2018 Honda Accord repeated battery drain/electrical failure My 2018 Honda Accord has a recurring electrical problem. The vehicle’s battery is approximately one year old, but it has died six times within the last four weeks. Each time, the battery becomes completely discharged when the vehicle is parked and not driven for several days. A battery test dated XXX, reported: “BAD & REPLACE,” battery health 16%, state of charge 0%, voltage 4.61 V, and measured capacity 106 CCA compared with a rated capacity of 600 CCA. The repeated failures suggest a possible parasitic electrical drain or electronic module that does not shut down when the vehicle is parked. This condition can leave the vehicle stranded and may prevent starting in an unsafe location or emergency. I request that the federal safety agency investigate whether this is a recurring safety defect affecting 2018 Honda Accords VIN [XXX] Millage 143,000 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Honda Accord battery drain problems
51 of the 24,251 owner complaints about the Honda Accord describe battery drain or dead battery, most of them for the 2015 model year.
- owner complaints
- 51
- worst model year
- 2015
- typical mileage
- 46,000
By model year
Often reported together
Won't start 16Warning lights 2Stalling 2Loss of power 2Key fob 2Engine failure 2Wipers 1Transmission failure 1
What owners say
The ABS module is designed to fail after an extended period of time, leaving the owner to drive in dangerous conditions unless they pay thousands of dollars for the necessary repairs. This is essentially extortion, and the owners need to be held accountable. Our society runs the risk of being ran by parasitic, profit-driven, morally bankrupt individuals unless the issue is resolved appropriately. Thank you!
Having a huge amount of probable parasitic drain. Can’t figure out where it’s coming from but killing a brand new battery in weeks
Yesterday, January 30, 2026 as I was driving (approximately 30mph) my car seized, came to a stop, dashboard lit up with multitude of words/symbols. After approximately 15 seconds I was able to use the gas pedal and the car drove. My safety was at risk, this sudden stop jolted me hard. If there was another vehicle behind me I would have been hit. The warning messages were so quick and cleared away with seconds that I cannot recall. I drove to my local dealer and the battery cables were checked and ok. I scheduled an appt for Monday Feb. 2nd as this was Friday. On January 21st this local dealer replaced my battery, after months of "computer glitches" that were never resolved with two dealers and 4 dead batteries.
Driving and without warning steering light came on, display flickered, engine surged, and complete loss of steering in a matter seconds. I was barely able to turn car onto a driveway where the engine shutdown. I restarted engine and noticed considerable knocking, put car in gear and engine shut-off. I had car towed to a garage and am waiting for info. I should note that the previous month there has been some parasitic draw that requires me to jump start the car every few days even with a new battery.
No Start condition. Car takes minutes to start due to faulty push button start. This is a well documented condition by the public. The safety concern is that repeated attempts to start will drain the battery and cause degradation of the starter, which in case of an emergency or an occupant in an unsafe environment, or on a public roadway, puts the driver, occupants at risk. Honda is well aware of this problem but rejects any liability.
Electrical drain in system causing premature battery failure and electrical misfiring that causes the car to shut off and flashing a brake warning message to contact dealer and once this occurs car won’t start until Honda link and hands free pairing are reconnected. Issue is if the misfiring drains the battery, driver is not able to reconnect the cars apps and pair the Bluetooth, therefore, car is not will be immobile until battery is recharged.
I have experienced persistent and frustrating issues with the infotainment system of my 2021 Honda Accord Touring. These problems affect both the usability and reliability of critical in-car technology, impacting daily driving and reduces overall satisfaction. Specifically: 1. Touchscreen Malfunctions Symptoms: Unresponsive screens, freezing, and “ghost touches” (inputs registered without physical contact) disrupt navigation, audio, and other controls 2. System Crashes and Reboots Symptoms: The system may randomly crash, freeze, or restart, sometimes causing the entire dashboard to shut off—even while driving 3. Connectivity Problems Symptoms: Frequent disconnections or failures with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth, making it hard to use smartphone features safely 4. Blank or Malfunctioning Displays Symptoms: The screen may go black, fail to turn on, or show a white screen, obscuring navigation, fuel, and safety information 5. Battery Drain Symptoms: The infotainment system sometimes powers on unexpectedly when the car is off, draining the battery and risking further electrical issues. These issues are not new and have attempted to be resolved by a Honda Service Center (Honda of Westport, CT) with no resolution or ability to resolve.
Problems began at 50,000 miles and now at 60,000 a year and 1/2 later they are ongoing . Electrical and engine …. Honda knows all the problems bless I am having are in many of their models! This is DANGEROUs and Honda is negligent ! First it was my car wouldn’t start. The alternator went also It needed to have the front and rear seal replaced . That is crazy ! It must be leaking oil and needed the seals due to improper torque. Had that repaired and within 2 weeks I kept saying it wasn’t running right. THEN My car overheated after driving for 10 min on a busy highway in Atlanta. Smoke pouring out of the hood. I was trapped and couldn’t get out because of traffic. HORRIFIC experience.! Electrical issue began at 50,000 miles at the same time . Electrical issues ongoing AND engine does not run right. It’s rough loud , judders , it can be sluggish or no responsive, Last year my car had 50,000 miles. It had gone through a battery every year and 1-2. Then 16 months ago it wouldn’t start. Since I have replace the starter , alternator , battery and battery cable. In individual events of warning lights or failing to start. Today the charging systems warning light and fcw light flashed while driving. The electrical system in this car is a known problem. It MUST be recalled. The 4cl has now time to recall the v-6 for torque and parasitic battery drain . This is potential for fire , car sudden loss of power it’s negligent to not recall . I have invoice after invoice but the problem persists . Why are you only recalling the 4L engine ? There is a class action about battery drain but only for 4 L? I know the didnt produce many accord V6 but the V6 is used in the Acura and I believe the Odysse. I have called and called Honda . I emailed the head of Honda in Japan . He sent my email back to the dealer. This is my 4th Honda. We were an entire Honda family but not any more . Safety is not first .My accord problems will result in a terrible accident . Please do something
Out of the blue car was having a glitch on the screen when turning on the vechical. The battery died and was replaced. Once battery was replaced engine light and brake like will turn on and off. After battery was replaced the engine light turned on and started to read that ignition and sparks plugs are bad. I have spoke to about 50 people with the same car and they are having the same issues and the mechanics do not know what is wrong
Related recalls
Electrical system: body control module: software
- What is wrong
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Accord Sedan, Accord Hybrid, and 2019-2020 Insight vehicles. A software error may cause intermittent or continuous disruptions in communication between the Body Control Module (BCM) and other components. This may result in malfunctions of various systems such as the windshield wipers and defroster, rearview camera, exterior lights, audible warning of a stopped vehicle, and power window operation. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems" and number 111, "Rear Visibility" as well as FMVSS numbers 104, 108, 114, 118, and 305.
