The 2023 Honda Accord is the first model in the 11th generation. The Japanese automaker first released the Accord as a 1976 model. Since 1989, it has remained one of America’s best-selling vehicles. Over the years, Honda has used the Accord nameplate to identify several different hatchbacks, sedans, coupes and wagons.
As of 2020, Honda had sold more than 18 million Accord vehicles worldwide. In the United States, only 154,000 Accord models were sold in 2022. This is half the amount that was sold in 2018 and a third of what was sold in 2014, indicating that the Accord doesn’t have the same popularity that it once did.
The 2023 Honda Accord is meant to provide reliable travel for commuters looking to save money on fuel. Yet, all it gives consumers is electrical system defects, engine issues, service brake troubles and concerns about the auto glass (NHTSA).
Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control
12
12
Power Train
12
12
Steering
10
10
Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings
9
9
Problems with the Electrical System
Car turns itself on: Owners have found that the Accord will start up even when the key fob is nowhere near it. One driver was sitting in the house when the car started in the garage. Not only can this waste fuel in the sedan, but it can also cause carbon monoxide poisoning, which may result in death.
Software can’t be updated: One owner has been having trouble getting the software updated in the Accord, but there have been several other reports of the same instance. Without the update, there has been trouble with the rear seatbelt alert and the air conditioner. The brakes have also malfunctioned while driving in the rain because of the software concern.
Trouble after an update: It may be better not to receive the update, as some Accord owners are complaining about what happens afterward. For example, one owner with 3,000 miles on the sedan had the update performed only to be met with a Check Engine Light on the dashboard. There’s also a message indicating “Emissions system problem. Power may be reduced. See your dealer.” Initially, the dealer was unable to fix the problem.
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Engine Problems
Car shuts down in Park: There’s a feature on the Honda Accord that turns the engine off when it has been in Park for a specified amount of time. However, there’s no warning to the people still in the vehicle that the car will shut off. One owner was napping in the car during a trip and it was very hot outside. The car shut down and the air turned off. This driver was woken up by a passerby who was concerned about how hot it was. Thankfully, that person woke the driver or it could have ended very badly.
Car shuts off while driving: The engine stop-start feature is beneficial to saving fuel, but if it malfunctions, it can cause a lot of problems. Owners are complaining about the car shutting off while driving. It’s not even occurring at stop lights or stop signs, but while they are actively operating the vehicle on busy roads. This issue can lead to serious consequences if the driver can’t get the engine started back up right away.
Lack of power: On top of all the other engine problems, there’s been an underlying theme of a power loss condition. It seems that when acceleration is needed, such as merging onto the highway or pulling out into traffic, the Accord doesn’t always respond right away. This lag can have disastrous effects if other drivers aren’t paying attention.
Brake Issues
Unintended braking: Owners have complained about the safety systems applying the brakes when they shouldn’t be. In one case, a driver was operating the vehicle at about 50 mph when the Accord came to a screeching stop. The driver attempted to push on the brake pedal to get it to deactivate but was unable to. The dealership hasn’t been able to figure out what went wrong.
Bad brake light switch: Another driver had all of the warning lights pop up on the dashboard and the car wouldn’t drive more than 10 mph, as if it was in a limp mode. The dealership determined that the brake light switch had not been installed correctly from the factory and it needed to be replaced.
Sunroof Problems
The sunroof in one Accord shattered while simply traveling down the road. There wasn’t an impact with an object or any reason for it to break. If this glass shatters with people sitting below it, the problem could lead to serious injuries.
2023 Honda Accord Recalls
We haven’t seen any Honda Accord recalls yet, but the automaker needs to consider issuing some. There are serious concerns with this sedan that should be addressed, including the defective stop-start system, the inability to receive updates and trouble with exploding glass. Honda may continue losing enthusiasts of the Accord if these problems aren’t rectified.
What To Do If Your 2023 Honda Accord is a Lemon?
If you bought a 2023 Honda Accord and suspect that you’ve bought a lemon, call our Helpline to see how we can help. We can help you get a replacement vehicle, or negotiate that the manufacturer buys it back or refunds your money if it meets the criteria for a lemon. You can rest assured that you’ll be covered because the law is on your side. It says that Honda must pay your legal costs.
