Honda Accord VIN Number Check

Decode a Honda Accord VIN free with NHTSA vPIC. See its generation and the NHTSA recalls for that model year, then read what owners have reported.

VIN prefix1HGJHM3HG5KB

Free decode plus the NHTSA recalls for its model year. 17 characters, no I, O or Q.

Honda Accord

About the Honda Accord

Honda has sold the Accord in the US since the 1990 model year, and there have been eight generations. The Gen 4 came first (1990–1993); Gen 5 (1994–1997), Gen 6 (1998–2002), Gen 7 (2003–2007), Gen 8 (2008–2012), Gen 9 (2013–2017), Gen 10 (2018–2022) followed, and the Gen 11 took over for 2023–2026. Across those years NHTSA lists 79 vehicle recall campaigns and 24,885 owner complaints. The 2018 has the most complaints of any model year (2,000). EPA rates the Gen 4 at 20–24 mpg combined, while the Gen 11, whose lineup includes hybrid versions, gets 31–48 mpg. A free VIN decode gives you NHTSA vPIC’s record for the car (model year, engine, plant) and the NHTSA recalls for its model year. It won’t show theft, flood or lemon-law history.

US model years1990–2026

GenerationsGen 4 · Gen 5 · Gen 6 · Gen 7 · Gen 8 · Gen 9 · Gen 10 · Gen 11

NHTSA recall campaigns79

Owner complaints24,885 at NHTSA

Honda Accord photographed at a US vehicle auction — Auction lot photo, for illustration

Generations

Honda Accord generations

Eight generations since the 1990 model year. The Gen 6 (1998–2002) has the most owner complaints, the Gen 7 (2003–2007) the most recall campaigns (22).

8 / 8

2023–2026· Generation 8 of 8

Gen 11 · 11th generation

PlatformHonda HA

EPA combined mpg31–48

NHTSA recalls8

Engines (EPA)

1.5 L 4-cyl (turbo) · 2023–2026
2.0 L 4-cyl (hybrid) · 2023–2026

Drive & transmission (EPA)

FWD
CVT (2023–2026)

Known issues to check

Steering (141)Electrical system (126)Forward collision avoidance (120)1 high-risk recall campaign

Mentions in 564 NHTSA complaints.

Sample VIN pattern · Gen 111HGCY2F8?PA······NHTSA vPIC decodes it as a 2023 Honda Accord Touring, built in Marysville, Ohio

Check an Accord VIN

Sources: Wikipedia · EPA · NHTSA · vPIC

NHTSA campaign data

Which Accord model years each recall covers

NHTSA data

NHTSA has 79 campaigns on file for Accord model years 1990–2026, and the 2005 shows up in more of them than any other year (15), ahead of the 2003 (13). Move the line to your model year to see which apply.

Pick a row

What to ask

Source: NHTSA recall database, vehicle campaigns only; row text is NHTSA’s summary. A listed year does not mean every car is covered, so check the VIN.

Canada rows: Transport Canada recalls database. Transport Canada recalls that match an NHTSA campaign are folded into that row by VinNumber.net; rows with the Canadian flag have no NHTSA match. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada · Transport Canada.

Owner reports · NHTSA complaints

What Honda Accord owners report

Owner summaries + NHTSA data

Complaints peak with the 2018 (2,000 of 24,885). Tap any bar or generation.

24,885NHTSA complaints, 1990–2026

1,988mention a crash

223mention a fire

1,691injuries reported

Owner complaints by model yearGen 11: 564 complaints · most for the 2023 (226)

Top complaint areas · Gen 11

Mentions in 564 complaints, 2023–2026.

Steering141

Electrical system126

Forward collision avoidance120

Brakes103

Fuel system69

Engine and cooling66

Crashes 31Fires 5Injuries 30

2023–2026 (Gen 11)

NHTSA data summary

By area, nothing stands out. Steering leads with 141, with the electrical system (126) and forward collision avoidance (120) close behind. Its first model year, the 2023, drew more complaints than any other (226 of 564).

What Accord owners report across recent generations

Owner summary

2023–present (11th generation)

Owner data for this generation is still limited. Most NHTSA complaints for the 2023 concern the hybrid, with owners describing a sudden Brake System Problem warning, a loss of power and in some cases a stall, plus reports of stiff steering and electric parking brake warnings. CarComplaints has only about ten reports for 2023, led by phone connection problems, an emissions warning with reduced power and a car that would not turn on. Recalls cover front seat belt pretensioners missing a rivet and a driver seat cushion frame that may not be tightened. [1] [2]

2018–2022 (10th generation)

On the 2018, NHTSA complaints most often describe head gasket failure on the 1.5-liter turbo, with warning lights, rough running or the engine shutting off, some past 100,000 miles. Owners also report automatic emergency braking activating without reason. CarComplaints ranks gasoline in the oil first for 2018, followed by cracked windshields and dashboard rattles. Recalls cover a low pressure fuel pump that may fail on 2018–2019 cars and body control software on 2018–2020 cars that could disrupt the wipers, defroster, rearview camera or exterior lights. [3] [4]

