2020 Honda ACCORD: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
356 owner complaints analyzed
5 distinct recall campaigns
11,500 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2020 model year. Data snapshot: . 82 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking is the most frequently named component, appearing in 80 of 356 complaints (22.5%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 118 | 33.1% |
| Steering behavior | 29 | 8.1% |
| Fuel system concerns | 26 | 7.3% |
| Engine operation | 25 | 7.0% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 16 | 4.5% |
| Transmission and shifting | 10 | 2.8% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 80 |
| Engine | 70 |
| Service Brakes | 54 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 50 |
| Electrical System | 49 |
| Unknown Or Other | 41 |
| Air Bags | 35 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 31 |
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking: 80; Engine: 70; Service Brakes: 54; Fuel/Propulsion System: 50; Electrical System: 49; Unknown Or Other: 41; Air Bags: 35; Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings: 31
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 51 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 6 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 15 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 5 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 4 |
| 150,000 and above | 1 |
Under 25,000: 51; 25,000 to 49,999: 6; 50,000 to 74,999: 15; 75,000 to 99,999: 5; 100,000 to 149,999: 4; 150,000 and above: 1
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (51). 274 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 26 |
| 2021 | 35 |
| 2022 | 43 |
| 2023 | 19 |
| 2024 | 59 |
| 2025 | 105 |
| 2026 | 69 |
2020: 26; 2021: 35; 2022: 43; 2023: 19; 2024: 59; 2025: 105; 2026: 69
Pattern summary
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 118 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 29 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 26 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11299412 · 2020-01-14 (January 14, 2020)
APPROXIMATELY RIGHT AFTER I PURCHASED THE CAR, I BEGAN HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE BRAKE. THE BRAKE SYSTEM IS HARDER THAN NORMAL; WHEN I APPLY PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, IT FEELS LIKE IT HAS SEVERAL LAYERS UNTIL I PUSH IT TO THE END. IT FEELS LIKE IT DOESN'T RESPOND RIGHT AWAY. ALSO, THE BRAKE IS GIVING ME A STRONG RESPOND, SO I FEEL THE CAR IS SHAKING SIGNIFICANTLY WHEN I DO AN IMMEDIATE STOP. ALSO, WHEN I APPLY PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE, THE MOTION OF THE CAR RUSH FORWARD AND SLIDE DOWN BEFORE IT RESPONDS CORRECTLY.
Owner-reported narrative. 15 miles reported. Look up ODI 11299412 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11299486 · 2020-01-15 (January 15, 2020)
WE RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2020 HONDA ACCORD EX. WE HAVE DRIVEN IT ABOUT 3200 MILES IN THE 3 MONTHS WE OWNED IT. DURING THAT TIME IT HAS SHIFTED FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL 3 TIMES WHEN MY WIFE, WHILE DRIVING FORWARD AT NORMAL SPEEDS, LIGHTLY BRUSHED THE SHIFTER WHILE ADJUSTING A CONTROL ON THE DASH OR ON THE STEERING WHEEL. THE THIRD TIME SHE ATTEMPTED TO QUICKLY SHIFT BACK TO DRIVE AND BECAUSE THE LOCK IS ON THE FRONT SIDE OF THE SHIFT KNOB IT WAS DEPRESSED AND SHE WENT PAST DRIVE INTO SUPER (LOW GEAR); THE LOWER GEAR SLOWED THE CAR VERY ABRUPTLY (AND…
Owner-reported narrative. 3,200 miles reported. Look up ODI 11299486 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11300609 · 2020-01-20 (January 20, 2020)
AC IS NOT WORKING AT SECOND AFTER I PICK UP THE CAR. IT ONLY 50 MILES. TURN THE TEMPERATURE TO 'LO', THE FAN BLOWS WARM AIR.
