# Honda Accord check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 422 - **Most complaints:** 2018 (198) - **Related recalls:** 8 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 422 owner complaints about the check engine light on the Honda Accord (2015-2026 models), most for the **2018** model year (198). There are **8 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. ## Honda Accord check engine light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 29 | 640 | 5% | | 2016 | 12 | 614 | 2% | | 2017 | 28 | 585 | 5% | | 2018 | 198 | 2015 | 10% | | 2019 | 72 | 792 | 9% | | 2020 | 29 | 408 | 7% | | 2021 | 25 | 294 | 9% | | 2022 | 13 | 317 | 4% | | 2023 | 11 | 144 | 8% | | 2024 | 4 | 78 | 5% | | 2025 | 1 | 24 | 4% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Honda Accord recalls related to the check engine light **[24V763000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V763000)** (2023-2024 models, reported 2024-10-15): A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect and replace the high-pressure fuel pump as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed February 20, 2025. **[23V858000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V858000)** (2015-2023 models, reported 2023-12-19): Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. **[23V588000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V588000)** (2023 models, reported 2023-08-17): A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT), free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 11, 2023. **[21V215000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V215000)** (2019-2020 models, reported 2021-03-25): Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 18, 2021. **[20V769000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V769000)** (2015 models, reported 2020-12-10): A broken drive shaft may cause a sudden loss of drive power. The vehicle could also roll away if the parking brake has not been applied before the vehicle has been exited. Either condition can increase the risk of a crash or injury. **Remedy:** Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the drive shafts, replacing both the left and right drive shafts, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2021. **[20V314000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V314000)** (2018-2019 models, reported 2020-05-28): If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Honda will notify owners and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 22, 2020. **[19V060000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V060000)** (2015-2017 models, reported 2019-01-29): Reduced fuel pump performance can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of crash. **Remedy:** Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the fuel injection engine control unit (FI-ECU) software and, if necessary, replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began March 25, 2019. **[15V121000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=15V121000)** (2015 models, reported 2015-03-02): Loss of engine power may result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash. If the engine leaks oil in the proximity of hot engine or exhaust components, there is an increased risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine short block, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2015. Recall repairs are free at any Honda dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Honda Accord owners report - "I recalled some were BREAK SYSTEM, ACC, ABCS, CHECK ENGINE, POWER, TPMS...etc. Essentially any warning light Accord has was flashing. The car slowed with no power steering, I managed to parked on the shoulder and turned on hazard light. This is extremely dangerous as the highway traffic was extremely heavy. After I..." -- owner of a 2025 Honda Accord, complaint filed 2025 - "I was driving on a highway when the engine light came on and the car immediately started slowing down even though I was pressing the gas pedal. It flashed there was a failure of the brake system, collision mitigation braking system, road departure mitigation system, hill start assist system, and adaptive cruise..." -- owner of a 2024 Honda Accord, complaint filed 2025 - "All of my safety turned off and it says check engine and it won't stop illuminating and it scares me because this is a 2023 vehicle and I've had it for 3600 miles and that's it and this is like the second time this has done it to me." -- owner of a 2023 Honda Accord, complaint filed 2023 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the check engine light means The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common) 2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common) 3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common) 4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Honda Accord check engine light? Yes. NHTSA lists 8 related recalls (24V763000, 23V858000, 23V588000, 21V215000, 20V769000, 20V314000, 19V060000, 15V121000) covering 2015-2024 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Honda Accord years have the most check engine light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2018 and 2019 Accord model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 198 for 2018. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Honda Accord with the check engine light on? Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked. ### How do I check if my Honda Accord has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Honda dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Honda Accord warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/honda-accord): 72 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/honda-accord): 90 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/honda-accord): 13 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-accord): 360 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/honda-accord): 193 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-accord): 220 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/honda-accord): 154 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/honda-accord): 67 complaints ## Check engine light on other models - [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints - [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 complaints ## Honda Accord - [Honda Accord specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/honda-accord) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/honda-accord Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.