Last updated: 2026-03-04

Honda Accord

1 Honda Accord Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Honda Accord average of 74/100

The Honda Accord years to avoid are 2018 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2018 with a reliability score of 63/100. The best Honda Accord year to buy is 2025 84/100.

Verdict

The 2018 Honda Accord scores significantly below the model average of 74/100. The weakest year is 2018 with a score of 63/100 due to engine (248) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2021 78/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Honda Accord Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Honda Accord average of 74/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201863/100Good81739Engine (248)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

63
GoodReliability score: 63 out of 100, rated Good

2018 Honda Accord

The 2018 Honda Accord has good reliability. There are 8 recalls and 1739 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Honda Accord. Severity signals include 36 crash-related complaints and 5 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (248), Electrical System (237), Unknown Or Other (176).

8 recalls1739 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Engine (248), Electrical System (237), Unknown Or Other (176), Forward Collision Avoidance (170), Fuel System, Gasoline (161), Service Brakes (136)

View full 2018 reliability report →

What Are Common Honda Accord Problems?

Top reported issues across all Honda Accord model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

531 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

408 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ENGINE

400 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

348 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

SERVICE BRAKES

314 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

FUEL SYSTEM

253 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2024

Best Honda Accord Year to Buy Instead

78
GoodReliability score: 78 out of 100, rated Good

2021 Honda Accord

The 2021 Honda Accord has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 215 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Honda Accord. Severity signals include 15 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Forward Collision Avoidance (39), Electrical System (37), Unknown Or Other (30).

Score: 78/100 (Good)5 recalls215 complaints
View full 2021 reliability report →

All Honda Accord Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Honda Accord Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Honda Accord years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Honda Accord years: 2018 (score: 63/100). These model years score significantly below the Honda Accord average of 74/100.
What is the best year for the Honda Accord?
The best year for the Honda Accord is 2025, with a reliability score of 84/100 ("Excellent"). It has 1 recalls and 65 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Honda Accord have?
Across all years in our database, the Honda Accord has a total of 46 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Honda Accord worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2025 model year, which scores 84/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 74/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Honda Accord problems?
The most common Honda Accord problems are electrical system (531 complaints), forward collision avoidance (408 complaints), engine (400 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Honda Accord reliable long-term?
The Honda Accord has an average reliability score of 74/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Honda Accord generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Honda Accord generation is the Eleventh generation (2023) with an average score of 74/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Honda Accord?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Honda Accord is $400 based on independent repair cost databases. This is below the category average, making it relatively affordable to maintain.
Is the 2025 Honda Accord a good used buy?
Yes, the 2025 Honda Accord is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 84/100 ("Excellent"). It has 1 recalls and 65 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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.

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