Honda Accord Electrical System Problems
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).
- 3,981electrical system complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 119mention a crash
- 62mention an injury
- 9related recalls
- $900typical repair cost reported by owners
- 42%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
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.
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
| Model year | Electrical System complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Accord | 1 | 10% | — |
| 2025 Accord | 9 | 10% | — |
| 2024 Accord | 25 | 17% | 22,863 |
| 2023 Accord | 23 | 27% | 25,100 |
| 2022 Accord | 104 | 41% | 22,000 |
| 2021 Accord | 66 | 27% | 100,000 |
| 2020 Accord | 53 | 15% | 14,500 |
| 2019 Accord | 109 | 16% | 14,000 |
| 2018 Accord | 296 | 16% | 11,075 |
| 2017 Accord | 154 | 29% | 29,048 |
| 2016 Accord | 199 | 33% | 46,000 |
| 2015 Accord | 237 | 39% | 50,500 |
| 2014 Accord | 378 | 39% | 52,000 |
| 2013 Accord | 416 | 29% | 50,000 |
| 2012 Accord | 32 | 9% | 50,000 |
| 2011 Accord | 18 | 6% | 66,000 |
| 2010 Accord | 34 | 6% | 60,500 |
| 2009 Accord | 44 | 6% | 62,500 |
| 2008 Accord | 104 | 7% | 32,000 |
| 2007 Accord | 60 | 11% | 89,000 |
| 2006 Accord | 42 | 10% | 81,000 |
| 2005 Accord | 96 | 15% | 70,961 |
| 2004 Accord | 146 | 14% | 85,000 |
| 2003 Accord | 142 | 7% | 71,000 |
| 2002 Accord | 69 | 7% | 97,000 |
| 2001 Accord | 78 | 8% | 102,500 |
| 2000 Accord | 171 | 14% | 107,000 |
| 1999 Accord | 388 | 34% | 130,000 |
| 1998 Accord | 308 | 26% | 126,037 |
| 1997 Accord | 96 | 21% | 135,500 |
| 1996 Accord | 40 | 8% | 120,000 |
| 1995 Accord | 43 | 8% | 132,000 |
When owners reported it
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 lighting
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 battery
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 system
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:ignition
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 breakers
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:switch
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:switch
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:switch
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 underhood
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…
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…
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 doesnât show up. Then when Iâm driving down the road it will randomly appear. It also appears sometimes when I first start the…
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…
The infotainment system glitches and will not respond to touch or will have phantom âtouchesâ where the system will make inputs on its own. This is worse when itâs really hot and was told by dealership that this is due to components overheating and malfunctioning, and it requires the full…

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
- Air Bags problems (3,915)
- Power Train problems (3,688)
- Engine problems (2,241)
- Steering problems (1,606)
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (1,430)
- Service Brakes problems (1,101)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (1,099)
- Forward Collision Avoidance problems (956)
See all Honda Accord problems.