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Honda Accord check engine light comes on

1,014 of the 24,251 owner complaints about the Honda Accord describe check engine light, most of them for the 2018 model year.

owner complaints
1,014
worst model year
2018
typical repair cost reported
$2,800
typical mileage
89,930
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

Often reported together

Misfire 134Stalling 131Jerking 102Transmission failure 93Loss of power 86Warning lights 74Won't shift 66Fuel pump 61

Trouble codes mentioned

P0420 10P0740 8P0303 8P0301 8P0300 8P0304 7P0302 7P0741 6P3400 4P0780 4

What owners say

Filed Nov 1, 2026 · Engine · CA

The check engine light came on. I took it to the dealership where I bought it. They instructed me to go to an authorized Honda repair facility. I took it in July 17, 2025 for a check engine light. The auto repair dealership said the head gasket was no good. So they repaired it my extended warranty paid for the cost. Then the repair facility did an unauthorized second disassembly without my permission So they repaired it my extended warranty paid for the cost. Then the repair facility did an unauthorized second disassembly without my permission then I was expected to pay for the engine repair. There was coolant leaking into the engine which caused the engine block to be warped. Pistons rings cylinder was completely messed up.

Filed Oct 28, 2026 · Driver assistance, Engine · SC

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.

Filed Oct 18, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · MD

My 2018 Honda Accord EX-L with the 2.0L turbocharged engine (K20C4) and 10-speed automatic has had a cylinder head gasket failure at approximately 111,000 miles. The vehicle has been maintained consistently. Starting in early October 2026, the vehicle began shaking violently under acceleration while the engine was cold, including when accelerating at highway speed and climbing hills. The shaking lasted for roughly the first 15 minutes of every drive. No check engine light or diagnostic trouble codes appeared. In mid-October 2026, a Honda dealership diagnosed coolant leaking past the cylinder head gasket into the combustion chamber and quoted approximately $5,000 for the repair. Replacement parts are on backorder with no estimated arrival date. Violent shaking during highway acceleration is a safety concern, and continued coolant leakage into the cylinders can cause further engine damage. In August 2026, American Honda extended head gasket warranty coverage to 10 years or 150,000 miles on 2018–2022 Accord 1.5T and hybrid models for the same condition: coolant entering the combustion chamber and causing misfires. The 2.0L turbo engine was excluded. A pending class action (Alcantara et al. v. American Honda, consolidated with Bissell v. American Honda, S.D. Cal.) alleges head gasket failure in Honda's 1.5L and 2.0L turbocharged engines. I ask that the federal safety agency investigate head gasket failures in 2018–2022 Accords with the 2.0L turbo engine, and whether this engine should be included in Honda's remedy.

Filed Oct 13, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · TX

Air conditioning failure: The A/C was blowing warm air on the first day of ownership. • Cooling system failure: The vehicle subsequently experienced overheating issues and left me stranded. • Coolant loss and radiator leak: All Star Honda identified a leaking radiator and found the cooling system out of coolant. • Failed thermostat: A failed thermostat was identified during the diagnostic and repair process. • Stop-leak substance found in the cooling system: Stop-leak material was observed in the cooling system. I have concerns about why it was present and not disclosed initially • Water pump and cooling-system repairs: Repairs included work on the thermostat and water pump, followed by radiator replacement and a coolant flush. • Continued overheating concerns: Despite repairs, I continued experiencing overheating alerts. • Engine performance problems: The vehicle experienced a loss of power, with a reported inability to maintain speeds above approximately 60 mph during one incident. • Check-engine warning: A prior repair-order history documented a blinking malfunction indicator light during a driving incident. • Diagnostic trouble codes: Codes P2601 and P272D were subsequently reported. • Potential head-gasket concerns: The possibility of a head-gasket problem has been raised during the ongoing dispute. Honda has referenced a multi-model cylinder-head-gasket warranty extension, but I have not received approval for coverage on my vehicle. • Warranty denial: Honda corporate has declined to approve the requested warranty coverage. Despite the repeated problems, diagnostic visits, and repair attempts, I am still dealing with the consequences of purchasing a vehicle that has not provided the reliable transportation I paid for. I have spent time and money trying to get answers, and I have been left facing the financial burden of a vehicle that I cannot confidently depend on. I am sharing this timeline because consumers deserve trans

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Fuel system · VA

In May of 2024, We got a recall letter for an inoperable fuel pump from Honda Automobile Division, & we did not get a replacement. They were short on supply, & those who experienced symptoms as engine light and may have rough engine starts were the priorities. We didn’t get a follow up after 60 days when we received the letter. Now my 2018 Accord has an engine light on, and the car starts up roughly.

