TireKick

Reported years

Engine owner reports: Honda Accord years in the records

Owner reports are bound to model year 2020. A year on this list does not mean every car has the problem.

Years we reviewed

What to inspect

  1. 1Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.
Sources and limits
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“While driving, my vehicle experienced a sudden engine malfunction consistent with a failed head gasket. The engine began misfiring, shaking, and losing power, and the check engine light began flashing. The vehicle became unsafe to operate. The failed component is the engine head gasket, and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The sudden loss of engine performance created a serious safety concern. I was driving on a public roadway when the engine began misfiring and losing power, making it difficult to safely maintain speed and operate the vehicle. A sudden loss of power while driving increases the risk of being rear-ended or becoming involved in a collision, particularly in traffic, while merging, or at highway speeds. The vehicle was inspected and diagnosed by an authorized Honda dealership, which confirmed the head gasket failure. I also spoke with independent mechanics who were immediately familiar with this type of failure on Honda's 1.5L turbocharged engines. Although Honda diagnosed the problem, my request for goodwill assistance was denied because the vehicle was outside the warranty period. The vehicle has been inspected by Honda and is available for further inspection if requested. It has not been inspected by law enforcement or my insurance company because no accident occurred. As the condition progressed, the engine developed a rough idle and intermittent misfires. Eventually, the check engine light began flashing, and the engine began shaking and losing power while I was driving. These warning signs escalated into a condition that I believe presented a significant safety risk. I am submitting this complaint because an engine that suddenly loses power while being driven poses a serious safety hazard to both the driver and others on the road. I respectfully request that the NHTSA investigate whether this represents a recurring safety-related issue affecting Honda vehicles equipped with the 1.5L turbocharged engine.”
NHTSAcomplaintJul 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Blown Head Gasket. This caused major cost in repairs and going without a vehicle, This was a known failure issue with Honda 2020 Accord Sport. I have requested a "goodwill claim" with my nearest Honda dealer and not have gotten a phone call nor email. I have all my repair documents and a well maintenance log on my vehicle. With this being a known issue, it should be covered in the lifetime warranty that I received from the dealership when purchased but it excluded seals and gaskets on my paperwork.”
NHTSAcomplaintJul 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“The contact owns a 2020 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated the failure was a recurring failure. The local dealer was aware of the failure and diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.”
NHTSAcomplaintJun 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“2018 - 2022 models of the Honda Accord Sport are known to have a issue with the Head Gasket overheating and cracking causing cylinder miss fires and engine issue. Honda has refused to acknowledge the issue as a recall and my car recently suffered the same issue.”
NHTSAcomplaintJun 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“I turned my car on and about 10 warning lights came on the car- drove it straight to the dealer where they told me the head gasket was leaking into cylinder 3 gave me an estimate of over 5k. Every mechanic I have called has told me how unusual it is for a car not very old and not over heating to have a blown gasket head. I was looking online and have seen how common the blown gasket head was on Honda accord models 1.5 from 2018-2022. There is nothing in the car no over heating no damage though could have cause it to leak unless it wasn’t properly installed which seeing how common it is might be the case. And how unusual it is according to many mechanics. The car has 115000 miles but has never had an issue and I wasn’t driving or anything when the warning lights came on”
NHTSAcomplaintMay 2026Open source record