In many Hondas, Toyota, Kia, Hyundai you name it they have this flaw. If it is dark out and headlights are needed but they have bright running lights people will be driving around without taillights and the cars won't say a thing, I think headlamps suggested messages should appear on their dash so they know they have to turn them on or auto headlights that can't be disabled should be mandated on all new cars
The worst 2021 Honda Accord problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Driver assistance73
- Electrical68
- Engine42
- Brakes31
- Fuel system18
- Airbags15
- Transmission14
- Acceleration9
- Steering8
- Seat belts6
- Visibility5
- Body3
- Lights3
- Seats3
- Suspension3
Specific symptoms reported on the 2021 Honda Accord
Warning lights 24Check engine light 16Screen failure 14Loss of power 14Misfire 13Collision warning 10Jerking 10Adaptive cruise 9Fuel pump 9Lane assist 9Overheating 9Backup camera 6Phantom braking 6Stalling 6Won't shift 6
Recalls 4
Air bags: sensor: occupant classification: front passenger
- What is wrong
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
- Risk
- Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous the federal safety agency recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on beginning May 29, 2026.
Recall number 26V332000 · Recall details
Air bags: sensor: occupant classification: front passenger
- What is wrong
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
- Risk
- An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
Recall number 24V064000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Risk
- Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of the federal safety agency recall numbers 21V‑215 and 20V‑314.
Recall number 23V858000 · Recall details
Seat belts: rear/other: retractor
- What is wrong
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021 Accord Sedan, Accord Hybrid, CR-V, Ridgeline, 2022 Insight and CR-V Hybrid vehicles. The automatic locking retractor on the second-row center seat belt assembly may deactivate improperly, which can result in an unsecured child restraint system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Risk
- An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the second-row center seat belt assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138.
Recall number 21V900000 · Recall details
See all 4 recalls for the 2021 Honda Accord
Defect investigations
Inadvertent Automatic Emergency Braking
On February 21, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE22003) to assess reports of inadvertent activation of the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), an automatic emergency braking (AEB) system, in model year 2017-2019 Honda CR-V and 2018-2019 Honda Accord vehicles. The reports allege that activation of the AEB system occurs while driving with no apparent obstruction in the vehicle's forward path, resulting in sudden vehicle deceleration. Honda indicated that they were aware of a total of X,XXX reports that may relate to the alleged defect. Honda provided analysis of the alleged defect and alleges that some customers possibly had an inadequate understanding of the CMBS and its limitations.  However, many consumer complaints allege that Honda dealerships were unable to reproduce the condition or state that they were informed that this is considered normal CMBS operation. To date, ODI has received a total of 1,294 consumer complaints of inadvertent activation of CMBS in 2017-2022 Honda CR-V and 2018-2022 Honda Accord vehicles. A total of 31 complaints alleged a crash and 50 alleged an injury. The Total column in the Failure Report Summary removes duplicate reports and shows the total number of reports with unique VINs from all Manufacturer, ODI, and EWR data sources. In some cases, there were multiple reports associated with a particular vehicle in which recurring failures were alleged. In total, there were X,XXX reports, 93 injury incidents and 47 crashes involving vehicles with unique VINs that may relate to the alleged defect. PE22-003 has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety related consequences of the inadvertent AEB activations. The scope has been expanded to include assessment of model year 2020-2022 Honda CR-V and Accord vehicles. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
EA24002
Technical service bulletins for the 2021 Honda Accord 143
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Owner Notification Letter
- Tech Line Summary Article
- Under certain conditions, the cylinder head gasket effectiveness may be reduced which may
- Dealer Message
- Tech Line Summary
- Under certain conditions, the cylinder head gasket effectiveness may be reduced which may
- Dealer Message
- Dealer Message
- On certain 2018-2022 Accord and 2018-22 Accord Hybrid vehicles equipped with the Wireless CarPlay and...
- There is a dull creaking, rubbing, popping, or clicking noise coming from the front of the vehicle while...
2021 Honda Accord fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4‑cyl Hybrid | FWD | 44 | 41 | 43 |
| 1.5L 4‑cyl | FWD | 29-30 | 35-38 | 32-33 |
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | FWD | 22 | 32 | 26 |
What 2021 Honda Accord owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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 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.
