Door lock actuator(s) randomly failing to lock/unlock. Multiple reports on forums for same exact issue. Replace one, another fails shortly after. Issue involves both locking and unlocking, putting safety individuals at risk for unexpected access to car or inability to lock car once inside. No messages, warnings, or suggestions from car to tell me that the locking had failed.
Honda Accord door locks problems
262 of the 24,251 owner complaints about the Honda Accord describe doors won't lock, open or latch, most of them for the 1990 model year.
- owner complaints
- 262
- worst model year
- 1990
- typical repair cost reported
- $667
- typical mileage
- 62,000
Is there a fix? No recall or service bulletin covers this area of the car yet.
By model year
Often reported together
Key fob 12Grinding brakes 8Stalling 5Fire or smoke 5Airbag light 5Adaptive cruise 5Wipers 4Seat belt 3
What owners say
SUBJECT: A REQUEST FOR HONDA CORPORATE INVESTIGATION AND GOODWILL ASSISTANCE - 2021 HONDA ACCORD I am submitting a formal complaint regarding serious and recurring electrical and safety-related problems with my 2021 Honda Accord. 1. Numerous dashboard warning lights and safety-system warnings illuminate simultaneously. 2. The vehicle repeatedly displays messages instructing me to "See Dealer." 3. The power door locks repeatedly click and cycle as though they are attempting to lock or unlock on their own. 4. The stereo, on its own, scrolls through buttons and bluetooth blinking through all the stereo options on its own. 5.An OBD diagnostic code reader is unable to properly communicate with the vehicle and reports "Unable to Connect/Vehicle Not Found." 6. Sudden brake activated without any object being in front of the vehicle. 7. Factory Rims Extensive finish failure The simultaneous occurrence of these problems strongly suggest that this may involve an electrical, communication-network, body control module, wiring, power-supply, or other vehicle system defect rather than ordinary wear and tear. I am particularly concerned because the dashboard warnings involve vehicle systems that may affect braking, steering, stability control, driver-assistance features, and other safety functions. When numerous safety warnings illuminate at the same time, I have no reliable way of knowing which vehicle systems are actually functioning correctly. The repeated activation of the door-lock system is also concerning. The locks should not continuously activate on their own during normal vehicle operation. Combined with the diagnostic communication failure and multiple warning messages, this raises concern regarding a larger electrical or vehicle-network malfunction. Although the vehicle is currently outside the factory warranty period, this type of widespread electrical and safety malfunction should not reasonably occur in a 2021 vehicle as the result of normal use.
The Body Control Module of my 2018 Accord has failed. At 70,000 miles on my vehicle the door locks began to be unresponsive. At 100,000 Miles all door locks were unresponsive to the door control and fob control. The only way to secure my vehicle is to manually lock all doors and use the key within my fob to unlock the drivers door and then manually unlock all other doors. Ed Martin Honda in Indianapolis inspected the vehicle and determined the the Body Control Module would need to be replaced to make the Door locks work. There were known issues with the Body Control Module as there was an active recall for the software of the system. I completed the recalls software update at the time it was issued but this seems to be a continued problem.
Door latch mechanism failed. The door doesnt stay closed, it will fly open if youre not holding onto it. Causes the dash to light up with door ajar and the locks trigger everytime it registers its open and you're moving.
The door handle is coming off where the key part is and handle part it.
The airbag was stolen from my 2025 Honda Accord SE without breaking the window. The door lock was broken easily and the airbag removed quickly. This is a serious safety and security concern. A person can steal a critical safety component without major damage. I am financially stressed because the vehicle is financed and I depend on it for work. I am concerned about the vehicle’s design security and safety.
On February 15 Sunday night my 2024 Accord was broken in by thieves. Honda’s door lock system was so easy that robbers were able to hack it and open the driver door easily. After which steering wheel airbag was stolen. There was another Honda Accord 2025 model also parked which belong to my family member, was also hit by same thieves and was a victim of door brake in and steering wheel airbag stolen. I would like to file complaint against Honda’s week security system which allowed the thieves to easily brake into our Vehicles. Upon checking the internet I came across videos of how easy it is to steel the airbags since it only requires 2 small flathead screw drivers to unlatch the steering wheel air bag. During my conversation with police who files my report mentioned that “ honda is being hit with these cases a-lot and honda vehicles can easily be started with wifi system”. I spoke to the service advisor at Honda who is fixing my car about this issue, he responded saying “ there is nothing we can do. The best thing you can do is put steering wheel lock bar on it”. At this point I don’t feel safe having Honda vehicle at all. What can prevent them from not breaking to my car again after being fixed? At this point it is a high risk for me for constantly paying insurance deductibles and chances of insurance premiums increments and worst of all a constant stress every night of being hit again.
The contact owns a 2024 Honda Accord. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle unexpectedly came to a stop without the brake pedal being depressed. The “BRAKE” message was displayed on the instrument panel. The failure occasionally occurred while the cruise control feature was activated. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V785000 (Electrical System). Additionally, occasionally the electrical system was inoperable, and the instrument panel failed to function properly, and the trunk and fuel door unexpectedly opened. The contact also stated that the automatic door locks failed to function properly, requiring several attempts to enter the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to several dealers; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures, and the contact was offered a buyback option for the vehicle. The contact expressed concerns that, due to the multiple failures, the vehicle was unsafe to operate and created a hazardous condition, because the vehicle was almost in a crash with children inside the vehicle. The approximate failure mileage was 33,000.
Door locks alternate not locking/unlocking with either the door buttons or key fob buttons (battery is good). Available for inspection. Vehicle has not been inspected. No warnings prior. This has happened on and off for about 2 years and now seems like it’s 24/7 a thing with multiple doors at a time now.
Car has recently started to actuate the door locks while accelerating from a slowing or braking position. There was some clicking or chattering under the steering wheel that may be a symptom before this started happening. It sounds a lot like the recall for other Accords on the control module. Either way, the car should not be actuating the locks when accelerating from a slowing or braking situation. This is not normal and could be life threatening if in an accident.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Honda Accord door locks
Which Honda Accord years have doors won't lock, open or latch problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1990 (36 complaints), 1991 (28 complaints) and 2003 (18 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix doors won't lock, open or latch on the Honda Accord?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $667 (median of 17 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used Honda Accord?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history