2018 Honda Accord Reliability Report

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

Avoid

Ranks 25th of 25 Accord years we score.

Owner complaints: 1,990; 137 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 54.4; 340,674 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 2.0×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 719; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 6
NHTSA crash rating: 5★; overall, out of 5

← 2017 Accord 2019 Accord →

Should You Buy the 2018 Honda Accord?

We would look at other years first. Our reliability score for the 2018 Honda Accord is 59 out of 100, which rates Avoid. Owners reported about 2.0 times as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 25th of the 25 Accord years we score.

The most reported problem is head gaskets (355 of 1,990 complaints). Owners also complain about automatic emergency braking and dashboard warning lights. 719 of the 1,990 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 6 recalls. Honda also offers 3 warranty extensions that may still apply, for paint peeling at the roof seam and a/C condenser leaks. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2019 scores 65.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask a Honda dealer about warranty extension 21-087 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
3 Honda warranty extensions may cover repairs

Cons

About 2.0 times the problems of the average car its age
More complaints than average about major systems in the last two years
Cylinder head gasket failure355 complaints
Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead327 complaints

How the 2018 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	2.0×	−14
Everyday problems	2.2×	−6
Problems in the last two years	3.5×	−15
Recalls	1.1×	−6
Score		59

What Owners Report

We read all 1,990 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Honda Accord, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Cylinder head gasket failure
355 complaints (18%)
A failure, a leak and overheating. 141 of these 355 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 35 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 96,000 miles.
Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
327 complaints (16%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead, warning lights and a feature that stopped working. 164 of these 327 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking. In 59 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 24 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 12,000 miles.
Several warning lights at once
228 complaints (11%)
Warning lights, problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working. 2 of these 228 complaints describe a serious outcome. In 17 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 13 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 64,000 miles.
Fuel injector failure
150 complaints (8%)
A failure, rough running or misfires and warning lights. 25 of these 150 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 6 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 78,000 miles.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
136 complaints (7%)
A loss of power, reduced power or limp mode and failure or loss of drive. 91 of these 136 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 32 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 27 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 68,000 miles.
Brakes: hard braking with nothing ahead
123 complaints (6%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead, early wear and warning lights. 32 of these 123 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking. In 18 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 9 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 17,000 miles.
Adaptive cruise control: stopped working
83 complaints (4%)
A feature that stopped working, hard braking with nothing ahead and warning lights. 10 of these 83 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking. In 6 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 19,000 miles.
Engine: stalling
80 complaints (4%)
Stalling, rough running or misfires and a loss of power. 35 of these 80 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 10 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 42,000 miles.
Engine (misfire codes): rough running or misfires
77 complaints (4%)
Rough running or misfires, a stored fault code and a loss of power. 15 of these 77 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 13 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 94,000 miles.
Steering: sticking or stiffness
55 complaints (3%)
Sticking or stiffness, pulling or wandering and a feature that stopped working. 8 of these 55 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. In 7 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 14,000 miles.
Turbocharger failure
55 complaints (3%)
A failure that needed a new part, a stored fault code and a feature that stopped working. 3 of these 55 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 130,000 miles.
Fuel pump failure
54 complaints (3%)
A failure that needed a new part, a loss of power and stalling. 30 of these 54 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 8 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 96,000 miles.
Ignition coils or spark plugs failure
53 complaints (3%)
A failure that needed a new part, damage and parts breaking or coming apart. 4 of these 53 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 4 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
Stall (cause not stated)
52 complaints (3%)
Stalling. 33 of these 52 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, and in 6 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 88,000 miles.
Transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
46 complaints (2%)
Harsh or delayed shifts, a failure that needed a new part and vibration or shudder. 6 of these 46 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. In 21 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 16 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 12,000 miles.

