2013 Honda Accord Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Sep 17, 2026Published Oct 15, 2026
Ranks 19th of 25 Accord years we score.
- Owner complaints
- 1,420
- 55 are recall notices
- Per 10,000 cars
- 36.5
- 374,266 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- 1.1×
- same age, 1× is average
- Serious outcomes
- 563
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 5
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5★
- overall, out of 5
Should You Buy the 2013 Honda Accord?
Only after careful checks. Our reliability score for the 2013 Honda Accord is 68 out of 100, which rates Caution. Owners reported about as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 19th of the 25 Accord years we score.
The most reported problem is the steering, mostly pulling or wandering (471 of 1,420 complaints). Owners also complain about the starter and cars not starting. 563 of the 1,420 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 5 recalls. Honda also offers a warranty extension that may still apply, for electric power steering torque sensor (steering gearbox). NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2014 scores 73.
Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask a Honda dealer about warranty extension 15-056 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.
Pros
- No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
- 5-star NHTSA overall crash rating
- 1 Honda warranty extension may cover repairs
Cons
- Steering: pulling or wandering471 complaints
- Starter: the car not starting148 complaints
- Car not starting (cause not stated)112 complaints
- First year of a new generation
How the 2013 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 | 1.1× | −11 |
| Everyday problems | 1.1× | −5 |
| Problems in the last two years | 1.4× | −10 |
| Recalls | 0.97× | −6 |
| Score | 68 |
What Owners Report
We read all 1,420 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Honda Accord, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.
Steering: pulling or wandering
471 complaints (33%)
Pulling or wandering, a feature that stopped working and sticking or stiffness. 206 of these 471 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. In 45 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 56 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 54,000 miles.
Starter: the car not starting
148 complaints (10%)
The car not starting, a failure that needed a new part and hard starting. 107 of these 148 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 9 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 31 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 54,000 miles.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
112 complaints (8%)
The car not starting, hard starting and problems that come and go. 102 of these 112 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 23 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 56,000 miles.
ABS failure
82 complaints (6%)
A failure, a feature that stopped working and a stored fault code. 5 of these 82 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. Median mileage when it started: about 118,000 miles.
Several warning lights at once
42 complaints (3%)
Warning lights and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 72,000 miles.
12V battery failure
40 complaints (3%)
A failure that needed a new part, rust or corrosion and draining the battery. 17 of these 40 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 8 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 49,000 miles.
Brakes: unusual noises
34 complaints (2%)
Unusual noises, loss of braking and warning lights. 9 of these 34 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. In 4 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 40,000 miles.
Forward collision warning: warning lights
33 complaints (2%)
Warning lights, a feature that stopped working and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 65,000 miles.
Ignition or push-button start: the car not starting
33 complaints (2%)
The car not starting, hard starting and problems that come and go. 25 of these 33 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 62,000 miles.
Stability control (VSA) failure
33 complaints (2%)
A failure, a feature that stopped working and warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 105,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
31 complaints (2%)
Sudden acceleration and surging. 28 of these 31 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. In 5 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 11,000 miles.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
30 complaints (2%)
Hesitation, a loss of power and hard to accelerate. 5 of these 30 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 9 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 3 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 12,000 miles.
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
27 complaints (2%)
Burning or using oil. In 5 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 58,000 miles.
Transmission: slipping
26 complaints (2%)
Slipping, harsh or delayed shifts and a failure that needed a new part. 14 of these 26 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, and in 3 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 36,000 miles.
Engine: stalling
23 complaints (2%)
Stalling, hesitation and unusual noises. 13 of these 23 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 8 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 40,000 miles.
Show 71 more problems
Wiring, fuses or body control module: damage
22 complaints (2%)
Damage, a failure that needed a new part and problems that come and go. 5 of these 22 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 4 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 35,000 miles.
CV axles: parts breaking or coming apart
21 complaints (1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, rust or corrosion and a failure that needed a new part. 8 of these 21 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 140,000 miles.
Stall (cause not stated)
20 complaints (1%)
Stalling. 18 of these 20 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 7 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 5 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 38,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
19 complaints (1%)
No deployment in a crash, deployment with no crash and a failure. 3 of these 19 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 29,000 miles.
Screen and audio: works on and off
19 complaints (1%)
Problems that come and go, unusual noises and does not display ID3 tag information. In 3 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 2,000 miles.
Alternator or charging failure
14 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and warning lights. 4 of these 14 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 4 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 85,000 miles.
Tire pressure monitoring: warning lights
14 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights, warns too late and a failure. In 5 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 5 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 40,000 miles.
