Honda’s then-new 2013 Accord brought modern updates to the automaker’s flagship sedan. However, numerous power steering and electrical issues, plus a couple dangerous recalls make other model years more appealing.
Key Points
- The 2013 Honda Accord has accrued over 1,000 complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
- Of these complaints, over half involve issues with the 2013 Accord’s electric power steering and other electrical components/systems.
- The Accord’s starter appears to be a big source of problems among 2013 vehicles.
- Three recalls issued by Honda for the 2013 Accord affect major components that could compromise safety and create potential fire hazards.
2013 Honda Accord’s Biggest Complaint is Electric Power Steering Failure
The ninth-generation 2013 Accord was all-new and saw significant updates to the flagship sedan’s styling, powertrain, and technology, including the addition of new collision-avoidance technologies, as well as updated active and passive-safety features.
Unfortunately, an increase in electrical-related problems on the 2013 Accord stifles Honda’s intended refinements for its flagship sedan.
A review of NHTSA complaints for the 2013 Honda Accord revealed a significant number of reports of electric power steering failure.
Owners documented a variety of conditions occurring, namely unexpected veering of their vehicle while driving and difficulty steering (either steering feeling too firm or too loose). These conditions were reported to occur with and without the electric power steering warning light being illuminated.
An investigation was opened by the NHTSA in response to complaints of the loss of power steering on 2013 Accords. The investigation revealed that many of the vehicles examined experienced torque sensor failure.
The NHTSA closed the investigation after finding early-life failures due to early production issues have already failed, with a declining overall failure rate. Unfortunately, no recalls have been issued by Honda as a result.
2013 Accord’s Electrical Problems include Starter Failure and Other Annoying Issues
Electrical issues are another problem area for the 2013 Honda Accord, most widespread is with the vehicle’s starter. Owner’s reports of a clicking or grinding noise when attempting to start their vehicle, as well as intermittent or consistent start failure were prevalent for the 2013 Accord.
Problems with the starter were found on vehicles with either the 2.4-liter engine or 3.5-liter V6, and with less than 50,000 miles. Some owners reported being quoted by mechanics for replacement of a failed starter costing nearly $1,000.
Other random electrical issues reported on the 2013 Accord include various failures with the battery sensor, driver door lock actuators, power steering sensors, tire pressure monitoring and vehicle stability assist sensors, among others.
While these electrical problems appear to be more sporadic than the starter issue described above, as the 2013 Accord approaches 10 years on the road, electrical problems may become more widespread as the sedan continues to age.
Three Recalls Affect Major Components on the 2013 Accord, with Two Recalls Impacting Most Vehicles, and Two Involving Potential Fire Hazards
The three recalls issued by Honda that impact the 2013 Accord affect major components on the automakers flagship sedan, including the driveshaft on the continuously variable transmission for 2.4-liter four-cylinder equipped vehicles, battery sensor, and fuel tank.
The drive shaft and battery sensor recalls impact over 1,000,000 vehicles. The fuel tank recall, which affects less than 2,000 2013 Accords, and the battery sensor recall involve potential fire hazards.
Drive Shaft Corrosion Recall
According to the NHTSA, Honda recalled over 200,000 2013-2015 Accords in 2020 sold in specific states for being assembled with a lubricant that may prematurely degrade the drive shafts’ protective coating, which could make it more susceptible to damage.
Honda says a broken drive shaft can cause a sudden loss of drive power or allow the vehicle to roll away if the parking brake is not applied. Upon notification of owners and inspection by dealers, both left and right drive shafts may be replaced at no cost to owners if there are deformities within 40mm of the dampers observed.
Battery Sensor Short Recall
Honda recalled over 1.1 million 2013-2016 Honda Accord vehicles in 2017 for a condition where the plastic case of the battery sensor within the battery management system may have gaps that allow moisture into the sensor, increasing the risk for electrical short and creating a potential risk for fire.
Initially, Honda was only able to apply an adhesive to the existing sensor case to prevent water intrusion. However, the automaker is now able to replace the sensor completely.
Fuel Tank Recall
During the 2013 model year, Honda recalled the Accord after discovering that during the manufacturing of the fuel tank, an incorrect mold may have been used causing the neck of the tank to not be sized correctly.
As a result, the fuel pump may not be able to properly seal to the fuel tank, potentially allowing for leaks to occur.
While the number of vehicles impacted by this recall is less than 2,000, the increased risk of fuel leak may also create a fire hazard. Honda says it will replace the fuel tank, nut, and O-ring gasket on affected vehicles free of charge.
2013 Honda Accord is Reliable Overall, but it has More Problems than Other Model Years, which Makes 2013 a Tough Sell
With just the right amount of amenities drivers desire, modern design and tech, and efficient powertrains, the Honda Accord is award-winning for a reason. The window sticker for the 2013 Accord looks good on paper. But the elevated number of reported electrical issues and electric power steering failures after less than 10 years on the road suggest the 2013 Accord may be suffering from premature aging. The recalls are concerning, but not dealbreakers.
Later model years of the ninth-generation Accord, and even model years immediately preceding 2013, had lower amounts of complaints reported to the NHTSA. The 2013 Accord could be experiencing more problems and recalls because it was all-new for the vehicle’s ninth generation.
Depending on price and mileage, consider looking at Accord model years before or after 2013 before giving the 2013 Honda Accord primary consideration.
Photos: Honda
