Honda Accord Electrical System Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 13, 2026 · 3,981 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 3,981 complaints with NHTSA about electrical system problems on the Honda Accord across 32 model years. The 2013 model year has the most (416). The words owners use most often: “ignition switch” (15% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Ignition switch: mentioned in 578 of 3,981 complaints (15%)

How much does it cost to fix?

Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical electrical system repair on the Honda Accord at $900, and half of them between $460 and $1,200.

Based on 134 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2000–2026), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.

At what mileage do electrical system problems happen?

Based on 2,184 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles253 · 12%
10k–25k miles143 · 7%
25k–50k miles378 · 17%
50k–75k miles379 · 17%
75k–100k miles293 · 13%
100k–150k miles436 · 20%
150k+ miles302 · 14%

How serious are the reports?

Of 3,981 complaints, 119 mention a crash, 87 a fire, 62 an injury.

Honda Accord electrical system complaints by model year

Peak: 2013, with 416 complaints
1995: 4319951996: 401997: 961998: 30819981999: 3882000: 1712001: 7820012002: 692003: 1422004: 14620042005: 962006: 422007: 6020072008: 1042009: 442010: 3420102011: 182012: 322013: 41620134162014: 3782015: 2372016: 19920162017: 1542018: 2962019: 10920192020: 532021: 662022: 10420222023: 232024: 252025: 920252026: 1

n = 3,981 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearElectrical System complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2026 Accord110%—
2025 Accord910%—
2024 Accord2517%22,863
2023 Accord2327%25,100
2022 Accord10441%22,000
2021 Accord6627%100,000
2020 Accord5315%14,500
2019 Accord10916%14,000
2018 Accord29616%11,075
2017 Accord15429%29,048
2016 Accord19933%46,000
2015 Accord23739%50,500
2014 Accord37839%52,000
2013 Accord41629%50,000
2012 Accord329%50,000
2011 Accord186%66,000
2010 Accord346%60,500
2009 Accord446%62,500
2008 Accord1047%32,000
2007 Accord6011%89,000
2006 Accord4210%81,000
2005 Accord9615%70,961
2004 Accord14614%85,000
2003 Accord1427%71,000
2002 Accord697%97,000
2001 Accord788%102,500
2000 Accord17114%107,000
1999 Accord38834%130,000
1998 Accord30826%126,037
1997 Accord9621%135,500
1996 Accord408%120,000
1995 Accord438%132,000

When owners reported it

Peak: 2026, with 312 complaints
1995: 319951996: 31997: 71998: 1219981999: 272000: 192001: 2920012002: 1712003: 1082004: 11420042005: 642006: 722007: 9020072008: 1112009: 1262010: 14120102011: 992012: 1372013: 9320132014: 1242015: 1432016: 13220162017: 1882018: 2242019: 30320192020: 2122021: 1662022: 12020222023: 1762024: 1692025: 28620252026: 312312

n = 3,981 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (9)

Electrical system:body control module:software; back over prevention: sensing system: camera; visibility/wiper; visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system; visibility:power window devices and controls; exterior lightingDec 10, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V771000 · 737,233 vehicles

Model years: 2018, 2019, 2020

Problem: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Accord Sedan, Accord Hybrid, and 2019-2020 Insight vehicles. A software error may cause intermittent or continuous disruptions in communication between the Body Control Module (BCM) and other components. This may result in malfunctions of various systems such as the windshield wipers and defroster, rearview camera, exterior lights, audible warning of a stopped vehicle, and power window operation. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems" and number 111, "Rear Visibility" as well as FMVSS numbers 104, 108, 114, 118, and 305.

Risk: Various system malfunctions such as inoperative windshield wipers, defroster, rearview camera, or exterior lighting can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the BCM software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 22, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is X95.

Electrical system:12v/24v/48v batteryJun 29, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V418000 · 1,148,550 vehicles

Model years: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016

Problem: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Honda Accord vehicles. The case for the battery sensor, part of the battery management system, may allow water to get in, potentially causing an electrical short.

Risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sensor, free of charge. Dealers will perform an interim remedy of applying adhesive to the case to prevent water intrusion. The recall began November 8, 2017. Owners may contact American Honda Customer Support Center at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is KG0.

Electrical systemJan 6, 2011 · NHTSA campaign 11V004000 · 2,277 vehicles

Model years: 2010

Problem: Honda is recalling certain model year 2010 honda accord and cr-v vehicles. There is a potential failure with the engine wiring harness connector which may cause intermittent spark firing or the engine to stall.

Risk: An engine stall will increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealer will inspect and replace the ignition wiring harness connector free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before january 24, 2011. Owners may contact honda at 1-800-999-1009.

Electrical system:ignitionAug 5, 2010 · NHTSA campaign 10V364000 · 551,498 vehicles

Model years: 2003

Problem: Honda is recalling certain model year 2003 honda accord, civic two and four door, and model year 2003-2004 honda element vehicles. The interlock lever of the ignition switch may unexpectedly deform, which can allow the interlock function of a vehicle with an automatic transmission to be defeated.

