (2%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, rust or corrosion and failure or loss of drive. 3 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 97,000 miles.

Show 45 more problems

Exhaust or catalytic converter failure
7 complaints (1%)
A failure, damage and a stored fault code. Median mileage when it started: about 129,000 miles.
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
7 complaints (1%)
No deployment in a crash and deployment with no crash. 3 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 90,000 miles.
Side or curtain airbags: deployment with no crash
7 complaints (1%)
Deployment with no crash, no deployment in a crash and deployed but did not inflate. Median mileage when it started: about 65,000 miles.
Stall (cause not stated)
7 complaints (1%)
Stalling and feels like it will stall while driving. 6 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 45,000 miles.
Tires: damage
7 complaints (1%)
Damage, a failure that needed a new part and early wear. Median mileage when it started: about 55,000 miles.
Vibration (cause not stated)
7 complaints (1%)
Vibration or shudder. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 25,000 miles.
Wheel bearings: unusual noises
7 complaints (1%)
Unusual noises and a failure that needed a new part. Median mileage when it started: about 21,000 miles.
Ball joints and control arms: parts breaking or coming apart
6 complaints (1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and unusual noises. 3 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 65,000 miles.
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
6 complaints (1%)
Water leaking in and damage. Median mileage when it started: about 68,000 miles.
Engine (misfire codes): rough running or misfires
6 complaints (1%)
Rough running or misfires and a stored fault code. Median mileage when it started: about 65,000 miles.
Engine failure
6 complaints (1%)
A failure that needed a new part. 5 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
Door lock actuators: not opening or unlocking
6 complaints (1%)
Not opening or unlocking, a failure and the system acting on its own. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 75,000 miles.
Paint and rust: paint peeling or flaking
5 complaints (under 1%)
Paint peeling or flaking and damage. Median mileage when it started: about 118,000 miles.
Seat belts: stopped working
5 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, not closing or latching and warning lights.
Wiring, fuses or body control module failure
5 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part, the system acting on its own and damage. 2 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 58,000 miles.
ABS failure
4 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and warning lights.
Alternator or charging failure
4 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and smoke or a burning smell. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
Engine sensors or computer failure
4 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 65,000 miles.
Instrument cluster: wrong readings
4 complaints (under 1%)
Wrong readings and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 73,000 miles.
Seats: damage
4 complaints (under 1%)
Damage and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash.
Shifter or park: the car rolling away
4 complaints (under 1%)
The car rolling away, a feature that stopped working and locking up. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 131,000 miles.
12V battery failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
A/C condenser: a leak
3 complaints (under 1%)
A leak, damage and shattering or cracking.
Check engine light (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Several warning lights at once
3 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Door latches: not opening or unlocking
3 complaints (under 1%)
Not opening or unlocking and a failure. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Engine oil leak
3 complaints (under 1%)
A leak and a failure that needed a new part.
Passenger airbag sensor: works on and off
3 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go, warning lights and a stored fault code.
Low oil warning light: the system not working when needed
3 complaints (under 1%)
The system not working when needed.
Timing chain or camshaft failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and early wear. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 165,000 miles.
Valve train: rough running or misfires
3 complaints (under 1%)
Rough running or misfires, sticking or stiffness and parts breaking or coming apart. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often being stranded. Median mileage when it started: about 29,000 miles.
Windows or locks or sunroof (operate by themselves): the system acting on its own
3 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own.
Windshield wipers: stopped working
3 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and unusual noises. Median mileage when it started: about 3,000 miles.
Brake power assist: a hard pedal or less assist
2 complaints (under 1%)
A hard pedal or less assist and a failure.
Engine mounts failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part.
Fuel pump: a leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak and stalling.
Ignition or push-button start: unusual noises
2 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises and a failure.
Interior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and unusual noises.
Key fob: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a feature that stopped working. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Manual transmission or clutch: locking up
2 complaints (under 1%)
Locking up and harsh or delayed shifts. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Parking brake: the car rolling away
2 complaints (under 1%)
The car rolling away and a failure. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Hesitation.
Power liftgate: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a failure. Both describe a serious outcome, most often an injury.
Transmission computer: the car rolling away
2 complaints (under 1%)
The car rolling away and a failure. Both describe a serious outcome, most often an injury.
Unexplained crash (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)

Reported Once (45)

Show the 45 problems reported once

Climate controls: stopped working
Control arm bushings: shattering or cracking
Cooling system: a leak
Engine overheating
Exterior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
Frame or structure: rust or corrosion
Fuel economy: high fuel use
Fuel leak
Headlights failure
Screen and audio: works on and off
Loss of power (cause not stated)
Oil pressure: warning lights
A/C evaporator: a leak
ATC actuator failure
IPM motor (function not stated) failure
Accelerator pedal: sticking or stiffness
Airbag sensor wire under front passenger seat: parts breaking or coming apart
Electrical system (part not stated) failure
Electronic throttle actuator and accelerator pedal: sticking or stiffness
Engine gasket: a leak
Front suspension (part not stated): unusual noises
Fuel cap: warning lights
Heating and A/C vents
Low oil level warning light: the system not working when needed
Power train (not specified) failure
Pressure switch failure
Serpentine belt failure
Side window glass: shattering or cracking
Sun visor: parts breaking or coming apart
Suspension bolts (location not stated): unusual noises
Throttle or accelerator pedal: sticking or stiffness
Trunk lid springs: parts breaking or coming apart
Turn signal self-cancel: stopped working
Vehicle electrical power: stopped working
Wheel attachment (nuts, bolts, corrosion): parts breaking or coming apart
Power windows or regulator: stopped working
Stability control (VSA): warning lights
Sway bar links: unusual noises
Car not starting (cause not stated)
Struts or shocks failure
Taillights or brake lights: works on and off
Tire pressure monitoring: warning lights
Torque converter failure
Wheel rim: shattering or cracking
Windshield: shattering or cracking