2013–2017 (9th generation)

Steering is the largest NHTSA complaint category for the 2013, with owners describing the wheel pulling or turning on its own and the electric power steering cutting out. Starter and battery complaints are also common, and CarComplaints says 2013–2014 starters tend to fail soon after the 36,000 mile warranty ends, adding reports that the original battery struggles to start V6 cars. Recalls cover a battery sensor case that could let water in and short circuit, and driveshafts on 2013–2015 four-cylinder CVT cars sold or registered in certain states. [5] [6]

What to check before buying

Run the VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup, and on 2018–2019 cars confirm the fuel pump recall is done.
On 1.5-liter turbo cars, ask for oil change records and any coolant loss or head gasket work, and smell the dipstick for fuel.
On 2013–2014 cars, ask about starter and battery replacement.
On the drive, look for warning lights, check the steering for pull and note whether automatic braking engages without reason.

Sources (6) and method

Sources:

Counts: NHTSA complaints file, records to October 1, 2026, one count per complaint; areas are NHTSA component groups.

Owner summary updated September 25, 2026.

Owner opinions · Reddit

What Honda Accord owners say on Reddit

Summarized from public threads

SummaryPros & consThreads

Eleventh-generation Accord owners on Reddit mostly report trouble-free driving, with many posting tens of thousands of miles and no issues, and hybrid owners regularly citing fuel economy in the 40s. Several say they would buy it again and enjoy how smooth and quiet it feels. The concerns are a passenger side rattle, a mirror that vibrates at highway speed, rear brake and tire wear, and occasional burning smells after driving. A smaller group describes head gasket, fuel injector or steering rack repairs done under warranty, and owners argue about whether those are isolated cases or a sign of trouble.

Pros

Many owners report high mileage with no issues
Hybrid regularly delivers fuel economy in the 40s
Smooth, quiet and enjoyable to drive

Cons

Interior rattles and a vibrating side mirror on some cars
Some head gasket, injector and steering rack repairs under warranty
Weak ventilated seats and headlights some find worse than before

11th gen accord hybrid owners - how has your car been? any issues? r/accord · 2026-08-19
23 or up Accord owners with 75k+ miles, do yall exist lol? Hows it holding up? r/11thGenAccord · 2025-11-13
11th Gen Accords Above/Near 100k Miles? r/11thGenAccord · 2026-06-10
11th gen accord mileage check in r/11thGenAccord · 2024-12-20
Has anyone had issues with their 11th gen hybrid hregarding headgasket and fuel injectors? r/11thGenAccord · 2026-07-13

Opinions of individual owners, summarized in our own words. Not verified data; check recalls and complaints above.

Owner complaints · by model year

Accord complaint breakdown by model year

NHTSA data

Hybrid and plug-in Accord versions count alongside gas ones. Tap a year to see its top systems.

24,885complaints, 1990–2026

1,988mention a crash

223mention a fire

1,691injuries reported

36complaints report a death

Most complaints: 2018 (2,000), 2003 (1,987), 2008 (1,520)

2018 · 2,000 complaints

Crashes 38 · fires 5 · injuries 41

Engine579

Forward collision avoidance351

Fuel/propulsion system318

Electrical system314

Unknown or other275

Systems as NHTSA names them; a complaint can list several. Source: NHTSA complaints data, records to October 1, 2026.

EPA fuel economy & emissions

Accord CO₂, smog rating and yearly fuel cost

EPA data

EPA lists 210 Accord versions for model years 1990–2026 (gas, hybrid and plug-in hybrid). The lowest tailpipe CO₂ is 130 g/mi, for the 2014 plug-in hybrid. Pick a model year and powertrain to see each version.

Gen 41990–1993

20–24 mpg · CO₂ 370–444 g/mi

Gen 51994–1997

19–25 mpg · CO₂ 355–468 g/mi

Gen 61998–2002

21–25 mpg · CO₂ 355–423 g/mi

Gen 72003–2007

21–28 mpg · CO₂ 317–423 g/mi

Gen 82008–2012

20–27 mpg · CO₂ 329–444 g/mi

Gen 92013–2017

21–48 mpg · plug-in hybrid counted on gas alone · 115 MPGe plug-in hybrid · CO₂ 130–414 g/mi

Gen 102018–2022

26–48 mpg · CO₂ 183–345 g/mi

Gen 112023–2026

31–48 mpg · CO₂ 184–283 g/mi

Model year2025

32combined MPG

277CO₂ grams per mile (tailpipe)

$2,100EPA yearly fuel cost

6/10Smog rating

1 = worst · 10 = cleanest

6/10Greenhouse gas rating

California LEV-III SULEV30 · Federal Tier 3 Bin 30Emission standard

Cleanest gas version of 2025: Accord · Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo — 32 MPG · 277 g/mi

Best (lowest) CO₂ by model year

GasHybridPlug-in hybrid

Annual fuel cost is EPA’s estimate at its current fuel-price assumptions (15,000 miles a year, 55% city driving), so older years are priced at today’s fuel prices. Smog rating and emission standard can differ by sales area (federal vs. California); both are shown. Greenhouse-gas ratings start with the 2013 model year. Plug-in hybrids: mpg is on gas alone; MPGe combines gas and electricity. Source: fueleconomy.gov.

