Last updated: 2026-03-04

63
GoodReliability score: 63 out of 100, rated Good
2018 Honda Accord

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 avg

Est. Annual Cost

$400

Below avg

Major Repair Risk

9%

NHTSA Rating

5/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
38/100 (Risky)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
90/100 (Excellent)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
68/100 (Good)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
63/100 (Good)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues

ENGINE (254)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (237)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (176)

8 recalls on record

Generation & Refresh (US)

Redesign Year

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)

2018selected
2019
2020refresh
2021
2022

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

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)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

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 sold

Segment avg: 25.7

LowAvgHigh
High

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.

20V3140002020-05-28

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.

23V8580002023-12-18

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.

23V1580002023-03-09

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

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 9.3%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger)

HEV Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 9.3%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Honda Accord Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

4.5Maintenance rating: 4.5 out of 5

Based 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

Accord
$400
Category Avg
$526
All Vehicles
$652

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.

254
237
176
367
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)Other (367)

ENGINE

254 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

254 complaints total3 crashes2 fires1 injury

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

237 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

237 complaints total11 crashes3 fires6 injuries

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

176 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

176 complaints total3 crashes1 injury
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (170 complaints)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

170 complaints

Owners 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.

170 complaints total6 injuries
FUEL SYSTEM (162 complaints)

FUEL SYSTEM

162 complaints

Owners 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.

162 complaints total
SERVICE BRAKES (150 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

150 complaints

Owners 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.

150 complaints total5 injuries
POWER TRAIN (115 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

115 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

115 complaints total1 crash1 injury
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (74 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

74 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

74 complaints total6 crashes4 injuries
STEERING (64 complaints)

STEERING

64 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

64 complaints total2 crashes2 injuries
AIR BAGS (38 complaints)

AIR BAGS

38 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

38 complaints total3 crashes4 injuries

When Do 2018 Honda Accord Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

75,000–100,000 milesHead gasket failures
60,000–90,000 milesFuel injector issues

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.

63
GoodReliability score: 63 out of 100, rated Good

2018(this page)

8 recalls · 1739 complaints

See full Honda Accord years-to-avoid analysis →

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.

avg 74
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Honda Accord reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201863/100Good
201970/100Good
202073/100Good
202178/100Good
202277/100Good
202374/100Good
202476/100Good
202584/100Excellent

Honda Accord Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202678/100 (predicted)Predicted00
202584/100+8Excellent165
202476/100+2Good6166
202374/100-3Good10199
202277/100-1Good3201
202178/100+5Good5215
202073/100+3Good8344
201970/100+7Good5574
2018(selected)63/100Good81739

2018 Honda Accord Reliability by Powertrain

The 2018 Honda Accord is available with 2 powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.

Reliability comparison across powertrain options
PowertrainComplaintsRecallsIncidents*Crash Rating
Gas16305375 out of 5
HEV109345 out of 5
Total1739841

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?
The 2018 Honda Accord has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 63/100. It is reasonably reliable with 8 recalls and 1739 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Honda Accord?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 Honda Accord include: ENGINE (254 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (237 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (176 complaints), FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (170 complaints), FUEL SYSTEM (162 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2018 Honda Accord have?
The 2018 Honda Accord has 8 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2018 Honda Accord expensive to maintain?
The 2018 Honda Accord has estimated annual repair costs of $400/year, which is $126 less than the midsize cars average of $526. With a reliability score of 63/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue