2018 Honda Accord: jerking or lurching

Filed Sep 9, 2026 · Engine · TX

Unknown of actual issue. Experiencing persistent hard excessive jerking when accelerating. Extended warranty was placed for most Hondas due to head gasket issue but not for 2.0T

Filed Aug 20, 2026 · Engine · CA

In June of 2026 I was merging onto a busy high way trying to accelerate on while in the middle of the high way my car completely starts decelerating while next to two semis and not being able to do anything as I finally get to the side of the high way I turn my car off and back on all of my lights started coming on and appearing on my dash while this was all happening I start the car again and it is doing the same thing not accelerating and while trying it is jerking this could have killed me or others due to my faulty head gasket Honda wants me to pay $4,000 to replace this head gasket I am a college student with no money and still having to pay my car payment I have a 2018 Honda accord 1.5L turbo engine and still have not been able to drive my care due to this I have a 118,00 miles and it started acting weird before I even hit 100k miles this is not okay this could have harmed others due to these faulty issues I see it is a wide spread concern and something needs to be change and I was also denied the goodwill act due to this I start school next week 45 min away and can’t even go to my class for nursing I’m disappointed in Honda this was supposed to be a long term car

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 Aug 15, 2026 · Fuel system · AL

Unknown, all lights are showing on dash with "Emissions systems problems power may be reduced see dealer." After spark plug replacement about a month later raw gas smell, rough idling, and slight jerking continues.

Filed Aug 12, 2026 · Driver assistance, Engine · NC

I am reporting a safety concern involving my 2018 Honda Accord. I purchased my vehicle used in January 2024 at approximately 90,000 miles and have kept up with the recommended maintenance during my ownership. At approximately 120,000 miles, a Honda dealership diagnosed head-gasket failure with coolant intrusion involving cylinders 3 and 4. Before diagnosis, the vehicle experienced rising engine temperature while idling, coolant loss, jerking during acceleration, numerous warning lights, and severely reduced acceleration. The problem progressed to loss of power and stalling while driving and slowing/stopping, requiring me to place the vehicle in Park and restart the engine to continue driving. The vehicle also developed unstable RPMs and engine surging while in Park. Honda performed a cooling-system pressure test and borescope inspection and confirmed coolant intrusion. Head-gasket replacement cost approximately $5,000. I contacted American Honda (Case #16533411), but goodwill assistance was denied because the vehicle is outside warranty and Honda stated it had no Honda-dealership service history. I am reporting this because the head-gasket failure resulted in loss of propulsion and stalling while operating the vehicle, creating a serious safety concern.

Filed Jul 17, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · MS

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I purchased my 2018 Honda Accord in 2024, and in 2025, I experienced significant issues with the vehicle. During my visits to both Honda of Southaven and Honda of Tupelo, they indicated that the head gasket might be the problem, which is a known issue with this model. I believe the malfunction is related to this component, and I can confirm that it is available for inspection upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The issues with my vehicle have directly endangered my safety and the safety of my children. While driving, the car started jerking unexpectedly and then cut off entirely on the highway, which could have resulted in a severe accident. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, I have visited Honda of Southaven and Honda of Tupelo over three times reporting these problems. Both dealerships acknowledged the issue, with one dealership stating it was likely the head gasket, which they mentioned seeing frequently with Honda vehicles. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? I have not had an inspection by the manufacturer or police. However, I have had my vehicle inspected by two authorized Honda dealerships, where they diagnosed the problem. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes, before the failure, there were multiple warning lights on the dashboard, which indicated that something was wrong with the vehicle. These symptoms began appearing shortly after I purchased the car in 2024, and they escalated over time leading up to my visits to the dealerships in 2025.

Filed Jun 18, 2026 · Steering · AR

driving on highway 65mph steering wheel sticks and jerks the car side to side very scary almost ran into car next to me at that speed. I called the dealer to report it. I am waiting to bring vehicle in to diagnose. they stated that it is a known issue and that it is more than likely the electronic steering box rack and pinion.

Filed May 20, 2026 · Fuel system · CA

My car is 2018 accord 2.0t The car just started jerking then I brought it to honda they said head gasket replacement needed, my car was properly maintained and it still happened

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 May 4, 2026 · Engine · NY

I have a Honda Accord Sport 2018 Engine 1.5L Turbo(1.5T) Mileage- 97,776 I am reporting a suspected premature head gasket failure which is affecting my vehicle and my mechanic told me this has been going on for a while now with the Accords around my year model. On cold starts, the engine shakes and idles roughly for about 10-20sec. There has been some jerking during acceleration and prior stalling incidents. I have also experienced a blinking check engine light which indicates an active misfire condition. The vehicle has been maintained regularly and have proof upon request. The anti-Freeze is leaking inside the cylinder 2 and 3 which is causing the misfires. The check engine light which is blinking is causing safety concern due to potential power loss and the risk of stalling while driving. This issue appears to be widespread among vehicles equipped with the 1.5T but also around the years of my vehicle. Honda dealership brought it to my attention during the last recall, and my personal mechanic (independent service) diagnosed my car and mention the same thing. I believe this is a manufacturing or design defect and request that the federal safety agency investigate this issue for potential recall or required manufacturer remedy

Filed Apr 20, 2026 · Transmission · OR

Rough downshifting and upshifting in low gears. Will slam into gears 2-3 often seems as though at slower speeds and cause driver and passengers to lurch forward. Will cause very rough acceleration at times and causes a danger in traffic given the speed becomes unpredictable. Transmission does not know what gear to be in. The ATF type 2.0 fluid change following dealer procedure after complaint has done nothing to change this lurching. This is putting me and other drivers at risk because I cannot control my speed when transmission is slamming in between gears. No warning lamps, undetected by cars TCU.

Filed Mar 30, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · AL

I started driving this vehicle and all of a sudden it started slowing down, and would not go up to speed. I had it fixed, the car started skipping, making a jerking movement while driving. I made an appointment with Tameron Honda of Birmingham on 3/26/26. As soon as I pulled up to Honda dealership the engine light was on. The company was trying to bill me 6100 dollars for fixing the car. I do not have that amount on hand and I need my car. I had to drive my car away from the dealership while it was in idle mode state into traffic the car moved so slowly that I could have wrecked. The dealership did not do their due diligence by going off of the vin number and making sure that the customer is safe with their brand. I was told that they did a full inspection at the dealership. I have been scared to drive this vehicle since the issue keeps happening.