← All Honda Accord years

2021 Honda Accord VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2021 Honda Accord has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 215 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Honda Accord. Severity signals include 15 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Forward Collision Avoidance (39), Electrical System (37), Unknown Or Other (30).

Accord reliability snapshot

78/100
Latest model-year reliability score
4.5/5
RepairPal rating (high)
$400
Avg annual repair cost vs $526 category avg
#1/24
Ranking in midsize cars · better than 96% of peers

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the Honda Accord before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

Most-reported 2021 Honda Accord issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

  • Forward Collision Avoidance39
  • Electrical System37
  • Unknown Or Other30
  • Service Brakes18
  • Air Bags18
  • Engine15

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2021 Honda Accord

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

  • Check for head gasket issues, especially if mileage is over 50,000
  • Test infotainment system for phantom touches and screen freezing
  • Inspect forward collision avoidance system for unexpected braking
  • Verify if airbag recall repairs have been completed
  • Test brakes for noise and premature wear, especially in reverse
  • Check for engine misfires and loss of power during acceleration

What owners reported

2021 Honda Accord owner complaints in detail

Owners have reported 15 crashes, 1 fire and 6 injuries to NHTSA for the 2021 Honda Accord. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.

Owner complaints39

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

Owners of the 2021 Honda Accord frequently report issues with the vehicle's forward collision avoidance system, particularly concerning unexpected and abrupt activation of the automatic braking feature. Complaints describe symptoms such as the vehicle decelerating sharply without any apparent obstacles, often while traveling at highway speeds, which can lead to potential rear-end collisions. These incidents sometimes occur when adaptive cruise control is engaged, with phantom braking happening even when no vehicles are directly ahead. Reports indicate that these problems can arise at varying mileages, with some occurring as early as 13,700 miles. The implications for safety are significant, with several reports of crashes and injuries resulting from these sudden braking events. Buyers considering a used 2021 Honda Accord should be aware of these potential issues and may wish to investigate whether any corrective measures or updates have been applied to the vehicle.

Severity signals: 3 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports

Owner complaints37

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners report frequent issues with the infotainment system of the 2021 Honda Accord, particularly phantom touches where the touchscreen registers inputs without contact, leading to random changes in navigation, audio, and phone functions. This problem often occurs in warmer temperatures and persists even after system resets or replacements. Several complaints describe the system freezing, crashing, or draining the battery, affecting usability and potentially distracting the driver. Additionally, some owners experience sudden vehicle shutdowns or loss of power while driving, with one report of a crash linked to vehicle jerking and dashboard warning lights. These issues tend to surface early in vehicle ownership, with some occurring shortly after purchase, and pose potential safety risks due to loss of control or distraction.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints30

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners report frequent issues with the 2021 Honda Accord's infotainment system, often describing phantom touches and commands not initiated by the user. Typical symptoms include unrequested phone calls, navigation disruptions, and random screen changes, which are particularly distracting while driving. These problems are commonly noted at varying mileages, with some owners experiencing them consistently over time. Additionally, a few complaints mention blown head gaskets and sunroof explosions, but these are less frequent. The infotainment issues are highlighted as safety risks due to their potential to divert driver attention.

Owner complaints20

SERVICE BRAKES

Owners of the 2021 Honda Accord frequently report issues with the vehicle's automatic braking system engaging unexpectedly, even in the absence of obstacles, leading to sudden stops and potential rear-end collisions. Several complaints involve the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) activating without cause, with some incidents resulting in crashes. Additionally, multiple owners describe persistent brake noise, particularly when reversing, and some report brake components wearing prematurely, often at mileages as low as 5,000 miles. Safety implications are evident, with three reported crashes linked to abrupt braking. These patterns suggest potential risks for used car buyers considering this model.

Severity signals: 3 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints18

AIR BAGS

Owners of the 2021 Honda Accord frequently report issues related to airbag recall repairs, noting significant delays in the availability of parts necessary for these repairs. Complaints consistently mention that despite receiving recall notifications, the parts needed are not available, leading to prolonged waiting times that some owners claim extend up to several years. One report involves a crash where the airbags did not deploy, although no injuries were reported. Additionally, a diagnostic test in one case revealed a faulty airbag supplemental restraint system, potentially affecting airbag deployment during a crash. These issues are reported by owners at varying mileage, with one specific mention at 38,000 miles. This information may be relevant for potential buyers considering the safety and maintenance history of this vehicle model.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints15

ENGINE

Owners report that the 2021 Honda Accord frequently experiences engine issues characterized by flashing check engine lights, engine misfires, and loss of power, often leading to limp mode. Symptoms often occur during acceleration, with some incidents involving rough idling, sputtering, and vehicle shaking. Several complaints indicate head gasket failures, particularly in vehicles with mileage ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 miles. A significant number of owners mention that these issues can result in unsafe driving conditions, especially at highway speeds, and one report describes a crash involving unintended acceleration. Buyers considering a used 2021 Honda Accord should be aware of these potential engine reliability issues and their associated safety risks.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints10

LANE DEPARTURE

Owners report frequent issues with the lane departure systems of the 2021 Honda Accord, particularly in cold weather and direct sunlight. Complaints frequently mention the Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS) erroneously activating or deactivating, causing the steering wheel to jerk, which can lead to difficulty in maintaining lane position. These symptoms are often noted shortly after purchase and can persist over time, with some reports indicating occurrences as early as 3,000 miles and others at higher mileages around 60,000. Safety implications include potential loss of control, with some owners describing near-miss situations due to the system's unexpected behavior. This information is crucial for potential buyers who may prioritize vehicle safety and reliability in varied weather conditions.