About the Author:
Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
2-16-2024 Our 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid suddenly lost power in middle of road about a city block from starting location. There were no reasons for any automatic hazard overrides to become active. Dashboard displays stayed on but there was no accelerator response, and, importantly, there was an immediate loss of power steering and power brakes. Vehicle was traveling uphill and the emergency brakes had to be applied to arrest backward motion after coming to a stop. Judging by rate of slowdown, regenerative braking may also have been active. Rapidly following this, several diagnostic/warning messages (re brakes, steering, etc.) started flashing in succession and then the message “see your dealer.” About 10 minutes after this incident, there was one attempt to restart the car after turning the car off and then on. The response was a repeat of the flashing messages. About 20 minutes after this, another attempt was made and the car restarted in a normal fashion. So, unfortunately, this is an intermittent, difficult-to-firmly-diagnose problem. Nevertheless, in view of the severe safety issues associated with this failure, we had the car towed to a Honda dealer. They found several items in the car’s diagnostic system and, in consultation with Honda engineers, performed a software update for the ICM (ignition control module?) which, we were told, would address this problem, since other similar complaints had apparently been registered. On the dealer ticket was written “Perform test drive. Okay at this time.” Not exactly a statement of high confidence. The HUGE SAFETY ISSUE that this failure represents (loss of power along with steering assistance and braking assistance plus possibly more rapid deceleration) cannot be overestimated. We will be risking our lives to believe that the software fix truly addresses this problem. To believe that a software update is a sure fix is to believe that Honda knows the exact reason for this failure, and if they do, it is absurd that a software recall has not been issued. We liked this car but now feel like it could be a rolling coffin.
HwyMan
2023 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring – Hello, I am distressed at the idea that Honda has long known of a problem with the Collision Mitigation system and continues to install a defective system. A search of this problem references a class action lawsuit clearly describing the problem; ‘a Honda Collision Mitigation System problem can in fact cause various issues. These problems include random engagement of the brakes, sudden deceleration, and shuddering and jerking of the vehicles.’ I have been experiencing these same problems. And it’s frightening. I spend a lot of time on the highways and would like to cruise in the comfort of a safe vehicle. I have NO confidence that I can do that with a Honda. You can tell me there is a button to turn it off but why do I have to do it every time I turn the car on? All it does is remind me that I paid money for a feature that does not work. And you can refer me to page 413 of the owners manual with all the ‘common’ conditions that can cause this problem but it looks like a list of bad side effects from a drug commercial. I just drove a round trip from Dallas to Austin TX 500 miles at night/2evenings, clear conditions, lots of semi-trucks and I experienced the shutter no less than 8 times. It is a big problem on the right side 1)as I pass semi-trucks near the cab 2) reflections from the signs on a curve 3) reflection from a plastic wrapped bundle on a trailer 4) reflection from a concrete barrier in a construction zone-thats just scary, period.
Mike C
Less than 2 months, <2,500 miles: Accord hybrid sport engine light came up just before exiting freeway. Dashboard messages: “Low Engine oil pressure, do not drive, stop.”
D H
2023 Honda Accord Hybrid – purchased in Aug 2023 and already experiencing multiple issues. Hesitation starting in 45 temp, horrible gas smell in garage after its been filled up, multiple electrical issues, randomly turns off, went to battery only, and every error possible was displayed today and said take to Dealer immediately. We did, but they have no idea because it wasn’t providing any error codes. Had to get a rental car and leave the new honda at dealership. Service guy even indicated the 23’s are %$&#. So disappointed in Honda.
Mike C
Have a adaptive cruise control problem warning came to take it to the dealership, spend 3 hours at boardwalk Honda of Atlantic city for diagnostic, then was told the cams need to be replaced but the camera is on back lock out of stuck, the car has only 400 miles and have problems, Honda is no longer good manufacture, when they started building cars in this country the quality went to shit, will not buy any more cars made by Honda, had problems with my 2018 Accord ex and now problem with 2023, F…k Honda
Stephen F
Honda Accord touring model, junk from day one information center didn’t work for 4 months now a part of it doesn’t work again. Will definitely never ever buy another one of these cars. Upholstery around right side Rocker Box defective. Light spots in the paint on the hood. Can’t wait to get rid of it and buy a Toyota. Probably going to take a $4,000 hit that would be worth it to get rid of this piece of crap. You never know when the headlights and the wipers are going to work properly be well worth it getting rid of this piece of crap. No spare tire so you’re screwed if you have a blowout. Going to cost you around $800 if it damages the rim. Sometimes cruise control won’t disengage. Dangerous
S B
All systems are failing in my 2023 Honda accordinudibg brake system. Has less than 800 miles not even 30 days in the vehicle .