Show 100 more problems

Screen and audio: works on and off
43 complaints (2%)
Problems that come and go, unusual noises and random reboots. In 8 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 7 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 7,000 miles.
Airbag warning light
41 complaints (2%)
Warning lights, passenger airbag OFF indicator did not illuminate and a failure. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 46,000 miles.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
40 complaints (2%)
Hesitation, a loss of power and surging. 2 of these 40 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 65,000 miles.
Paint and rust: peeling
37 complaints (2%)
Peeling, rust or corrosion and damage. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 7,000 miles.
Rearview camera: stopped working
36 complaints (2%)
A feature that stopped working, a failure and distorted image. 3 of these 36 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of visibility. In 4 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 15,000 miles.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
36 complaints (2%)
The car not starting, hard starting and unusual noises. 8 of these 36 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 64,000 miles.
Driver-assist camera and radar failure
35 complaints (2%)
A failure, a feature that stopped working and wrong readings. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 24,000 miles.
Lane keeping assist: the system acting on its own
32 complaints (2%)
The system acting on its own, a feature that stopped working and warning lights. 5 of these 32 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking. Median mileage when it started: about 7,000 miles.
Noise (cause not stated)
29 complaints (1%)
Unusual noises. 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 26,000 miles.
Cooling system: a leak
25 complaints (1%)
A leak, a failure that needed a new part and coolant consumption. Median mileage when it started: about 94,000 miles.
Road departure mitigation: the system acting on its own
24 complaints (1%)
The system acting on its own, a feature that stopped working and warning lights. 4 of these 24 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking. Median mileage when it started: about 7,000 miles.
12V battery failure
23 complaints (1%)
A failure that needed a new part, draining the battery and the car not starting. 8 of these 23 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 14,000 miles.
Engine failure
23 complaints (1%)
A failure, damage and parts breaking or coming apart. 13 of these 23 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 73,000 miles.
Door lock actuators: stopped working
22 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working, problems that come and go and the system acting on its own. 1 of these 22 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow. In 4 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 6,000 miles.
Windshield: shattering or cracking
22 complaints (1%)
Shattering or cracking, damage and glass defect. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 12,000 miles.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: fault code
21 complaints (1%)
A stored fault code, a failure that needed a new part and damage. 4 of these 21 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 4 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 28,000 miles.
Fuel system: a bad smell
20 complaints (1%)
A bad smell, a failure and a stored fault code. 3 of these 20 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 66,000 miles.
Headlights: stopped working
20 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working, warning lights and a failure that needed a new part. Median mileage when it started: about 9,000 miles.
Parking brake: stopped working
20 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working, the system acting on its own and warning lights. 4 of these 20 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 30,000 miles.
Phone and navigation: stopped working
18 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, wrong readings and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 5,000 miles.
Tire pressure monitoring: warning lights
18 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights and a feature that stopped working. In 4 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 7,000 miles.
A/C: stopped working
17 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, vibration or shudder and a leak. Median mileage when it started: about 29,000 miles.
Cabin odor or mold: a bad smell
17 complaints (under 1%)
A bad smell. In 10 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 21,000 miles.
Instrument cluster: stopped working
17 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, problems that come and go and wrong readings. Median mileage when it started: about 9,000 miles.
Control module (unspecified) failure
15 complaints (under 1%)
A failure, a stored fault code and a feature that stopped working. 3 of these 15 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 14,000 miles.
Engine overheating
15 complaints (under 1%)
Overheating. Median mileage when it started: about 113,000 miles.
Fuel economy: high fuel use
15 complaints (under 1%)
High fuel use. Median mileage when it started: about 12,000 miles.
Fuel diluting the engine oil
14 complaints (under 1%)
The oil level rising or a gasoline smell. Median mileage when it started: about 15,000 miles.
Vibration (cause not stated)
14 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder. Median mileage when it started: about 39,000 miles.
Check engine light (cause not stated)
13 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights, a stored fault code and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 90,000 miles.
Exterior lights: stopped working
13 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, the system acting on its own and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 41,000 miles.
Forward collision warning: the system acting on its own
13 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own and the system not working when needed.
Engine sensors or computer: fault code
12 complaints (under 1%)
A stored fault code, a failure and the car not starting. 4 of these 12 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 90,000 miles.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
12 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking. Median mileage when it started: about 20,000 miles.
Seat belts: warning lights
11 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights, a feature that stopped working and not closing or latching.
Brake hold or auto hold: the system not working when needed
10 complaints (under 1%)
The system not working when needed, the car rolling away and fails to hold the vehicle. Median mileage when it started: about 27,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
10 complaints (under 1%)
Sudden acceleration. 9 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 19,000 miles.
A/C condenser: a leak
9 complaints (under 1%)
A leak and a failure that needed a new part. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
Taillights or brake lights: stopped working
9 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, water leaking in and damage. Median mileage when it started: about 46,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
8 complaints (under 1%)
No deployment in a crash, passenger injured by deploying airbags and deployment with no crash. 1 of these 8 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 23,000 miles.
Brake power assist: a hard pedal or less assist
8 complaints (under 1%)
A hard pedal or less assist, a stored fault code and unusual noises. 1 of these 8 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of braking. Median mileage when it started: about 0 miles.
