Problems · NHTSA complaints

2021 Honda Accord Hybrid problems

Owners filed 48 complaints about the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid with NHTSA between Aug 2021 and Aug 2026. The most-cited component is forward collision avoidance (12).

Complaints
48
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Forward collision avoidance12
  2. Engine10
  3. Electrical system8
  4. Air bags5
  5. Service brakes4
  6. Fuel/propulsion system3
  7. Vehicle speed control3
  8. Seats2
  9. Seat belts1
  10. Lane departure1
  11. Fuel system, gasoline1
  12. Visibility/wiper1
  13. Structure1
  14. Tires1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20215
202210
20235
20248
202518
20262

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Forward collision avoidance

12 reports
“While I was driving on the freeway, the car brakes hard on its own when there were no cars in front of me. This happened twice. Thankfully there were no cars behind me either, otherwise I might have gotten into an accident”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 1, 2025Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11677786

Engine

10 reports
“My vehicle is currently suffering a failed head gasket. I was alerted about this issue from local mechanics and friends way before it actually happened. I took it to services and regular maintenance even more frequently after that. However, it still failed no matter what. I took it to the dealership, they even admitted that this is a known problem for this generation of vehicle. They still proceeded to ask nearly $7000 to fix it, saying that even though this is a known issue, there was no recalls on the vehicles so they could not waive or deduct the fees.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 4, 2026Unknown or other, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11721881

Electrical system

8 reports
“Most recent incidents on Friday 08/07 car lost power while driving on freeway unable to accelerate, all engine/warning lights came on was thankfully able to pullover and shut off vehicle. This is not first incident this also happened about 5x in 2025 and had car inspected and serviced by Honda dealership each time being told they didn’t know what the issue is because the engine light wasn’t on at time of appointments. Final visit resulting in them adjusting the intake valves but they were even unsure if this was the correct “fix” well it did last a year without other incidents until recently, there seems to be a recall on 2023+ models but not my 2021 and this seems like may be similar issue. 12v battery and spark plugs are new, car is regularly maintenanced and have been told alternator is still good. Unsure where else to turn as I no longer feel safe driving this vehicle especially with my children. Where I live and work is almost impossible to avoid freeways.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 14, 2026Electrical systemODI 11757064

Air bags

5 reports1 crash2 related recalls
“The contact owns a 2021 Honda Accord. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 3, 2025Air bagsODI 11645959

Service brakes

4 reports1 crash
“The brakes locked when car is backing. I'm scared the brakes may fail on me. The brakes makes a lot noise when backing from the first year the car was purchased.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 24, 2024Service brakesODI 11567669

Fuel/propulsion system

3 reports
“@ 96,970 miles, (2021 Honda Accord Hybrid) when getting on the freeway and accelerating to catch up with traffic, the car began sputtering, the check engine light flashed, the accelerator stopped working and I had to get it to the shoulder of the freeway immediately. The car sputtered and shook. I turned the car off, let it sit. I tried re-starting it and it started fine, no check engine light. I drove it slow off the freeway and to my home close by. I got it to the dealer. The Service Rep said he had never heard of this issue although it does appear on Honda Forums. He said no codes showed and decided it needed a Cylinder adjustment and then decided it also needed a new (refurbished) transmission. It was in the shop for weeks. I've tried warming the car up longer and using more expensive gas. Issue continues to happen. I called an made an appointment at the dealer for first available date. Today I had it checked for codes again from a different mechanic and the mechanic said it has no codes - at all. Fluids all perfect, no issues with coolant levels. All maintenance has been completed on schedule. I did video tape my dash when it happened Wednesday, on I80, 3/5/25 12:12pm.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 7, 2025Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11646979
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.