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2018 Honda Accord: false forward collision warnings

165 of the 1,900 complaints about the 2018 Honda Accord describe false forward collision warnings.

owner complaints
165
of this car's complaints
9%
typical repair cost reported
$1,700
typical mileage
12,000
recalls
1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 7 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

False forward collision warnings by model year

What owners say

Filed Sep 11, 2026 · Driver assistance · VA

Since I purchased this car in 2022, the collision mitigation braking system has randomly engaged for no reason. This has happened multiple times over the years, day and night, when no other vehicle, road obstructions, or other factors warrant the system triggering.

Filed Aug 23, 2026 · Driver assistance, Engine · GA · crash

Issue 1: Faulty Collision Mitigation Braking System & Subsequent Crash Incident Details: In July of 2025, my vehicle’s automatic braking warning lights randomly activated and triggered an unprompted, emergency stop on [XXX]—despite having no vehicles ahead of me. This sudden malfunction directly caused a rear-end collision on the interstate. Documentation: A formal crash report was filed with the Georgia State Patrol. Ongoing Risk: The false automatic braking warnings continue to trigger randomly, creating an extreme safety hazard for myself and surrounding traffic. Issue 2: Premature Turbocharger Failure & Cracked Head Gasket Diagnostic Timeline: Immediately upon picking up the car from a body shop repair, every warning light on the dashboard illuminated erratically. After Ed Voyles Honda in Marietta claimed nothing was wrong, the body shop replaced a potentially loose battery cable. The issue persisted, and Shottenkirk Honda in Cartersville ultimately diagnosed a total turbocharger failure in March 2026. Out-of-Pocket Cost: Honda denied any goodwill coverage despite the widespread, documented failure of these 1.5L engines across 2018–2023 models. I paid $1,700 out of pocket to replace the turbocharger. Escalating Failures: Shortly after the turbo replacement, the head gasket cover cracked—another notorious, widely recognized defect inherent to this specific engine setup. At only seven years old, this vehicle has proven to be unreliable, dangerous, and financially burdensome. The known defects in the 1.5L powertrain warrant a widespread recall. Given my long-standing loyalty and the severe nature of these defects, I request a full reimbursement of the $1,700 turbocharger repair costs and an immediate investigation into the phantom braking issue. I expect a prompt reply outlining how Honda intends to resolve these safety issues. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 21, 2026 · Driver assistance · NC

These 9 things are on my dashboard- I’ve called Honda corporate to see if they could do something about this because I’m not the only one with this problem. My car is now barely drivable and the dash have not went away Emission system Road departure mitigation system Brake system problem Collision mitigation braking system Hill start assist problem Adaptive cruise control system Vehicle stability assist system problem Electric power steering system

Filed Aug 17, 2026 · Electrical · 127,000 miles · KY

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact stated that after stopping the vehicle, the check engine, stabili-trak, steering, and the Forward Collision Avoidance warning lights were illuminated, with unknown messages displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and a system reset was performed, and the contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the battery was recently replaced. The contact retrieved the vehicle, and hours later the failure reoccurred. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 127,000.

Filed Aug 16, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · CA

While driving, the vehicle suddenly jerks or “jumps,” followed immediately by a noticeable loss of power. Shortly after this occurs, the multi-information display shows a series of warnings that include: Collision Mitigation Braking System Problem – See Your Dealer Adaptive Cruise Control System Problem – See Your Dealer Road Departure Mitigation System Problem – See Your Dealer Auto High-Beam Problem – Manual Controls Available – See Your Dealer Brake System warning light A “Systems Initializing… Continue Driving” message also appears. I have photographic documentation of these dashboard messages. This sequence creates a significant safety concern. The sudden jerk and power loss can occur while the vehicle is in motion, and the subsequent disabling of the Honda Sensing systems (Collision Mitigation Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Road Departure Mitigation) leaves the vehicle without those critical driver-assistance features. Because this involves sudden power loss and the disabling of safety systems, I consider the issue urgent and ask that it be prioritized.

