Last updated: 2026-03-04

2018 Honda Accord Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2018 Honda Accord scores 63/100 ("Good"). With 8 recalls and 1739 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2018 is the first model year of the Tenth generation (2017).
Recalls
8
Complaints
1739
Complaint Rate
59.7
per 10k sold
Above avgEst. Annual Cost
$400
Below avgMajor Repair Risk
9%
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
8 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2018 is the first model year of the Tenth generation (2017).
- First-year models may have unresolved issues from the new design.
- Redesigned for the 2018 model year.
- Refreshed in 2020.
- 10th generation Accord (US).
What this means for buyers
First-year models carry more risk — early production issues are common. Consider waiting for the second year if reliability is a priority.
Compare 2018 pricing and recall counts against 2019+ before deciding.
Tenth generation (2017)
Should You Buy the 2018 Honda Accord?
The 2018 Honda Accord scores 63/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. As a first-year redesign, early-adopter issues are common.
Its complaint rate (59.7 per 10k sold) is above the Sedan segment average of 25.7. The most common reports involve engine (248).
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to engine (248). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2019 Honda Accord, which scored 7 points higher.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- $126 cheaper to maintain than avg midsize cars
- Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- Low major repair risk (9%)
Cons
- Above-average recall count
- Above-average complaint rate for Sedan
- ENGINE issues reported (254 complaints)
Compare 2018 Honda Accord With
2018 Toyota Camry
Score: 65/100
2018 Hyundai Sonata
Score: 61/100
2018 Nissan Altima
Score: 76/100
2018 Chevrolet Malibu
Score: 62/100
2018 Tesla Model 3
Score: 46/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 8 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- ENGINE (254)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (237)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (176)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (170)
- FUEL SYSTEM (162)
- SERVICE BRAKES (150)
- POWER TRAIN (115)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (108)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (74)
- STEERING (64)
- STRUCTURE (49)
- AIR BAGS (38)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (17)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (17)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (16)
- WHEELS (12)
- LANE DEPARTURE (12)
- SUSPENSION (12)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (12)
- SEAT BELTS (11)
- VISIBILITY (9)
- ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (9)
- PARKING BRAKE (4)
- SEATS (4)
- EQUIPMENT (3)
- TIRES (2)
- TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (1)
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (1)
Recall Overview
8
recalls on record
The 2018 Honda Accord has 8 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
59.7
per 10k soldSegment avg: 25.7
Safety Incidents
Crashes
36
Fires
5
Injuries
38
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2018 Honda Accord Recall Details
8 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Honda Accord. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Acura NSX, 2019 Acura RDX, RLX and RLX Sport Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R and HR-V, 2019-2020 Insight and 2019 Fit vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 22, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
Consequence
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
SEAT BELTS
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2020 CR-V, 2018-2019 Accord and Accord Hybrid, 2018-2020 Odyssey, 2019 Insight, and 2019-2020 Acura RDX vehicles. A manufacturing issue with the front seat belts may cause the seat belt buckle channel to interfere with the release button, preventing the seat belt buckle from latching.
Consequence
An unlatched seat belt cannot properly restrain the seat occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the driver and front passenger seat belt buckle release buttons or the buckle assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 18, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are NDA, QDB, BDC, MDD, LD9. TDF, FDG, ODH, YDI, ZDE.