Passenger airbag sensor failure
8 complaints (under 1%)
A failure, problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working.
Stability control (VSA): fault code
8 complaints (under 1%)
A stored fault code, the system acting on its own and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 48,000 miles.
A/C compressor failure
7 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and a feature that stopped working. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair.
Brake calipers failure
7 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part, locking up and sticking or stiffness. 1 of these 7 complaints describes a serious outcome: sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 29,000 miles.
Interior trim: unusual noises
7 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises, parts breaking or coming apart and early wear. 1 of these 7 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 2,000 miles.
Cylinder head: shattering or cracking
7 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking and damage. 1 of these 7 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 137,000 miles.
Piston rings failure
7 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and damage. 1 of these 7 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 77,000 miles.
Side blind zone alert: warning lights
7 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights, a feature that stopped working and the system acting on its own. Median mileage when it started: about 15,000 miles.
Tires: unusual noises
7 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises, low grip when cold and damage. 1 of these 7 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 14,000 miles.
Valve train: damage
6 complaints (under 1%)
Damage, a stored fault code and a leak. Median mileage when it started: about 99,000 miles.
Wheel rim: damage
6 complaints (under 1%)
Damage and parts breaking or coming apart. 3 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 3,000 miles.
Uneven tire wear: early wear
5 complaints (under 1%)
Early wear and out of alignment. Median mileage when it started: about 49,000 miles.
Engine oil leak
5 complaints (under 1%)
A leak. Median mileage when it started: about 54,000 miles.
Fuel filler door: not opening or unlocking
5 complaints (under 1%)
Not opening or unlocking and a failure that needed a new part. Median mileage when it started: about 1,000 miles.
A/C evaporator: a leak
5 complaints (under 1%)
A leak, a failure that needed a new part and a feature that stopped working.
Honda Sensing suite (not specified): stopped working
5 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 5,000 miles.
Brake pedal stroke sensor: fault code
5 complaints (under 1%)
A stored fault code and a failure.
Cruise control: works on and off
5 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 66,000 miles.
Seats: stitching defect
5 complaints (under 1%)
Stitching defect, parts breaking or coming apart and thin padding. Median mileage when it started: about 4,000 miles.
Body seals (water leak): parts breaking or coming apart
4 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a leak. Median mileage when it started: about 4,000 miles.
Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
4 complaints (under 1%)
A bad smell and smoke or a burning smell. Median mileage when it started: about 7,000 miles.
Heater: stopped working
4 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, weak heat output and problems that come and go.
Mirrors: vibration or shudder
4 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder, unusual noises and a feature that stopped working. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility. Median mileage when it started: about 8,000 miles.
Hood panel fit or flutter: vibration or shudder
4 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair.
Trunk: stopped working
4 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and not opening or unlocking. Median mileage when it started: about 7,000 miles.
Turn signals: stopped working
4 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 6,000 miles.
Warning lights (cause not stated)
4 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Windows or locks or sunroof (operate by themselves): the system acting on its own
4 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own.
Windshield wipers: stopped working
4 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, too slow in heavy rain and too slow at all settings. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of visibility. Median mileage when it started: about 7,000 miles.
ABS: fault code
3 complaints (under 1%)
A stored fault code and parts breaking or coming apart.
Ball joints and control arms failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and shattering or cracking.
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
3 complaints (under 1%)
No deployment in a crash. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash.
High-pressure fuel pump failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Driver-assist safety features (unspecified): stopped working
3 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working.
Hood panel: vibration or shudder
3 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair.
Suspension: harsh ride
3 complaints (under 1%)
Harsh ride and unusual noises.
Trunk release: stopped working
3 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and not opening or unlocking.
Side or curtain airbags: fault code
3 complaints (under 1%)
A stored fault code and deployment with no crash. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: an airbag problem.
Timing chain or camshaft: early wear
3 complaints (under 1%)
Early wear, damage and parts breaking or coming apart.
Shifter or park: the car rolling away
3 complaints (under 1%)
The car rolling away. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often a crash.
Unexplained crash (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
Loss of steering control. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash.
CVT failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Alternator or charging: warning lights
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights and a failure that needed a new part.
Climate controls: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working.
Defroster: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and insufficient airflow to keep the windshield clear.
Door latches: not opening or unlocking
2 complaints (under 1%)
Not opening or unlocking and parts breaking or coming apart.
Engine air intake: a loss of power
2 complaints (under 1%)
A loss of power and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow.
Horn: the system acting on its own
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own and a feature that stopped working.
Hybrid battery: never fully charges
2 complaints (under 1%)
Never fully charges.
Ignition or push-button start: starts without brake pedal pressed
2 complaints (under 1%)
Starts without brake pedal pressed and stalling. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Key fob: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working.
Driver assistance systems (all): stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working.
Engine gasket failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure.
Interior lights: works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go.
Traffic sign recognition: wrong readings
2 complaints (under 1%)
Wrong readings.
Power windows or regulator: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working.
Remote start: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and the system acting on its own.
Struts or shocks failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part.
Wheel bearings failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and unusual noises.

