2020 Honda Accord
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Forward collision avoidance is the leading concern among 362 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 20th highest complaint count among 25 Accord model years with reports.
Of the 2020 reports, 14 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 11 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, sensor, occupant classification, front passengerMay 21, 2026
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.
Campaign 26V332000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, sensor, occupant classification, front passengerFeb 1, 2024
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
Campaign 24V064000 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
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpMar 25, 2021
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 CR-V vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 18, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-314.
Campaign 21V215000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, body control module, softwareDec 10, 2020
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Accord Sedan, Accord Hybrid, and 2019-2020 Insight vehicles. A software error may cause intermittent or continuous disruptions in communication between the Body Control Module (BCM) and other components. This may result in malfunctions of various systems such as the windshield wipers and defroster, rearview camera, exterior lights, audible warning of a stopped vehicle, and power window operation. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems" and number 111, "Rear Visibility" as well as FMVSS numbers 104, 108, 114, 118, and 305.
Various system malfunctions such as inoperative windshield wipers, defroster, rearview camera, or exterior lighting can increase the risk of a crash.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the BCM software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 22, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is X95.
Campaign 20V771000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: service brakes
57 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Sep 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH and attempting to make a left turn, the vehicle unexpectedly stopped, and the brake pedal was depressed while the vehicle was entering ongoing traffic. There was a burning odor coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle unexpectedly lunged in the opposite direction while driving. The contact expressed concerns that the vehicle was unsafe to drive and that the failure could have caused a chain-reaction crash if the vehicle behind had not stopped. The contact did not feel safe driving the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure via telephone. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Sep 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle was jerking abnormally. The Brake System, TPMS, Power Steering, and Check Engine warning lights were illuminated. The message “Reduce Speed” was displayed with an audible beeping alert. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,309.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 2, 2026
9 warnings lights turned on on my dashboard and when going slow and accelerating it brakes by it self also brakes on freeway going 70 mph and then recovers
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 29, 2026
Driving on the white horse pike in Berlin New Jersey at 1:39pm on January 21st and my BREAK light warning light came on. There was nothing in front of me, I was doing 40mph. The roads were dry, There were no cars near me, and no traffic. It happened again on the same day January 21st, on the White Horse Pike in Lindenwold New Jersey. This one happened at 520pm, I was doing 45mph and my BREAK warning light came on. The road was dry, there was no traffic on the road, and no cars or debris in the road either.
Power train, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 12, 2026
Was operating the vehicle at about 30mph and the braking system started malfunctioning by giving me limited braking power and throwing a bunch of lights on the dash along with sudden loss of acceleration. Tried to press the pedal again and it didn’t respond I drifted to a stop in the middle a lane in the road. Had to shut vehicle off then restart to regain function. All conditions were clear outside. The dealer I bought it from has been very suspicious since the purchase. Bought as a “certified pre-owned” but have had nothing but problems in the couple weeks of owning. Such as the TPMS system continuously going off saying “low tire pressure” the dealer has seen it multiple times and still can’t figure out the problem. They said they’re gonna start “throwing random parts at it” Issues just continue to get worse with little to no cooperation with the dealership. Will be inspected in the morning once it’s towed in. No longer feel safe operating vehicle. Warning lamps came on after the malfunction. Then flickered on and off a few times then stayed on when I restarted the vehicle.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 15, 2025
While I was driving on the highway, the brakes of my car suddenly were violently activated and I had not touched the brakes. If there had been a car behind me, it would have been a major rear end collision. It was over quickly and I accelerated back to the normal speed. I talked to the Honda Service Mgr where I purchased the car and he said he was unaware of the problem although I see that that nearly 3 million Hondas have experienced this issue.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes independently activated, and the transmission independently shifted into neutral. The contact stated that there were no other vehicles nearby. The brake warning light illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to clean off the sensors and see if the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that she did not want to see if the failure would recur. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,660.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brakes were independently activated without the driver depressing the brake pedal. The “Service Brakes” warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. In addition, the contact related the failure to Honda Recall: TN2; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 3, 2025
Driving on a clear road on a clear day with no car in front of me, the brake warning flashed and then the car braked on its own. There was NO reason for the warning or for the car to brake on its own. Automatic breaking isn’t even a feature on this car.
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Oct 27, 2025
I tried to take my car to the dealer because my car brakes on its own and it had a alert that something was wrong with the air bags . I can ve driving anywhere and without reason the car breaks putting my life in danger and my family. I have tried to contact the dealer about this serious matter but I don't get anywhere. I am reaching out to see what solution we can come to ?
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 5, 2025
I was driving down US Route 42 on 10/4/25 at 1:10 AM and my car phantom break itself while I was doing 60 miles an hour on the highway.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 5, 2025
The vehicle keeps braking automatically with nothing in front of me, I see numerous people reporting it so I figured I should aswell, nothing in front or near me when it automatically brakes, it is scary as heck tho!
