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Engine & cooling

2021 Honda Accord Engine problems

Owners have filed 42 complaints about the 2021 Honda Accord's engine & cooling with NHTSA - 17% of all its complaints, most recently on October 28, 2026. They describe 3 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.

Complaints
42
Recalls
0
Crashes
3
Fires
0
Injuries
2
Deaths
0

Engine complaints

Engine & coolingFuel systemDriver assistance

I am submitting this complaint regarding an ongoing safety concern with my 2021 Honda Accord. Multiple lights indicate engine system problems which includes, check engine light, car jerks at acceleration, seat sensor recall. I took my vehicle to multiple shops including the Honda Dealership. However, they were unsuccessful to identify the cause. Multiple problems such as Turbo, belt, fuel system problem constantly comes up. I have attempted to take my vehicle for the recall, which was scheduled, however after...

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waiting 4hrs, the dealership stated they did not have the parts. I am concerned about the potential risk to myself, my daughter and my passengers and believe these issues warrant further investigation to help prevent possible accident or injury.

Filed Incident Engine · Fuel / propulsion system · Lane departureNHTSA 11774309
Electrical systemAcceleration & cruise controlEngine & cooling

Electrical problems that causes damages to the engine and problems with acceleration.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Vehicle speed control · EngineNHTSA 11771823
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

I bought my Accord in February of 2026 with only 79k miles (now at 93k). 3 days after purchasing all of these warning lights popped up regarding emissions, brake system, power steering, etc. I brought it back in and they said that it needed a new fuel injector on cylinder one (which didn't fix the issue). I have replaced all 4 spark plugs and kept up with maintenance since it has been in my ownership. Now I'm having issues with the car going in limp mode, decreased acceleration, decreased mpg, and constant misfire...

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codes! I do not feel safe in this car anymore since it has almost left me stranded as well as it disabling the safety features which could put me at risk. Honda desperately needs to fix this issue seeing as it's putting their customers at risk, along with others on the road. NHTSA please do something!

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11770383
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

Active Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor "A" Circuit Range/Performance 0x00

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11767316
Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while her son was driving 55 MPH, the vehicle shut off with several warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact's son pulled off to the shoulder of the highway and had the vehicle towed to a dealer. While at the dealer, the mechanic discovered coolant leaking into cylinder #2, causing an engine misfire. The dealer replaced the head gasket. After the repair, the failure returned immediately upon driving the vehicle home from the...

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dealer. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the failure persisted upon return of the vehicle. While checking the repair order, the contact discovered that the service report was blank. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure or determine the cause of the issue. The contact was not notified of the issue after retrieving the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided a case number. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was 43,881.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11766324
Electrical systemBrakesEngine & cooling

All of my services lights are on in th dashboard.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Service brakes · EngineNHTSA 11760127
Electrical systemBrakesEngine & cooling

SUBJECT: A REQUEST FOR HONDA CORPORATE INVESTIGATION AND GOODWILL ASSISTANCE - 2021 HONDA ACCORD I am submitting a formal complaint regarding serious and recurring electrical and safety-related problems with my 2021 Honda Accord. 1. Numerous dashboard warning lights and safety-system warnings illuminate simultaneously. 2. The vehicle repeatedly displays messages instructing me to "See Dealer." 3. The power door locks repeatedly click and cycle as though they are attempting to lock or unlock on their own. 4. The...

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stereo, on its own, scrolls through buttons and bluetooth blinking through all the stereo options on its own. 5.An OBD diagnostic code reader is unable to properly communicate with the vehicle and reports "Unable to Connect/Vehicle Not Found." 6. Sudden brake activated without any object being in front of the vehicle. 7. Factory Rims Extensive finish failure The simultaneous occurrence of these problems strongly suggest that this may involve an electrical, communication-network, body control module, wiring, power-supply, or other vehicle system defect rather than ordinary wear and tear. I am particularly concerned because the dashboard warnings involve vehicle systems that may affect braking, steering, stability control, driver-assistance features, and other safety functions. When numerous safety warnings illuminate at the same time, I have no reliable way of knowing which vehicle systems are actually functioning correctly. The repeated activation of the door-lock system is also concerning. The locks should not continuously activate on their own during normal vehicle operation. Combined with the diagnostic communication failure and multiple warning messages, this raises concern regarding a larger electrical or vehicle-network malfunction. Although the vehicle is currently outside the factory warranty period, this type of widespread electrical and safety malfunction should not reasonably occur in a 2021 vehicle as the result of normal use.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Service brakes · EngineNHTSA 11759493
Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the message "Emission System Problem" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the turbocharger had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the failure was a common issue. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,579.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11758597
Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine & cooling

My car currently has displayed all lights on panel. Went to auto zone to have codes read, shows powertrain-description is code PO299 suggests turbocharger assembly. Safety is put at risk because all of the safety features are now disabled.