Reported Once (56)

Show the 56 problems reported once

VTC actuator: unusual noises
Battery drain: draining the battery
Blower motor: smoke or a burning smell
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
Engine temperature (slow warm-up): not reaching operating temperature
Exhaust or catalytic converter: smoke or a burning smell
Exterior trim: chrome bubbling
Frame or structure: missing structural adhesive
Fuel leak
Hood latch: not releasing
Hybrid system (inverter, motor, IPU): a loss of power
Ignition or power mode (won't shut off): not shutting off
Manual transmission or clutch: harsh or delayed shifts
A/C heat exchange pipe: a leak
ADAS (unspecified): warning lights
EGR system failure
EZ Pass sensor failure
Econ and Sport drive modes (cause not stated)
Acoustic vehicle alert system (AVAS): stopped working
Alarm: stopped working
Back-up warning sensor: stopped working
Backup and bumper sensors failure
Battery sensor failure
Belt
Brake pedal switch failure
Collapsed hose (cause not stated)
Compressor failure
Core pad (as written) (cause not stated)
Crankshaft pulley: parts breaking or coming apart
Driver door switches: stopped working
Electrical issue (not described)
Emission hose: not attached properly
Engine gaskets failure
Front suspension: unusual noises
Fuel line failure
Fuel rail failure
Hood (vibration at speed): vibration or shudder
Hood fit (stop towers and latch adjusted): vibration or shudder
Interior reading lamps: stopped working
Jacking equipment (too lightweight): vehicle fell off the jack
Lurch when pulling away (cause not stated)
Oil getting dirty quickly
Parking sensor alarm: works on and off
Punctured hose (cause not stated)
Rear camber (suspension alignment) failure
Rear door alignment: misaligned
Rear window glass: shattering or cracking
Sun visor: parts breaking or coming apart
Timing chain cover (leak)
Trunk (opens by itself): not closing or latching
Unspecified car features: stopped working
Unspecified electrical failure
Vehicle fire (origin not stated) (cause not stated)
Vehicle rolled away after being parked (cause not stated)
Oxygen sensor: stopped working
Starter: hard starting

How the 2018 Honda Accord Compares With Other Years

The other Accord years of the 10th generation, 2018 to 2022, 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
2023	Caution	62	1.6×	15.6	8	Brakes: warning lights
2022	Good	71	1.0×	14.6	4	Screen and audio: works on and off
2021	Good	72	0.85×	14.2	4	Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
2020	Good	70	0.86×	18.1	6	Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
2019	Caution	65	1.4×	30.1	6	Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
2018 This year	Avoid	59	2.0×	54.4	6	Cylinder head gasket failure
2017	Excellent	82	0.48×	13.9	3	Screen and audio: unusual noises

