231 complaints reported

2013 Honda Accord Electrical System

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
231
Crashes
1
Fires
3
Injuries
0

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Feb 2026

Odometer Fraud. The contact owns a 2013 Honda Accord. The contact purchased the vehicle on October 27, 2025. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale by an individual who was a registered dealer. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 105,000. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to immediately start. Several attempts were needed to start the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that there was exposure of red wiring on the underside of the vehicle, which could be a potential safety hazard. The dealer also informed the contact of an oil leak, a previous ABS replacement, a previous transmission replacement, and that the engine was not the original engine. The dealer also informed the contact that the mileage on the vehicle was not what had been documented at the time of sale and that the actual mileage was 205,000. The contact confirmed the actual mileage as 205,000 in a Carfax Report. The failures persisted. One morning, while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the flex plate had failed. The starter was replaced; however, the vehicle failed to start. The contact had spoken with the seller, who had taken possession of the vehicle but had not provided any additional repairs. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The odometer fraud was not reported to any other Government Agencies.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HONDA ACCORD, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Oct 2025
Dec 2025

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Honda Accord. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase of the vehicle. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 100,900. It was later discovered upon checking Google that the mileage was 260,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HONDA ACCORD, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Dec 2025
Oct 2025

No Start condition. Car takes minutes to start due to faulty push button start. This is a well documented condition by the public. The safety concern is that repeated attempts to start will drain the battery and cause degradation of the starter, which in case of an emergency or an occupant in an unsafe environment, or on a public roadway, puts the driver, occupants at risk. Honda is well aware of this problem but rejects any liability.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HONDA ACCORD, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Jul 2025
Sep 2025

Started car and dashboard light came on then off showing steering wheel and exclamation point. Then re-started and drove normally. A few days later, when starting the steering wheel unable was unable to be turned. Dashboard light show steering wheel and exclamation point. Required towing. Dealer determined diagnostic code DTC 34-05 Power Relay Stuck OFF I found multiple reports of power steering failure in this model Honda Accord 2013. Since there is no RECALL, it should be an extended warranty until next year. I’m asking if the power relay is covered by the extended warranty. Is there going to be a recall since this is so dangerous?

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HONDA ACCORD, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Sep 2025
Aug 2025

The contact purchased a 2013 Honda Accord. The contact stated that the advertisement and the odometer indicated that the mileage was 156,000. The contact stated that upon test driving the vehicle, the odometer became inoperable. The dealer took the vehicle into the service department, and after resetting the odometer, the vehicle was purchased by the contact. The vehicle was a used car dealer sale. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to purchase and replace the battery. The contact stated that after the new battery was installed, the odometer indicated that the mileage was 453,000. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the discrepancy. The contact stated that upon researching, the contact noticed that the dealer had changed the mileage on the original advertisement.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HONDA ACCORD, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Aug 2025
Jul 2025

The car has starting issues where it takes up to 20 attempts at the start button to get the car to start. This is a safety issue, since a person can get stranded in the middle of nowhere. I now leave my car engine on all the time (wasting gas, adding CO to the atmosphere, overheating the car) while I run errands, as I don't want to get stranded.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HONDA ACCORD, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Jan 2025
Jul 2025

Vehicle included in 2017 Battery sensor recall, repaired promptly upon notice. This is a separate issue/sensor. ***Electrical Safety Hazard impacting EPS, ABS, TPMS*** *** All other electrical components involved *** Car has had electrical issues since the day I purchased it in 2016, with no codes indicating an issue. Car would fail to start, testing would indicate starter or battery failure. For the last three months, voltage would drop to unacceptable levels whenever the headlights were off (6 week old, brand new, not reman alternator unit maintained 14 amps with lights on, dropped to 12.1 with them off). On July 11, 2025 (4 days ago as of this report), while driving approximately 47 mph, the plug in voltmeter on the car abruptly started plummeting on a road with sharp angles and no shoulder to pull onto, despite lights being on. No improvement after shutting off lights, climate control, and radio displays, continues lowering to 11.8. Turned climate control back on, headlights back on, briefly alternator reached 12.2 amps, before rapidly dropping to unsustainable levels (I was aware of this because of my plug in voltmeter. The car's built in electrical system didn't alert until the voltage hit 8.8). Still nowhere to pull over safely. Electronic power steering cuts out abruptly, followed by abs, tpms, traction control. Turning the car into the first available lot to get out of traffic, on my left took an inordinate amount of strength, and I barely coasted to a stop when every single electronic component on the car blinked out and the entire car shut down. The car is exclusively maintained by a licensed, accredited automotive repair facility's owner, who is a master automotive technician and able to provide proof of all of the above, including previous electrical repairs listed below. The issue is the vehicle's ELD sensor. One small part has cost me nearly 7 figures in repairs Car has gone through 4 starters, 8 batteries, and is now waiting on a 3rd alternator