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11757836
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

Emission system

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11757216
Engine & cooling

40,000 miles and 5 years after original in service date - failure of 2021 ACCORD 1.5T headgasket system between cylinder s #1-2. Required full head disassembly, removal, rebuild of head, and replacement of head gasket and associated components. $6000 quote from Honda Corporate as I was 55 DAYS outside of warranty. Absolutely ridiculous for a 5 year old car with low miles.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11757180
Engine & cooling

I own a 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid. Shortly after purchasing the vehicle as a used vehicle in 2023, I began experiencing intermittent air conditioning performance. The A/C would gradually lose cooling capacity over time until it was no longer able to cool the cabin effectively. To temporarily restore operation, I added refrigerant approximately twice per year, believing the system had developed a minor leak. As the condition worsened, I brought the vehicle to an authorized Honda dealership for diagnosis. The dealer...

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diagnosed the vehicle with a leaking A/C condenser and a leaking heat exchanger pipe and recommended replacement of both components. Honda declined goodwill assistance because the vehicle is outside the original warranty period. I later learned that Honda previously issued an extended warranty for A/C condenser failures on 2018-2020 Accord models due to a known condenser defect. My vehicle exhibits the same symptoms of gradual refrigerant loss and declining cooling performance, despite being a 2021 model year. In researching this issue, I found multiple reports from other 2021 Accord and 2021 Accord Hybrid owners describing similar A/C condenser failures and refrigerant leaks. I am submitting this complaint because I believe there may be a broader pattern affecting 2021 Accord vehicles that warrants review. I am requesting that NHTSA document this complaint and evaluate whether similar failures are occurring in 2021 Honda Accord and Accord Hybrid vehicles.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11752456
Engine & cooling

First of all started with small coolant missing, later on I started noticing power loss and finally white smoke out the exhaust. Blown Head Gasket. Honda need to own up on defect engine design the ford did awhile back. Those slits between the cylinder was a big mistake. I myself is doing the repair. 2021 Honda Accord Sport 2.0 with mods and tuned

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11749905
Engine & coolingFuel system

I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2021 Honda Accord because of a serious safety issue involving the turbocharger and fuel injector system. While driving on the highway, my vehicle experienced a failure related to the turbocharger and fuel injector system, which caused multiple warning sensors to activate and resulted in the vehicle suddenly losing power and becoming unable to continue driving. This unexpected failure forced my car to stop in the middle of the highway, placing me and other motorists at...

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significant risk of a serious accident or fatality. A vehicle should not suddenly become inoperable while traveling at highway speeds due to a mechanical defect. This creates an extremely dangerous situation, especially in heavy traffic where other drivers may not have sufficient time to react. After researching this issue, I discovered that numerous other owners of 2021 Honda Accords have reported similar failures involving the fuel injectors and turbocharger. Given the number of reported incidents and the serious safety risks associated with these failures, I believe this represents a potential defect that warrants investigation. I respectfully request that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigate this issue and require Honda to issue a safety recall if appropriate. No driver should have to experience a sudden loss of power that leaves them stranded in moving traffic due to an apparent vehicle defect.

Filed Incident Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11749412
Engine & cooling

The vehicle suffered an unexpected loss of engine compression and dropped into a dangerous Limp Mode while driving due to a Cylinder 3 Misfire code (P0303). The manufacturer dealership misdiagnosed the mechanical issue using an unrelated 2.0L engine service bulletin (SB23-026) to clear the error. Six months later, the dashboard completely illuminated again with code P0299 (Turbocharger Underboost) caused by progressive pressure and compression loss across the 1.5L turbo engineering components. Upon post-visit...

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inspection, engine fluids were found severely depleted. This ongoing engineering failure causes a sudden loss of vehicle motive power on public highways, creating a severe, recurring safety hazard that mirrors the active federal engine defect class-action litigation against American Honda Motor Co. This has happened 4 times with all the lights on my dash coming on Dec 2025, May 2026, June 2026 (2x)

Filed Incident Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11745437
Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle decelerated and was hesitating while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the spark plugs were replaced. The contact stated that months later, the vehicle experienced the same issue and was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a blown head gasket. Two months later, the spark plugs were replaced again. Another two months later, additional components were repaired. The...

