NHTSA owner complaints

Owner complaint record

2018 Honda Accord Problems and Recalls: What Owners Report

This page shows the problems 2018 Honda Accord owners reported to NHTSA, the federal agency that tracks car safety: 1,853 complaints sorted by system, the mileage they started at, the check engine codes owners named, and the recalls to check before you buy.

NHTSA owner complaintsChecked Oct 3, 20261,853 complaintsFederal file of Aug 25, 2026

A white 2018 Honda Accord seen from the front
2018 Honda AccordKevautoCC BY-SA 4.0Wikimedia Commons
Model year2018
  • 202577No page yet
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  • 2020350No page yet
  • 2019667No page yet
  • 20181,853
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  • 20131,418No page yet
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Complaints
1,853

+248% vs 2017, most of any Accord year

Top system
Engine

537 complaints, 29% of the total

Typical start
55,500 mi

half of the engine reports that give a mileage came before this

Crash reports
35

26 mention an injury, 4 a fire

Short answer

The engine leads the 2018 Honda Accord record at 29%, with fuel and power delivery next at 16%. Of the engine reports that give a mileage, half came before 55,500 miles. The costliest part on our cost list is the fuel pump and housing, $93 to $205 for the part alone.

It's a count of reports, not a failure rate. Use it to decide what to inspect before buying, not to grade the car.

What we know beyond the file

Engine and fuel complaints lead, most of them a warning light or a loss of power, and Honda recalled 2018 Accords for a low-pressure fuel pump inside the tank that may fail. A separate recall updates body control software that can upset the wipers, defroster, rearview camera and lights.

Is your Accord affected?

Check one car against NHTSA recalls. Free, takes seconds.

2018 Honda Accord overview

The 2018 Accord came with a 1.5-liter turbo four or a 2.0-liter turbo four, with a CVT, a ten-speed automatic or a six-speed manual, and front-wheel drive.

Owners filed 3 times as many complaints about the 2018 as the 2017 (532), and the engine leads only in 2018. The 2019 drew 667, with engine named most.

2.0L turbo 4-cylinder
Power
252 hp at 6,500 rpm
Torque
273 lb-ft
Gearbox
10-speed automatic or 6-speed manual
Fuel
Regular gasoline
Injection
Direct injection
FWD23/34/27
FWD manual22/32/26

city / highway / combined mpg, EPA

1.5L turbo 4-cylinder
Power
192 hp at 5,500 rpm
Torque
192 lb-ft at 1,600-5,000 rpm
Gearbox
CVT automatic or 6-speed manual
Fuel
Regular gasoline
Injection
Direct injection
FWD29/35/31
FWD manual26/35/30

city / highway / combined mpg, EPA

1 of 2 engines

Fuel economy from EPA fueleconomy.gov; power and torque from Honda News press kits (Wayback copies), read 3 Oct 2026.

Is the 2018 Honda Accord reliable?

Owners filed more complaints about the 2018 Honda Accord than about any other Accord year, and the engine draws the largest share. The four checks below are what the federal record can say; none of them is a reliability score.

  • 1st
    Compared with other Accord years1,853 complaints, the most of 16 model years (next is 2013 with 1,418).By model year
  • 29%
    The system named mostEngine, in 537 complaints. Half of the engine reports that give a mileage came before 55,500 miles.Problems by system
  • 6
    Recalls6 recall campaigns cover the 2018 Honda Accord.Recalls
  • 35
    Crashes, injuries, fires35 complaints mention a crash, 26 an injury and 4 a fire.

A complaint count is not a failure rate: the record doesn't say how many were sold, so a popular year draws more reports.

2018 Honda Accord problems by system

Every complaint to NHTSA names the part of the car that gave the owner trouble, such as the engine or the steering. The cards below sort the 1,853 complaints about the 2018 Honda Accord that way, largest first: open one to read what owners wrote, when it usually starts, and what to check.