How the 2010 Honda Accord Compares With Other Years

The other Accord years of the 8th generation, 2008 to 2012, 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
2013	Caution	68	1.1×	36.5	5	Steering: pulling or wandering
2012	Excellent	84	0.28×	11.0	8	Steering: a leak
2011	Excellent	81	0.27×	10.6	9	Airbags: no deployment in a crash
2010 This year	Good	76	0.42×	17.7	12	Brakes: early wear
2009	Good	76	0.45×	20.3	10	Brakes: early wear
2008	Good	73	0.75×	34.2	8	Brakes: early wear
2007	Good	76	0.36×	11.6	9	Steering: a leak

See every Accord year

2010 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 19V502000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 27, 2019. By the fourth quarter of 2020, 36% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An incorrectly installed air bag inflator may not properly deploy the passenger frontal air bag in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
NHTSA 19V378000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 16, 2019. By the fourth quarter of 2020, 49% 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 18V661000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Sep 27, 2018. By the first quarter of 2020, 78% 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 inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 18V042000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 9, 2018. By the second quarter of 2019, 72% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
In the event of a crash, an incorrectly installed passenger frontal air bag inflator may deploy the air bag improperly, increasing the risk of injury.
NHTSA 17V545000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Aug 31, 2017. By the first quarter of 2019, 94% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

Show 6 more recalls

Air bags: inflator module
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 17V030000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 10, 2017. By the second quarter of 2018, 70% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 16V346000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 24, 2016. By the first quarter of 2018, 64% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags
If the air bag control unit fails, the air bags may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
NHTSA 16V056000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 2, 2016. By the first quarter of 2018, 55% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
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.
Electrical system
An engine stall will increase the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 11V004000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 6, 2011.
Suspension
Loss of steering increases the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 10V640000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 16, 2010.

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 13-078
Engine misfire from fouled spark plugs (piston rings)
The problem:
Piston rings can turn and line up, which can foul the spark plugs. The engine then misfires and the check engine light comes on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer repairs the misfire for free. This can include an engine software update, new spark plugs, cleaned pistons and new piston rings.
Who qualifies:
A cylinder misfire fault must be stored and the spark plugs must be fouled. Cars with a salvage or branded title are not covered.
Coverage:
8 years from the original purchase date, with no mileage limit for these misfire repairs.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionHonda 16-007
Airbag control unit (airbag warning light)
The problem:
The airbag control unit can fail inside, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the airbag control unit for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light must be on with a listed control unit fault. Other airbag faults are not covered. Cars with a salvage or branded title are not covered. The VIN must show as eligible.
Coverage:
15 years from the original purchase date, with no mileage limit, for the listed airbag warning light faults.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionHonda 12-087
High oil consumption from sticking piston rings
The problem:
Sticking piston rings can make the engine use too much oil. The oil can run low on the dipstick and the oil warning light may come on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer repairs the pistons and piston rings for free.
Who qualifies:
An engine oil consumption test must show unusually high oil use. Honda must approve the repair. Cars with a salvage or branded title are not covered.
Coverage:
8 years or 125,000 miles from the original purchase date, whichever comes first.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 18-052, 18-055, 19-003 and 20-016
Front passenger's airbag inflator
4 programs with the same terms. Which one applies depends on the VIN.
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:
18-052: Covered until January 31, 2027.
18-055: Covered until January 31, 2028.
19-003: Covered until September 30, 2028.
20-016: Covered until January 31, 2030.
Bulletin 18-052 (PDF)Bulletin 18-055 (PDF)Bulletin 19-003 (PDF)Bulletin 20-016 (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 18-066Ended
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 June 30, 2026.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)

NHTSA Investigations

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

Air bag control module failure disabling air bags
Led to a recall
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation looked at the air bag control module in 2008-2010 Accords. Moisture could corrode a chip inside it and disable all air bags and seat belt tighteners. Honda recalled 341,444 cars under recall 16V-056. It also gave another 382,693 Accords a 15-year unlimited-mileage extended warranty. NHTSA closed the case in June 2016.
NHTSA PE15029 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Aug 18, 2015 to Jun 17, 2016

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA gave the 2010 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 2010 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 with side airbags

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Driver seat5/5

Passenger seat5/5

Side crashNot rated

Front seat5/5

Rear seat3/5

RolloverNot rated

Crosstour 4-door with side airbags

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Driver seat5/5

Passenger seat5/5

Side crashNot rated

Front seat5/5

Rear seat5/5

Rollover4/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2010 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 19V502000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 19V378000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 18V661000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 18V268000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 18V042000
Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 12 recalls and which are still open.

Ask a Honda Dealer

Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

13-078: engine misfire from fouled spark plugs (piston rings)
16-007: airbag control unit (airbag warning light)
12-087: high oil consumption from sticking piston rings

On the Test Drive

Brake firmly from a moderate speed. A soft, hard or pulsing pedal, or a brake warning light, is a warning sign.
Ask how often oil is added between changes, and watch for blue smoke at startup.
Confirm every airbag recall on this VIN has been repaired before you buy.

Ask the Seller

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

Brakes
High oil consumption
Engine
Also ask for the service records, especially oil 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.