Filed Sep 22, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · 111,309 miles · SC

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle was jerking abnormally. The Brake System, TPMS, Power Steering, and Check Engine warning lights were illuminated. The message “Reduce Speed” was displayed with an audible beeping alert. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,309.

Filed Sep 11, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · NC

1>Engine failure: Around the time vehicle reached 148,000 miles on it, it blew a head gasket on cylinder 2. Coolant was in the cylinders. The vehicle would not accelerate and was misfiring. 2> Safety was affected as this occured on interstate 40 and caused the vehicle to slow to an unsafe speed. 3>Problem was confirmed by Morganton Honda- Morganton NC. 4> Check engine light.

Filed Sep 4, 2026 · TX

I am filing this complaint regarding my 2019 Honda Accord equipped with the 1.5L turbocharged engine. The vehicle currently has approximately 190,000 miles. My vehicle has developed a serious engine/drivability problem accompanied by multiple warning lights. The warning lights that have appeared include the Check Engine light, VSA/Traction Control warning, Brake warning, Steering warning, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) warning, and Road Departure warning. The diagnostic trouble codes found on the vehicle are: P0300 – Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire P0302 – Cylinder #2 Misfire P0303 – Cylinder #3 Misfire P219A – Air-Fuel Ratio Variation P0420 – Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold I took the vehicle to a Honda dealership for diagnosis. After inspecting the vehicle, the dealership told me that I need a turbocharger. I have never previously replaced the turbocharger on this vehicle. I am concerned that a major turbocharger/engine-related failure on a vehicle equipped with the 1.5L turbo engine, combined with multiple cylinder misfires and an air-fuel ratio variation, could create a significant safety hazard. My concern is not simply the cost of repairing the vehicle. I am concerned about what could happen if the engine suddenly loses power, hesitates, misfires severely, or fails to accelerate while I am driving in traffic or attempting to merge onto a highway. The multiple warning lights are also concerning. When the problem occurs, the vehicle displays warnings involving several systems, including traction control, braking, steering, ACC, and Road Departure. This creates concern that safety and driver-assistance features may be disabled or affected at the same time as the engine problem. The vehicle has approximately 190,000 miles, but I believe mileage alone should not dismiss a potentially recurring safety-related defect, particularly when the vehicle is experiencing multiple engine-related diagnostic codes and the dealership has diagnosed a turbocharg

Filed Sep 2, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · FL

2019 honda accord, the transmission is failing, Slipping Gears, Delayed or Harsh Shifting, Unusual Noises, Warning Lights on, Transmission or check engine light illuminate, signaling potential issues, Fluid Leaks I have a 2019 honda accord, the fuel pump failed and the honda service center in miami charged me $1308.00 and it was supposed to be a free recall. I need help, the car is falling apart. Thanks

Filed Aug 26, 2026 · Engine · CA

Vehicle started sputtering, then all the engine lights came on. The car felt like it did not want to drive. Took it to the dealer for diagnosis. Dealer reported that the head gasket needed to be replaced. He stated that this is a known issue but that Honda has not issued a recall. The car only has $100,000 miles. Dealer said to call American Honda to see if they would give any "good will" money. They declined.

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engineReported March 2, 2015 · 137 vehicles affected
What is wrong
American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Accord L4 vehicles manufactured July 29, 2014, to July 31, 2014, 2015 Accord L4 vehicles manufactured August 14, 2014, to January 30, 2015, and 2015 CR-V vehicles manufactured September 9, 2014, to February 6, 2015. The affected vehicles may have been assembled with improperly torqued connecting rod bolts, which can cause the engine to lose power or leak oil.
Risk
Loss of engine power may result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash. If the engine leaks oil in the proximity of hot engine or exhaust components, there is an increased risk of a fire.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine short block, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's number for this recall is JP2 (for Accord models) and JP3 (for CR-V models).

Recall number 15V121000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engineReported August 28, 2002 · 17,551 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain minivans, sedans, coupes, and sport utility vehicles equipped with v6 engines, a timing belt tensioner pulley on the water pump is misaligned and could cause the timing belt to contact a bolt on the cylinder head. Eventually the belt could be damaged and fail.
Risk
If the timing belt breaks, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the water pump and if it is one of the defective pumps, the water pump and timing belt will be replaced. Owner notification began august 30, 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 02V226000 · Recall details

Questions about the Honda Accord check engine light

Why does the check engine light come on in the Honda Accord?

Owners who report it most often also describe misfire or rough idle, engine stalls while driving and jerking or lurching, and the codes they mention most are P0420, P0740 and P0303.

Which Honda Accord years have check engine light problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2018 (189 complaints), 1998 (74 complaints) and 2002 (73 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix check engine light on the Honda Accord?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $2,800 (median of 157 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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