The CVT automatic transmission is leaking fluid from the transmission input shaft seal. The leak was diagnosed by Pohanka Honda of Fredericksburg, Virginia in October 2026 at approximately 99,400 miles. The dealer recommended replacing the transmission input shaft seal, a repair that requires removing the transmission, estimated at $2,990.90 plus tax. American Honda reviewed the case (Case #[XXX]) and declined goodwill assistance on [XXX]. The repair has not yet been performed. Safety concern: continued loss of transmission fluid can cause transmission failure and a loss of motive power while driving. No crash, fire, or injuries occurred. The problem is ongoing. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Honda Accord cvt failure problems
70 of the 24,251 owner complaints about the Honda Accord describe cVT failure, most of them for the 2013 model year.
- owner complaints
- 70
- worst model year
- 2013
- typical repair cost reported
- $6,000
- typical mileage
- 7,500
By model year
Often reported together
Transmission failure 11Jerking 9Hesitation 6Check engine light 6Warning lights 4Shudder 4Loss of power 4Sudden acceleration 3
Trouble codes mentioned
P1890 1
What owners say
While driving, the front drive shaft (axle) suddenly snapped completely in half without warning. This caused an immediate loss of power to the wheels, creating a hazardous driving situation and leaving the vehicle stranded. Upon inspection, the drive shaft broke directly beneath the rubber dynamic damper (vibration damper). The area under the rubber ring shows heavy rust and corrosion. Furthermore, the unbroken drive shaft on the opposite side of the vehicle shows a heavily dry-rotted rubber dynamic damper ring, raising immediate concerns that it will fail next. This failure matches the physical description of the defect found in the federal safety agency Recall Number 20V‑769 (Manufacturer Recall Code OM2, corresponding to Honda Service Bulletin 20-125). Under that safety campaign, Honda states that moisture and road salt seep under the dynamic damper, causing hidden corrosion that ultimately breaks the axle. However, Honda has restricted the scope of Recall 20V‑769 exclusively to vehicles equipped with Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT). Because my vehicle has a 6-speed manual transmission, my VIN is excluded from coverage. Despite having a different transmission, my vehicle was built with factory axles that suffered the exact same corrosion failure in the exact same location. The exclusion of manual transmission vehicles from this recall leaves drivers exposed to a known safety hazard. I request that the federal safety agency review this failure on manual transmission models to determine if the recall population needs to be expanded.
The engine continues to overheat and shut down while driving. The engine often goes into "limp" mode while driving. The entire set of gauges and lights on the dashboard light up like a Christmas tree, alerting me that all systems in the car are malfunctioning. I fear that I may have a malfunctioning head gasket. I've replace injectors, radar sensors, new turbo, gas pedal, etc and I have spent nearly $10,000 dollars and MANY, many hours at multiple Honda dealers, across various different states. This car is a lemon and I am upside down on the value of the car and what I still have financed. I wish Honda would take responsibility for their new turbo driven CVT engines that are failing.
My 2018 Honda Accord EX's transmission failed after just 88,000 miles. I have owned 3 Hondas and I never had this experience. All bought a Honda World in Westminster, California. I did some research and spoke to a private transmission service company, Leon's Transmissions, and they told me that in 2018, Honda replaced the old transmission they were using with a CVT transmission. They said that clients who bought Honda Accords in 2018 have had the transmission fail on them between 80,000 - 100,000 miles. They also said that HONDA knew that the CVT in 2018 was a bad transmission but instead of alerting clients, they "chose" to work on improving the CVT transmission for future vehicles. I have taken in my Honda regularly for service which is about 3 times a year. I just had it serviced on May 29, 2026 with an oil and lube, a new air and cabin filter, and brakes. TWO MONTHS later, July 7, 2026 I discovered a "shimmy, grunting" sound when I started it. NO WARNING lamps, messages on my dashboard. I took it into my dealership that I have used since 2002. They told me the transmission had failed, that the warranty was only up to 60,000 miles and that to replace it would cost me $9000.00 dollars. NO DISCOUNTS, NO LOYALTY help, nothing. I am a retired senior and I cannot afford this cost. My dealership said that the car is NOT safe to drive, but to take it to CARMAX and see if I can get anything for the car. What nerve. I believe I should be given some compensation or a new transmission for this gross negligence on Honda. I took in my car for regular service, did not put too many miles on the car in the last 8 years (just 88,000) and feel that they should have CHECKED the transmission each time I serviced the car or alerted me via a recall about the transmission early on.