- Risk
- Various system malfunctions such as inoperative windshield wipers, defroster, rearview camera, or exterior lighting can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the BCM software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 22, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's number for this recall is X95.
Recall number 20V771000 · Recall details
Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery
- What is wrong
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Honda Accord vehicles. The case for the battery sensor, part of the battery management system, may allow water to get in, potentially causing an electrical short.
- Risk
- An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sensor, free of charge. Dealers will perform an interim remedy of applying adhesive to the case to prevent water intrusion. The recall began November 8, 2017. Owners may contact American Honda Customer Support Center at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's number for this recall is KG0.
Recall number 17V418000 · Recall details
Electrical system
- What is wrong
- Honda is recalling certain model year 2010 honda accord and cr-v vehicles. There is a potential failure with the engine wiring harness connector which may cause intermittent spark firing or the engine to stall.
- Risk
- An engine stall will increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealer will inspect and replace the ignition wiring harness connector free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before january 24, 2011. Owners may contact honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009.
Recall number 11V004000 · Recall details
Electrical system: ignition
- What is wrong
- Honda is recalling certain model year 2003 honda accord, civic two and four door, and model year 2003-2004 honda element vehicles. The interlock lever of the ignition switch may unexpectedly deform, which can allow the interlock function of a vehicle with an automatic transmission to be defeated.
- Risk
- Removal of the ignition key when the gear selector of a vehicle with an automatic transmission has not been shifted to the park position can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will remove the original interlock pin and lever within the ignition switch, and replace them with new, designed components. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on october 7, 2010. Owners may contact honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009.
Recall number 10V364000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles, a loose terminal in the main fuse box may cause the fuel pump to lose power. If the fuel pump becomes inoperative, the engine may not start.
- Risk
- If the fuel pump loses power while driving the engine could stall without warning which could result in a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the entire fuse box free of charge. The recall began on april 13, 2005. Owners may contact honda at 800‑999‑1009 or acura at 1‑800‑382‑2238.
Recall number 05V132000 · Recall details
Electrical system: ignition: switch
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles, the interlock operation of the ignition switch may not function properly, making it possible to turn the ignition key to the "off" position and remove the key without shifting the transmission to park.
- Risk
- If the driver does not shift to park before removing the key and fails to engage the parking brake, the vehicle could roll and a crash could occur.
- Remedy
- Dealers will perform an inspection procedure that confirms interlock function. Vehicles will be updated with a redesigned interlock lever free of charge. The recall began on march 7, 2005. Owners may contact honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009 or acura at 1‑800‑382‑2238.
Recall number 05V025000 · Recall details
Electrical system: ignition: switch
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles and mini vans, the ignition switch may wear excessively and prevent proper interlock operation, making it possible to turn the ignition key to the "off" position and remove the key without shifting the transmission to "park."
- Risk
- If the vehicle operator does not shift to "park" before removing the key and fails to engage the parking brake, the vehicle could roll and a crash could occur.
- Remedy
- Dealers will perform an inspection procedure that determines the amount of cylinder body wear. If significant wear is indicated, the dealer will replace the cylinder body, collar, and latch plate. If no signs of wear are indicated, dealers will replace the latch plate with a redesigned part. Owner notification began december 8, 2003. Owners should contact honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009 or acura at 1‑800‑382‑2238.
Recall number 03V423000 · Recall details
Electrical system: ignition: switch
- What is wrong
- On certain sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, and sport utility vehicles, electrical contacts in the ignition switch can degrade due to the high electrical current passing through the switch when the vehicle is started.
- Risk
- Worn contacts could cause the engine to stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the ignition switch. Owner notification began june 14, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009 or acura at 1‑800‑382‑2238.
Recall number 02V120000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: sedan, coupe and wagon passenger vehicles except the dx model and models with v6 engines. The factory installed air conditioner wire harness was improperly routed allowing some wires to rub against each other, eventually causing a short circuit.
- Risk
- The short circuit canpossibly cause the underhood wireing to overheat and smoke, causing a fire in the engine compartment. A short circuit can also result in a blown fuse or dead battery.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the vehicles for proper routing of these wires. Any harness improperly routed will be inspected for damage and the routing will be corrected. If any insulation is worn through and the copper wires are exposed, the harness will be replaced. Dealers will also install plastic tubing to protect the harness.
Recall number 98V231000 · Recall details
Questions about the Honda Accord battery drain
Which Honda Accord years have battery drain or dead battery problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2015 (11 complaints), 2013 (8 complaints) and 2003 (5 complaints).
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