This page covers 9 recalls, 295 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 Honda Accord.
21–26 mpg combined
9–11.2 L/100km
Compact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 7 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant pattern in 2011 Accord complaints centers on the airbag and restraint system, which draws by far the largest share of reports. Owners frequently describe airbags deploying unexpectedly, sometimes at low speeds or without any collision, and several reports involve the driver's side airbag and seat-mounted side airbag firing together without an obvious trigger. Seat complaints make up the second-largest group, though the reports in that category are varied enough that no single failure mode stands out clearly. Engine complaints, while lower in volume, include a recurring cold-start rattle lasting a few seconds that disappears once the engine warms up, a pattern owners often associate with oil pressure taking a moment to build after the car has sat for an extended period. A smaller number of reports describe sudden unintended acceleration accompanied by brakes that couldn't immediately counter the surge.
295
Total Complaints
33
Crash-Related
3
Fire-Related
28
With Injuries
By System
The 2011 Honda Accord has 9 recalls, the most serious being a passenger-side airbag inflator that can explode and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
The airbag issue runs through most of these recalls. The core defect involves the front passenger airbag inflator rupturing during deployment and scattering sharp metal fragments toward occupants. Separate recalls address vehicles where replacement inflators were installed incorrectly, either at a dealership or during a prior repair attempt, meaning the airbag may not deploy properly in a crash. If this vehicle has had airbag work done, it is worth confirming the repair was completed correctly, as prior replacement attempts did not always resolve the underlying problem.
On the mechanical side, this recall only affects V6 models: the bolts securing the front suspension damper brackets may not have been tightened properly, which can allow the front suspension to shift and cause a sudden loss of steering control.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown from long-term exposure to high humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator at no cost.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger air bag inflator may have been installed incorrectly during a previous replacement, potentially affecting its ability to deploy properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the inflator installation and replace the passenger front air bag module assembly if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown from long-term exposure to humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger air bag may have been installed incorrectly during replacement, potentially affecting its ability to deploy properly in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the passenger air bag and replace the module assembly if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger frontal air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation from long-term exposure to high humidity, temperature, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Replacement passenger front air bag inflators may have been incorrectly installed at one dealership, potentially affecting proper deployment.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag module assembly at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger air bag inflator may rupture during a crash due to propellant degradation from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator at no cost when parts become available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may rupture during a crash due to propellant degradation from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Fasteners on the front suspension may not be properly tightened. On Pilot models, loose damper bracket bolts or spindle nuts could cause steering loss. On Accord V6 models, loose spindle nuts on the axle could cause excessive noise or steering loss.
What the fix does
Dealer will inspect the front suspension fasteners and replace any loose damper bracket bolts or spindle nuts as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
