Last updated: 2026-03-04

73
GoodReliability score: 73 out of 100, rated Good
2020 Honda Accord

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 avg

Est. Annual Cost

$400

Below avg

Major Repair Risk

9%

NHTSA Rating

5/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
58/100 (Mixed)

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%
79/100 (Good)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Consider

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

Top Issues

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (58)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (52)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (37)

8 recalls on record

Generation & Refresh (US)

Refresh Year

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)

2018redesign
2019
2020selected
2021
2022

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

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)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

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 sold

Segment avg: 16.6

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

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.

24V0640002024-02-01

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.

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.

20V7980002020-12-17

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

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 (None)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 (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (None)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 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.

58
52
37
37
66
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)Other (66)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

58 complaints

Owners 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.

58 complaints total1 injury

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

52 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

52 complaints total2 crashes1 fire4 injuries

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

37 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

37 complaints total2 crashes1 fire1 injury
SERVICE BRAKES (37 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

37 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

37 complaints total2 crashes1 injury
ENGINE (30 complaints)

ENGINE

30 complaints

Owners 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.

30 complaints total
AIR BAGS (26 complaints)

AIR BAGS

26 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

26 complaints total2 crashes1 injury
STEERING (22 complaints)

STEERING

22 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

22 complaints total2 crashes
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (16 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

16 complaints

Owners 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.

16 complaints total
POWER TRAIN (13 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

13 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

13 complaints total1 crash1 injury
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (6 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

6 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

6 complaints total1 crash

When Do 2020 Honda Accord Problems Start?

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

40,000–100,000 milesEngine failures
9,000–52,000 milesSteering issues
43,000–50,000 milesFuel system problems

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.

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
2020(selected)73/100+3Good8344
201970/100+7Good5574
201863/100Good81739

2020 Honda Accord Reliability by Powertrain

The 2020 Honda Accord is available with 2 powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.

Reliability comparison across powertrain options
PowertrainComplaintsRecallsIncidents*Crash Rating
Gas3064155 out of 5
HEV38435 out of 5
Total344818

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?
The 2020 Honda Accord has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 73/100. It is reasonably reliable with 8 recalls and 344 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Honda Accord?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2020 Honda Accord include: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (58 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (52 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (37 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (37 complaints), ENGINE (30 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2020 Honda Accord have?
The 2020 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 2020 Honda Accord expensive to maintain?
The 2020 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 73/100, 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