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
14 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, early wear and damage. 1 of these 14 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 22,000 miles.
Fuel system: a bad smell
13 complaints (under 1%)
A bad smell, warning lights and a failure that needed a new part. 2 of these 13 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 26,000 miles.
Rearview camera: works on and off
13 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go, a feature that stopped working and the system not working when needed. 2 of these 13 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of visibility. Median mileage when it started: about 23,000 miles.
CVT: harsh or delayed shifts
12 complaints (under 1%)
Harsh or delayed shifts, vibration or shudder and slipping. 6 of these 12 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 8 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 2,000 miles.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
12 complaints (under 1%)
A loss of power, reduced power or limp mode and hesitation. 10 of these 12 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. 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.
Noise (cause not stated)
12 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises. Median mileage when it started: about 46,000 miles.
Seats: stopped working
11 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, parts breaking or coming apart and problems that come and go. 1 of these 11 complaints describes a serious outcome: an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 40,000 miles.
Windshield wipers: leaves water in the driver's view
11 complaints (under 1%)
Leaves water in the driver's view, does not clear water and a failure. 1 of these 11 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility. Median mileage when it started: about 1,000 miles.
Battery drain: draining the battery
9 complaints (under 1%)
Draining the battery. 3 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 51,000 miles.
Door lock actuators: not opening or unlocking
9 complaints (under 1%)
Not opening or unlocking, a feature that stopped working and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 112,000 miles.
Door latches: not opening or unlocking
8 complaints (under 1%)
Not opening or unlocking, trunk opens by itself and not closing or latching. Median mileage when it started: about 31,000 miles.
Key fob: warning lights
8 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights, the system acting on its own and the car not starting. 1 of these 8 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 32,000 miles.
Vibration (cause not stated)
8 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder. Median mileage when it started: about 18,000 miles.
Wheel bearings failure
8 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part, unusual noises and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 8 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 60,000 miles.
Engine oil leak
7 complaints (under 1%)
A leak. Median mileage when it started: about 6,000 miles.
Jerk at low speed (cause not stated)
7 complaints (under 1%)
Jerk. Median mileage when it started: about 0 miles.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
7 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking. 1 of these 7 complaints describes a serious outcome: an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 43,000 miles.
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
6 complaints (under 1%)
No deployment in a crash, a failure and deployment with no crash. Median mileage when it started: about 84,000 miles.
Fuel leak
6 complaints (under 1%)
A leak, a failure and shattering or cracking. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 45,000 miles.
Headlights: low beams too dim or cut off too low
6 complaints (under 1%)
Low beams too dim or cut off too low, a failure that needed a new part and water leaking in. Median mileage when it started: about 2,000 miles.
Instrument cluster: works on and off
6 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go, wrong readings and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 15,000 miles.
Lane departure warning: stopped working
6 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, a failure and warning lights.
Power windows or regulator: works on and off
6 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go, a feature that stopped working and slow operation. Median mileage when it started: about 27,000 miles.
Check engine light (cause not stated)
5 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
5 complaints (under 1%)
Smoke or a burning smell. Median mileage when it started: about 66,000 miles.
High-pressure fuel pump failure
5 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part, a loss of power and stalling. 4 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Paint and rust: damage
5 complaints (under 1%)
Damage and visual paint defect on the hood.
Phone and navigation: works on and off
5 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go, will not disconnect or reconnect properly and routes not the quickest or shortest. Median mileage when it started: about 3,000 miles.
A/C condenser: damage
4 complaints (under 1%)
Damage and a leak. Median mileage when it started: about 21,000 miles.
Adaptive cruise control: hard braking with nothing ahead
4 complaints (under 1%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead and warning lights. 3 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking. Median mileage when it started: about 15,000 miles.
Engine sensors or computer failure
4 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and a stored fault code. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Ignition or power mode (won't shut off): not shutting off
4 complaints (under 1%)
Not shutting off. Median mileage when it started: about 51,000 miles.
Interior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
4 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart. Median mileage when it started: about 30,000 miles.
Sun visor: stopped working
4 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, falls down by itself and parts breaking or coming apart. Median mileage when it started: about 38,000 miles.
Unexplained crash (cause not stated)
4 complaints (under 1%)
Loud metallic clunk then the car rotated. 3 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 89,000 miles.
Windows or locks or sunroof (operate by themselves): the system acting on its own
4 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own. Median mileage when it started: about 11,000 miles.
VTC actuator: unusual noises
3 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises and a failure that needed a new part.
Airbag warning light
3 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 60,000 miles.
Defroster: stopped working
3 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility. Median mileage when it started: about 16,000 miles.
