Honda Accord brake failure problems

Filed May 1, 2026 · Fuel system, Transmission · IN

I was driving down the highway, and the dash started to flash a message about the vehicle being unsafe to drive, stop driving immediately, call dealer. I was able to stop and then turn left across traffic with limited power; and continued to make my way back to work thinking I could probably get to my parking lot. The dash continued to display warning lights, starting with brake failure, then parking brake failure, and then the whole series of possible failures. I continued to drive about one mile. I shut the power off an powered up twice thinking that might reset the sensors; but they continued to fail. As I continued to drive there was limited power to the throttle, and I eventually coasted through a red light and into my work parking lot where the vehicle shut down entirely, and eventually fully locked up (couldn't start or event put in neutral to push). I had the vehicle towed to back to the dealer, and they diagnosed the problem as a failed transmission cooler. Of note, I had purchased the vehicle brand new less than 3 weeks before this incident and the vehicle had less than 600 total miles on it. There were no prior signs of trouble or warning lights.

Filed Apr 10, 2026 · Driver assistance · CA · crash

Subject: Vehicle Safety Defect Report – Brake Failure and Collision Mitigation System Malfunction To the federal safety agency, I am filing a safety defect complaint regarding a Honda vehicle that experienced sudden brake failure and a suspected Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) malfunction, resulting in a crash on [date]. Incident Summary: • Brakes suddenly stopped responding • CMBS appeared to activate or interfere with braking • No obstacles or hazards present • Loss of control and collision • Vehicle purchased from Karplus Warehouse (salvage title) • Dealer did not disclose braking or safety system issues This malfunction created a dangerous safety hazard. I request that the federal safety agency document this incident and evaluate whether similar complaints ---

Filed Feb 26, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · MS

The contact owns a 2019 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was a choking sound coming from the vehicle, and brake pedal went to the floorboard. The vehicle was turned off and while restarting the vehicle, the Lane Departure, TPMS, Brake System, Brake Hose, Brake Performance Reduced, and other warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.

Filed Jan 12, 2026 · Brakes · TX

I installed (2) identical Advance Auto Parts Platinum rear brake rotors on my vehicle. Both rotors were installed at the same time, in the same manner, and under normal conditions. After approximately (1) mile of normal driving on of the rear brake rotors catastrophically failed by completely separating at the hat (the center mounting section). The opposite side rear rotor, installed at the same time, did not fail. The failure occurred without warning and resulted in immediate loss of braking integrity at that wheel. This type of structural failure presents a significant safety risk, including the potential for sudden brake loss, wheel lockup, or loss of vehicle control. The vehicle was not being driven aggressively, and there were no abnormal conditions prior to the failure. The failed rotor has been preserved and is available for inspection. Photographs documenting the separation are also available. A brake rotor should not experience complete structural separation under normal driving conditions, especially immediately after installation. This appears to be a manufacturing or material defect that poses a serious safety hazard. I am submitting this complaint to document the defect and to help prevent potential injury or accidents involving similar components.

Filed Dec 26, 2025 · Brakes · CA · crash

While coming to a stop on a slight incline, the brakes failed to stop the car, brakes were applied and initially slowed the car but when the slight incline was reached the brakes would not engage and the idle of the car move it forward and still the brakes would not engage. I had to put the car into neutral then park to stop. After the incident the brakes seemed to work fine. Nonetheless this is a major issue. There were no warning lights or any indication that something was malfunctioning. There were no indications after the incident either that anything malfunctioned. I will be taking the car to the dealer ASAP to have checked. We lightly tapped a truck that was in front of us on the slight incline - no obvious damage to either vehicle ( need to verify in daylight) - no injuries to anyone in the incident. If we were traveling faster there could have been serious injury or if there was a pedestrian there could have been serious injury.

Filed Feb 4, 2025 · Brakes, Driver assistance · AL

The rear brakes are horrible. They wear so quick. This is my 3rd Honda Accord and I’ve never replaced brakes this much on any Accord I’ve ever owned. Back tires also wear really fast. The rear brakes squeal really bad and makes squealing noises when I’m driving. No brakes are being applied but the noise continues. I’ve had this car for 3 years and I’ve changed brakes 3 times which is ridiculous.

