Last updated: 2026-03-04

2020 Honda Accord Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2020 Honda Accord scores 73/100 ("Good"). With 8 recalls and 344 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2020 received a 2020 facelift update for the Tenth generation (2017).
Recalls
8
Complaints
344
Complaint Rate
17.2
per 10k sold
Below 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)
2020 received a 2020 facelift update for the Tenth generation (2017).
- Changes: Updated grille and wheel designs; New infotainment features.
- Year 3 in this generation (2018–2022).
- 10th generation Accord (US).
What this means for buyers
Refresh years bring updates but can also introduce new issues. Check early recall data before buying.
Tenth generation (2017)
Should You Buy the 2020 Honda Accord?
The 2020 Honda Accord scores 73/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2020 received a 2020 facelift update for the Tenth generation (2017).
With 344 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to forward collision avoidance (58). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2021 Honda Accord, which scored 5 points higher. See also the 2019 Honda Accord for an earlier comparison.
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
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE issues reported (58 complaints)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (52 complaints)
Compare 2020 Honda Accord With
2020 Toyota Camry
Score: 75/100
2020 Hyundai Sonata
Score: 62/100
2020 Nissan Altima
Score: 71/100
2020 Chevrolet Malibu
Score: 74/100
2020 Tesla Model 3
Score: 54/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 8 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (58)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (52)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (37)
- SERVICE BRAKES (37)
- ENGINE (30)
- AIR BAGS (26)
- STEERING (22)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (16)
- POWER TRAIN (13)
- FUEL SYSTEM (10)
- STRUCTURE (6)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (6)
- SEATS (5)
- SEAT BELTS (5)
- SUSPENSION (4)
- VISIBILITY (4)
- LANE DEPARTURE (3)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (3)
- TIRES (2)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1)
- Chest Clip (1)
- PARKING BRAKE (1)
- WHEELS (1)
Recall Overview
8
recalls on record
The 2020 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
17.2
per 10k soldSegment avg: 16.6
Safety Incidents
Crashes
16
Fires
2
Injuries
11
Deaths
2
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2020 Honda Accord Recall Details
8 recalls have been issued for the 2020 Honda Accord. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
AIR BAGS
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.
Consequence
An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024, October 18, 2024, and August 2025. 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.
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020 CR-V Hybrid, Accord Hybrid, and 2020-2021 Insight vehicles. The DC-DC converter may shut down and prevent the 12-volt battery from recharging, possibly resulting in a loss of drive power.
Consequence
A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the power converter unit (PCU) software, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners can contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is K9E.
2020 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 2020 Honda Accord
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Test for sticky or jerky steering at highway speeds
- Check for any dashboard warning lights during a test drive
- Inspect for signs of head gasket or turbocharger issues
- Verify if the fuel pump and injectors have been replaced
- Test the automatic emergency braking system for unexpected activation
- Ensure the airbag system warning light is not illuminated
- Check for any unusual noises from the engine or transmission
Check Any 2020 Honda Accord's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2020 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.
2020 Honda Accord Common Problems by Component
344 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
58 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Honda Accord frequently report unexpected activation of the automatic emergency braking system, often without any apparent obstacles ahead. This sudden braking tends to occur at highway speeds and in various conditions, such as under overpasses or during lane changes in construction zones. Complaints often describe the vehicle abruptly decelerating, sometimes to a complete stop, which poses a risk of rear-end collisions, although no crashes are detailed in the sampled reports. These issues occur across a range of mileages, with some owners experiencing repeated incidents despite dealer inspections. Potential buyers should be aware of these reports as they consider the reliability of the vehicle's forward collision avoidance features.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
52 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several electrical issues with the 2020 Honda Accord, with common problems including the active noise cancellation (ANC) system causing loud, distracting noises at highway speeds and audio system disruptions when using the right turn signal. Complaints frequently mention phantom braking incidents, where the vehicle unexpectedly engages the brakes without driver input, leading to loss of control and potential safety risks. Multiple reports indicate that these issues can occur at various mileages, with some occurring as early as 200 miles and others around 46,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with two crashes and four injuries reported, highlighting potential risks for used car buyers considering this model.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
37 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several recurring issues with the 2020 Honda Accord, particularly related to loud noises and dashboard warning lights. Complaints frequently mention a howling or humming noise at speeds around 50-55 mph, often attributed to problems with the Active Noise Cancellation system, which dealers have struggled to resolve. Additionally, many owners describe all dashboard warning lights activating simultaneously, sometimes accompanied by the vehicle losing power or entering limp mode, with some cases linked to potential head gasket issues. These symptoms often appear after a year of ownership or around 40,000 miles. Safety implications include instances of loss of control, with some reports involving crashes and one injury, making these issues particularly relevant to potential buyers.