Exhaust or catalytic converter: damage
3 complaints (under 1%)
Damage and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 90,000 miles.
Fuel economy: high fuel use
3 complaints (under 1%)
High fuel use. Median mileage when it started: about 20,000 miles.
Lane keeping assist: stopped working
3 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working.
Battery sensor failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and problems that come and go.
Side or curtain airbags: deployment with no crash
3 complaints (under 1%)
Deployment with no crash and no deployment in a crash.
Torque converter failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part. Median mileage when it started: about 45,000 miles.
Transmission fluid leak
3 complaints (under 1%)
A leak and low fluid level.
Warning lights (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
A/C: smoke or a burning smell
2 complaints (under 1%)
Smoke or a burning smell and problems that come and go.
Uneven tire wear: pulling or wandering
2 complaints (under 1%)
Pulling or wandering.
Ball joints and control arms: rust or corrosion
2 complaints (under 1%)
Rust or corrosion and damage.
Brake calipers: sticking or stiffness
2 complaints (under 1%)
Sticking or stiffness.
Exterior lights: excessively bright
2 complaints (under 1%)
Excessively bright and a feature that stopped working.
Fuel pump: stalling
2 complaints (under 1%)
Stalling and a loss of power. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Horn: the system acting on its own
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Driver-assist camera and radar: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and a failure that needed a new part.
ABS sensor failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part.
Trunk latch: not closing or latching
2 complaints (under 1%)
Not closing or latching.
Vehicle fire (cause not determined) (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
A fire. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a fire.
Vehicle fire (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
A fire. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a fire.
Seat belts: sticking or stiffness
2 complaints (under 1%)
Sticking or stiffness and not closing or latching.
Timing belt: slipping
2 complaints (under 1%)
Slipping.
Shifter or park: not releasing
2 complaints (under 1%)
Not releasing and the car rolling away. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: an injury.
Variable cylinder management (VCM): vibration or shudder
2 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder.
Wheel rim: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and damage.
Reported Once (45)
Show the 45 problems reported once
- Automatic emergency braking: stopped working
- Body seals (water leak): unusual noises
- Control module (unspecified) failure
- Cooling system: locking up
- Cylinder head gasket: a leak
- Engine air intake failure
- Engine mounts: a leak
- Engine overheating
- Heater: the system acting on its own
- Mirrors: wrong readings
- Accelerator pedal: sticking or stiffness
- Airbag cable reel (clock spring) failure
- Airbag sensor failure
- Battery management sensor
- Car pulls hard to the left (cause not stated)
- Car veered sharply to the right (cause not stated)
- Cruise control (not stated to be adaptive): would not deactivate
- Door check (hold-open): door does not stay open
- Drive belt: parts breaking or coming apart
- Electrical problems (not described)
- Electronic load detector failure
- Flex plate failure
- Flywheel: the car not starting
- Front suspension: unusual noises
- Fuel rail pressure sensor: a loss of power
- Gas cap failure
- Oil or fluid leak at the engine-transmission joint (cause not stated)
- Pulls to the right (cause not stated)
- Rear window glass: distorted view
- Strong pull to one side over bumps (cause not stated)
- Temperature sensor in front grill
- Throttle body: stalling
- Trunk lid release: the system acting on its own
- Trunk release: not opening or unlocking
- Water intrusion into engine compartment: moisture on engine parts after wet roads
- Windshield washer motor: stopped working
- Piston rings: unusual noises
- Side blind zone alert: stopped working
- Sway bar links: a leak
- Struts or shocks: rust or corrosion
- Sunroof
- Taillights or brake lights: stopped working
- Timing chain or camshaft: early wear
- Wheels seized (cause not stated)
- Windshield: shattering or cracking
How the 2013 Honda Accord Compares With Other Years
The other Accord years of the 9th generation, 2013 to 2017, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Avoid | 59 | 2.0× | 54.4 | 6 | Cylinder head gasket failure |
| 2017 | Excellent | 82 | 0.48× | 13.9 | 3 | Screen and audio: unusual noises |
| 2016 | Good | 79 | 0.53× | 18.6 | 4 | Screen and audio: unusual noises |
| 2015 | Good | 76 | 0.62× | 17.4 | 6 | Car not starting (cause not stated) |
| 2014 | Good | 73 | 0.77× | 24.6 | 5 | Starter: the car not starting |
| 2013 This year | Caution | 68 | 1.1× | 36.5 | 5 | Steering: pulling or wandering |
| 2012 | Excellent | 84 | 0.28× | 11.0 | 8 | Steering: a leak |
2013 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.