Filed Dec 26, 2024 · Brakes, Driver assistance · FL

While driving my 2013 Honda Accord sedan on the turnpike, I experienced a critical failure of the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) modulator, which was later inspected and confirmed to be malfunctioning by a Honda service technician at South Motors Honda. This component is available for inspection upon request. As I was traveling at approximately 65 mph, the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) malfunctioned, causing the brakes to lock up when I attempted to slow down for traffic ahead. This sudden loss of braking control put my safety and the safety of others at significant risk, as I nearly collided with the vehicle in front of me. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by an independent service center. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. Prior to the failure, several warning lamps, including the VSA, ABS, and BRAKE lights, illuminated on the dashboard. These warning lights first appeared about a week before the incident, but I was unable to get the vehicle serviced immediately due to scheduling constraints. Additionally, the Front Collision Warning system was not functioning, which further compromised my ability to avoid a potential accident. This malfunction was particularly concerning as it failed to alert me to the rapidly approaching vehicle ahead, exacerbating the dangerous situation caused by the ABS failure.

Filed Dec 17, 2024 · Brakes · CO

ISSUE TYPE: Safety Concern “Brakes Auto Engage When Driving At ANY Speed and Parking Brake Lever Is Raised” DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM: I inadvertently lifted up on the Parking Brake switch in center console while driving about 30mph, trying to turn off a different switch on the console. This caused the vehicle to slam-on the brakes, narrowly avoiding a rear-end collision. It is labeled as a Parking Brake but is also an Emergency Brake (I discovered) that can be triggered by anyone who has their hand around the center console and accidentally raises this switch. This poses a serious safety risk to passengers and causing rear-end collisions! STEPS TO REPRODUCE: 1Drive the vehicle at any speed (cruise, increasing/decreasing) 2Lift up the Parking Brake lever only momentarily and release 3The vehicle immediately slams-on full rear-brakes then releases 4Hold the switch UP for longer period - experience a full-on emergency stop. Poor excuse for Honda's Parking Brake system. Emergency Brake should be located elsewhere on the dash away from console. DEALER SERVICE: Told me this is normal, as lifting the Parking Brake "up" will engage the rear wheel calipers full-on REGARDLESS of speed! This is not normal Parking Brake action and very dangerous. The manual does not point out this is a FULL-ON braking. They say it "will assist in braking". This is just wrong & needs a software correction now. The Parking Brake should never be able to engage when the wheels are turning at ANY speed. We don't need a 2 wheel Emergency Brake for a super-obscure, super-rare brake failure (if ever). CORRECTIVE ACTION: Simple software modification needed... if the Parking Brake lever is lifted (accidentally) AND the wheels are turning it should INHIBIT the brakes from being slammed-on. An Emergency Brake should be in a separate place on the dash. Honda should fix this very dangerous condition to make it a Parking Brake ONLY. It should only engage when stopped (like in a parking spot).

Filed Nov 7, 2024 · Brakes, Steering · CA · fire

What happened? While driving my 2014 Honda Accord, both the brake and steering warning lights suddenly illuminated. The steering became difficult, indicating a loss of power steering assist. I pulled over safely and discovered that the ABS light remained on. After towing the vehicle to a service center, the technician confirmed that the ABS pump/module had failed, which triggered both warning lights and caused a failure in the power steering system. This malfunction poses a serious safety risk, potentially leading to loss of braking efficiency and steering control. The failure was sudden, with no prior warning signs. The service center advised that the ABS module requires replacement. Legal Protections and Manufacturer Liability: As a consumer, I am protected under state lemon laws and the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. These laws mandate that vehicles sold must be free from defects affecting safety and performance. The ABS pump/module failure directly compromises the vehicle’s safety, making Honda responsible for repair or replacement. I should not bear the cost of this repair, as the issue is a manufacturing defect. Widespread Safety Issue and Call for Investigation: It has come to my attention that thousands of 2014 Honda Accords are experiencing the same ABS pump/module failure, a clear safety issue that affects both the braking and steering systems. This is a widespread defect that Honda has yet to acknowledge with a formal recall. This issue appears to be purposefully hidden, and I urge Honda to initiate a thorough investigation and recall to address this danger. If Honda does not act quickly, I will pursue legal action to ensure the safety of affected consumers, including complaints to regulatory bodies and potential class action litigation.

Filed Nov 5, 2024 · Acceleration, Brakes · CT

Electronic Throttle Actuator, Gas Pedal Assembly Failed. As i accelerated the gas pedal failed in the position against the firewall and could not be pulled up. The vehicle increased speed on its own and brakes did not work. The spedd continued to increase. I had the vehicle towed to Cardinal Honda 860‑449‑0411 in Groton Connecticut. Polise were on sight on the highway after i pulled over in Neutral. No other way to stop the car. The car in in the shop and awaiting the new part. There was not indication in the dash panel that the Electronic Throttle Actuator needed to be looked at. It was a sudden failure.