The 2017 Honda Accord is a popular midsize sedan that’s as spacious as it is well-appointed. However, it is not without a few faults, including a safety recall over a serious fuel pump issue, and hundreds of owner complaints about a shaky drive.
Key Points
- The 2017 Honda Accord is generally well-reviewed (receiving a 4.6 out of a possible five stars for owner rating on Vehicle History), but there are numerous reported complaints and one National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall on file.
- Honda is recalling certain 2015-2017 Accord vehicles equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine, due to an issue where fuel residue may adhere to the internal components of the fuel pump, reducing its performance. The problem could prevent the engine from starting or cause the vehicle to stall.
- Other widely documented complaints about the 2017 Accord have included problems with the brakes, air-conditioning, and battery.
2017 Honda Accord’s Struggles with Weak Fuel Pump Performance Led to its Only Safety Recall
The 2017 Honda Accord’s problems and recalls include one official safety recall issued by the NHTSA, and a number of consumer complaints over mechanical problems, including issues with the car’s braking system, air-conditioning, and battery.
As of September 2021, just one recall has been issued, potentially affecting over 437,000 Honda/Acura vehicles built between 2015 and 2019. With this recall—which only includes units equipped with the 3.5L V6 engine—it was discovered that the buildup of dust and water particles in fuel could adhere to the internal components of the fuel pump.
Over time, it could decrease the fuel pump’s performance, causing the engine to stall or fail to start. Because an engine stall could increase the risk of a crash, this is considered a serious safety recall. Honda will update the vehicle’s software, and if necessary, replace the fuel pump at no charge.
Unusual Brake & Rotor Noises, Shaky Steering Wheel are Part of Over 500 Registered Complaints About 2017 Accord
In addition to its singular safety recall, there have been ongoing problems reported with the brakes and rotors on the 2017 Honda Accord. Multiple complaints have been filed with the NHTSA regarding the brakes and rotors on 2017 Accords emitting grinding and scraping noises when the brake pedal is depressed.
Some drivers (556 owners on Repair Pal as of September 2021) have also reported that while braking, the front end of the vehicle and steering wheel will vibrate as a result of warped brake rotors. Likewise, a reviewer on Vehicle History reported in March 2021 that after having the car’s tires rotated, they are now experiencing a scraping or rubbing near the vehicle’s front end.
For owners experiencing brake and rotor issues, the solution seems to be unclear. One owner who filed a complaint on the NHTSA page explained that a dealership mechanic offered to sand down the rotors, but commented that the sound would most likely return, and it would only be a temporary fix.
Failed Air Conditioning Condensers May Have AC Blowing Warm Air, Prompting Over 450 Complaints
Many 2017 Honda Accord owners have also registered complaints about a malfunctioning climate control system. Specifically, 458 owners reported on Repair Pal that the air-conditioning on the Honda Accord blows out warm air due to failed air-conditioning condensers.
The complaints seem to support what some owners are reporting on the Vehicle History review page for the 2017 Honda Accord. One reviewer posted in July 2019 that his car’s AC cannot hold the proper temperature and needs constant adjustment. Another reviewer complained in June 2019 that the air-conditioning will sometimes fail to turn on. In some instances, the AC condenser may have to be replaced.
2017 Honda Accord has Ongoing Issues with Battery Failure, Premature Replacement
A quick search of the NHTSA’s complaints page for the 2017 Accord reveals that many owners have reported issues with the car’s electrical system, primarily battery failure. Many owners report that the car’s battery will die if the vehicle sits for more than a few days without being driven. Some drivers have also reported that when the battery dies, it has trouble taking a charge or jump, and needs to be prematurely replaced. One owner in Ohio reported in January 2021 that his 2017 Accord’s battery had died on multiple occasions.
2017 Honda Accord: A Capable Midsize Sedan With a Few Potential Flaws
We covered the most commonly reported issues with the 2017 Honda Accord, but this is not a comprehensive list of all potential problems. Car shoppers are encouraged to check the vehicle’s VIN for open safety recalls and do their own independent research on any used vehicle before buying. Despite these noted flaws on the 2017 Accord, the sedan remains a popular choice within its class that should yield a positive experience.
Photos: Honda