Rosemary m
4300 miles. System brake problem… needs to be towed
2-16-2024 Our 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid suddenly lost power in middle of road about a city block from starting location. There were no reasons for any automatic hazard overrides to become active. Dashboard displays stayed on but there was no accelerator response, and, importantly, there was an immediate loss of power steering and power brakes. Vehicle was traveling uphill and the emergency brakes had to be applied to arrest backward motion after coming to a stop. Judging by rate of slowdown, regenerative braking may also have been active. Rapidly following this, several diagnostic/warning messages (re brakes, steering, etc.) started flashing in succession and then the message “see your dealer.” About 10 minutes after this incident, there was one attempt to restart the car after turning the car off and then on. The response was a repeat of the flashing messages. About 20 minutes after this, another attempt was made and the car restarted in a normal fashion. So, unfortunately, this is an intermittent, difficult-to-firmly-diagnose problem. Nevertheless, in view of the severe safety issues associated with this failure, we had the car towed to a Honda dealer. They found several items in the car’s diagnostic system and, in consultation with Honda engineers, performed a software update for the ICM (ignition control module?) which, we were told, would address this problem, since other similar complaints had apparently been registered. On the dealer ticket was written “Perform test drive. Okay at this time.” Not exactly a statement of high confidence.
The HUGE SAFETY ISSUE that this failure represents (loss of power along with steering assistance and braking assistance plus possibly more rapid deceleration) cannot be overestimated. We will be risking our lives to believe that the software fix truly addresses this problem. To believe that a software update is a sure fix is to believe that Honda knows the exact reason for this failure, and if they do, it is absurd that a software recall has not been issued.
We liked this car but now feel like it could be a rolling coffin.
2023 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring – Hello, I am distressed at the idea that Honda has long known of a problem with the Collision Mitigation system and continues to install a defective system. A search of this problem references a class action lawsuit clearly describing the problem; ‘a Honda Collision Mitigation System problem can in fact cause various issues. These problems include random engagement of the brakes, sudden deceleration, and shuddering and jerking of the vehicles.’
I have been experiencing these same problems. And it’s frightening. I spend a lot of time on the highways and would like to cruise in the comfort of a safe vehicle. I have NO confidence that I can do that with a Honda.
You can tell me there is a button to turn it off but why do I have to do it every time I turn the car on? All it does is remind me that I paid money for a feature that does not work.
And you can refer me to page 413 of the owners manual with all the ‘common’ conditions that can cause this problem but it looks like a list of bad side effects from a drug commercial.
I just drove a round trip from Dallas to Austin TX 500 miles at night/2evenings, clear conditions, lots of semi-trucks and I experienced the shutter no less than 8 times.
It is a big problem on the right side 1)as I pass semi-trucks near the cab 2) reflections from the signs on a curve 3) reflection from a plastic wrapped bundle on a trailer 4) reflection from a concrete barrier in a construction zone-thats just scary, period.
Less than 2 months, <2,500 miles: Accord hybrid sport engine light came up just before exiting freeway. Dashboard messages: “Low Engine oil pressure, do not drive, stop.”
2023 Honda Accord Hybrid – purchased in Aug 2023 and already experiencing multiple issues. Hesitation starting in 45 temp, horrible gas smell in garage after its been filled up, multiple electrical issues, randomly turns off, went to battery only, and every error possible was displayed today and said take to Dealer immediately. We did, but they have no idea because it wasn’t providing any error codes. Had to get a rental car and leave the new honda at dealership. Service guy even indicated the 23’s are %$&#. So disappointed in Honda.
Have a adaptive cruise control problem warning came to take it to the dealership, spend 3 hours at boardwalk Honda of Atlantic city for diagnostic, then was told the cams need to be replaced but the camera is on back lock out of stuck, the car has only 400 miles and have problems, Honda is no longer good manufacture, when they started building cars in this country the quality went to shit, will not buy any more cars made by Honda, had problems with my 2018 Accord ex and now problem with 2023, F…k Honda
Honda Accord touring model, junk from day one information center didn’t work for 4 months now a part of it doesn’t work again. Will definitely never ever buy another one of these cars. Upholstery around right side Rocker Box defective. Light spots in the paint on the hood. Can’t wait to get rid of it and buy a Toyota. Probably going to take a $4,000 hit that would be worth it to get rid of this piece of crap. You never know when the headlights and the wipers are going to work properly be well worth it getting rid of this piece of crap. No spare tire so you’re screwed if you have a blowout. Going to cost you around $800 if it damages the rim. Sometimes cruise control won’t disengage. Dangerous
All systems are failing in my 2023 Honda accordinudibg brake system. Has less than 800 miles not even 30 days in the vehicle .
4300 miles. System brake problem… needs to be towed