10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 3 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 3 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 9,601 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
head gasket failure with less than 80,000 miles.
- Oak Ridge, NC, USA
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The contact restarted the vehicle to correct the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
- Silver Creek, GA, USA
Car lost power on freeway, had the car towed to local Honda. After several hours of sitting at dealership and talking to several different employees. One employee comes back to tell me the head gasket was blown and needed repaired. And that this is a common issue he has been seeing in this make/model of car.
- Dayton, OH, USA
1. Component: The engine head gasket and the combustion system (specifically Cylinder 2). Specifics: A leak-down test confirmed a failure in Cylinder 2, leading to coolant intrusion. This was initially masked by a water pump code, but after the water pump was replaced and the code returned, a borescope confirmed "clean" pistons (steam-cleaned by coolant) and tap scarring. Availability: Yes, the vehicle and all diagnostic records are available for inspection. 2. Emergency Maneuvers: On multiple occasions, the car entered "Limp Mode" while driving 70-?"75 mph on the freeway. This caused a sudden, dangerous drop in speed, forcing me to maneuver through high-speed traffic to reach the median/suicide lane. Stranded: The vehicle overheated 5 times in one trip, leaving me vulnerable on the side of a busy freeway. 3. Yes. An independent shop confirmed the failure via a leak-down test, a borescope inspection, and physical analysis of the spark plugs. They confirmed that despite the computer throwing a water pump code, the mechanical failure is the head gasket. 4.Status: It has been inspected by an independent service center. I am now using their findings to pursue a lawsuit/claim against Honda for selling a vehicle with a pre-existing internal engine defect. 5. Timeline: Symptoms began in April 2024 (two months after purchase). Initial Signs: An "Emission System" warning light appeared. The diagnostic code indicated a water pump failure, which was replaced in April. Recurring Symptoms: In November, the car suffered multiple misfires and "Limp Mode." In March, the "Emission System" light and the same water pump code returned, but the shop confirmed the pump was functional and the true cause was the head gasket leak into the cylinders.
- Shafter, CA, USA
The turbo! Code P0299! Hundreds of thousands of Americans going through the same issue all their lights are flashing on their dashboard with these 1.5 T engines
- Conway, AR, USA
Description of Incident: 1. Component/System Failure: The engine cooling system and head gasket failed. A certified shop has confirmed coolant intrusion and a failed leak-down test on Cylinder 2. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2. Safety Risk: My safety and the safety of my family and other drivers were put at extreme risk. On March 1, 2026, the vehicle suffered a sudden loss of motive power while traveling at 70 MPH on the freeway. The car dropped to 15 MPH instantly, forcing me to maneuver across active lanes to a narrow shoulder with almost no space. I was nearly hit by high-speed traffic. This has occurred over 8 times since 2023. 3. Confirmation by Service Center: The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by an independent service center On Site Lube Auto & Tire. They utilized a borescope and leak-down test to verify the internal engine failure. 4. Inspections: The vehicle has been inspected by a certified independent technician. I am in the process of notifying the manufacturer (Honda) of these findings for their inspection and accountability. 5. Warning Lamps & Symptoms: Prior to the total power loss, the vehicle displayed engine temperature warnings and "check engine" lights. These symptoms first appeared approximately 8 months after purchase in 2023 and have progressively worsened, leading to the current engine failure. 6. Additional Notes: This failure is identical to issues cited in active class-action lawsuits regarding Honda's engine defects, affecting both standard and Hybrid models. I am communicating via written report/email for documentation and accessibility purposes.
- Shafter, CA, USA
Approximate date (around January 2026), location (e.g., Newburgh, NY area), and circumstances (e.g., during normal driving). No crash/injury mentioned in my case, but note if it stranded I, required towing, or felt unsafe (e.g., potential for sudden power loss). While driving, all dashboard warning lights came on suddenly. The vehicle experienced rough running/misfires. Dealer diagnosed low coolant, pressure tested the system, and confirmed coolant intrusion into cylinders 2 and 3 due to head gasket failure. This required full head gasket replacement (parts/labor ~$4,567 total before any goodwill). No external leaks noted initially. Concerned this could cause engine stall/overheat while driving, posing a safety risk.-?? Dashboard lights, possible misfire codes (if any DTCs like P0302/P0303 were pulled), low coolant without visible leaks. dealer diagnosis (Morehead Honda? from Eric Koller), repair done/recommended, cost, and that American Honda provided 35% goodwill (shows it-??s out-of-warranty but recognized issue) Only 91000 miles on the vehicle.
- New Windsor , NY, USA
City street driving speed < 35-40 mph, engine began rough idling at stop light after traveling just 1/8 mile. After driving less than 1 mile on level ground, engine slowed and would not accelerate above 20 mph. After another mile or so, increasing uphill grade caused speed to slow to 12-14 mph. Stepping on gas caused car to slow down even more, with shaking and jerky stop-start of vehicle. Maintaining 10-12 mph permitted vehicle to continue uphill climb for a few more miles so I could reach home. Downhill coasting was smooth with no gas pedal acceleration. Overnight parked in garage, and no problems driving vehicle to local independent auto mechanic. They were able to duplicate problem after 2 days and multiple test drives. Diagnosed permanent and temporary engine codes: misfires of cylinders 1 and 4 with ignition coil malfunction, misfires of cylinders 1, 2, 4, and random misfires. Also permanent codes: antilock brake ECM Failure, electric power steering vehicle stability assist System Malfunction, electric servo brake electric power train System Malfunction. Mechanic removed coils and spark plugs, found cylinder 4 has moisture. Coils, plugs cleaned and re-installed. Honda Dealer unable to duplicate problem after 3 days.