See every Accord year

2018 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: front passenger
Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
NHTSA 26V332000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 21, 2026.
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 23V858000 Recall 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.
Seat belts: buckle assembly
An unlatched seat belt cannot properly restrain the seat occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
NHTSA 23V158000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 9, 2023. By the first quarter of 2025, 75% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Visibility: power window devices and controls
Various system malfunctions such as inoperative windshield wipers, defroster, rearview camera, or exterior lighting can increase the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 20V771000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 10, 2020. By the fourth quarter of 2022, 88% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 20V314000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 28, 2020. By the second quarter of 2022, 91% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices
If the rearview camera display does not show what is behind the vehicle, it can increase the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 18V629000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Sep 13, 2018. By the first quarter of 2020, 93% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

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 21-087
Paint peeling at the roof seam
The problem:
The factory paint around the roof seam can peel on Still Night Pearl or Obsidian Blue Pearl cars. The paint is too thin there.
The fix:
A Honda dealer has a certified body shop repair the peeling roof paint for free.
Who qualifies:
The peeling must come from the factory paint, not bird droppings, sap or collision. Honda must approve each paint repair first. Coverage passes to later owners. Salvage or branded titles are not covered.
Coverage:
7 years from the original purchase date, with no mileage limit.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionHonda 21-015
A/C condenser leaks
The problem:
The A/C condenser can be defective from the factory. Corrosion can form tiny holes in it and let refrigerant leak out.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the A/C condenser for free.
Who qualifies:
Only Accord Hybrid cars qualify. The condenser must leak from corrosion or a factory defect. Leaks caused by foreign object damage are not covered. Coverage passes to later owners. Salvage or branded titles are not covered.
Coverage:
10 years from the original purchase date, with no mileage limit, if the condenser leaks from a factory defect.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionHonda 21-018
A/C condenser leaks
The problem:
The A/C condenser can be defective from the factory. Corrosion can form tiny holes in it and let refrigerant leak out.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the A/C condenser for free.
Who qualifies:
The condenser must leak from corrosion or a factory defect. Leaks caused by foreign object damage are not covered. Coverage passes to later owners. Salvage or branded titles are not covered.
Coverage:
10 years from the original purchase date, with no mileage limit, if the condenser leaks from a factory defect.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)

NHTSA Investigations

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

Automatic emergency braking activating with nothing ahead
Closed
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation began in February 2022 on automatic emergency braking that activates with nothing ahead. It covered 2017-2019 CR-Vs and 2018-2019 Accords. NHTSA had 1,081 complaints, including 24 alleging a crash and 42 an injury. In April 2024 it upgraded the case to engineering analysis EA24-002 and widened it to 2020-2022 models.
NHTSA PE22003 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Feb 21, 2022 to Apr 18, 2024
Pedestrian alert sounds on hybrid and electric vehicles
Closed
A petition asked NHTSA to apply its pedestrian alert sound rule to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. NHTSA opened a defect petition in January 2023. It lists Honda hybrids and electric cars, including Accord, Civic and CR-V hybrids. The petitioner withdrew in June 2023. NHTSA closed the case in August 2023 without a finding.
NHTSA DP22005 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Jan 27, 2023 to Aug 7, 2023
Automatic emergency braking activating without an obstacle
Still open
NHTSA's engineering analysis, opened in April 2024, covers automatic emergency braking that activates with nothing in the way. It applies to 2017-2022 CR-Vs and 2018-2022 Accords, including hybrids. NHTSA has 1,294 complaints, with 31 alleging a crash and 50 an injury. The case is still open.
NHTSA EA24002 Opening report (PDF)Open since Apr 15, 2024

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2018 Accord ratings on NHTSA.gov.

4-door FWD and Hybrid 4-door FWD

Overall5/5

Frontal crash5/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover5/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2018 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: front passenger NHTSA 26V332000
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump NHTSA 23V858000
Seat belts: buckle assembly NHTSA 23V158000
Visibility: power window devices and controls NHTSA 20V771000
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump NHTSA 20V314000
Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 6 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.

21-087: paint peeling at the roof seam
21-015: a/C condenser leaks
21-018: a/C condenser leaks

On the Test Drive

Watch for sudden braking or steering with nothing ahead, and ask whether the driver-assist software updates were done.
Drive long enough to warm up fully, including at highway speed, and note any stalling or loss of power.
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.

Head gaskets
Automatic emergency braking
Dashboard warning lights
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.