Compare rivals

Accord vs Toyota Camry vs Hyundai Sonata

NHTSA + EPA data

Take 2013–2017. NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the Accord, against 11 for the Toyota Camry and 25 for the Hyundai Sonata. Pick a range to compare.

Honda AccordGen 11

Model years 2023–2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 8
NHTSA owner complaints: 564
EPA combined mpg: 31–48
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 1.5, 2.0 L
Also listed: turbo, hybrid
Drive (EPA): FWD

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Steering 141
Electrical system 126
Forward collision avoidance 120

Toyota Camry

Model years 2023–2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 8
NHTSA owner complaints: 411
EPA combined mpg: 25–52
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 2.5 L · 6-cyl 3.5 L
Also listed: hybrid
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD, FWD

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Structure and body 52
Electrical system 51
Hybrid/electric propulsion 40

Hyundai Sonata

Model years 2023–2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 4
NHTSA owner complaints: 190
EPA combined mpg: 27–52
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 1.6, 2.0, 2.5 L
Also listed: turbo, hybrid
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD, FWD

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Fuel system 49
Engine and cooling 41
Electrical system 37

NHTSA recalls (vehicle campaigns for all powertrain versions; equipment and tire campaigns left out), complaints (not sales-adjusted) and 5-Star overall ratings for the latest year rated for all three; EPA mpg, engines and drive. Rivals: same EPA class, picked by VinNumber.net.

Honda Accord VIN number location

Where to find the VIN on an Accord

Tap a spot. Every location should show the same 17 characters.

White Honda Accord (11th generation) sedan, front three-quarter view, with the VIN locations marked

Photo: Hans Haase, CC BY-SA 3.0, cropped

Illustration: VinNumber.net

Photo: MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0; edited and VIN pins added by VinNumber.net

The VIN appears on a plate at the lower driver’s side windshield, on the door jamb sticker and on a label inside the trunk lid near the latch. The Gen 11 generation starts with the 2023 model year; the VIN’s 10th character (P for 2023) shows which side of that line a car falls on.

Windshield plateRead it through the glass at the base of the driver's side windshield.
Source: 49 CFR 565.13(f) (NHTSA): VIN inside the passenger compartment, readable through the glazing next to the left windshield pillar
Door jamb labelOpen the driver's door: the certification label on the B-pillar lists the VIN.
Source: 49 CFR 567.4 (NHTSA): certification label with VIN at the driver door hinge pillar, latch post or door edge

The title, registration and insurance card show the VIN as well. All locations should match.

FAQ

Common Honda Accord VIN questions

Which Honda Accord model years have the most owner complaints?

The 2018 leads with 2,000, ahead of the 2003 (1,987) and 2008 (1,520). Those first two alone make up 16% of the 24,885 Accord complaints filed with NHTSA, not adjusted for sales.

How many recalls has the Honda Accord had?

NHTSA’s recall records show 79 vehicle campaigns for model years 1990–2026, leaving out equipment and tire campaigns. By generation, Gen 7 leads with 22. Then come the Gen 6 (17), Gen 8 (14), Gen 10 (11), Gen 9 (9), Gen 11 (8), Gen 5 (5) and Gen 4 (4), and a campaign can span two generations.

Which Honda Accord recalls are high risk?

20V-026, 20V-027, 15V-320, 15V-370, 17V-220, 16V-346 and 17V-030 cover air bag inflators that can rupture. 19V-182, 19V-499, 18V-268, 19V-501, 16V-178, 17V-545, 19V-378, 19V-502 and 2 more cover air bag inflator modules and how they deploy. NHTSA’s record names a fire risk in 91V-195, 98V-231, 12V-222, 13V-297, 17V-418, 15V-121 and 24V-763. Each should show as closed on a VIN check.

Which Accord generation am I looking at?

By US model year, the Gen 4 is 1990–1993 and the Gen 5 1994–1997. Gen 6 spans 1998–2002, Gen 7 2003–2007, Gen 8 2008–2012, Gen 9 2013–2017, Gen 10 2018–2022 and Gen 11 2023–2026. Read the year off the VIN’s 10th character (P is 2023).

What fuel economy does the Honda Accord get?

It varies. EPA rates the 2023–2026 Gen 11 at 31–48 mpg combined, depending on engine and drive, up from 20–24 mpg for the 1990–1993 Gen 4 (fueleconomy.gov).

How does the Honda Accord compare with the Toyota Camry and Hyundai Sonata on recalls?

For 2023–2026 models the Accord has 8 NHTSA recall campaigns. The Toyota Camry has 8, the Hyundai Sonata 4. Complaints run 564, 411 and 190 in that order, with no sales adjustment.

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Honda Accord VIN Number Check

About the Honda Accord

Honda Accord generations