Owner complaints8

POWER TRAIN

Owners report frequent issues with the head gasket in the 2021 Honda Accord, leading to sudden power loss and dashboard warning lights activating without prior indication. These failures often result in the vehicle shutting down unexpectedly, with one reported crash and two injuries linked to this problem. Complaints suggest these incidents can occur at both high speeds on highways and lower speeds in local traffic. Additionally, some owners mention problems with the vehicle's throttle response and steering wheel shaking, particularly at speeds of 60 to 65 mph. These issues pose significant safety risks, especially in heavy traffic or adverse weather conditions, and should be considered by potential buyers.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports

Owner complaints8

STEERING

Owners report multiple steering-related issues with the 2021 Honda Accord, often involving unexpected vehicle behavior. Common symptoms include the steering wheel jerking unexpectedly, sometimes triggering lane changes, and a loss of power steering functionality, particularly at low speeds. Several complaints describe steering becoming loose or sticky, leading to a loss of control, with some incidents resulting in crashes and injuries. These issues are reported across a range of mileages, with some occurring as early as 564 miles. Safety implications are significant, as multiple crashes and two injuries are noted, highlighting potential risks for used car buyers.

Severity signals: 3 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports

Owner complaints7

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Owners of the 2021 Honda Accord frequently report issues with the vehicle speed control, including unexpected loss of power and unintended acceleration. Typical symptoms include the vehicle decelerating or losing power while driving, often accompanied by flashing engine lights, and in some cases, the vehicle accelerating uncontrollably. These issues are reported at various mileages, with some incidents occurring as early as 17,000 miles. Safety implications are notable, with one complaint involving a crash when the vehicle accelerated suddenly, leading to a collision with a parking sign. These patterns suggest potential safety risks, especially in congested or high-speed environments.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

2021 Accord recalls (3)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2021 Accord. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

  1. AIR BAGSNHTSA 24V064000Feb 1, 2024

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.

    Consequence: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.

    Remedy

    Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024, October 18, 2024, and August 2025. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.

  2. SEAT BELTSNHTSA 21V900000Nov 18, 2021

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021 Accord Sedan, Accord Hybrid, CR-V, Ridgeline, 2022 Insight and CR-V Hybrid vehicles. The automatic locking retractor on the second-row center seat belt assembly may deactivate improperly, which can result in an unsecured child restraint system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

    Consequence: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

    Remedy

    Dealers will replace the second-row center seat belt assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

  3. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINENHTSA 23V858000Dec 18, 2023

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

    Consequence: 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. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.

Used-market value

2021 Honda Accord resale snapshot

77.4%estimated value retained after 5 years
720listings in the model-level benchmark
$24,990median asking price from 60 listings

Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.

2021 Honda Accord on the road

202,676 2021 Honda Accord units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2021 Honda Accord stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

Reliability verdict for the 2021 Honda Accord

The 2021 Honda Accord demonstrates strong reliability, scoring well above the segment average with a score of 92 out of 100. This indicates a low overall risk for potential buyers. While the vehicle has five recalls, which is a limited number suggesting manageable issues, the distribution of complaints is more concentrated, with the most notable concerns in forward collision avoidance and the electrical system.

Despite these complaint areas, the overall reliability of the Accord remains robust, reflecting the model's maturity in its fourth year of the tenth generation. The combination of a high reliability score and a limited recall count reinforces the Accord's reputation as a dependable choice. Overall, the 2021 Honda Accord presents a low-risk option for buyers seeking reliability.

What you get in a 2021 Honda Accord report

Available title brand history
Odometer readings & rollback detection
Accident & damage records
Auction sales with photos
Open safety recalls
Theft & stolen vehicle check

Check a 2021 Honda Accord now

Confirm exact options, recall completion, accident history, and odometer accuracy in minutes.

2021 Honda Accord — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Honda Accord reliable?

The 2021 Honda Accord demonstrates strong reliability, scoring well above the segment average with a score of 92 out of 100. This indicates a low overall risk for potential buyers. While the vehicle has five recalls, which is a limited number suggesting manageable issues, the distribution of complaints is more concentrated, with the most notable concerns in forward collision avoidance and the electrical system.

How many recalls does the 2021 Honda Accord have?

3 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2021 Honda Accord. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2021 Honda Accord problems?

The most-reported 2021 Honda Accord problem areas are: Forward Collision Avoidance (39), Electrical System (37), Unknown Or Other (30).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2021 Honda Accord?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2021 Honda Accord, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.