SERVICE BRAKES (37 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
37 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Honda Accord frequently report issues with the vehicle's automatic emergency braking system, which engages unexpectedly without any apparent obstacles. Typical symptoms include sudden, autonomous braking, often accompanied by a dashboard warning light, even when there is no vehicle or object in front of the car. These incidents are reported across a range of mileages, with some occurring at less than 10,000 miles. Safety implications include two reported crashes, one of which resulted in an injury, as well as multiple near-miss rear-end collisions due to unexpected deceleration. Buyers considering a used 2020 Honda Accord should be aware of these reports, particularly regarding the potential for unexpected braking events.
ENGINE (30 complaints)
ENGINE
30 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Honda Accord frequently report issues with the engine, particularly involving the head gasket and turbocharger. Complaints often describe symptoms such as loss of power, engine shaking, and multiple warning lights on the dashboard. These issues typically emerge around 100,000 miles, with some reports of head gasket failures leading to coolant leaks and engine overheating. Safety concerns are noted as several owners mention the vehicle stalling or decelerating unexpectedly, posing risks during highway driving. Buyers should be aware of these potential engine problems, especially in models with the 1.5L turbocharged engine.
AIR BAGS (26 complaints)
AIR BAGS
26 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the airbag system in the 2020 Honda Accord, primarily involving the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) warning light illuminating intermittently. Complaints frequently mention problems with the passenger seat weight sensor, where the airbag indicator fails to activate correctly despite occupants meeting the weight requirements. Several reports highlight difficulties in obtaining recall repairs due to unavailable parts, with some owners experiencing these issues as early as 50,000 miles. Safety implications include one reported injury and two incidents involving crashes, emphasizing potential risks if the airbags do not deploy correctly. Prospective buyers should be aware of these recurring airbag system issues and the potential delays in recall repairs.
STEERING (22 complaints)
STEERING
22 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report persistent steering issues with the 2020 Honda Accord, primarily describing a "sticky" or "jerky" steering wheel, particularly at highway speeds above 50 mph. Symptoms include the steering wheel locking or requiring additional force to turn, leading to overcorrection and difficulty maintaining a straight path. These issues often emerge after driving for 10-30 minutes and are more pronounced when the vehicle is warmed up. Several reports indicate safety concerns, with two incidents involving crashes due to loss of control. The problems are noted at various mileages, with some occurring as early as 9,000 miles, making it a potential concern for used car buyers.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (16 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
16 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with the 2020 Honda Accord's fuel pump and fuel injectors. Symptoms commonly include engine stalling, loss of acceleration, rough idling, and multiple dashboard warning lights. These problems often arise around 43,000 to 50,000 miles, with some owners noting unresolved issues even after repairs. Safety implications are significant, with several reports of vehicles stalling on highways, posing a risk of collision. Buyers should be aware of potential high repair costs and the ongoing availability issues for replacement parts.
POWER TRAIN (13 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
13 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Honda Accord frequently report issues related to the power train, with several describing sudden loss of power or acceleration problems, particularly at highway speeds. Complaints often mention warning lights activating, rough engine performance, and transmission stalls, with some reports involving the vehicle unexpectedly shifting from drive to neutral. A notable incident involves unintended acceleration leading to a crash, resulting in severe injuries and one fatality. These issues are reported across various mileages, including vehicles with fewer than 10,000 miles and those with up to 93,000 miles. Safety implications include loss of control and potential for crashes, making these reports critical for potential buyers to consider.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (6 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
6 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Honda Accord report multiple issues related to vehicle speed control, with common complaints involving unintended acceleration and cruise control malfunctions. Symptoms frequently described include the vehicle accelerating unexpectedly when tapping the brakes or driving over bumpy roads, and the cruise control failing to maintain speed. One owner experienced two separate incidents of unintended acceleration leading to crashes while parking, even with the brake applied. Another issue involves the collision mitigation system causing sudden braking, which poses a risk of rear-end collisions. These problems are reported across a range of mileages, with some occurring as early as 10,600 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of crashes and near-miss situations due to these malfunctions.
When Do 2020 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.
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.
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(selected) | 73/100 | +3 | Good | 8 | 344 |
| 2019 | 70/100 | +7 | Good | 5 | 574 |
| 2018 | 63/100 | — | Good | 8 | 1739 |
2020 Honda Accord Reliability by Powertrain
The 2020 Honda Accord is available with 2 powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.
| Powertrain | Complaints | Recalls | Incidents* | Crash Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | 306 | 4 | 15 | 5 out of 5 |
| HEV | 38 | 4 | 3 | 5 out of 5 |
| Total | 344 | 8 | 18 |
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 2020 Honda Accord reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Honda Accord?
How many recalls does the 2020 Honda Accord have?
Is the 2020 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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