5 systems · tap one to read what owners wrote
Engine29%537 complaints

Warning lights, power loss, misfires

Show detailsHide details
What owners describe
Honda accord 2018 lx. Two instances of car not starting when stationary. Most recent instance of engine stalling while in motion on a city street.
WIOwner in Wisconsin12,800 mi
2018 Honda accord sedan 2.0 turbo sport. 47,000 miles on odometer. Fuel is mixing with engine oil under normal driving conditions. Currently 5k into last oil change and there is a strong odor of gasoline present on the engine oil dipstick along with an odor of gasoline inside the vehicle especially when the defroster or heat is turned on.
WIOwner in Wisconsin47,000 mi
CAGAINMSRead 4 more owner reports+4
A/c started blowing warm air intermittently at about 45k. But noticed a/c wasn't as cold. When showed to dealer, advisor ran a/c and said its ok. At 60k miles , no a/c, just warm air. Took it to a/c store , they found leak and told us most of the new hondas with the new a/c systems are having leaks because of the new freon causing issues. Honda refuses to fix it under recall.
CAOwner in California50,000 mi
Oil has gas in it ,dealer says their is no fix afraid to drive afraid engine will blow up.had oil changed at 1900 miles 100 miles later gas inoil again
GAOwner in Georgia1,900 mi
The vehicle has developed excessive gas/oil smell halfway through the oil change cycle even when the maintenance minder shows 70% oil life. The smell occurs when driving in the midwest and causes the garage to smell like an oil/gas mixture. Oil dilution has begun occurring even when provided enough time to warm up.
INOwner in Indiana26,665 mi
Dealership 2019 stated fuel injector problems all of the sensor lighting systems are still lit up. Had to replace transmission 12/2019. Since then can not utilize the cruise. Now stating its a turbo wastegate issue.
MSOwner in Mississippi150,000 mi
When it starts
050k100k mi

Usually starts around 55,500 miles. Half of owners reported it between 10,750 and 102,084.

What to do

Watch for a check engine light and feel for a misfire under load.

Our guideCheck Engine Light Meaning: The Test Your Car Failed Twice

More: Blown head gasket signs · Car shuts off while driving

Fuel and power delivery16%298 complaints

Stalling, fuel pump recalls

Show detailsHide details
What owners describe
2018 Honda accord sedan 2.0 turbo sport. 47,000 miles on odometer. Fuel is mixing with engine oil under normal driving conditions. Currently 5k into last oil change and there is a strong odor of gasoline present on the engine oil dipstick along with an odor of gasoline inside the vehicle especially when the defroster or heat is turned on.
WIOwner in Wisconsin47,000 mi
The vehicle has developed excessive gas/oil smell halfway through the oil change cycle even when the maintenance minder shows 70% oil life. The smell occurs when driving in the midwest and causes the garage to smell like an oil/gas mixture. Oil dilution has begun occurring even when provided enough time to warm up.
INOwner in Indiana26,665 mi
NJMDCAFLRead 4 more owner reports+4
My husband recently get this car with a loan. We been with the car for almost 3 months. Recently I was driving my daugthers to school on the highway. My car start acting up. My car start shaking like it was gonna turn off on 45 miles. After that happend I find out the it was a recall on my Honda accord 2018 fuel pump. I went to a Honda dealer and until this time no one can help me
NJOwner in New Jersey
Similar to nhtsb complaint id# 11111897, vehicle lost power while in motion on 7/21/208 on highway in congestion while raining. It has since been towed to Honda dealership where currently undergoing repair work. I was told fuel injectors needed replacement under warranty. I hope this solves the issue and does not happen again as I was put in a potentially dangerous situation that afternoon.
MDOwner in Maryland8,151 mi
Engine knocks and hesitates when accelerating especially uphill. Ocean Honda in north hollywood, california has checked, did drive tests and kept my car for 2 weeks and assured me the knocking and hesitation were gone. They even insisted they did not encounter any knocking nor hesitation when accelerating and driving uphill. It always does both and never went away.
CAOwner in California15,000 mi
Strong odor of gasoline in the engine and rising oil level. Car doesn't even have 200 miles on it! This is not what I had expected from a Honda.
FLOwner in Florida
When it starts
050k100k mi

Usually starts around 15,000 miles. Half of owners reported it between 6,200 and 48,835.