Filed Jul 21, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · GA

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I own a 2018 Honda Accord with approximately 132,000 miles. Shortly after my vehicle was serviced for the fuel pump recall, multiple warning lights and system failure messages appeared simultaneously. The affected systems include Road Departure Mitigation, Emission System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Auto High Beam, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Electric Power Steering, Vehicle Stability Assist, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Hill Start Assist, and the Air Bag System. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The failure of multiple safety and driver-assistance systems has created a significant safety risk. My vehicle is currently operating in limp mode, resulting in reduced performance and making it difficult to drive safely in traffic. The loss or malfunction of systems such as collision mitigation braking, power steering, vehicle stability assist, adaptive cruise control, and air bag monitoring increases the risk of an accident and could jeopardize the safety of both vehicle occupants and other motorists. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. I took the vehicle to a Honda dealership for diagnostic testing after the warning lights appeared. The dealer confirmed that multiple systems were reporting faults. I was advised that numerous components would need to be replaced at a substantial cost. Prior to the fuel pump recall service, I had not experienced any of these issues and the vehicle operated normally. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle has been inspected by a Honda dealership for diagnostic purposes. To my knowledge, it has not been inspected by Honda corporate, law enforcement, or insurance representatives. Were there any warning lamps, mes

Filed May 23, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · CA · 1 injury

Vehicle: 2018 Honda Accord On [XXX], at approximately [XXX] PM, I was driving on [XXX] [XXX] at approximately 35 mph. The weather was clear and the road was dry. A vehicle ahead of me began turning into [XXX] N. My vehicle’s Collision Mitigation Braking System / automatic emergency braking system activated suddenly. The system made an audible warning sound, displayed a warning icon, and applied braking even though I did not believe there was a crash-imminent situation. There were vehicles behind me at the time, so the unexpected braking created a potential rear-end collision risk. The braking event also caused back pain, and I later experienced some stomach discomfort. I am concerned this was a false activation of the automatic emergency braking / Collision Mitigation Braking System. I am also concerned because the system reactivates after the vehicle is restarted, meaning I cannot reliably prevent another unexpected braking event from occurring. I am requesting that this be documented as a vehicle safety concern involving possible false activation of the automatic emergency braking system. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 6, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · MA

While driving at highway speeds, the vehicle experienced a sudden jerking and a catastrophic loss of motive power (Limp Mode). Simultaneously, multiple safety systems failed, including the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Adaptive Cruise Control, and Road Departure Mitigation. The vehicle became a road hazard in active traffic. A certified Honda dealership technician inspected the vehicle and confirmed a premature head gasket failure with coolant intrusion into cylinders 2 and 3. The engine is non-drivable and the vehicle is at 84,000 miles. Despite the documented nature of this design defect and its current litigation, American Honda Motor Co. has denied any assistance. The vehicle also has an open safety recall (24-009) for a fuel pump failure which presents identical safety symptoms.

Filed Apr 17, 2026 · Fuel system · LA

Subject: Formal Complaint – Unresolved Safety Issues Following Recall Service (2018 Honda Accord) I am submitting a formal complaint regarding ongoing and unresolved safety issues with my 2018 Honda Accord, which began during the time frame of a fuel pump recall and have not been properly resolved despite multiple attempts with Honda service departments. Approximately two years ago, my vehicle was subject to a fuel pump recall. During the extended wait period for the replacement part, my vehicle began displaying multiple warning messages and experiencing performance issues. These issues included reduced acceleration and erratic driving behavior. Once the recall repair was completed, I was informed that an additional repair—a battery sensor replacement—was necessary, which cost approximately $800 out of pocket. Despite completing both the recall repair and the recommended sensor replacement, my vehicle has not operated properly since that time. Currently, the vehicle intermittently displays multiple system warnings, including but not limited to: - Emission system problem - Brake system and brake hold system problems - Electric power steering problem (reduced steering assist) - Vehicle stability and traction control warnings - Adaptive cruise control system problem - Collision mitigation braking system problem - Road departure mitigation system problem In addition, the vehicle frequently enters a reduced power or “limp mode,” making it difficult to accelerate safely, particularly at lower speeds. Restarting the vehicle temporarily resolves the issue, but the warnings and performance problems return shortly after. I have brought this vehicle to Honda service departments on multiple occasions. The vehicle was held for extended periods without resolution, and I ultimately had to retrieve it without a clear diagnosis or repair plan. I also contacted American Honda for assistance and did not receive meaningful support.

