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
1,421 reports, newest first.
Steering, Sep 12, 2025
I was driving and all of a sudden my steering wheel started steering on its own quickly to the right and it was very difficult to keep control of the steering wheel couldn’t keep control and car was going against traffic and merging into other vehicles. When I finally came to a stop the steering wheel still moved on its own. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The safety of myself and my children is at risk while driving the car, it could cause major damage to other vehicles and structures and harm to us. The problem was inspected by Honda dealer and advised there is an extended warranty on EPS and confirmed that the EPS malfunction and needs to be replaced, but was advised that American Honda will not honor the warranty because there are no system codes coming up, there where no warnings, lights on dash, noises or anything indicating EPS failure. Car has always been taken for maintenance and repairs at a certified Honda dealer, American Honda will not take responsibility for the dangerous and deadly malfunction.
Power train, Sep 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Honda Accord. The contact received an NHTSA recall email alert for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V422000 (POWER TRAIN). After contacting the dealer, who confirmed the VIN inclusion in the recall, an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair; however, upon inspection, the dealer determined that the driveshaft did not require replacement. The contact disagreed with the assessment, stating that the driveshaft was visibly corroded. The contact had taken pictures both before and after the appointment. Despite waiting at the dealer for over two hours, no work was performed on the vehicle. The contact notified the manufacturer about the decision of the dealer not to replace the driveshaft. The manufacturer opened a case and stated that a regional technician would be contacted. The contact sent photos to the manufacturer's case associate, who then communicated with both the dealer and the regional technician and confirmed the dealer's initial assessment that the driveshaft did not need to be replaced. The failure mileage was 53,456.
Power train, Sep 5, 2025
See attached document for complaint. I took my 2013 Honda Accord in to my Honda Dealership due to leakage. I was informed the leak was in the intermediate drive shaft that was not under recall. Part Number: H,44500-T2A-A00 (Shaft Assy) Part Total : $871.38 I researched Honda recalls and found an article dated December15, 2020 that Honda was conducting 2 drive shaft recalls for 2013-2015 Honda Accords in 22 states where salt is used to clear roads during the winter. This included Michigan. The article (enclosed) stated the drive shafts can break due to corrosion and the right and left drive shafts were to be replaced. I did not receive any recall notice for this drive shaft problem until I took my car in for a leak inspection and I was then verbally informed of a drive shaft recall.
Steering, Sep 1, 2025
EPS system light coming, steering pulling off to one side ocassionally
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.
Service brakes, Aug 27, 2025
To: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) I am writing to formally submit a safety complaint regarding a serious issue I have encountered with the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) manifold on my 2013 Honda Accord EX-L. This issue raises significant safety concerns and may warrant investigation for a potential recall. Recently, I experienced a failure in the ABS system that resulted in warning lights illuminating on the dashboard. Upon diagnostic inspection, it was confirmed that the ABS manifold (also referred to as the ABS modulator or hydraulic unit) had malfunctioned. This failure compromised the vehicle’s ability to maintain braking stability during emergency or slippery-road conditions. I understand that ABS systems are critical for preventing wheel lockup and maintaining vehicle control during braking. The failure of such a key component can severely increase the risk of a crash, especially under adverse driving conditions. Additional Concerns: This appears to be a known issue based on numerous similar complaints reported online by other 2013 - 2017 Honda owners. The cost of repair is substantial, with replacement estimates exceeding $1,500–$2,000. Despite the safety implications, Honda has not issued a recall or technical service bulletin to address this widespread problem. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate whether this issue represents a systemic safety defect in the 2013 Honda Accord EX-L. The failure of a core safety system such as ABS warrants a thorough review to determine whether regulatory action or a manufacturer recall is appropriate. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Power train, Aug 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Honda Accord. The contact stated that in May 2022, the vehicle experienced drive shaft failure. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with drive shaft failure. The contact was informed of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was informed that the drive shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was provided a discount for the repair. The contact later received the recall notification NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V422000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was contacted regarding the reimbursement of the cost of the repair. The contact was denied reimbursement for the cost of the repair. The contact was requested to provide financial institution documents indicating the withdrawal of the cash used to pay the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, Aug 20, 2025
The steering on this vehicle went bad and now pulls/pushes in each direction. This issue seems similar to what is described here https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-recalls-defects/honda-accords-under-investigation-for-steering-problems-a4542071576/
Power train, Aug 20, 2025
I took my 2013 Accord to the dealership to inspect the driveshaft under the recall for the driveshaft . They determined that it did not need to be replaced. I believe the only reason it does not need replaced at this time is because of the very low mileage. Living in Pennsylvania , there is a great deal of de-icing / salt used here and it is only a matter of time before this becomes an extremely dangerous situation. Honda should be required to replace these driveshafts as they admit this is due to improper manufacturing and a protective coating that may degrade over time. I believe that I am being put in danger just because of the low mileage and how clean I keep this car. I asked the dealer and Honda Headquarters about if this degrades in the future and did not get an answer. We should NOT have to be put in danger because Honda apparently isn't required to replace these.