Electrical system15%279 complaints

Warning lights, camera, battery

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What owners describe
On several occasions this cars collision mitigation system has applied the brakes without any reason and this is a very serious safety issue for the public at large and needs immediate attention from Honda. I've seen some complaints about the 2017 and 2018 crv doing this exact same thing.
ILOwner in Illinois5,000 mi
I have experienced a number of issues with the 2018 Honda accord sport, related to the engine, transmission, head unit, brake hold system, noise (tire and poor sound insulation) as well other issues which are described in the attached document.
COOwner in Colorado7,000 mi
GANJCASCRead 4 more owner reports+4
The ads breaking error comes on and the car won't start- this is the 3rd time and is a constant problem for this year- the steering wheel locks up this is very dangerous. This has happened moving and stationary. Honda says it is a simple error my car has less that 30k miles n this is a constant issue
GAOwner in Georgia28,000 mi
1) when depressing the brake in motion or from a parked position there is a 'clicking' noise that happens intermittently. It sounds like a gear is stuck or something is stuck. It doesn't happen every time but it happens often enough that it is noticeable and does not sound like a normal noise. 2) Honda sensing light will flash even when no object is approaching and will continue to flash.
NJOwner in New Jersey350 mi
C1c02-15 brake pedal stroke sensor 1 circuit short to battery or open another issue with my car # 5 please have Honda put a reccal for the issues. Help please.
CAOwner in California
Collision mitigation braking system goes out for no reason and shuts off automatic cruise control. Have to restart car to reset. Has occurred on three occasions. I have 10,000 miles on the car, but don't use acc much since most of my driving is in the city. Happened on long distance trips on freeway. Going 70 mph.
SCOwner in South Carolina10,000 mi
When it starts
050k100k mi

Usually starts around 11,000 miles. Half of owners reported it between 5,000 and 35,000.

What to do

Test the camera, wipers and lights, and watch for warning lights.

More: Alternator or battery? · Dashboard warning lights

Braking system13%247 complaints

Brake warnings

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What owners describe
With 30 miles on my new 2018 Honda accord 1.5l touring the brake alarm activated and the brake pedal became extremely hard to press. It was dangerous and I didn't know if I could stop the car. The dealer replaced the electric brake booster to fix the problem. There are many owners on the internet reporting the same problem.
ALOwner in Alabama30 mi
On may 25th, I was driving on the interstate when I noticed the brake warning light flashing on the dashboard. I was the only vehicle on the interstate when the brake warning light appeared. On may 29th, I took my car to a local dealership for an inspection. The dealer did not find any errors when they put it on the computer.
LAOwner in Louisiana6,000 mi
ILPARead 2 more owner reports+2
On several occasions this cars collision mitigation system has applied the brakes without any reason and this is a very serious safety issue for the public at large and needs immediate attention from Honda. I've seen some complaints about the 2017 and 2018 crv doing this exact same thing.
ILOwner in Illinois5,000 mi
Driving down the road at 75 miles an hour and the brake system engaged. No cars around. Had another vehicle (especially tractor trailer) there would have been a serious collision. I do not want this vehicle anymore. Dealer says its not a warranty problem. Serious safety concerns
PAOwner in Pennsylvania5,050 mi
When it starts
050k100k mi

Usually starts around 12,020 miles. Half of owners reported it between 3,000 and 25,275.

What to do

Press the brake pedal hard: it should stay high and firm.

Our guideBrake Warning Light: What It Means and Is It Safe to Drive?