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 2, 2025
Good Morning, I have new Honda Accord 2020 which always been taken care of regular services and oil changes etc. This morning I tried to start my car going to work but suddenly all brake related warning signs came off. My card still not starting the engine. I researched online and found out many people who have same Honda facing same issues. So I figured it's better to be reported before someone gets really hurts while on road. Please find attached pictured with this incident report please.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 5, 2025
On September 2, 2025 at 1004-1005 EST, my car phantom braked, when there was nothing in front of me and this time instead of just flashing brake on the dashboard, it actually breaks itself and threw me into the steering wheel thank God my seatbelt caught me, but it really choked me up. This has happened quite a number of times before, but this is the first time that it breaked when I actually stepped on the brake pedal it break itself myself also. The component is the automatic breaking for the collision impact that keeps phantom breaking on me. It has never been looked at by a dealer or anyone otherwise. The lamp that came on was the BREAK lamp where the rpm are at.
Service brakes, Aug 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "Service Brakes" was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on several occasions, but no fault for the issue was identified. The contact stated that the failure persisted, and eventually, the dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the brake booster was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 10,000.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 28, 2025
There has been multiple times that when I am driving on the highway doing 60 miles an hour, the dashboard will light up to BRAKE the car when there is nothing in front of the car, no other car no trash nothing. It has done this on slower roads where the speed limit is 40 mph and under but it will actually brake the car and I have had cars behind me when this happens. This keeps happening multiply times a week.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Aug 21, 2025
Electrical drain in system causing premature battery failure and electrical misfiring that causes the car to shut off and flashing a brake warning message to contact dealer and once this occurs car won’t start until Honda link and hands free pairing are reconnected. Issue is if the misfiring drains the battery, driver is not able to reconnect the cars apps and pair the Bluetooth, therefore, car is not will be immobile until battery is recharged.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 31, 2025
When driving my car it will phantom break when there is nothing in front of it going down the highway 5060 miles an hour and it’s done at numerous times. I have not been in an accident yet, but it’s something that keeps occurring on my car.
Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Jul 23, 2025
I noticed a loud grinding noise and reduced braking power coming from my 2020 Honda Accord while driving at normal city speeds. A local mechanic inspected it and found that the rear brake caliper was sticking and causing premature wear. I contacted Honda service, but they refused to cover the cost or inspect it under goodwill, even though similar issues have been reported with other Honda models. This issue puts my safety at risk as braking is compromised and steering becomes harder. The problem was confirmed by a local certified mechanic and is available for inspection if needed.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 22, 2025
To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally report a serious safety issue involving the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system on my Honda Accord 2020. The system has been engaging randomly and without cause, abruptly applying the brakes when there is no obstacle or hazard present. On multiple occasions, this malfunction has occurred while driving at normal speeds, including on highways and in moderate traffic. These sudden, unprovoked braking events have created extremely dangerous situations, nearly causing rear-end collisions and putting both myself and other drivers at risk. Despite there being no obstruction in front of the vehicle, the system behaves as though an emergency stop is necessary. This issue not only undermines the purpose of the safety feature but also significantly increases the risk of an accident due to unexpected deceleration. I urge Honda to thoroughly investigate this issue, as it appears to be a potentially widespread and dangerous defect. I am requesting that the company: •Address and correct the fault in my vehicle’s AEB system at no cost •Provide a clear explanation of the root cause •Inform me of any recalls or technical service bulletins (TSBs) related to this problem
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 27, 2025
Vehicle will randomly slam on brakes to a dead stop, engaging my seatbelt when engine braking behind a vehicle. Usually happens on surface streets when the vehicle in front of me is turning into a driveway/tight right turn. My velocity is decreasing & I am not at risk of colliding with the vehicle every time. System does not seem to register engine braking with a manual transmission as “braking.” I’ve nearly been rear ended several times due to coming to a dead stop in traffic. I’ve asked Honda how to permanently disable the system, with the only advice to turn it off manually every single time I start the vehicle.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, May 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the brakes had erroneously activated, causing the vehicle the suddenly decelerate. During the failure, the "BRAKE" light was flashing. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact was made aware of NHTSA Action Number: EA24002 (FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the investigation. Additionally, after starting the vehicle and driving forward or in reverse, there was a squeaking sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure, and informed the contact that the failure was a common issue, but the manufacturer had not issued a service campaign to address the issue. The failure mileage was 30,000.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 13, 2025
The car brake by itself with no obstacles in the way
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Mar 6, 2025
Brake system light keeps coming on
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 19, 2025
When I was attempting to merge into the turning lane the car slowed down by itself and abruptly stopped in the middle of both lanes while a car was behind me.