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.
Power train, Aug 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Honda Accord. The contact stated that after parking and exiting the vehicle to open a gate, the vehicle unexpectedly began to move. While attempting to open the driver's side door, the owner fell, and her left foot became trapped under the vehicle. The rear tire rolled over her foot, but she managed to free herself by wiggling her foot out of her sock and shoe. The owner then drove herself to the hospital, where she received medical treatment for knee and heel injuries. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V422000 (Power Train). The contact did not contact the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was also not informed of the incident. The failure occurred at approximately 90,126 miles.
Service brakes, Aug 20, 2025
ABS failure
Steering, Aug 4, 2025
Steering wheel would not turn left or right and became very jumpy and stiff to steer!
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 2, 2025, crash
ABS (Automated Breaking System) is impacted and turns on lights on my dashboard failing the following while driving (Forward Collision Warning, Tire Pressure Light, Lane Departure Warning, Anti-skid system) It is avaliable for testing on request. Car does not stop as it is supposed to in urgent breaking due to ABS failure and puts driver and others on risk. My spouse already got in an accident due to this. Yes, after months of system failure on and off, I finally got my car inspected at a independent service center. Honda dealership costs more and are not ready to even look at it without paying, even though this seems to me a problem discussed online in many forums/sites. I called and emailed manufacturer and was turned down by requesting me to go to the Honda dealership repair which charge way more only to inspect only one issue. No other than the independent service center. Yes, there were dashboard lights of the above mentioned lights and I discussed this with Honda service team during my oil change and I was said this is driver assistance and not a safety issue. The root cause diagnosed by independent service center was ABS system.
Engine, Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 1, 2025
Dear - NHTSA Vehicle Safety Division, I am writing to formally document my ongoing concern regarding a faulty Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) module in my Honda vehicle, which I believe poses a serious safety risk. Despite contacting Honda Corporation on four separate occasions to address this issue, the company has refused to acknowledge or accept responsibility for what appears to be a recurring defect found in several Honda models produced between 2013 and 2018. The vehicle was inspected by a certified technician at a Honda dealership, who confirmed that the braking failure stemmed from a malfunction of the ABS module. The technician also acknowledged that this issue is common in Hondas from the aforementioned model years. I relayed this information to Honda directly, along with my willingness to cover part of the repair cost, but was offered no resolution or goodwill support. The replacement part alone is quoted at over $3,100—an unacceptable burden for what appears to be a known issue. As a loyal Honda customer who has purchased five Honda vehicles over the years, I am extremely disappointed in the lack of accountability and response from both the dealership and American Honda Motor Co. This is my first experience encountering this level of disregard from a brand I once trusted for quality and dependability. Unfortunately, Honda’s approach to this problem no longer reflects the reliability and professionalism customers have come to expect. I am submitting this statement in support of any formal investigation into systemic safety concerns regarding ABS modules in affected Honda vehicles. If any additional documentation or information is required, please feel free to contact me directly. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Honda accord 2013 exl VIN: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
Steering, Jul 16, 2025
I had my vehicle serviced and repaired at Barber Honda here in Bakersfield, California, last year. They replaced the electrical power steering, but the problem came back. The light on the dashboard with a wheel-shaped icon turned on, and the wheel locked. It was a scary situation because we were driving on the freeway. I want to know what steps to take.
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
Service brakes, Jul 14, 2025
ABS module will breakdown pre-maturely. Warning lights on the dashboard will come on like the ABS, VSA and parking breaks while driving. So, the ABS and VSA is not working while driving that can cause the vehicle to lock up the breaks.
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
Engine, Jul 7, 2025
I have a Honda accord ex sedan then driving in the rain and down pouring the car lights would flicker like no power to drive. When I stop it goes off. This has happen to me 2 times. I seen there might of been a recall on my car so I thought I would check to see. I have a [XXX] son always like to make sure I don't have an issue. Thanks INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Suspension, Jul 3, 2025
I had my passenger drive shaft broken in May 2025, and there's a recall for the same issue for my model announced in June 2025. I had to change my shaft with an aftermarket part due to emergency during that time. Now, after the recall was announced I went to McCarthy Honda overland park for replacement. But the service personnel said that they don't see any dynamo on either of the shafts and denied recall. Then I told the front desk lady(Alyssa Waller) that I have replaced it in may due to emergency. She said that they don't do repairs if there is an aftermarket part and she was really rude. I was trying to understand the situation and trying to be very calm but her rudeness made me very upset with the overall service. Finally it's the thing they refused to do the recall even though I showed a picture of my broken shaft.
Steering, Jul 2, 2025
My 2013 Honda Accord experienced very dangerous steering problems. Without warning the steering wheel became very loose and I had to tightly hold the wheel with both hands to keep from crashing. The steering wheel was very tight and difficult to turn when turning right. The Honda dealer duplicated and confirmed my experience. They did a complete diagnostic check. The mechanics said there were no DTCs and the problem persisted after updates to the software. They suggested a RECC gearbox and possible internal computer chip. My mileage reads 106,000 miles.