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Honda Accord hesitation problems

299 of the 24,251 owner complaints about the Honda Accord describe hesitation when accelerating, most of them for the 2002 model year.

owner complaints
299
worst model year
2002
typical repair cost reported
$3,200
typical mileage
76,400
Is there a fix? There are 5 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

Often reported together

Jerking 51Check engine light 46Stalling 45Transmission failure 34Slipping 20Misfire 20Loss of power 19Fuel pump 14

Trouble codes mentioned

P0303 3P0301 3P0300 3P0740 2P0304 2P0302 2U0416 1P219A 1P2138 1P0420 1

What owners say

Filed Nov 3, 2026 · Engine · 77,689 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2019 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the “Service Engine” warning light illuminated and the vehicle was hesitating and shaking abnormally. The contact used a diagnostic scanner to retrieve DTC for engine misfire in cylinders #2 and #3. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the cylinders caused by the cylinder head gasket failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 77,689.

Filed Oct 15, 2026 · Fuel system · 152,100 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at 65 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle hesitated and then accelerated; however, the vehicle then failed to accelerate above 20 MPH. Several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact's wife drove the vehicle to a safe location and parked. While attempting to start the vehicle, the engine started and then shut off. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a fuel pump failure requiring fuel pump replacement. The contact referenced a recall with a similar failure description; however, the contact's VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 152,100.

Filed Oct 7, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · NJ

The car hesitates upon acceleration and when it “misses” enough it will flash the engine on the dashboard, and not allow any further acceleration, going into “limp mode”. All the safety controls error on the message center and dashboard warnings all come on, even though it’s only the acceleration/transmission that’s affected. Not sure if it’s fuel injectors or a computer issue, but it’s absolutely dangerous upon entering a highway and hoping to not have system failures, that result in limp mode. I’ve been carrying a 10 mm socket for disconnecting the battery and rebooting the system, when needed. It only helps for a short while.

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 Aug 31, 2026 · CA

Head gasket needed to be replaced. Coolant leaking into cylinders, sudden loss of motive power / engine misfires while driving. Driving on the highway, and trying to accelerate, there is a hesitation and vibration and also when letting off the gas.

Filed Aug 24, 2026 · Engine · OH

I am reporting a suspected head gasket/engine defect involving my 2018 Honda Accord Sport. My vehicle experienced multiple engine-related problems before ultimately requiring head gasket replacement and cylinder head repair. On July 27, 2024, at approximately 161,480 miles, the turbocharger was replaced. In September 2025, at 207,539 miles, my vehicle was serviced at Joe Morgan Honda, an authorized Honda dealership. During that visit, the Honda technician documented that the cooling system fluid level was low and that no external leaks were found. The technician documented that they suspected the head gasket was causing internal coolant loss over time. I was instructed to monitor the vehicle and was provided an estimate of approximately $4,400 plus tax for head gasket replacement. I specifically asked the Honda service advisor whether the head gasket could be repaired at that time or whether anything could be done to prevent the suspected problem from progressing. I was told there was nothing that could be done at that point other than monitor the vehicle. Within weeks, multiple warning lights illuminated on my dashboard and the vehicle began experiencing significant drivability problems, including hesitation, misfiring, and loss of acceleration. The loss of acceleration was particularly concerning because the vehicle did not respond or accelerate normally while being driven. I took the vehicle to Integrity Automotive on September 25, 2025, at 208,583 miles. The engine was checked, and the ignition coils and spark plugs were replaced. Despite those repairs, the vehicle ultimately required major engine repairs on November 8, 2025, at 210,230 miles. The cylinder head gasket was replaced and the cylinder head was serviced/repaired. The fuel injectors, spark plugs, and serpentine belt were also replaced, and the cooling system and drivability/performance were checked. Only approximately 2,691 miles elapsed between the Honda dealership documenting the suspected i

Filed Jul 11, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · VA

I own a 2018 Honda Accord LX 1.5T. The vehicle has developed an intermittent hard-start condition after sitting overnight. The engine cranks for approximately 5–6 seconds before starting and runs very rough for the first 2–5 seconds before smoothing out. Warm restarts are normal. While driving, the vehicle hesitates and stumbles during acceleration, is slow to build RPM, and fuel economy has noticeably decreased. During one hard acceleration event, the vehicle lost power and the check engine light flashed. I also observed that if I turn the ignition on and allow the fuel pump to prime for several seconds before starting the engine, the vehicle starts noticeably quicker than if I start it immediately. This makes me concerned that the fuel system may not be maintaining proper fuel pressure after the vehicle sits. Because of the hard starting, hesitation, intermittent loss of power during acceleration, and the improvement after allowing the fuel pump to prime, I am submitting this complaint for investigation because these symptoms could create a safety risk when entering traffic or accelerating.

Filed Jun 18, 2026 · Engine · 133,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle decelerated and was hesitating while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the spark plugs were replaced. The contact stated that months later, the vehicle experienced the same issue and was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a blown head gasket. Two months later, the spark plugs were replaced again. Another two months later, additional components were repaired. The vehicle had been at the dealer for several months and the technicians were unable to determine the cause of the failure. The low engine oil warning light was illuminated, even though the engine oil level was not low. The dealer was unaware of the cause of the failure and stated that the engine needed to be dissembled for further inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 133,000.

Filed Jun 12, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · VA

I am reporting a fuel pump module failure that has caused several drivability and safety concerns with my vehicle. Prior to the failure, the vehicle experienced intermittent difficulty starting, extended cranking before the engine would start, and occasional hesitation during acceleration. At times, the engine would lose power unexpectedly while driving, causing reduced performance and creating a potential safety hazard in traffic. The vehicle also experienced rough idling, sputtering, and instances where the engine stalled without warning. In some situations, the vehicle failed to start altogether despite having sufficient fuel in the tank. These symptoms became progressively worse over time and are consistent with a failing fuel pump module. Due to these issues, the vehicle became unreliable for daily transportation and posed a risk of sudden loss of power while operating on public roads. I am requesting that this failure be covered under the applicable fuel pump recall and that any related repairs and expenses be reimbursed or covered accordingly.

Filed Jun 11, 2026 · Fuel system · TX

Pulled off my street to go to work, and the car engine started hesitating, misfiring and losing power. I turned around and was able to get it to a safe location, but had to have it towed to the dealership. Dealership ran codes said it was a bad injector issue and quoted me $2,600 to replace all 4. My Accord just turned 9 and has had all recommended services done. This is my 4th Honda and have never had any fuel injector issues with prior cars. My car is not showing as part of the recall for this, but it should be because they are defective. If I had not turned around, a semi could have hit me as I was in an industrial area, because the car all of a sudden lost power. This is an extreme safety issue and should be recalled.

Related recalls

Power train: driveline: driveshaftReported June 19, 2025 · 72,256 vehicles affected
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: driveshaftReported December 10, 2020 · 235,034 vehicles affected
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)Reported August 4, 2011 · 1,512,107 vehicles affected
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 transmissionReported April 15, 2004 · 1,099,796 vehicles affected
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 switchReported February 10, 1998 · 33,966 vehicles affected
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 hesitation

Which Honda Accord years have hesitation when accelerating problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2002 (36 complaints), 2003 (33 complaints) and 2018 (31 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix hesitation when accelerating on the Honda Accord?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $3,200 (median of 31 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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