- Redwood City, CA, USA
Check
- Fremont , CA, USA
The vehicle would overheat and lose power. At first, the dealer stated that they could not find the issue, which continued. I was not able to drive the vehicle, and I am a first responder, which caused issues getting to my job. Finally, one of the dealers advised that the head gasket had to be replaced. The dealer insisted that the head gasket was not covered under warranty despite my keeping the vehicle regularly serviced.
- Milford, CT, USA
Was told I have a blown head gasket on cylinder 3 with 90k miles on my vehicle. No check engine light has been on.
- Madison, TN, USA
I was taking my wife-??s 2019 Honda Accord into a dealership for a factory recall with a fuel pump issue. After I dropped it off, I got a phone call, letting me know that they had some bad news and that the cars third cylinder had failed due to a blown head gasket and coolant leaking into the cylinder. There has never been a check, engine, light or code or sign of any kind of issue with this vehicle up to this point I have it regularly serviced at Honda dealerships after doing some research. This seems to be a recurring issue with people in this make and model of Honda Accord with the 1.5 T engine. I would like to have someone contact me regarding the expense related to this repair as I believe it should not be on the owner to cover such cost when it is a recurring and known issue with this vehicle.
- Tulsa, OK, USA
Head gasket failure was noted and happened at about 95000 miles. Crack in a cylinder lead to leaking of coolant and caused misfires and check engine. Was let know that if ignored engine could -??expire-?? at a random time if not dealt with asap could have lead to a crash, injury, or harm others or property. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The problem was confirmed by dealer and partially before dealer by independent mechanic. Vehicle was inspected by dealer and trusted independent mechanic. Zero warning about failure up until failure. Vehicle entered safety crawl mode when engaged in any throttle with resistance up hill or on flat over 20 mph. First appeared just shy of 95000 miles. A known issue in many many of this specific make and model of car with varying years.
- Avon, NY, USA
My vehicle started having issues with misfires approximately 2 years after I bought it in January 2020. I bought it new from the dealership in Salinas California. I took it to Morgan hill Honda for repairs. It-??s had 2 misfires and I took it in for a Fuel pump recall. About 2 weeks later all my lights in my dash come on. I took it in to get looked at and they said it-??s the turbo engine, $3k to fix it. I-??ve had nothing but problems and it-??s like a bandaid of a fix every time. The first time it happened I was merging onto highway [XXX] and it gave out and slowed down to 25MPH. I had to pull over to the shoulder almost caused an accident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Hollister, CA, USA
Engine began to have an odd stutter and trouble accelerating which was initially believed to be spark plugs after a full tune up did not fix the issue took to my local mechanic. Diagnosed the issue as bad fuel injectors likely due to the fuel pump recall. Code popped up as cylinder misfire initially which didn't make much sense considering a full tune up was completed less than a month prior. After further diagnosis issue was found to be a blown head gasket causing several thousand dollars in repair due to having to completely disassemble and reassemble the engine.
- Chicago, IL, USA
On 5/12/2025 at 104,385 miles I brought my 2019 Accord Hybrid Touring into the local Honda dealer for recommended services that populated in the maintenance minder. It was a larger service plugs, coolant flush, brake fluid flush. Early November of 2025 at around 115K miles I had a warning message appear that said engine temperature critical. I checked the overflow reservoir and the coolant level was in operating range. The next day I got the same message, waited for the engine to cool. I took the radiator cap off and added about 1/2 gal of Honda coolant. I proceeded to monitor coolant levels occasionally adding coolant. There were no external coolant leaks. I dropped the vehicle off at Wilde Honda on 12/8/2025 and after testing the system they indicated that there were coolant leaks in 3 of the 4 cylinders due to a failed head gasket. They also said the radiator might be leaking out of the top seam but couldn-??t know for sure. The immediate failure of a head gasket could allow the vehicle to stall out while driving. I had the head gasket, timing chain and radiator replaced at 117,302 miles at a cost of $4200. Head gasket failure at this mileage and this brand is unheard of except when you look at the model years with this same design. There was a class action suit on the turbo charged models but more and more consumers are noticing failures with the non turbo hybrid engine as well. Honda is stating that there is no issue with the head gasket in the Hybrid models.
- Mukwonago, WI, USA
I am reporting a failed recall remedy. Honda was unable to provide parts for Recall 23V-858 for over a year. Operating the vehicle during this delay resulted in engine starvation, overheating, and a catastrophic cylinder head gasket failure. The dealer and manufacturer are now refusing to cover the consequential damage caused by their own delay.
- Bayonne, NJ, USA
Car started loosing power and fouling spark plugs 2 and 3. Took it to dealer shop and head gasket was bad.
- Anniston , AL, USA
I am the original owner of a 2019 Honda Accord Hybrid that I have taken to Envision Honda of Milpitas. I have been consistently maintaining according to Honda-??s recommended service schedule. No prior issues were noted. What happened to it is beyond normal wear and tear (failed head gasket). My car only had 78,731 miles on it when incident happened. I did not have any concerns with the vehicle until 11/12/2025 while driving on Freeway. On 11/12/2025, while commuting home from work in the evening on the freeway, all warning lights came on (10/10 lights, including the check engine light). The vehicle could not exceed 50 mph on freeway, and began rumbling. The vehicle had no prior issues. I exited the freeway with hazard lights activated and contacted AAA for assistance. I took my car to Envision Honda of Milpitas the next day (11/13/2025) was informed that the head gasket was blown off. "Cylinder leak down test done and found head gasket is blown on chamber 1 causing the coolant to leak inside the combustion chamber and causes cylinder to misfire. Recommend to perform teardown and inspection, head gasket replacement and re-check." It was dangerous as I was not able to speed more than 50 mph in the freeway while other cars were going fast. I am currently pregnant and was scared.
- Milpitas, CA, USA
- Mansfield, TX, USA