Power train: driveshaft
A broken driveshaft can result in a loss of drive power, or a vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake applied. Both scenarios can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
NHTSA 25V422000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 19, 2025. By the second quarter of 2026, 33% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 23V858000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 18, 2023. By the second quarter of 2026, 73% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Power train: driveshaft
A broken drive shaft may cause a sudden loss of drive power. The vehicle could also roll away if the parking brake has not been applied before the vehicle has been exited. Either condition can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
NHTSA 20V769000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 10, 2020. By the fourth quarter of 2022, 61% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery
An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 17V418000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 29, 2017. By the first quarter of 2019, 81% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Fuel system, gasoline
An insufficent seal may led to a fuel leak which increases the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 13V297000Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jul 8, 2013.
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 15-056
Electric power steering torque sensor (steering gearbox)
- The problem:
- The power steering torque sensor can send a wrong signal to the steering control unit. The car can then lose power steering help.
- The fix:
- A Honda dealer replaces the power steering gearbox for free.
- Who qualifies:
- The car must have a stored torque sensor fault. The software update 15-055 must be done first. Cars with a salvage or branded title are not covered.
- Coverage:
- 13 years from the original purchase date, with no mileage limit, for cars with the stored torque sensor fault.
- Customer support programHonda 18-060
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. The owner pays for the inspection if the inflator is not faulty. Salvage or branded titles are not covered.
- Coverage:
- Covered until June 30, 2030.
- Service campaignHonda 15-055
Electric power steering software update
- The problem:
- The power steering torque sensor may send a wrong signal. The car can then lose power steering help.
- The fix:
- A Honda dealer installs new power steering software. If a failure is detected, the car keeps partial steering help.
- Who qualifies:
- The car's VIN must show the update as open. Honda dealers must complete it before selling an affected used car. Cars with a stored torque sensor fault also get a new steering gearbox under program 15-056.
- Coverage:
- No time or mileage limit is given. Ask a Honda dealer whether this applies to the car's VIN.
NHTSA Investigations
Defect investigations by NHTSA that cover this model year, with what they found.
Electric power steering failure in 2013 Accords
Closed without a recallNHTSA's preliminary evaluation looked at 24 complaints of power steering loss in 2013 Accords. Most cars with fault codes pointed to the torque sensor. Honda found two early production problems, since fixed. The failure rate was under 0.2 percent. NHTSA saw two minor crashes and no injuries. It closed the case in October 2015 because failures are rare.
NHTSA PE14033Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Nov 4, 2014 to Oct 6, 2015
Air bags failing to deploy after electrical overstress
Led to a recallNHTSA's engineering analysis studied air bag computers used by six makers. It covered Honda Accords, Civics and CR-Vs from 2012 to 2016. A crash-related electrical spike could damage a chip, so air bags might not deploy. NHTSA closed the case in September 2024 after maker recalls, including 20V-024. It did not clear vehicles outside the recalls.
NHTSA EA19001Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Apr 19, 2019 to Sep 19, 2024
Sudden loss of steering control in 2013 Accords
ClosedA petition asked NHTSA to investigate 2013 Accords said to veer off their path without warning or driver input. NHTSA opened a defect petition in November 2020 and sent Honda two information requests. After reviewing the data, it granted the petition in May 2021 and opened engineering analysis EA21-001.
NHTSA DP20005Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Nov 23, 2020 to May 7, 2021
Steering pulling to one side in 2013-2015 Accords
Closed without a recallNHTSA's engineering analysis looked at 2013-2015 Accords whose steering could pull left or right on its own. Honda blamed a loose magnet in the electric power steering, caused by poor adhesive. A survey found 58 of 637 respondents had unwanted steering, with no crashes or injuries reported. NHTSA closed the case in August 2023 given the low failure rate.
NHTSA EA21001Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)May 6, 2021 to Aug 25, 2023
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
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2013 Accord ratings on NHTSA.gov.
4-door FWD
2-door FWD
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2013 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.
- Power train: driveshaft NHTSA 25V422000
- Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump NHTSA 23V858000
- Power train: driveshaft NHTSA 20V769000
- Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery NHTSA 17V418000
- Fuel system, gasoline NHTSA 13V297000
Ask a Honda Dealer
Ask whether this warranty extension applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.
- 15-056: electric power steering torque sensor (steering gearbox)
On the Test Drive
- Turn the wheel fully left and right, parked and at low speed. Sticking, notches or stiffness are warning signs.
- Ask about battery and starter replacements. A slow start after the car sits is a warning sign.
- 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.
- Steering
- Starter
- Cars not starting
- 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
