2013 Honda Accord: CVT failure

Filed Oct 9, 2026 · Transmission · CT

While driving, the front drive shaft (axle) suddenly snapped completely in half without warning. This caused an immediate loss of power to the wheels, creating a hazardous driving situation and leaving the vehicle stranded. Upon inspection, the drive shaft broke directly beneath the rubber dynamic damper (vibration damper). The area under the rubber ring shows heavy rust and corrosion. Furthermore, the unbroken drive shaft on the opposite side of the vehicle shows a heavily dry-rotted rubber dynamic damper ring, raising immediate concerns that it will fail next. This failure matches the physical description of the defect found in the federal safety agency Recall Number 20V‑769 (Manufacturer Recall Code OM2, corresponding to Honda Service Bulletin 20-125). Under that safety campaign, Honda states that moisture and road salt seep under the dynamic damper, causing hidden corrosion that ultimately breaks the axle. However, Honda has restricted the scope of Recall 20V‑769 exclusively to vehicles equipped with Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT). Because my vehicle has a 6-speed manual transmission, my VIN is excluded from coverage. Despite having a different transmission, my vehicle was built with factory axles that suffered the exact same corrosion failure in the exact same location. The exclusion of manual transmission vehicles from this recall leaves drivers exposed to a known safety hazard. I request that the federal safety agency review this failure on manual transmission models to determine if the recall population needs to be expanded.

Filed Nov 17, 2021 · Transmission · IA

I believe that my vehicle, a 2013 Honda Accord Sport CVT, should be included in this recent safety recall in regards to CV Axles that are at risk of excess rust/corrosion which left untreated could lead to a crash or injury. Safety recall in question (Service bulletin 20-125) - Honda of America refuses to look at my case because my VIN is not a part of the original recall. My local Honda dealership did let me know that this recall was issued only for vehicles sold in the Midwest because they are more susceptible to rust and corrosion. I originally purchased the vehicle in Florida (I'm the original owner) in October of 2012. I moved to Iowa in 2015 and am now experiencing the same problems as the safety recall in question. I've had my vehicle inspected by my local Honda dealership in Des Moines IA and they have confirmed that I'm showing the same symptoms as the recall that require a complete CV axle replacement. Because my VIN number was not included in this recall, they are unable to perform any repairs. I've called Honda of America and because of my VIN, they also refuse to even look at my case even though I now live in an area that uses a high volume of salt on the roads during the wintertime. I believe that I am not the only one and others could be at risk if they also moved to an area with a high volume of salt on the roads. I’m concerned about driving my vehicle anywhere because I know that my CV axles are at risk of breaking under load.

Filed Sep 22, 2021 · Transmission · FL

TSB 13-053 has not been honored, no notice was sent recently made aware due to CVT juddering/shaking issues. Needs Throttle Body Replaced and updated software for optimum performance. Noticble mostly start stop or under 15mph.

Filed Apr 9, 2021 · Transmission · 180,000 miles · UT

Honda accord sport 2013 i4 CVT. Cv axles are corroded due to failing paint finish. This corrosion gets inside the rubber resonator(donut looking piece), affecting the integrity of the axle. Honda has recalled these axles in other states, but not in utah. I am the original owner of the car and have been denied by honda on replacing axles per the recall.

Filed Aug 23, 2019 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · NY

Takata recall my complaint is about ABS pump anti-lock brake part modulator assembly sedan CVT fits 13 accord 503036 the lights are on in the dashboard and in the dealer told me to replace that part.

Filed Sep 6, 2017 · Acceleration, Transmission · 36,000 miles · CA

Car in the morning hesitates just pulling out of its parking space. Put the car in reverse and it won't move. Put it in drive and same issue. It seems as if it's trying to warm up maybe? When it does start moving, it runs at 5-10 MPH at 3k rpms. I let it roll slowly and after a few minutes it starts to drive normal. Going uphill, I experience a similar issue where the car is running at very high rpms at low speeds. I get the effect in eco and in s mode. It doesn't seem to matter. Car is a 2013 has about 42k miles and started to experience this issue about 4-5k miles ago. I just assumed it was because the car wasn't warm enough or because its a 4 cylinder. Looking further into this noted that this seems to be a common issue with honda's CVT.