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HONDA ACCORD, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Nov 2025
Apr 2025

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Honda Accord. The contact stated that upon having the vehicle appraised to sell the vehicle, a Carfax report discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was approximately 120,000; however, according to the Carfax report, as of October 2024, the vehicle mileage was approximately 217,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HONDA ACCORD, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Apr 2025
Apr 2025

My 2013 Honda Accord touring with 110,000 miles all of a sudden all the lights on the dash came on. I took it to the dealer. The dealer told me that the electronic control module or the vehicle stability control module was bad. At that time, the dealer could not get the part and at that time, the part was $1400so a year later. when I had the money I went to get the car fixed at that point the part was $2600. It cost me $3500 to get the vehicle repaired. It was not under warranty. There was no recall and I was left holding the bag I have found there are many cases of the same part going bad and Honda refuses to accept responsibility, leaving us owners out in the cold.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HONDA ACCORD, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Jul 2023
Feb 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Honda Accord. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start. The contacted stated that the battery was replaced several times; however, the failure recurred approximately 3-4 months later. The vehicle was jumpstarted and was towed to a Toyota dealer, where the battery, the alternator and alternator belt were replaced; however, the failure recurred the following morning. Additionally, the contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V418000 (Electrical System); which the contact related to the failure; however, the contact had not received a recall notification from the manufacturer. The Honda dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 70,722.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HONDA ACCORD, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Feb 2022
Jan 2025

The car has keyless entry and push button to start. Recently I noticed the car was not able to start correctly when pushing the push button. Sometimes it can start but it needs the keyfob to be very close to the push button. 3 days ago the car wont start at all no matter how I tried it. Testes battery and starter all are at working condition. I suspected the keyless push start button is faulty.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HONDA ACCORD, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Jan 2025
Sep 2024

ABS module failure. Lights up emergency brake, tire pressure warning, Electrical power steering, and Vehicle Stability Assist indicator. Did some research and the failure is caused by faulty soldering inside the ABS module.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HONDA ACCORD, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Sep 2024
Sep 2024

The ABS system went out. All the lights in the dashboard is on. The module was on back order for months and it’s cost $2500. Why should I have to pay for a faulty electrical system that my actions had no bearing on?

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HONDA ACCORD, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Jan 2023
Sep 2024

ABS Control Module failure. This is a safety issue because it causes the anti-lock brakes and traction control to not work. Cost of repair $2,537.95 at Honda dealership. Representative seen the lit up dashboard and knew exactly what the issue was before technician even diagnosed it. Told me that the chip to fix it has been out of stock for well over a year.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HONDA ACCORD, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: May 2023
Jul 2024

The ABS module is malfunctioning which is a common issue with this car and should have been recalled many years ago.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HONDA ACCORD, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Jan 2023
Mar 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Honda Accord. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated to start while depressing the Push-to-Start button, with an abnormal grinding sound coming from under the hood. No warning light was illuminated. The contact who is an independent mechanic, diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the starter needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulleting: 16-002; however, the vehicle was not included. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 159,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HONDA ACCORD, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Dec 2023
Feb 2024

The car has just over 91,000 miles on it and the push button start is working only intermittently. I know I’m not the only one because the online forums are full of started problems with these. It’s my only car and Honda has known for years it is a problem with these.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HONDA ACCORD, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Feb 2024
Dec 2023

