2013 Honda Accord
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 1,421 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 4th highest complaint count among 25 Accord model years with reports.
Of the 2013 reports, 67 involved a crash and 9 involved a fire. 59 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Power train, driveline, driveshaftJun 19, 2025
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013 Honda Accord vehicles equipped with a 4-cylinder engine and a continuously-variable transmission. The affected vehicles were originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The driveshaft may corrode and break, due to damage from road salt or other contaminants.
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.
Dealers will inspect and replace the driveshaft assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is OM2. This recall expands previous recall number 20V769.
Campaign 25V422000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpDec 18, 2023
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Campaign 23V858000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, driveline, driveshaftDec 10, 2020
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Accord vehicles equipped with a 4-cylinder engine and a continuously-variable transmission that were originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The drive shafts were assembled with a lubricant that may have degraded the drive shafts' protective coating, making it more susceptible to damage from road salt or other contaminants, and potentially cause it to break.
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.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the drive shafts, replacing both the left and right drive shafts, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
Campaign 20V769000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, 12v/24v/48v batteryJun 29, 2017
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Honda Accord vehicles. The case for the battery sensor, part of the battery management system, may allow water to get in, potentially causing an electrical short.
An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sensor, free of charge. Dealers will perform an interim remedy of applying adhesive to the case to prevent water intrusion. The recall began November 8, 2017. Owners may contact American Honda Customer Support Center at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is KG0.
Campaign 17V418000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasolineJul 8, 2013
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2013 Accord vehicles that are Low-Emission Vehicle (LEV) II rated that were manufactured January 15, 2013, through April 5, 2013. The fuel tank neck may be out of specification causing the fuel pump to not properly seal to the fuel tank.
An insufficent seal may led to a fuel leak which increases the risk of a fire.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, nut and O-ring gasket free of charge. The recall began during August 2013. Honda's recall number is JA9. Owners may contact Honda at 1-310-783-2000.
Campaign 13V297000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
415 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Sep 21, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Honda Accord. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was an independent dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 113,000. It was later discovered after checking the Carfax report that the mileage was 224,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Sep 3, 2026
The contact's spouse owns a 2013 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the steering wheel turned to the left independently and failed to remain straight. The contact stated that while turning the vehicle, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with charging system failure and determined that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Suspension, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 10, 2026
DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE 81-20 INTERNAL CIRCUIT FAILURE. CLEARED DTC. ROAD TEST VEHICLE, 81-20 DTC RETURN REPLACE VSA MODULATOR W/BRAKE FLUSH, STARTER MOTOR INTERMITTENTLY SEIZING UP, FRONT ENGINE MOUNT LEAKING, BOTH FRONT SWAY BAR END LINKS LEAKING GREASE, VALVE COVER GASKET LEAKING. HIGH MILEAGE AND NO HISTORY. RECOMMEND VALVE ADJUSTMENT, SPARKPLUGS AND VALVE COVER GASKET, RIGHT ENGINE MOUNT WORN, VTC ACTUATOR FAULTY, RATTLE NOISE AT START UP.
Steering, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jul 4, 2026
Whenever in park or reverse the vehicle suddenly power cycles. The vehicle also power cycles when steering and locks the wheel. This can be fatal if it happens on the public road in the middle of traffic.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Jul 1, 2026
Honda Accord 9th Gen ABS/VSA Issues - DTC Code 81-20 /32-11. TPMS/ABS/VSA/Brake/Power Steering lights are on. Dealer claim is an ABS module issue and need replacement.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Jun 9, 2026
I was just driving normally when, completely out of nowhere, my whole dashboard suddenly lit up with a massive cluster of warning lights all at the exact same time. The power steering light, ABS light, traction control (VSA), tire pressure light, and the main brake light all popped up instantly. The most confusing part is that my steering and brakes actually feel completely fine. There is mechanically nothing wrong with how the steering turns or how the brakes stop, but the car is flashing these major warnings anyway. It feels like a total electronic malfunction or a computer glitch where the car is falsely screaming that there's a catastrophic failure when everything is physically working fine.
Electrical system, Apr 22, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Honda Accord. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was approximately 141,000, and at the time that the vehicle was brought in for inspection it was discovered that the actual mileage was approximately 290,000. The contact filed a Police report with the Police Department. The contact stated that the title was dated March 31st, 2026 with a mileage of approximately 141,000.
