The most common problems of the Accord Hybrid were the airbag failures affecting its earlier models and the sudden loss of drive power in its 2014 – 2015 models. Transmission control module software issues were experienced by the 2005 to 2007 models. The 2014 to 2015 models had problems with accidental airbag deployment and defective starters. The 2018 to 2020 models had issues with the BCM software, and the 2019 model had a faulty fuel pump.
That was the most straightforward answer possible. In the article below, we’ll discuss every problem in detail. This includes identifying it, fixing it, and how much it costs to fix. Read on!
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1. Air Bag Failures
A common concern while buying old Hondas is the airbag inflator rupture that plagued Honda vehicles between 2005 and 2015, despite their reputation for being affordable to maintain. The Accord hybrid is no exception. The 2005 to 2007 models are part of the Takata airbag recall.
The airbag inflator runs the risk of rupturing in case of a collision or crash, and the sharp metal fragments expelled from it can cause serious injuries or death. The root of the problem is the inflator’s susceptibility to moisture intrusion, making it defective.
The 2005 to 2007 models have two recalls regarding this problem. The first recall replaces the defective inflators free of cost. The second recall is due to incorrectly installed inflators, and in this recall, the dealers will replace the frontal airbag module assembly altogether if necessary.
Another issue was accidental airbag deployment. The airbags were deployed when the door was slammed shut or when the vehicle ran over large bumps; some consumers stated they even deployed overnight or without any trigger whatsoever. This was a problem in both the Accord and Accord hybrid. However, the only recall issued was for the 2008 – 2009 Accord. There have only been investigations for the hybrid cases which started after 2014.
At the end of the day, if you’re looking for an Accord hybrid between 2005 and 2007, it’s best to check if the inflators have been replaced. This is particularly important because not only is this problem a severe safety risk, it’s also one where we’ve seen many complaints about unavailable replacement parts and thus long waits for replacement.
2. Sudden Loss Of Drive Power
There were multiple complaints about the sudden loss of drive power, which resulted in near-miss accidents. These incidents were a severe safety concern, so Honda launched an investigation into said incidents. It turned out that Accord hybrids were experiencing driveshaft corrosion which ultimately led to broken driveshafts and loss of power. The issues were limited to the 2014 to 2015 models of the Accord hybrids.
The driveshaft failure wasn’t just limited to certain production years but was also limited to certain states that used salt on roads to counteract inclement and cold weather. The salt’s interaction with the lubricant caused damage to the driveshaft’s protective coating. This made it more susceptible to damage, resulting in driveshaft failure.
A recall was made for the issue where the dealers would inspect and replace both the left and right driveshafts free of charge if required. Although the affected models are somewhat old, the recall is relatively new as it was made in 2020. Therefore, it’s best to check if this replacement has been made when buying a 2014 to 2015 Accord hybrid. Replacing the driveshaft on your own can set you back $500 to $1000.
*The affected states are Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
3. Electrical Systems Gone Haywire
Honda recalled around 770,000 models of 2018 – 2020 Accords, Accord Hybrids, and Insights to fix a BCM software error. So, what is a BCM? A BCM is a body computer that controls functions related to the vehicle body, such as air conditioning, power windows, power mirrors, and central locking.
The software error occurred due to a programming flaw and disrupted communications between the BCM and other vehicle components. This may cause several warning lights to illuminate along with malfunctions of multiple electronic systems. The malfunctioning systems may include the rearview camera, turn signals, wipers, and exterior lights.
If you’re experiencing similar issues or your vehicle was a part of the recall, make a trip to the dealership, and they should update the BCM software free of charge. If you’re interested in getting an Accord hybrid from 2018 to 2020, it’s best to check if the BCM software has been updated before you start regular use of your vehicle.
4. Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
Honda issued two recalls regarding low-pressure fuel pump failure covering over 700,000 vehicles, including the 2019 Accord Hybrid. The DENSO brand fuel pumps have faulty impellers that can crack and deform, preventing a reliable fuel flow to the engine. This, in turn, causes the engine to run rough or stall, (regardless of the type of fuel) which results in severe damage to the engine and increases the risk of crashes and serious injuries.