The passenger side window stop and starts and when it gets to full close, it opens back up on its own a few inches. For another Honda Accord that I own if the same year, the passenger window does not go up/down from the drivers side.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HONDA ACCORD, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Nov 2023
Dec 2023

Info Entertainment System. It was going on and off I took it to Honda and the price was well over $1,200. I have taken my car for maintenance only to Honda and think that at 120,000 miles after I replaced the starter a month before that this car should be working in full condition. I am a senior and now the radio Bluetooth cameras are no longer available. Called Honda customer service to ask for help I know 2013 was the first year they used this system because I have and XL Accord. when I called the Rep she said honda had a Goodwill program and sure they could help me ,then the second girl called and customer service and said please send me your car dealers mechanic price and Diagnostics. I scan them in and sent it to her Next day the third person in customer service called and said oh I'm sorry you are over the 90,000 warranty. But I told her customer service lady number One never said anything about the Goodwill program being s 90,000 mile warrenty. A bulony story. No help either from the email I sent to a Mr Corbin VP vomplaunts. now I have to drive around and as a senior I would like to have my cameras working anda radio. Bluetooth . I have no working camera and all the maintenance I have done on the car I am really upset I do not have any of it and I cannot go very far for example when a family member got very sick I could not travel in dark to that area because the car is not helpful without that connection.. Yes I can use the GPS on my phone but it is ridiculous that now that I have paid this car off that at 120,000 miles I'm going to have to get rid of it and I just can't afford a new one. They should fix it for less than $1,300. As a senior I really need the cameras working and I've never heard of any car without a radio. I know now that the younger cars also have the info system problem on recall. Mine should also be on that recall list. Can you help? I feel they left me rude, without even a sorry or suggestion

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HONDA ACCORD, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Oct 2023
Nov 2023

My vehicle was inspected at a Honda Dealership in the state of CO & it all appears the VSA Modulator unit have an internal failure & it’s not functioning properly. Due to this effective issue the traction control would not be able to operate appropriately & it can cause an accident & endanger my life in traffic & other people’s life. Unfortunately, the VSA Modulator unit is “Nationally” out of stock & unable to find the VSA Modulator unit.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HONDA ACCORD, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Aug 2023
Aug 2023

The ABS modulator failed causing all ABS, brake, seat belt and steering lights to go on.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HONDA ACCORD, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Jan 2023
Jun 2023

The ABS Module seems to fail on all 2013 Honda Accords and many other year models as well. This causes the antilock break system to not work properly, potentially causing a very serious accident. The quoted replacement from a Honda dealer is over $2k which is very cost prohibitive for many people. I'm sure you have received many complaints on this and if you don't believe the severity of this please look on any online car repair forum and you can see the countless drivers with this issue. Honda needs to pay for this not stick unsuspecting customers with a very expensive repair.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HONDA ACCORD, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Jan 2023
May 2023

About six months ago the starter began to malfunction. It has malfunctioned intermittently ever since. A week ago my wife who drives this car told me the car fails to start more often as she goes to pick up our grandchildren and she is afraid it will simply quit working at all. I am fearing the same thing. She says it makes a clicking or grinding noise and the the dash board lights all come on. After several tries it has started, but I am afraid it will leave them stranded in an unsafe situation. These problems with the 2013-2017 Honda Accords are well know and documented. These cars should be recalled to address this issue. It's a crime that they haven't been. In many cases persons have spent a great deal of money without a solution. O'Daniel Honda in Omaha gave me a price of $818. to replace the starter motor. Yet for some people the problem is ongoing even after replacing the starter motor! Why hasn't a recall been issued?

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HONDA ACCORD, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Dec 2022
Mar 2023

Drivers side front door and passenger rear door lock actuator failed to lock and unlock doors. No warning lamps. Could not access door and could not open doors from inside. 2013 Accord Sport.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HONDA ACCORD, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Nov 2022
Jan 2023

My car has had problems turning on. The alternator and battery had been changed twice in the past 4 years. I’ve recently changed the battery and alternator and my car still has that problem of turning on my mecanic said it could be the starter now. So battery, alternator and starter problems.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 HONDA ACCORD, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Feb 2018

Trend Over Time

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Quick Summary

The 2013 Honda Accord has 231 Electrical System complaints on file. 1 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.