More: ABS light on · Warped brake rotors

Automatic emergency braking12%226 complaints

Collision system warnings

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What owners describe
Collision mitigation braking system please see dealer . That's the message the vehicle displays on the dashboard . Has appeared 3 times in 7 months . Appears while driving on the freeway.
CAOwner in California
When driving approximately 50 mph on a city street using adaptive cruise control, my adaptive cruise control turned off suddenly. There are no obstructions to my Honda sensors nor were there any inclement weather conditions.
NCOwner in North Carolina24,940 mi
MSNJRead 2 more owner reports+2
When starting my car, I am receiving several warning even after taking my car to the dealer. All issues were cleared but now only 4 days later, the same warnings from the safety system is showing.
MSOwner in Mississippi66,000 mi
My husband recently get this car with a loan. We been with the car for almost 3 months. Recently I was driving my daugthers to school on the highway. My car start acting up. My car start shaking like it was gonna turn off on 45 miles. After that happend I find out the it was a recall on my Honda accord 2018 fuel pump. I went to a Honda dealer and until this time no one can help me
NJOwner in New Jersey
When it starts
050k100k mi

Usually starts around 37,000 miles. Half of owners reported it between 19,500 and 60,796.

What to do

Drive with the collision system on and watch for warnings.

What repairs cost on the 2018 Honda Accord

Part prices for the problems 2018 Accord owners report most. They are shelf and mail-order prices for the part alone, so a shop bill adds labor and its own markup.

Stalling from a failing fuel pumpFuel pump and housing
$93 – $205Part only, at the counter

For the 1.5L turbo, one Delphi assembly at $192; for the Hybrid, Spectra Premium up to Delphi. Recalls 20V314 and 23V858 replace the fuel pump free on certain 2018 Accords; check the VIN first.

Check fuel pumps

Prices on this page are our own research, not the store’s, and store prices change daily.

Prices read on RockAuto on Oct 2, 2026, for the parts listed as fitting this car; regular stock only, closeouts left out.

Check engine codes owners report

9 owners name P0304 (cylinder 4 misfire) in their complaints, the code named most for this car.

OBDP0304Cylinder 4 misfire9
OBDP0301Cylinder 1 misfire9
OBDP0303Cylinder 3 misfire9
OBDP0300Random misfire5
OBDU3003Honda-specific code5
OBDP0302Cylinder 2 misfire4
OBDU0416Generic OBD-II code3
OBDP0087Fuel rail pressure too low3
OBDB0020Generic OBD-II code3
OBDP0299Generic OBD-II code3

Complaints whose text names the code, one count per complaint. Tap a code to read our guide; grey codes have no guide yet.

When problems show up on the odometer

Electrical system complaints start earliest, typically around 11,000 miles. Engine complaints start latest, around 55,500 miles.

Engine56k
Fuel and power delivery15k
Electrical system11k
Braking system12k
Automatic emergency braking37k
025k50k75k100k mi

Dot: typical mileage. Bar: the middle half of reports. From the mileage owners wrote on the form.

Honda Accord complaints by model year

2018 has the most complaints of any Accord year. The engine is named most in 1 other Accord year.

Show chartHide chart
Complaints by model yearHonda Accord, 2010 to 2025
All complaintsEngine
0
500
1,000
1,500
2,000
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
1,853
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

2018 has the most complaints of any Accord year. The engine is named most in 1 other Accord year.

When owners filed

Complaints about the 2018 Honda Accord have kept arriving since 2017, with peaks in 2024 and 2025. A peak often follows a recall or a news story, not a new fault.

Show chartHide chart
When owners filedComplaints about the 2018 Honda Accord, by the year they were filed
Complaints filed
0
100
200
300
400
3
2017
123
2018
159
2019
122
2020
127
2021
192
2022
181
2023
349peak
2024
337peak
2025
260
2026

2018 Honda Accord recalls

6 recall campaigns cover the 2018 Honda Accord. A recall list is by model year; whether one car had the work done is in its VIN record.

2018 Honda Accord crash tests and investigations

NHTSA crash tests rate the 2018 Honda Accord five stars overall. Its defect office has opened two investigations into one problem that cover this model year.

Overall5/5
Frontal crash5/5
Side crash5/5
Rollover5/5

Ratings run from 1 to 5 stars: 5 is the safest result, 1 the least safe.

Frontal stars compare cars of about the same weight; side stars compare every vehicle. Rollover stars show how top-heavy the car is: NHTSA puts the 2018 Honda Accord’s chance of rolling over in a single-car crash at 9%.