Electrical system, Feb 25, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact owns a 2013 Honda Accord. The contact purchased the vehicle on October 27, 2025. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale by an individual who was a registered dealer. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 105,000. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to immediately start. Several attempts were needed to start the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that there was exposure of red wiring on the underside of the vehicle, which could be a potential safety hazard. The dealer also informed the contact of an oil leak, a previous ABS replacement, a previous transmission replacement, and that the engine was not the original engine. The dealer also informed the contact that the mileage on the vehicle was not what had been documented at the time of sale and that the actual mileage was 205,000. The contact confirmed the actual mileage as 205,000 in a Carfax Report. The failures persisted. One morning, while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the flex plate had failed. The starter was replaced; however, the vehicle failed to start. The contact had spoken with the seller, who had taken possession of the vehicle but had not provided any additional repairs. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The odometer fraud was not reported to any other Government Agencies.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Jan 12, 2026
No accident occurred. I just believe that the symptoms our car has are the exact same issues that caused a recall. I’m just relaying information to help set the parameters of the recall. Secondly I am curious why the service manager didn’t mention about a recall possibly concerning our car. Even though it isn’t in the window of the recall ( but shows all symptoms). Guess I’m feeling a little jaded with the way the service manager conveniently left out they didn’t have any parts for our car and they would have to order them. Anyway they knew I was driving the car home and they only had 6 hours to mess with it.
Electrical system, Dec 22, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Honda Accord. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase of the vehicle. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 100,900. It was later discovered upon checking Google that the mileage was 260,000.
Electrical system, Oct 14, 2025
No Start condition. Car takes minutes to start due to faulty push button start. This is a well documented condition by the public. The safety concern is that repeated attempts to start will drain the battery and cause degradation of the starter, which in case of an emergency or an occupant in an unsafe environment, or on a public roadway, puts the driver, occupants at risk. Honda is well aware of this problem but rejects any liability.
Electrical system, Oct 9, 2025
Started car and dashboard light came on then off showing steering wheel and exclamation point. Then re-started and drove normally. A few days later, when starting the steering wheel unable was unable to be turned. Dashboard light show steering wheel and exclamation point. Required towing. Dealer determined diagnostic code DTC 34-05 Power Relay Stuck OFF I found multiple reports of power steering failure in this model Honda Accord 2013. Since there is no RECALL, it should be an extended warranty until next year. I’m asking if the power relay is covered by the extended warranty. Is there going to be a recall since this is so dangerous?
Electrical system, Service brakes, Sep 24, 2025
Dash board lights indicated ABS system module malfunction, per Illinois Honda dealership diagnosis. ABS module failure also causes failure of forward collision warning system and lane departure warning system.
Electrical system, Structure, Other or unspecified, Sep 17, 2025
In the past 2–3 months, multiple door lock actuators/latches on my 2013 Honda Accord have failed. Both rear doors will not reliably lock or unlock, and the front driver door actuator is intermittent. This means that three of the four doors cannot be secured or opened normally. This is a serious safety and security issue. The car cannot be locked to prevent theft or unauthorized entry. Children or passengers in the rear may not be able to exit safely in an emergency. I am also concerned that the failure could compromise crash safety if doors cannot be unlocked quickly after a collision. Performance Kings Honda (Cincinnati, OH) inspected the vehicle, confirmed the failures, and diagnosed both rear door latch/actuator assemblies as faulty. They provided an estimate of $1,000+ for repairs. I have an open case with American Honda. Honda acknowledges there is no recall, but this appears to be a systemic defect rather than normal wear, since multiple actuators have failed simultaneously. There were no warning lights or messages. The issue developed gradually, starting with difficulty locking/unlocking one door, followed by failure of the others. The vehicle remains available for inspection at the Honda dealership.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Sep 1, 2025
I have been having problems with many dashboard lights coming on at once. I got it checked out and I got ABS code 123 - 11 and code 81 - 20. This has been going on since the beginning of August 2025. This could lead to dangerous malfunctions, And is one of the most expensive things to repair. It is my understanding that many many vehicles between 2013 and 2017 in the Honda range I've been experiencing this to the point of where we need a recall.
Electrical system, Aug 20, 2025
The contact purchased a 2013 Honda Accord. The contact stated that the advertisement and the odometer indicated that the mileage was 156,000. The contact stated that upon test driving the vehicle, the odometer became inoperable. The dealer took the vehicle into the service department, and after resetting the odometer, the vehicle was purchased by the contact. The vehicle was a used car dealer sale. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to purchase and replace the battery. The contact stated that after the new battery was installed, the odometer indicated that the mileage was 453,000. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the discrepancy. The contact stated that upon researching, the contact noticed that the dealer had changed the mileage on the original advertisement.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Aug 1, 2025
After a driveshaft recall repair was performed on July 10, 2025, at Germain Honda of Dublin, my 2013 Honda Accord EX-L immediately began showing multiple safety system warning lights, including ABS, VSA, traction control, and check engine. These lights had never appeared prior to the repair. Diagnostic codes included: •VSA Solenoid Valve Malfunction •Modulator Control Unit Power Source Circuit (IG) Low Voltage These point directly to the ABS/VSA modulator, which is located near where the driveshaft repair was done. Despite the timing, Honda has refused to cover the repair, quoting me nearly $3,000. The dealer also cleared the codes before I arrived and then claimed they were “historic” with no documentation. I’ve confirmed my battery and alternator are in good condition, ruling out the common causes of voltage errors. I believe something was disturbed or left improperly connected during the recall service, resulting in a dangerous condition involving the vehicle’s braking and stability systems. This is a potential safety risk that arose after a manufacturer-issued recall repair, and I am requesting a formal investigation into similar cases if reported.