Filed Apr 13, 2026 · KY

I am experiencing an ongoing issue with my 2018 Honda Accord LX 1.5L where multiple warning lights on the dashboard illuminate simultaneously without warning, often described as the dash lighting up “like a Christmas tree.” These lights include (but are not limited to) collision mitigation braking system, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, power steering, and other safety-related systems. The issue appears to occur intermittently and without a clear cause. When this happens, several driver-assist and safety features become disabled, which raises serious safety concerns while operating the vehicle. After researching this problem, I have found numerous reports from other Honda Accord owners experiencing the exact same issue across various online forums and communities. Many of these individuals have also been advised to file complaints with the federal safety agency due to the widespread nature of the problem. This appears to be a potential systemic or electrical issue that affects multiple critical safety systems at once. I believe this defect could pose a significant safety risk and should be investigated further.

Filed Mar 24, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · VA

I own a 2018 Honda Accord equipped with Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS). The vehicle has experienced multiple instances of false collision warnings and phantom braking. The issue occasionally occurs when approaching overhead interstate signs. In most cases, the system flashes brake warnings briefly and then clears. However, on one occasion during rainy conditions a few years ago, the vehicle unexpectedly applied the brakes at highway speed with no obstacle present. The vehicle has undergone multiple camera calibrations (this may have also included the radar), but the problem persists. This creates a serious safety hazard, particularly at highway speeds where sudden braking could result in a rear-end collision. The issue appears to be related to false object detection by the ADAS system, potentially involving radar or sensor misinterpretation.

Filed Mar 9, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · TX

A 2018 Honda Accord suddenly displayed multiple dashboard warning messages at the same time after previously operating normally. The warnings include: Emission System Problem (avoid heavy acceleration), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) problem, Brake System problem, Brake Hold System problem, Electric Power Steering system problem, Vehicle Stability Assist problem, Hill Start Assist problem, Adaptive Cruise Control system problem, Collision Mitigation Braking System problem, and Road Departure Mitigation System problem. These alerts appeared simultaneously when the vehicle was started, even though the car had been driven the night before without any issues. The vehicle still starts and runs, but the number of system warnings suggests a possible electrical, sensor, or control module issue affecting multiple vehicle systems.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Back over prevention: sensing system: cameraReported September 13, 2018 · 232,140 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018 Honda Accord and 2019 Honda Insight vehicles. In certain scenarios, the back-up camera center display may not function properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Risk
If the rearview camera display does not show what is behind the vehicle, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the display audio unit software, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are K2G and V2F.

Recall number 18V629000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2018 Honda Accord collision warning

Is false forward collision warnings a common problem on the 2018 Honda Accord?

165 of 1,900 owner complaints about the 2018 Honda Accord (9%) mention false forward collision warnings. The model year with the most reports is 2018.

How much does it cost to fix false forward collision warnings on the 2018 Honda Accord?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,700 (median of 5 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2018 Honda Accord?

There is 1 recall and 7 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2018 Honda Accord

Check engine light 189Warning lights 170Fuel pump 165Misfire 163Stalling 158Adaptive cruise 132Loss of power 130Won't shift 95Overheating 92Jerking 73Lane assist 51Engine failure 50Backup camera 44Phantom braking 44Hesitation 31Headlights 22ABS 21Won't start 21Airbag light 20Door locks 18Screen failure 15Grinding brakes 14Shudder 13Fuel smell 12Knocking 11Sunroof shattered 11Wipers 11Harsh shifting 10Windshield crack 10Brake failure 9Fire or smoke 9Power steering loss 9Key fob 8Seat belt 8Sudden acceleration 6Transmission failure 6CVT failure 5

All model years of the Honda Accord

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