Filed Jun 12, 2016 · Electrical · 68,000 miles · GA

My 2013 accord sport has been intermittently starting for months when stationary. I changed the battery to a stronger cranking one and it did not fix it although now it will start eventually after several tries. I have tested the alternator and it passed. Next is the starter but honda changed its location and placed it under the motor. I submitted links from a honda forum to this website documenting many others having the same issue whether they drive lx, ex, or sport. Cvt manual it doesn't seem to matter. I have not replaced the starter and think it should be recalled if that's the issue. There are youtube videos also popping up with 2013 accords not starting.

Filed Nov 13, 2015 · Transmission · 45,000 miles · TX

After my 2013 honda accord with CVT transmission sits for awhile (1- 2 days) without being moved, the transmission will not engage. It doesn't matter if it is in reverse or neutral. When I press on the gas pedal, the engine revs but the car doesn't do anything. After about 30 seconds, the car will move, but very slowly although the rpms are high. The car is fine after about a minute. My car now has 45,000 miles but it has had the problem since 30,000 miles. I have taken it to the dealership twice, but the service manager said "it is at factory specifications and they can't get it to duplicate the problem." I also called the honda hotline, but they could or would not help. They told me I would just have to work with the dealership. My town only has one dealership; so, I guess I'm out of luck. Don't buy a honda with the CVT transmission.

Filed Oct 15, 2015 · Engine · 37,447 miles · CA

I purchased a new 2013 honda accord sport (CVT) in 2013. As of october 6, 2015, the car is about 2 years old and has approximately 37,447 miles. The vehicle started having intermittent starting problems. The engine does not crank and all I hear are clicks. It takes 3-5 ignition attempts for the vehicle to start. Sometimes it will start on the first try. Furthermore, sometimes I leave it alone for about a second or two with the key out and then it will start. Once it starts, everything seems to be fine. I brought the vehicle to the dealership to have them test the battery and the result was a good battery. The dealership could not duplicate the intermittent starting issue and will not give a goodwill warranty to diagnose and repair this startup problem. They said I woud have to pay if not covered under warranty. This is a new car and this should not happen.

Filed Jan 21, 2015 · Transmission · 60,000 miles · VA

For over a week my 2013 honda sport had difficulty starting. I was thinking this was due to the cold weather and in speaking with my cousin who has same vehicle he said his did the same and it was the new technology with the CVT. So I felt ok until wednesday january 14th I went to leave work and my car would not turn over. I had 2 people try and jump me nothing. I had to have my car towed to brown's honda in charlottesville, va. The next day I got a call saying that my starter had gone and I would have to pay $879 to replace it. The part alone was $430 give or take. I did not have that kinda of money for I had to have my car towed to a local dealership in my town and the guy found used part of a 2013 honda that had been in an accident. Took him all of an hour to put it on. Charged $50 for labor and part was have the price. He showed me that part that he returned to me and said it was defected. He even wrote a letter to honda on my behalf as well. This is just ridiculous my car has yet to even see it's 3rd birthday! Also my backup camera tends to go out as well. Like when a tv messes up and gets static.

Filed Sep 21, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 1,000 miles · FL

Upon acceleration from a stop or a speed under 15 MPH, the car occasionally hesitates for 2-4 seconds. Nearly have gotten t-boned several times when making a left turn well in front of approaching traffic. Have been to dealer three times. They installed a hardware/software to the CVT to no avail, but have been unable to duplicate, as it typically happens about once a week. This is definitely a safety issue.

Filed Aug 29, 2014 · Transmission · 1,000 miles · WA

When the car is cold, occasionally the 2013 accord CVT has a lot of difficulty moving in drive or reverse. When the vehicle is acting up, I have to push the throttle over half way down to back the car out of the driveway. Depending on how cold and how long the car has been sitting, this may continue as I drive down the road. I can push the throttle half way or almost all the way down and the vehicle barely moves. Sometimes if I rock it between drive and reverse it will operate normally. The problem resolves after a few minutes, but the car is very unpredictable to drive as it requires so much throttle to move at a slow speed.