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vehicle had been at the dealer for several months and the technicians were unable to determine the cause of the failure. The low engine oil warning light was illuminated, even though the engine oil level was not low. The dealer was unaware of the cause of the failure and stated that the engine needed to be dissembled for further inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 133,000.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11745014
Engine & cooling

I am filing a complaint regarding the premature head gasket failure on my 2021 Honda Accord, which failed on May 28, 2026, with only 89,000 miles on the vehicle. A head gasket is a critical engine component that should last well beyond 89,000 miles under normal driving conditions and proper maintenance. I purchased this vehicle because of Honda's reputation for reliability and longevity, and I am extremely disappointed to experience such a major engine failure at this mileage. After researching the issue, I found...

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numerous reports from other Honda Accord owners experiencing similar head gasket failures, particularly in newer models equipped with the 1.5L turbocharged engine. Many owners report engine misfires, coolant loss, overheating, and costly repairs at relatively low mileage. This suggests there may be a broader issue affecting these vehicles rather than normal wear and tear. My vehicle has been properly maintained, and I did not expect to face a repair of this magnitude before reaching 100,000 miles. The cost of replacing a failed head gasket is substantial and places an unfair financial burden on owners who reasonably expect Honda vehicles to provide dependable service. I respectfully request that Honda review this matter, investigate the growing number of similar complaints, and provide assistance with repair costs. I believe Honda should stand behind its products and support customers who experience premature component failures. Thank you for your attention to this complaint. I look forward to a prompt response and a fair resolution.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11741975
Engine & cooling

2021 Honda Accord EX-L, 1.5T turbocharged engine. Within 8 months of purchase at approximately 21,900 miles, I experienced three separate incidents of sudden complete engine power loss at highway speeds. During each incident the vehicle would not exceed 2,000 RPM and multiple warning lights illuminated simultaneously including check engine, TPMS, brake system warning, and Honda Sensing alerts. The vehicle was inspected by two independent Honda dealerships on multiple occasions including cylinder drop tests,...

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leakdown tests, and full fluid checks. The vehicle passed every test at both locations with fluids confirmed properly maintained. Despite passing all professional inspections the power loss incidents continued to recur. The third incident occurred in a residential driveway with a passenger present and was captured on video. A Honda dealership subsequently diagnosed a head gasket coolant leak with an estimated repair cost of approximately $8,000. Research revealed numerous other 2021 Honda Accord 1.5T owners reporting identical symptoms regardless of maintenance history. This appears to be a known design defect in the 1.5T cylinder head where a narrow coolant passage represents a structural weak point that fails regardless of maintenance. Owners have been reporting this to NHTSA since 2024 requesting a recall. This defect created dangerous conditions at highway speeds with passengers present on multiple occasions. The vehicle is currently available for inspection at a Honda dealership. I am requesting NHTSA investigate and initiate a formal recall of all affected vehicles. i have everthing documeneted from the 4 dealship visit ive done since the start of the issue.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11735578
Electrical systemEngine & coolingDriver assistance

The lights and warnings below popped up on my dash after the engine light had come on and then off again for about a week. See below, -Emission system problem Avoid heavy acceleration and high speed. See dealer -tpms light -brake system problem -brake hold system problem -electric power steering system problem -vehicle stability assist system problem -hill start assist problem -adaptive cruise control system problem -collision mitigation braking system problem -road departure mitigation system problem Went to...

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get diagnosed at the dealership and was told that the turbo on my engine had failed. Mechanic said it had nothing to do with me and that it failed on its own. I saw that it was a reoccurring problem with other Honda owners with the same year, make, and model as mine but are being given the run around and no solution.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Engine · Forward collision avoidanceNHTSA 11731289
Engine & cooling

Head gasket issue please fix this problem for the customers

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11729907
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

Driving on the highway, my dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree. Car started having white smoke at tail pipe. Check engine lit blink 5 times. Had 4 kids under 14 years old in car. Almost got hit trying to merge over. Turns out misfire cylinder 4. Head gasket. Only 81,000 miles. I have owed 5 months. Car currently at Honda, they want almost 4,400 to repair. But apparently, Honda is aware of these HEAD gaskets going prematurely, in 1.5 l. and has done nothing about it. I do not have the money to repair this car on top of how dangerous it was to be driving on the highway.When this happened.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11726618
Engine & coolingFuel system

I am writing to file a complaint on the service that was provided at Vann York Honda. On February 17, 2026, I was returning home from work and my car had a hard idle at start up. I was able to drive it home without issue. The next day, February 18, I got in my car and I had another hard idle start with many check engine codes appearing on the dashboard. I drove it to Vann York Honda in High Point, North Carolina for service. I was told it was a faulty fuel injector causing the problem and that it needed to be...