Risk: Removal of the ignition key when the gear selector of a vehicle with an automatic transmission has not been shifted to the park position can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will remove the original interlock pin and lever within the ignition switch, and replace them with new, designed components. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on october 7, 2010. Owners may contact honda at 1-800-999-1009.

Electrical system:wiring:fuses and circuit breakersApr 5, 2005 · NHTSA campaign 05V132000 · 1,923 vehicles

Model years: 2005

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, a loose terminal in the main fuse box may cause the fuel pump to lose power. If the fuel pump becomes inoperative, the engine may not start.

Risk: If the fuel pump loses power while driving the engine could stall without warning which could result in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the entire fuse box free of charge. The recall began on april 13, 2005. Owners may contact honda at 800-999-1009 or acura at 1-800-382-2238.

Electrical system:ignition:switchJan 28, 2005 · NHTSA campaign 05V025000 · 486,659 vehicles

Model years: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, the interlock operation of the ignition switch may not function properly, making it possible to turn the ignition key to the "off" position and remove the key without shifting the transmission to park.

Risk: If the driver does not shift to park before removing the key and fails to engage the parking brake, the vehicle could roll and a crash could occur.

Fix: Dealers will perform an inspection procedure that confirms interlock function. Vehicles will be updated with a redesigned interlock lever free of charge. The recall began on march 7, 2005. Owners may contact honda at 1-800-999-1009 or acura at 1-800-382-2238.

Electrical system:ignition:switchOct 27, 2003 · NHTSA campaign 03V423000 · 563,861 vehicles

Model years: 1998, 1999

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles and mini vans, the ignition switch may wear excessively and prevent proper interlock operation, making it possible to turn the ignition key to the "off" position and remove the key without shifting the transmission to "park."

Risk: If the vehicle operator does not shift to "park" before removing the key and fails to engage the parking brake, the vehicle could roll and a crash could occur.

Fix: Dealers will perform an inspection procedure that determines the amount of cylinder body wear. If significant wear is indicated, the dealer will replace the cylinder body, collar, and latch plate. If no signs of wear are indicated, dealers will replace the latch plate with a redesigned part. Owner notification began december 8, 2003. Owners should contact honda at 1-800-999-1009 or acura at 1-800-382-2238.

Electrical system:ignition:switchMay 16, 2002 · NHTSA campaign 02V120000 · 1,000,000 vehicles

Model years: 1997, 1998, 1999

Problem: On certain sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, and sport utility vehicles, electrical contacts in the ignition switch can degrade due to the high electrical current passing through the switch when the vehicle is started.

Risk: Worn contacts could cause the engine to stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the ignition switch. Owner notification began june 14, 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.

Electrical system:wiring:front underhoodSep 22, 1998 · NHTSA campaign 98V231000 · 967,771 vehicles

Model years: 1995, 1996, 1997

Problem: Vehicle description: sedan, coupe and wagon passenger vehicles except the dx model and models with v6 engines. The factory installed air conditioner wire harness was improperly routed allowing some wires to rub against each other, eventually causing a short circuit.

Risk: The short circuit canpossibly cause the underhood wireing to overheat and smoke, causing a fire in the engine compartment. A short circuit can also result in a blown fuse or dead battery.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the vehicles for proper routing of these wires. Any harness improperly routed will be inspected for damage and the routing will be corrected. If any insulation is worn through and the copper wires are exposed, the harness will be replaced. Dealers will also install plastic tubing to protect the harness.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

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…

Received Oct 13, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11770836

The infotainment system and center touchscreen display unit on my 2022 Honda Accord suffer a severe component failure commonly referred to as "Ghost Touch". The screen touches by itself so the radio, map, everything in the menu change by itself. Sometime, the radio turns on/off by itself too. When…

Received Oct 12, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11770662

The Supplemental Restraint System Problem message along with the airbag light comes and goes on my dash randomly. Anytime I am able to take it to get scanned, it doesn’t show up. Then when I’m driving down the road it will randomly appear. It also appears sometimes when I first start the…

Received Oct 10, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11770278

Was at a stoplight, came to a complete stop once at a complete stop car completely shut all the way off, losing all electricity no hazard lights. You cannot press down on the brakes to restart the car. You could not do anything. Car lost 100% of power 5 to 10 minutes later, Vehicle shut back on…

Received Oct 9, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11770230

The infotainment system glitches and will not respond to touch or will have phantom “touches” where the system will make inputs on its own. This is worse when it’s really hot and was told by dealership that this is due to components overheating and malfunctioning, and it requires the full…

Received Oct 9, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11770175
Honda Accord
Urban Gray Pearl Honda Accord Hybrid Touring CY2 sedan at Honda Ilsan Dealership.. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Damian B Oh, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently asked questions

Do all Honda Accords have electrical system problems?

No. NHTSA has 3,981 owner complaints about electrical system for the Honda Accord. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the Honda Accord electrical system?

Yes: 9 safety recalls list electrical system. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

How much does it cost to fix electrical system problems on the Honda Accord?

Owners report a typical cost of $900 (half paid between $460 and $1,200), from 134 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.

What do owners say about electrical system problems on the Honda Accord?

The most frequent phrase is “ignition switch”, in 578 of 3,981 complaints.

Other Honda Accord problems

See all Honda Accord problems.