Merging from a stop into traffic and suddenly a loud bang from under car and unable to accelerate. Able to move to shoulder while coasting. Failure was found to be the passenger side driveshaft. The CVT version of my car has an open recall, but mine is a manual. Seems like an attempt to carve out part of the recall to save a buck by Honda.
A transmission problem occurred shortly after a CVT transmission service was performed at an authorized Honda dealership, Classic Honda of Midland in Midland, Texas. After the service, the vehicle began experiencing abnormal noise, vibration, and harsh driving conditions. The vehicle was later inspected at another authorized Honda dealership, Ocean Honda of Burlingame, California. During the inspection, technicians documented that the CVT transmission fluid had been overfilled and excess transmission fluid had to be drained. After further evaluation, internal transmission damage was identified and the dealership advised that the transmission likely needs replacement. Ocean Honda of Burlingame provided an estimated cost of $10,101.13 for transmission replacement. Attempts were made to resolve the issue directly with Classic Honda of Midland in Texas, but the dealership refused to take responsibility or provide assistance. This condition may create a safety risk due to potential loss of power and unsafe drivability while operating the vehicle.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact stated that one of the tires was punctured by a nail, and after the tire was replaced, the check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Zone, where it was diagnosed, and determined that there was a misfire in cylinder #2. The vehicle was then taken to a certified mechanic who replaced the cylinder, engine, ignition coil, and spark plug. After the vehicle was repaired, it was returned to Auto Zone to be diagnosed again. The contact was informed that there was a misfire in cylinder #2. The vehicle was returned to the mechanic, and it was confirmed that the spark plug in cylinder #2 was new. The contact continued driving the vehicle; however, a month later, several warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #2. The dealer recommended replacing the fuel injectors and that an alignment of the radar was needed, and there was a failure with the transmission fluid, the CVT, and a software failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was previously included in a recall for the failure; however, the recall repair was already performed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
2014 Honda Accord Hybrid purchased new, completed all routine and recommended maintenance over its life. - The passenger side drive shaft failed on May 5, 2025, pulling into our driveway, and it fell out of the bottom of the car onto the pavement. - The driver’s side drive shaft failed on December 4, 2025, leaving a shopping center parking lot, and it fell out of the bottom of the car onto the pavement. Attached are photos of both driveshafts, which clearly show the similarities in the failures. I have the parts for the driver’s side in my possession and am happy to furnish them for analysis. These failures are catastrophic in that the vehicle was rendered undrivable with a loss of control without warning. This vehicle is used daily for highway commuting and had this failure occurred on the highway at 65 mph, I believe it would have caused a serious crash of this vehicle and likely caused a multi-vehicle accident given the sudden nature of the failure and the lack of control the vehicle experienced upon failure. Honda Service Bulletin 20-125 appears to address a very similar concern for Honda Accord “CVT models.” The photos and inspection area listed in that bulletin seem to indicate that my car experienced a similar failure (Bulletin attached); however, I was told by the dealership that my VIN was not subject to the recall. I believe the vehicle is subject to a similar defect as described in the Service Bulletin for other Honda Accord models and believe it should be investigated and included in the recall. These failures have cost $2,279.47 in repair fees, approximately $400 in emergency towing and do not seem to be in line with routine maintenance or "wear and tear".
Power steering TPM S and traction control lights are coming on after putting in a new battery. This is a recall for 2013 to 2017 Honda Accord sport with CVT transmission and for some reason, my car is not part of the batch, even though it is experiencing this issue. I am assuming the issue is the battery management
My 2023 Honda Accord, with about 62,000 miles has a fault transmission, that is claimed a loss and needs to be replaced for almost $8,000. The transmission is currently at the dealership, but might be returned to Honda if a new one is installed. Our safety is being put at risk because if the transmission fails while driving the vehicle will not operate accordingly. The issue has been confirmed by my local Honda dealership, as well as others online confirming same issue with Honda CVT transmissions. The vehicle and transmission has not been inspected by police, manufacture, or insurance yet. There was no warning light. I did start to hear a ticking sound at 57,000 miles. My powertrain warranty is until 60,000. However, I was told by dealer to wait to do recall and regular service at same time. Now, I am passed my warranty 2,000 miles and they do not want to cover damages. I am almost positive it is a manufacturing issue because there is no way a transmission failed at 60,000 miles. Especially on a Honda. IF my transmission is replace I also do not receive an extended warranty, so I have 0 confidence in vehicle and do not want to keep it.
