Honda Accord Years to Avoid
We analyzed 8014 owner complaints and 59 safety recalls registered with the NHTSA to determine which Honda Accord model years are lemons and which are safe to purchase.
Years to Avoid
Model year 2018 had the highest spike in defects, particularly in electrical system.
Best Years to Buy
Significantly lower defect frequency, few recalls, and refined mechanicals.
Electrical System
The #1 source of driver complaints on this vehicle. Inspect this subsystem thoroughly during pre-purchase inspection.
Honda Accord Complaints & Defects by Model Year
Official consumer safety reports filed with the NHTSA. Click any year for the complete breakdown.
Honda Accord Model Year Comparison Table
Detailed breakdown by model year showing complaint totals, safety recalls, and reliability verdicts.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Defect Score | Verdict | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Honda Accord | 380 | 8 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2013 Honda Accord | 1427 | 5 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2014 Honda Accord | 982 | 4 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2015 Honda Accord | 601 | 5 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2016 Honda Accord | 613 | 4 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2017 Honda Accord | 540 | 3 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2018 Honda Accord | 1897 | 6 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2019 Honda Accord | 698 | 6 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2020 Honda Accord | 368 | 5 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2021 Honda Accord | 246 | 4 | 88/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2022 Honda Accord | 262 | 4 | 67/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2023 Honda Accord | 0 | 5 | 30/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
Buying a Used Honda Accord: Key Reliability Insights
What are the Honda Accord years to avoid?
Based on official NHTSA safety defect data, the Honda Accord model years to avoid are 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022. These years exhibit significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recurring electrical system issues, and federal safety recalls.
What is the best year to buy for a used Honda Accord?
The most reliable used model year for the Honda Accord is 2023 (as well as 2023), which recorded the lowest defect score and minimal safety recalls on record.
What are the most common problems with the Honda Accord?
The most frequently reported component issues for the Honda Accord are Electrical System, Engine & Cooling, Steering System. Owners reported premature component wear and software calibration glitches to federal investigators.
How many total recalls have been issued for the Honda Accord?
Between 2012 and 2023, the NHTSA has published 59 safety recall campaigns and recorded 8014 official owner complaints for the Honda Accord.