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replaced. I left the car there over night and paid for the service; approximately 3,000. I got the car back on February 19. On February 20, I again had a rough idle on start up. I brought the car back to Vann York Honda and advised them that I was experiencing the same issue as before. The mechanic brought it to the back and advised me that he could not find anything wrong with the vehicle and that it is running fine. I expressed my concerns with the vehicle and he stated that without a error code or check engine light being on, it would be difficult to diagnose. The technician and the advisor said to keep driving it until a light comes on saying there is a problem since they could not find an issue. in the following 2 weeks, I had regular rough idles on start up and the fuel efficiency dropped approximately 6 miles per gallon. When I filled the car with gas, the fuel range dropped from 540 to 370. When I called about that issue, they said they reset the computer when performing the previous service on the vehicle and it is taking time for the computer to "learn" the car again. On March 6, I brought the vehicle back to Vann York Honda due to many check engine codes appearing on the dashboard. On the way to Vann York, the service advisor called me and stated that she would be reaching out to Honda Corporate to see about Honda paying for some of the cost of this service. My wife and I drove into the service bay and I spoke with the service adviso

Filed Incident Unknown or other · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11723808
Engine & cooling

I am reporting a serious safety concern involving my 2021 Honda Accord Sport SE. The issue began at approximately 78,000 miles when multiple warning lights suddenly appeared on the dashboard while driving. At the same time, the vehicle began shaking and had difficulty accelerating. The engine felt unstable and the car struggled to gain speed. I immediately took the vehicle to a mechanic where it was diagnosed with an engine misfire on cylinder 3. The spark plug and ignition coil were replaced. After this repair...

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the vehicle appeared to run normally for a short time, but the exact same symptoms returned shortly afterward. The vehicle again began shaking while driving and experienced loss of power and poor acceleration. This creates a serious safety concern, especially when merging onto highways or driving in traffic where sudden loss of power could lead to an accident. After researching this issue, I discovered numerous complaints from other owners of 2021 Honda Accords describing the same symptoms that ultimately resulted in blown head gasket failures. These complaints appear in the NHTSA database and other consumer forums. The pattern of engine misfires, shaking, and loss of acceleration appears to be consistent across many vehicles with similar mileage. Despite the number of similar complaints, there are currently no recalls associated with my VIN. I believe this may indicate a broader manufacturing defect affecting these vehicles. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue further to determine whether a safety defect exists that could require a recall or other corrective action.

Filed Incident Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11723127
Engine & cooling

All the lights came on in my car and it wouldn't accelerate. Brought to dealership and they stated it was a blown head gasket and it was a known problem with the 1.5 turbo cars. There are also 2 others problems that are known problems with these cars and Honda isn't doing anything about it.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11719498
Engine & coolingFuel system

Hello, I have a 2021 Honda Accord Sport 2.0T Engine. The engine has a 2.0 liter turbo. I have had to replace two fuel pumps, which were covered my extended warranty. Another issue that I had to repair, and one that has not fully been resolved is the head gasket. I have been losing coolant at an alarming rate. Every two weeks I have to fill up coolant. I had the head gasket repaired at a Honda Dealership, and this is currently being diagnosed by another Honda Dealership, as I do not want to deal with the Honda...

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Dealership in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Currently, a Honda Dealership in Iowa City, Iowa is handling the issue, but the head gasket along with the cylinder head were originally repaired in October 2025. Since December 2025, I have been losing coolant on a regular basis. I still have 5,000 miles left on my extended warranty, but there have been many owners who have had their head gasket replaced, or are needing replacement, and Honda refuses to acknowledge that there is a manufacturing defect with the engine. The 2.0 liter turbo engine has a major design flaw with it's cooling passages, and Honda has yet to come up with a resolution. Having an engine overheat is a major safety concern! The current dealership is driving my vehicle on a regular basis, in fact the service advisor is driving it to work and back home (35 miles each way) to replicate the problem. At this point, a recall should be issued by Honda, as there is currently a class action lawsuit that has occurred in the state of California.

Filed Incident Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11717122

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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