2018 Honda Accord NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 9.3%
Safety Technologies
HEV Powertrain
Rollover risk: 9.3%
Safety Technologies
Honda Accord Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4.5Maintenance rating: 4.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$400
vs $526 avg for midsize cars
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
9%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
When Buying a Used 2018 Honda Accord
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Inspect for coolant leaks or low coolant levels
- Test for engine misfires or rough idling
- Check for any warning lights on the dashboard
- Verify completion of all recall repairs, especially fuel pump
- Test drive to check for transmission jerking or limp mode
- Inspect for oil dilution signs in the engine
Check Any 2018 Honda Accord's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2018 Accord in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Honda Accord with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2018 Honda Accord Common Problems by Component
1739 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ENGINE
254 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent head gasket failures in the 2018 Honda Accord, with symptoms such as coolant leaking into the cylinders, engine stuttering, and sudden loss of power. These issues often lead to the vehicle entering "Limp Mode," which restricts acceleration and poses a risk during highway driving. Complaints typically arise between 75,000 and 100,000 miles, though some occur at higher mileages. The failure can result in dangerous situations, including crashes and instances of engine fires. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential issues, especially given the presence of a class action lawsuit related to the head gasket failures.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
237 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Honda Accord frequently report issues related to the electrical system, particularly involving dashboard warning lights illuminating unexpectedly, often accompanied by a loss of engine power or the vehicle entering "limp mode." Complaints also describe problems with the vehicle's acceleration and stalling, sometimes linked to head gasket and fuel pump issues. These electrical and engine-related failures often occur around or after 65,000 miles, with some owners experiencing them shortly after purchase. Safety implications are significant, with reports of sudden speed reductions on highways and instances of the vehicle cutting off entirely, contributing to 11 crashes and 6 injuries. Additionally, some complaints include incidents of fires, highlighting potential safety risks for prospective buyers.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
176 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Honda Accord frequently report failures related to the air conditioning system, with issues such as failed compressors and condensers leading to loss of cold air and potential metal contamination in the HVAC system. Complaints also often mention dashboard warning lights and safety system alerts that persist even after dealership visits, sometimes leading to the vehicle entering "limp mode" and experiencing performance issues like stalling and misfires. Several reports involve problems following fuel pump recall repairs, including head gasket failures and engine stalling, which have led to near-crash situations. Additionally, some owners experience paint fading and peeling, particularly on the roof and hood, and backup camera distortions that impair visibility. These issues typically arise within a few years of ownership, often around or before 60,000 miles, and may pose safety risks such as loss of vehicle control and reduced visibility.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (170 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
170 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with the forward collision avoidance system in the 2018 Honda Accord, particularly with the emergency braking system engaging unexpectedly. Complaints commonly describe the vehicle braking abruptly without any obstruction present, often at highway speeds, which poses a risk of rear-end collisions. Some reports indicate these issues occur when the vehicle passes under bridges or in response to shadows or glare. Several owners mention warning lights for the collision mitigation system and related components, with some describing repairs involving sensor or radar replacements. These problems are noted at varying mileages, with some incidents occurring as early as within the first six months of ownership. Safety implications include potential injuries from sudden stops, as indicated by the reported injuries and near-miss incidents.
FUEL SYSTEM (162 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
162 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with the 2018 Honda Accord's fuel system, often related to fuel pump failures. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as stalling, failure to accelerate, and the vehicle entering limp mode, with warning lights illuminating. These issues typically occur around 66,000 to 150,000 miles. Some owners indicate that the vehicle can be restarted, but the problem persists. Safety implications include potential stalls while driving, which could lead to dangerous situations, though no crashes or fires are specifically reported. Many owners also express frustration with delays in recall repairs due to parts availability.
SERVICE BRAKES (150 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
150 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Honda Accord frequently report issues with the vehicle's braking system, particularly the unexpected activation of the automatic emergency braking system without apparent obstacles, which can lead to sudden stops. This issue is often mentioned in conjunction with warning lights for the brake system and other related features like the Collision Mitigation Braking System. Another common complaint involves the rapid wear of rear brake pads compared to the front, suggesting a possible imbalance in brake distribution. These issues are reported at various mileage levels, with some owners experiencing them as early as when the vehicle was new. Safety implications include the potential for rear-end collisions due to unexpected braking, with at least five injuries noted by owners. These patterns are important for potential buyers to consider, especially when assessing the vehicle's service history and the functionality of its advanced braking systems.