Related recalls
Power train: driveline: driveshaft
- What is wrong
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013 Honda Accord vehicles equipped with a 4-cylinder engine and a continuously-variable transmission. The affected vehicles were originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The driveshaft may corrode and break, due to damage from road salt or other contaminants.
- Risk
- A broken driveshaft can result in a loss of drive power, or a vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake applied. Both scenarios can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the driveshaft assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's number for this recall is OM2. This recall expands previous recall number 20V769.
Recall number 25V422000 · Recall details
Power train: driveline: driveshaft
- What is wrong
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Accord vehicles equipped with a 4-cylinder engine and a continuously-variable transmission that were originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The drive shafts were assembled with a lubricant that may have degraded the drive shafts' protective coating, making it more susceptible to damage from road salt or other contaminants, and potentially cause it to break.
- Risk
- A broken drive shaft may cause a sudden loss of drive power. The vehicle could also roll away if the parking brake has not been applied before the vehicle has been exited. Either condition can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the drive shafts, replacing both the left and right drive shafts, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138.
Recall number 20V769000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
- What is wrong
- Honda is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 accord, 2007-2010 cr-v, and 2005-2008 element passenger cars manufactured from july 1, 2004, through september 3, 2010. The outer race of the secondary shaft bearing may be broken during certain driving styles. A broken outer race may cause abnormal noise, the malfunction indicator light to turn on, and allow contact between the transmission idle gear and an electronic sensor housing within the transmission.
- Risk
- This could result in a short circuit causing the engine to stall. Additionally, broken pieces of the outer race or ball bearing from the secondary shaft may become lodged in the parking pawl resulting in the vehicle rolling after the driver has placed the gear selector in the park position. Engine stall and unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash or personal injury to persons within the path of a rolling vehicle.
- Remedy
- Honda will notify owners and dealers will update the automatic transmission control module software free of charge. The safety recall began on august 27, 2011. Owners may contact honda automobile customer service at 1‑800‑999‑1009.
Recall number 11V395000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- On some mini vans, sport utility and passenger vehicles, certain operating conditions can result in heat build-up between the countershaft and secondary shaft second gears in the automatic transmission, eventually leading to gear tooth chipping or gear breakage.
- Risk
- Gear failure could result in transmission lockup, which could result in a crash.
- Remedy
- On vehicles with 15,000 miles or less, the dealer will update the transmission with a simple revision to the oil cooler return line to increase lubrication to the second gear. On vehicles with more than 15,000 miles, the dealer will inspect the transmission to identify gears that have already experienced discoloration due to overheating. If discoloration exists, the transmission will be replaced if discoloration is not present, the dealer will perform the revision to the oil cooler return line. The recall began on april 21, 2004, for pilot, odyssey, and mdx owners. Owners of the accord vehicles will start receiving letters on june 28, 2004, and on june 29, 2004, for owners of the tl and cl vehicles. Owners should contact honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009 or acura at 1‑800‑382‑2238.
Recall number 04V176000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles (honda accord sedans manufactured from september 18, 1997 to january 10, 1998; coupes manufactured december 11, december 15, 1997, and january 5, 1998; acura 2.3cl manufactured october 22, 1997 through january 7, 1998). During manufacturing, the casting die caused an irregularity in the right-side transmission cover. This irregularity can limit the movement of the parking pawl actuation level and prevent adequate engagement of the parking gear pawl. This does not comply with fmvs no. 114, "theft protection."
- Risk
- This condition can cause the vehicle to roll down an incline when the transmission is locked in "park," increasing the risk of personal injury and/or property damage.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a collar on the transmission parking pawl to ensure proper movement of the actuation lever.
Recall number 98V018000 · Recall details
Questions about the Honda Accord cvt failure
Which Honda Accord years have cVT failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2013 (26 complaints), 2014 (9 complaints) and 2015 (7 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix CVT failure on the Honda Accord?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $6,000 (median of 9 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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