Vehicle: 2021 Honda Accord Sport Subject: Intermittent Electrical Malfunctions, Multiple Safety Warnings, and Loss of Acceleration I am reporting ongoing safety concerns involving my 2021 Honda Accord Sport. On multiple occasions, my vehicle has displayed several dashboard warnings, including brake system, electric parking brake, vehicle stability assist, hill-start assist, adaptive cruise control, and electric power steering warnings. These warnings have appeared intermittently in the past and sometimes disappeared on their own. On October 18, 2026, while traveling on the highway at approximately 65 mph, these warnings had already been displayed for approximately 30 minutes to an hour when my vehicle suddenly began struggling to accelerate. Despite pressing the accelerator, the vehicle continued losing speed, and the RPM gauge remained around 2,000 RPM. It felt as though something was holding the vehicle back. After several moments, the vehicle suddenly regained power, accelerated, and the RPM increased. This was particularly concerning because I was traveling at highway speed. I also experienced electrical problems with the interior lights. While the vehicle was running, neither the automatic interior lights nor the overhead lights near the rearview mirror would turn on. They remained inoperative after I turned off the vehicle. Later, the lights began working again, but I noticed the right overhead light fading while the left remained illuminated. The battery was replaced earlier this year, in 2026. I am concerned that these intermittent malfunctions could result in a sudden loss of power or failure of important vehicle safety systems while driving. I am requesting that these problems be documented and investigated for a potential safety defect or recall. I have photographs of the dashboard warnings available as supporting documentation.
Electrical problems that causes damages to the engine and problems with acceleration.
Infotainment System glitching: "ghost touch"; the screen is not registering my touches and randomly selecting/pushing buttons all on its own. Took it to Honda dealership and they have no answer or fix. This happens from time to time while driving, causing a huge safety concern. Extremely distracting to me, the driver. Everywhere I go to get answers, I only get "issue is known to manufacturer but no fix available; they are currently working on a fix". This has happened multiple times intermittently since I've purchased the vehicle in 2021.
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at 65 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle hesitated and then accelerated; however, the vehicle then failed to accelerate above 20 MPH. Several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact's wife drove the vehicle to a safe location and parked. While attempting to start the vehicle, the engine started and then shut off. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a fuel pump failure requiring fuel pump replacement. The contact referenced a recall with a similar failure description; however, the contact's VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 152,100.
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 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. the federal safety agency please do something!
Was at a stoplight, came to a complete stop once at a complete stop car completely shut all the way off, losing all electricity no hazard lights. You cannot press down on the brakes to restart the car. You could not do anything. Car lost 100% of power 5 to 10 minutes later, Vehicle shut back on automatically and engine started to run automatically.
head unit touch screen will occasionally, uncontrollably create multiple phantom touches all over the screen, multiple per second continuously. driver cannot resolve while in motion. driver cannot cannot click away while the issue is occurring as the issue seems to mask real input. very distracting not only visually, but hearing as well. worst case the car could inadvertently contact emergency services via phones or cars sos capabilities. occurs at any / all speeds. multiple reported issues online and honda has done nothing.
Vehicle infotaiment screen glitches and therefore is not making user access all car warnings ans switches screen during driving specially if using the navigation feature.
Compare the 2021 Honda Accord
Accord vs Ford FusionAccord vs Chevrolet MalibuAccord vs Toyota CamryAccord vs Hyundai SonataAccord vs Nissan AltimaAccord vs Volkswagen PassatAccord vs Kia OptimaAccord vs Subaru Legacy
Other model years
1990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026
Questions about the 2021 Honda Accord
Is the 2021 Honda Accord reliable?
Owners have filed 247 complaints about the 2021 Honda Accord, fewer than a typical Accord model year.
What is the 2021 Honda Accord year score?
The 2021 Honda Accord scores 86 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Honda Accord: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Honda Accord?
Driver assistance and stability, with 73 complaints, typically around 62,000 miles. Next is electrical (68).
How many recalls does the 2021 Honda Accord have?
4 recalls, covering air bags, fuel system, gasoline and seat belts.
What year does the Honda Accord have the most driver assistance problems?
The Honda Accord model years with the most driver assistance complaints are 2018 (403 complaints), 2019 (178 complaints) and 2020 (115 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Honda Accord get?
Official estimates for the 2021 Honda Accord range from 26 to 43 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl hybrid, FWD) gets 44 city and 41 highway.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2021 Honda Accord?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history