If your vehicle is a part of the recall, then you should visit the dealership where the fuel pump assembly will be replaced free of charge. The recall began in mid-2020.
5. Defective Starter
Many consumers complained about having to replace the starters on their Accord Hybrids. The bad starters were found in the 2014 to 2015 models. This seems to be a repetitive problem in these models as the replacement starters are the same as the original so that they will last for a similar period or mileage.
The starters have to be replaced after around 40,000 miles and cost somewhere between $600 to $800, including labor costs. Some consumers claim that they got the replacement done at a much cheaper cost even after the 36,000-mile warranty but had to take up the issue with the service manager.
6. Transmission Control Module Software
A fault in the transmission control module software may result in a short circuit, even if the Accord’s reliable transmission was otherwise fine. This can cause the engine to stall and a loss of power, increasing the risk of severe accidents and injuries. The problem affects the 2005 to 2007 models of the Accord hybrid.
A simple solution in the form of a recall is available for this problem. The dealers will update the control module software free of charge. The recall is an old one, so check if it was implemented when buying a 2005 – 2007 Accord hybrid.
7. Soy-Coated Wiring
Soy-Coated wiring has become a common issue for most brands, including Honda. Most automakers switched to soy-based coating for their wiring because it was more biodegradable and so more eco-friendly. Although it’s better for the environment, it’s also better for the automaker as these soy-based coatings are cheaper than their plastic counterparts.
The problem with these soy-based coatings is that they attract rodents which then like to chew on them and use them as nesting material. This could cause an array of problems, any system that utilizes wires accessible to these rodents is at risk of failing. This has become quite the problem since there is no easy solution, and it’s a problem found in most vehicles by most automakers.
There are some simple steps to include into your routine to try and catch these rodents before they cause an expensive problem. This includes regularly opening the hood and looking for signs of rodent activity, looking for shredded pieces of wire where you park your cars, and cleaning out all the food in your car.
Honda does offer an interesting fix for this rodent problem. An electric tape treated with capsaicin, a substance found in hot peppers that can keep rodents away. The tape costs around $36 for a 20m roll, and you can get it at your dealership.
What’s The Worst Year Of The Honda Accord Hybrid
Honda Accord Hybrids are very reliable cars that should last for at least 200,000 miles and could even last over 300,000 miles with proper maintenance. Nevertheless, we wanted to give you an idea of what model years of the Accord hybrid to avoid.
The Accord hybrid years to avoid would be 2014 and 2015. These years had a few recalls, the most important one being the driveshaft failure recall. You’ll have to trouble yourself with recall replacement checks as there were quite a few. The main drawback of these years is the problems without recalls. We read a lot of consumer complaints about issues like accidental airbag deployment and bad starters, which had no recalls. Although they didn’t affect all the units, for those that they did affect, the owners had to learn to live with them.
Of course, this is specific to the hybrid line of the Honda Accord and if you want to learn more about the problems with Honda Accords check out this article.
The remaining years are all great options to choose from. They have a few problems or recalls to look out for here and there, but nothing too troublesome. The 2005 to 2007 models have the airbag rupture recall, the 2019 model has the DENSO pump recall, and the 2018 to 2020 models have the BCM software update recall.
Sources
- https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/HONDA/ACCORD%252520HYBRID#recalls
- https://www.motorbiscuit.com/recall-alert-almost-800000-honda-models-over-haywire-systems/
- https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2014/HONDA/ACCORD%252520HYBRID#recalls
- https://www.motorbiscuit.com/over-200000-honda-accord-models-recalled-over-dangerous-corrosion-issue/
- https://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/Accord/2014/electrical/starter_not_working_properly.shtml
- https://enginepatrol.com/how-long-honda-accord-hybrid-last/
- http://www.hondaproblems.com/denso-fuel-pumps/
- https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a15351109/honda-recalls-304000-accords-for-airbags-that-accidentally-deploy/
His interests in cars, motorcycles, and machines led him to the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore where he is currently a mechanical engineering sophomore.
His future aims include the development of an energy-efficient prototype vehicle for the Shell Eco-Marathon competition and getting a Master’s Degree in Automotive Engineering from Germany.