Safety equipment NHTSA recommends

Electronic stability controlStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Lane departure warningStandard

Federal investigations

Inadvertent automatic emergency brakingOpened Feb 21, 2022 (PE22003), upgraded Apr 15, 2024 (EA24002)Open

Before you buy a used 2018 Honda Accord

These checks follow what 2018 Accord owners reported most: engine warning lights and a loss of power, then fuel pump and electrical faults. Run the VIN before you pay, because this car has fuel pump and body software recalls.

Before you buy a 2018 Honda Accord5 checks to do in person
  1. 1
    Run the VIN for fuel pump and software recalls

    Only the VIN shows whether the pump and the software were done.

  2. 2
    Watch for a check engine light

    Warning lights lead the engine complaints.

  3. 3
    Accelerate hard on the highway

    Owners describe a loss of power.

  4. 4
    Test the camera, wipers and lights

    A body software recall covers these.

  5. 5
    Drive with the collision system on

    Collision-system warnings show up in the complaints.

Oil and service for the 2018 Honda Accord

This is what Honda's manual says the 2018 Accord needs: which oil to use and how much, the fluids for the transmission and the cooling system, and when each job is due. Honda gives no fixed mileage: the car works out how worn the oil is and shows a code on the dashboard, called the Maintenance Minder, that tells you which job to do.

2.0L turbo 4-cylinder
Engine oil
0W-20
Oil capacity, with filter
5.0 US quarts
Transmission fluid
Honda ATF-type 2.0
Transmission fluid, manual
Honda Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF)
Coolant
Honda Long Life Type 2, 50/50
1.5L turbo 4-cylinder
Engine oil
0W-20
Oil capacity, with filter
3.7 US quarts
Transmission fluid
Honda HCF-2 (CVT)
Transmission fluid, manual
Honda Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF)
Coolant
Honda Long Life Type 2, 50/50

Service schedule

Oil changeWhen the Maintenance Minder shows A or B, and at least once a year
Spark plugsWhen the Maintenance Minder shows code 4
CoolantWhen the Maintenance Minder shows code 5

From the Honda 2018 Accord Owner's Manual, read Oct 2, 2026. Normal schedule.

Common questions

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Honda Accord?

Owners name the engine most (537 complaints), then fuel and power delivery (298) and electrical system (279).

Is 2018 a good year for the Honda Accord?

The complaint record can't grade a car, but it shows what to check: the engine complaints that lead this year, the mileage they start at, and whether the recall repairs were done.

Was there a recall on the 2018 Honda Accord?

Yes. NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2018 Honda Accord: fuel pump (2), electrical system, back over prevention, seat belts, airbags. A dealer can tell from the VIN whether one car got the repairs.

At what mileage do 2018 Honda Accord problems start?

Electrical system complaints start earliest, around 11,000 miles. Engine complaints come later, around 55,500 miles.

Which Accord years have the most and fewest complaints?

The 2018 and 2013 model years have the most in the file, and the 2025 and 2023 the fewest, though newer cars have had less time to collect complaints.

What the complaint record can't tell you

How many were soldA popular model looks worse than a rare one.
Whether your car has itA share isn't a probability for one car.
Who filedRecalls and news send owners to the form.
What it costsPart prices only; a shop adds labor.

Sources

Show all 6 sources
NHTSA complaint fileNHTSA consumer complaints, FLAT_CMPL bulk file, dated Aug 25, 2026
Counts by system and year, mileage, crash and injury flags, codes, owner quotes
NHTSA recallsRecalls API, read Oct 3, 2026
The recall list
NHTSA 5-Star Safety RatingsSafety Ratings API, read Oct 3, 2026
Crash test stars and rollover risk
NHTSA defect investigationsInvestigations file (FLAT_INV)
The investigations list
EPA fueleconomy.govFederal fuel economy data
Engines, gearboxes, mpg
Honda News press kits (Wayback copies)Read 3 Oct 2026
Engine specs

Owner quotes are changed from all capitals to normal case only. Counts by system and year cover vehicles with at least 10 complaints.