The Accord year with the most problems
The first year of the turbo Accord has about 2.7 times the model's average complaints per car sold: engine warnings, fuel pump failures and phantom braking. A 2016 or 2021 gives you the same comfort with far fewer headaches.
Updated November 2026 · based on 2,015 owner complaints and 6 recalls
692 2.7x the Accord average
6 free to fix at a dealer
Every Accord year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2018 Accord
Top problems and what they cost
Engine warning lights and head gasket failures
Owners of the 1.5L turbo report check engine lights, misfires and, at higher mileage, head gasket failures. Fuel in the oil is also reported, as on the CR-V.
Fix: Diagnosis $100 to $200; head gasket $1,500 to $2,500.
Engine
Fuel pump that can quit
Two fuel pump recalls (20V314 and 23V858) cover pumps that can stall the engine while driving. Some owners waited months for parts.
Fix: Free under recall at any Honda dealer.
Fuel system
Phantom braking
The collision system braking hard at 35 to 40 mph with nothing ahead.
Fix: Radar or camera recalibration $150 to $400 out of warranty.
Collision avoidance
Recalls
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Various system malfunctions such as inoperative windshield wipers, defroster, rearview camera, or exterior lighting can increase the risk of a crash.
If the rearview camera display does not show what is behind the vehicle, it can increase the risk of a crash.
An unlatched seat belt cannot properly restrain the seat occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2018 Honda Accord
- Confirm all 6 recalls show as repaired at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially both fuel pump recalls.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2018 Accord has 6 recalls on record, listed below.
- Check the dipstick for a high oil level or a gas smell.Knocking, ticking or rattling from the engine, especially when cold, can mean worn bearings, lifters or a stretched timing chain. These are engine-out repairs costing thousands.585 of the 2,015 owner complaints about the 2018 Accord involve the engine (29%).
- Look for a flashing or steady check engine light after a cold start.Warning lights should come on briefly at start and then go out. One that stays on means the car has stored a fault, and a parts store can read the code for free.Owners filed 16 complaints about infotainment screen freezing or rebooting on the 2018 Accord.
- Watch for false collision warnings on a drive through traffic.Warning lights should come on briefly at start and then go out. One that stays on means the car has stored a fault, and a parts store can read the code for free.Owners filed 16 complaints about infotainment screen freezing or rebooting on the 2018 Accord.
- Test the backup camera; recall 18V629 covers it.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2018 Accord has 6 recalls on record, listed below.
Questions
Is the 2018 Honda Accord reliable?
The Accord year with the most problems. The first year of the turbo Accord has about 2.7 times the model's average complaints per car sold: engine warnings, fuel pump failures and phantom braking. A 2016 or 2021 gives you the same comfort with far fewer headaches.
How many recalls does the 2018 Honda Accord have?
6 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Honda dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2018 Honda Accord problems?
Engine warning lights and head gasket failures; Fuel pump that can quit; Phantom braking.
Crash rating shown for the 2018 Honda Accord 4 DR FWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.