POWER TRAIN (115 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
115 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the powertrain of the 2018 Honda Accord, specifically involving transmission malfunctions and engine problems. Typical symptoms include transmission jerking during gear shifts and engine misfires, often linked to head gasket failures. These issues are commonly reported at mileages ranging from 30,000 to 138,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, including sudden loss of power and acceleration issues, which pose risks during highway driving or in traffic. Buyers should be aware of potential costly repairs and the possibility of unresolved issues affecting vehicle reliability.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (74 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
74 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Honda Accord frequently report issues with vehicle speed control, particularly involving sudden loss of acceleration, stalling, and unexpected deceleration. Common symptoms include the vehicle not accelerating past low speeds, all dashboard warning lights illuminating simultaneously, and the car stalling in traffic. These issues often occur after fuel system repairs or recalls, with some reports indicating mileage ranges from around 20,000 to 70,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with six complaints involving crashes and four injuries reported, highlighting situations where the vehicle unexpectedly stops or accelerates, leading to loss of control. Buyers should be aware of these patterns, especially concerning vehicle history and recall completion.
STEERING (64 complaints)
STEERING
64 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Honda Accord frequently report issues with the steering system, particularly involving the power steering assist becoming disabled. Typical symptoms include the steering wheel becoming extremely tight or sticking at the center, requiring significant force to adjust, and sudden loss of steering assist while driving, sometimes accompanied by multiple warning lights. These issues are reported across various mileages, with some occurring as early as 60,000 miles. Two complaints involve crashes, highlighting potential safety risks due to loss of control. Affected components often identified by owners include the steering gearbox and rack and pinion, with repairs sometimes being costly. This information is pertinent for potential buyers evaluating the reliability and safety of used models.
AIR BAGS (38 complaints)
AIR BAGS
38 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Honda Accord frequently report issues with the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), with many experiencing intermittent warning lights and messages indicating a problem with the airbag system. Symptoms often include the SRS warning light appearing and disappearing, sometimes related to specific diagnostic codes like B0020-13, suggesting potential issues with airbag inflators or sensors. These problems are reported across various mileages, with some complaints appearing shortly after purchase and others at higher mileages, such as around 78,900 and 94,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as three complaints involve crashes, one of which reports a driver's airbag failing to deploy, resulting in injuries. Prospective buyers should be aware of these airbag system concerns, as they may affect the vehicle's safety features.
When Do 2018 Honda Accord Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Honda Accord Years
Best Honda Accord Years to Buy
The best Honda Accord year is 2025 with a reliability score of 84/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2021 (78/100) and 2022 (77/100).
Honda Accord Years to Avoid
The worst Honda Accord year is 2018 with a score of 63/100, primarily due to engine (248) issues.
2018(this page)
8 recalls · 1739 complaints
Honda Accord Reliability Score Trend
Honda Accord reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 78/100 compared to 71/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 63/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 84/100 | Excellent |
Honda Accord Reliability Compared to Other Years
| Year | Score | vs Prior Year | Rating | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 78/100 (predicted) | — | Predicted | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 84/100 | +8 | Excellent | 1 | 65 |
| 2024 | 76/100 | +2 | Good | 6 | 166 |
| 2023 | 74/100 | -3 | Good | 10 | 199 |
| 2022 | 77/100 | -1 | Good | 3 | 201 |
| 2021 | 78/100 | +5 | Good | 5 | 215 |
| 2020 | 73/100 | +3 | Good | 8 | 344 |
| 2019 | 70/100 | +7 | Good | 5 | 574 |
| 2018(selected) | 63/100 | — | Good | 8 | 1739 |
2018 Honda Accord Reliability by Powertrain
The 2018 Honda Accord is available with 2 powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.
| Powertrain | Complaints | Recalls | Incidents* | Crash Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | 1630 | 5 | 37 | 5 out of 5 |
| HEV | 109 | 3 | 4 | 5 out of 5 |
| Total | 1739 | 8 | 41 |
NHTSA tracks complaints separately for each powertrain configuration. Totals reflect the sum across all variants. N/T = Not tested by NHTSA.
* Incidents = crash + fire reports. A single complaint can include multiple incident types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2018 Honda Accord reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Honda Accord?
How many recalls does the 2018 Honda Accord have?
Is the 2018 Honda Accord expensive to maintain?
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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