NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
This page covers 9 recalls, 1409 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Honda Accord.
21–30 mpg combined
7.8–11.2 L/100km
Midsize 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 6 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Steering is by far the dominant complaint category for the 2013 Honda Accord, accounting for nearly a third of all reports filed. Owners frequently describe the electric power steering behaving erratically, sudden loss of assist, the wheel feeling loose or unresponsive, and the car pulling noticeably to one side without input. Several owners say the issue appeared without warning while driving. The electrical system draws the second-highest complaint volume, with owners commonly reporting warning lights illuminating on the instrument cluster, including ABS and stability control indicators, often tied to module or sensor failures. When the ABS module fails, owners note the brakes still function but the anti-lock system goes offline. Engine complaints round out the top three, though at a notably lower volume than steering or electrical issues.
1,409
Total Complaints
67
Crash-Related
9
Fire-Related
42
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 Honda Accord has 9 recalls, with the most serious being three separate fire risks: a battery sensor that can allow moisture inside and short-circuit, a leaking fuel tank, and a fuel pump seal that may not hold, allowing fuel to escape near ignition sources.
The battery sensor and fuel system issues each represent distinct hazards worth knowing about. The battery sensor, part of the battery management system, can develop gaps in its casing that let in water or road salt, leading to corrosion and an electrical short that can start a fire. On the fuel side, some tanks were manufactured out of specification and can leak fuel outright, while on certain early-production 2013 models the fuel tank neck dimensions can cause the fuel pump to sit improperly, allowing fuel to seep past the seal. Either condition can lead to a fire if fuel contacts an ignition source.
Two additional recalls affect the drivetrain, and they describe the same underlying problem. The front axle shafts can lose their protective coating and corrode, eventually cracking and breaking. A broken axle shaft means the front wheels lose drive power, which can affect vehicle control. There is also a rollaway risk: if the shaft breaks while the car is parked without the parking brake engaged, the transmission may no longer hold the vehicle on a slope. One of these filings specifically applies to 2013 models with a four-cylinder engine and a continuously-variable transmission.
Rounding out the list, a fuel pump recall covers a wide range of Honda and Acura vehicles, and this Accord is among them. The fuel pump can fail while
At a glance
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Driver Assistance
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 →
What can fail
The driveshaft can corrode and break due to road salt or other contaminants, potentially affecting vehicle drivability.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the driveshaft and replace it if necessary at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Paint damage on front axle shafts allows corrosion, which can cause the shafts to break, resulting in loss of power to the wheels and potential vehicle rollaway if parked without the parking brake engaged.
What the fix does
Honda will mail you instructions to visit a dealership for inspection and replacement of the axle shaft(s) if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail, potentially stopping fuel delivery to the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The drive shafts were assembled with a lubricant that degraded their protective coating, making them vulnerable to damage from road salt and contaminants, which could cause them to break.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the drive shafts and replace both the left and right drive shafts if necessary, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The protective paint on front axle shafts can peel or get damaged by road debris, allowing corrosion. Corroded shafts may break, cutting power to the wheels and potentially causing the vehicle to roll if parked without the brake engaged.
What the fix does
Honda will mail you instructions to have a dealer inspect both front axle shafts and replace them if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The battery sensor case may have gaps from improper manufacturing. Moisture or road salt can seep in, corrode the sensor, and cause an electrical short that could start a fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your battery sensor and replace it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The battery sensor case may allow water inside, which can cause an electrical short in the battery management system.
What the fix does
Dealers will apply adhesive to seal the sensor case, then replace the sensor at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel tank neck may be manufactured out of specification, preventing the fuel pump from sealing properly to the tank.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel tank, nut, and O-ring gasket at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel tank may have been made incorrectly and could leak fuel. If fuel leaks near an ignition source, it could catch fire.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace your fuel tank with a properly manufactured one.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