Electrical system, Jul 29, 2025
The car has starting issues where it takes up to 20 attempts at the start button to get the car to start. This is a safety issue, since a person can get stranded in the middle of nowhere. I now leave my car engine on all the time (wasting gas, adding CO to the atmosphere, overheating the car) while I run errands, as I don't want to get stranded.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Jul 17, 2025
The ABS pump/motor, ABS modulator needs to be replaced. This is a pretty common issue with the Honda Accord from 2008-2017. Fixing this problem is expensive at the dealer. I believe Honda motors should have a recall about this situation because how pricy this is. Looking online for information and videos on youtube many people have been quoted 2,800 dollars and up to replace it. I just replace the ABS sensor driver side and ABS, Brake, Steering Wheel came out. These are coming on and off. Please I would like to get some help with this situation.
Electrical system, Jul 15, 2025
Vehicle included in 2017 Battery sensor recall, repaired promptly upon notice. This is a separate issue/sensor. ***Electrical Safety Hazard impacting EPS, ABS, TPMS*** *** All other electrical components involved *** Car has had electrical issues since the day I purchased it in 2016, with no codes indicating an issue. Car would fail to start, testing would indicate starter or battery failure. For the last three months, voltage would drop to unacceptable levels whenever the headlights were off (6 week old, brand new, not reman alternator unit maintained 14 amps with lights on, dropped to 12.1 with them off). On July 11, 2025 (4 days ago as of this report), while driving approximately 47 mph, the plug in voltmeter on the car abruptly started plummeting on a road with sharp angles and no shoulder to pull onto, despite lights being on. No improvement after shutting off lights, climate control, and radio displays, continues lowering to 11.8. Turned climate control back on, headlights back on, briefly alternator reached 12.2 amps, before rapidly dropping to unsustainable levels (I was aware of this because of my plug in voltmeter. The car's built in electrical system didn't alert until the voltage hit 8.8). Still nowhere to pull over safely. Electronic power steering cuts out abruptly, followed by abs, tpms, traction control. Turning the car into the first available lot to get out of traffic, on my left took an inordinate amount of strength, and I barely coasted to a stop when every single electronic component on the car blinked out and the entire car shut down. The car is exclusively maintained by a licensed, accredited automotive repair facility's owner, who is a master automotive technician and able to provide proof of all of the above, including previous electrical repairs listed below. The issue is the vehicle's ELD sensor. One small part has cost me nearly 7 figures in repairs Car has gone through 4 starters, 8 batteries, and is now waiting on a 3rd alternator
Steering, Electrical system, Jul 12, 2025
While driving the car the power steering light comes on and power steering goes out then. No warning just goes off and power to steering wheel is not working. This has happened going 55 mph. Very dangerous. I feel this should be investigated. I did read this was a problem with this car. WHY NO RECALL??!! ALSO WAS CHECKED BY MECHANIC. This has happened more than once before today
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, May 29, 2025
VSA ABS FCW EPS warning lights, according to Honda dealership it needs a VSA ABS module, these are thousands of dollars and there’s thousands and thousands of pissed off customers. This should be warranted. It looks like honda of Europe did warranty it. I’m not sure what’s going on in honda North America. It can cause the brake pedal to go soft, and is definitely a safety hazard
Electrical system, Apr 22, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Honda Accord. The contact stated that upon having the vehicle appraised to sell the vehicle, a Carfax report discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was approximately 120,000; however, according to the Carfax report, as of October 2024, the vehicle mileage was approximately 217,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 24, 2025
Failure to start problems began about 3 years ago. Initially we had to push the start button several times to get the car started. It got progressively worse. We paid $810. to replace the starter with a remanufactured starter part. The dealership said they used the remanufactured part because it had a 3 year warranty while a new starter would have only a 1 year warranty. It worked for 3 or 4 months and then started to act up again. The dealership replaced the starter again with another remanufactured starter part in November of "24. Now it is March of "25 and my wife is marking the calendar again on the days the starter malfunctions which has been several days in the past month. We have been left stranded and I fear this could result in a serious safety problem if it happended in heavy traffic or some other vulnerable situation. There are many Honda starter complaints on the internet! Why hasn't there been a recall?
Electrical system, Feb 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Honda Accord. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start. The contacted stated that the battery was replaced several times; however, the failure recurred approximately 3-4 months later. The vehicle was jumpstarted and was towed to a Toyota dealer, where the battery, the alternator and alternator belt were replaced; however, the failure recurred the following morning. Additionally, the contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V418000 (Electrical System); which the contact related to the failure; however, the contact had not received a recall notification from the manufacturer. The Honda dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 70,722.