Owner-reported narrative. 50 miles reported. Look up ODI 11300609 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11308492 · 2020-02-11 (February 11, 2020)
I HAVE CONTACTED HONDA AMERICA ABOUT THIS (CASE10206483). THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAGS ARE OFTEN NOT ACTIVATED WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION WITH AN ADULT SIGNIFICANTLY WEIGHING MORE THAN 65 LBS. SITTING ON THAT SEAT, WHILE ALL CONDITIONS SPECIFIED IN THE OWNER'S GUIDE ARE MET. AS AN EXAMPLE OF THE PROBLEM, MULTIPLE TIMES WHEN MY 82 LB. WIFE HAS SAT ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF INDICATOR WOULD AT FIRST GO OUT, AS IT SHOULD. BUT AFTER WE DRIVE FOR A LITTLE WHILE, IT GOES ON AND STAYS ON FOR THE REST OF THE TRIP, INDICATING THA…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11308492 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11321362 · 2020-04-17 (April 17, 2020)
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY ON A SUNNY DAY WITH NO OTHER CARS AROUND ME, AND NOTHING IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55MPH, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE COLLISION MITIGATION BRAKING SYSTEM ENGAGED AND ALMOST BROUGHT THE CAR TO A FULL STOP. THE BRAKING SYSTEM ENGAGED FOR APPROXIMATELY 4 SECONDS, MY FOOT REMAINED ON THE GAS BECAUSE I WAS STARTLED AND COULD NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT WAS HAPPENING, AND HAD NO TIME TO REACT. THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM THEN RELEASED, AND THE CAR KEPT DRIVING. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 775 miles reported. Look up ODI 11321362 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11321364 · 2020-04-17 (April 17, 2020)
I JUST FILED THIS COMPLAINT AND CHECKED THE BOX THAT I DID NOT WANT MY INFORMATION SHARED WITH THE MANUFACTURER PRIOR TO AN INVESTIGATION. I WOULD LIKE THIS INFORMATION TO BE SHARED WITH THE MANUFACTURER PRIOR TO AN INVESTIGATION. I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY ON A SUNNY DAY WITH NO OTHER CARS AROUND ME, AND NOTHING IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55MPH, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE COLLISION MITIGATION BRAKING SYSTEM ENGAGED AND ALMOST BROUGHT THE CAR TO A FULL STOP. THE BRAKING SYSTEM ENGAGED FOR APPROXIMATELY 4 SECONDS, MY FOOT R…
Owner-reported narrative. 775 miles reported. Look up ODI 11321364 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11322305 · 2020-04-26 (April 26, 2020)
THE DRIVER'S SEATBELT ASSEMBLY GENERATES AN INTERMITTENT RATTLING NOISE, ESPECIALLY WHEN GOING OVER ROAD IMPERFECTIONS/BUMPS. THIS MAKES ME QUESTION WHETHER THE SEATBELT IS GOING TO WORK IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. THE PROBLEM WAS NOTICED AFTER TWO HOURS OF PURCHASE.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11322305 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11323073 · 2020-05-02 (May 2, 2020)
BREAKS SENSORS CAUTION POPS ON SCREEN FOR NO REASON (IT'S WORRIED FOR ME) 1.- BREAK SYSTEM PROBLEM AND 2.- ANTI-LOCK SYSTEM PROBLEM. SEAT BELT FROM THE TOP ADJUSTMENT THAT PLASTIC ARE ANNOYED NOISE AS SAME NOISE FROM THE CENTER WINDSHIELD AND HEATER CENTER NOISE. WHO I CAN BE SAFETY IF THAT NOISE COMES FROM THE SEAT BELT? THE TACHOMETER IS NOT VISIBLE WHEN SELECTING ANY OPTION ON THE INFORMATION SCREEN. THIS PROBLEMS NEEDS TO FIX AND IMPROVE.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11323073 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
5 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
20V771000 · 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
Reported: 2020-12-10 (December 10, 2020)
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.
Consequence: Various system malfunctions such as inoperative windshield wipers, defroster, rearview camera, or exterior lighting can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗21V215000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump
Reported: 2021-03-25 (March 25, 2021)
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 CR-V vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 18, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-314.
NHTSA campaign record ↗23V858000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump
Reported: 2023-12-18 (December 18, 2023)
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
NHTSA campaign record ↗24V064000 · Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front Passenger
Reported: 2024-02-01 (February 1, 2024)
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
Consequence: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
NHTSA campaign record ↗26V332000 · Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front Passenger
Reported: 2026-05-21 (May 21, 2026)
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
Consequence: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.
NHTSA campaign record ↗