2011 Honda Accord Reliability Report

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

Excellent

Ranks 3rd of 25 Accord years we score.

Owner complaints: 296; 62 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 10.6; 221,255 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.27×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 75; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 9
NHTSA crash rating: 5★; overall, out of 5

← 2010 Accord 2012 Accord →

Should You Buy the 2011 Honda Accord?

Yes. Our reliability score for the 2011 Honda Accord is 81 out of 100, which rates Excellent. Owners reported about a third as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 3rd of the 25 Accord years we score.

The most reported problem is airbags, mostly no deployment in a crash (18 of 296 complaints). Owners also complain about airbag warning lights and the engine. 75 of the 296 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 9 recalls. Honda also offers 2 warranty extensions that may still apply, for engine misfire from fouled spark plugs (piston rings) and high oil consumption from sticking piston rings. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2010 scores 76 and the 2012 scores 84.

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

Excellent reliability score of 81
About a third of the problems of the average car its age
Recent complaints at or below average
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls

Cons

Airbags: no deployment in a crash18 complaints
Airbag warning light14 complaints
Engine: unusual noises12 complaints

How the 2011 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	0.24×	−3
Everyday problems	0.35×	−2
Problems in the last two years	0.50×	−6
Recalls	1.7×	−8
Score		81

What Owners Report

We read all 296 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Honda Accord, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Airbags: no deployment in a crash
18 complaints (6%)
No deployment in a crash, deployment with no crash and a fire. 5 of these 18 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 82,000 miles.
Airbag warning light
14 complaints (5%)
Warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 84,000 miles.
Engine: unusual noises
12 complaints (4%)
Unusual noises, a loss of power and rough running or misfires. 4 of these 12 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 16,000 miles.
Steering: a leak
12 complaints (4%)
A leak, loss of steering control and sticking or stiffness. 4 of these 12 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. Median mileage when it started: about 46,000 miles.
Brakes: loss of braking
11 complaints (4%)
Loss of braking, warped and early wear. 4 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 22,000 miles.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
11 complaints (4%)
Hesitation and surging. 1 of these 11 complaints describes a serious outcome. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 3,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
10 complaints (3%)
Sudden acceleration, surging and rolls at 10 mph without throttle. 5 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 11,000 miles.
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
7 complaints (2%)
No deployment in a crash, injury from deployment force and partial deployment. 2 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 58,000 miles.
Vibration (cause not stated)
7 complaints (2%)
Vibration or shudder. In 5 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 4 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 8,000 miles.
VTC actuator: unusual noises
6 complaints (2%)
Unusual noises, a stored fault code and a failure that needed a new part. Median mileage when it started: about 57,000 miles.
Passenger airbag sensor: wrong readings
6 complaints (2%)
Wrong readings and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 96,000 miles.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
6 complaints (2%)
Shattering or cracking. 2 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 52,000 miles.
Transmission: vibration or shudder
6 complaints (2%)
Vibration or shudder, unusual noises and slipping. 2 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often being stranded. Median mileage when it started: about 24,000 miles.
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
5 complaints (2%)
Water leaking in. Median mileage when it started: about 65,000 miles.
CV axles: parts breaking or coming apart
5 complaints (2%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, a leak and rust or corrosion. 2 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often being stranded.

Show 18 more problems

Power liftgate: does not stay open
5 complaints (2%)
Does not stay open and parts breaking or coming apart. 3 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 43,000 miles.
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
4 complaints (1%)
Burning or using oil. Median mileage when it started: about 109,000 miles.
Noise (cause not stated)
4 complaints (1%)
Unusual noises. Median mileage when it started: about 2,000 miles.
Seat belts: not releasing
4 complaints (1%)
Not releasing, the system not working when needed and deployment with no crash. Median mileage when it started: about 114,000 miles.
Tires: damage
4 complaints (1%)
Damage, a failure and shattering or cracking. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 43,000 miles.
Ball joints and control arms: parts breaking or coming apart
3 complaints (1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, unusual noises and rust or corrosion. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow.
Engine oil leak
3 complaints (1%)
A leak. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 61,000 miles.
Exhaust or catalytic converter failure
3 complaints (1%)
A failure and warning lights.
Ignition coils or spark plugs: early wear
3 complaints (1%)
Early wear, rough running or misfires and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 120,000 miles.
Interior trim: bubbling
3 complaints (1%)
Bubbling.
Sun visor: does not snap back
3 complaints (1%)
Does not snap back, a feature that stopped working and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: an injury.
Side or curtain airbags: no deployment in a crash
3 complaints (1%)
No deployment in a crash and deployment with no crash. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: an airbag problem.
Tire pressure monitoring: warning lights
3 complaints (1%)
Warning lights.
12V battery: warning lights
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Rear suspension: unusual noises
2 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises.
Paint and rust: shattering or cracking
2 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking and peeling / chipping.
Phone and navigation: works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and wrong readings.
Transmission fluid leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak.

Reported Once (39)

Show the 39 problems reported once

A/C condenser: a leak
ABS: loss of braking
Airbag inflator (rupture risk or Takata): fragments ejected on deployment
Alternator or charging: warning lights
Door latches: damage
Engine (misfire codes): rough running or misfires
Engine sensors or computer: fault code
Exterior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
Frame or structure: rust or corrosion
Screen and audio: the system acting on its own
Loss of power (cause not stated)
Manual transmission or clutch: parts breaking or coming apart
Accelerator pedal: sticking or stiffness
Active head restraint: deployment with no crash
Cable reel (clockspring): fault code
Door fire (cause not stated)
Driver seat airbag inflator: fault code
Driver side map light: works on and off
Fire at dashboard and driver door (cause not stated)
Front suspension: unusual noises
Fuel tank (sloshing noise): unusual noises
Fuel tank (splashing noise): unusual noises
Handling instability (cause not stated)
Interior lighting: stopped working
Rear window glass: shattering or cracking
Rough deceleration (cause not stated)
Side window glass: shattering or cracking
Wheel (cracking noise, part not named): unusual noises
Parking brake: the system not working when needed
Piston rings: fouling
Car not starting (cause not stated)
Timing belt failure
Timing chain or camshaft: slipping
Shifter or park: sticking or stiffness
Variable cylinder management (VCM): a loss of power
Wheel bearings failure
Wheel rim: parts breaking or coming apart
Windows or locks or sunroof (operate by themselves): the system acting on its own
Wiring, fuses or body control module: a loss of power

How the 2011 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 This year	Excellent	81	0.27×	10.6	9	Airbags: no deployment in a crash
2010	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

2011 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 3 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.
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 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 Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2011 Accord ratings on NHTSA.gov.

Sedan 4-door FWD

Overall5/5

Frontal crash5/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover5/5

2-door FWD

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Side crashNot rated

Rollover5/5

Crosstour SUV AWD and Crosstour SUV FWD

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Side crashNot rated

Rollover4/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2011 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 9 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)
12-087: high oil consumption from sticking piston rings

On the Test Drive

Confirm every airbag recall on this VIN has been repaired before you buy.
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.

Ask the Seller

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

Airbags
Airbag warning lights
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.