This SKU is a Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for possible incorrect wiring. Incorrect VVT solenoid wiring may cause an inability of the variable valve timing system to activate. Inability to activate the variable valve timing system may cause reduced engine performance. Incorrect VVT solenoid wiring may also cause the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) to illuminate.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Honda Accord engine problems
severe 28 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
28
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1crash
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 28 engine complaints filed for the 2006 Honda Accord, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 28 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 18 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Service bulletin - Emission certification labels that were replaced on a small number of vehicles may have been replaced with a label listing incorrect information. The affected emission labels are replacement service parts, and were not installed at the factory; they were installed during postmanufacturing repairs that required replacement of the underlying part. This will cause the vehicle to be non-compliant with emissions regulations.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Tech line summary article - When adding keys or running the System Check with the Immobilizer Setup Tool in the i-HDS, are you seeing this message? "Immobilizer system is not normal". We?re aware of this issue and have it under investigation.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗"SERVICE BULLETIN - THE MIL COMES ON WITH ONE OF THESE DTCS: P2646/P2651 (ROCKER ARM OIL PRESSURE SWITCH CIRCUIT LOW VOLTAGE). P2647/P2652 (ROCKER ARM OIL PRESSURE SWITCH CIRCUIT HIGH VOLTAGE). NOTE: THE SYMPTOM MAY BE INTERMITTENT AND YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO DUPLICATE IT AFTER CLEARING THE DTC. THE ROCKER ARM OIL PRESSURE SWITCH MAY FAIL INTERMITTENTLY."
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗THE REAR CYLINDER HEAD COVER GASKET LEAKS OIL.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of the 2006 Accord cite repeated A/C condenser punctures from road debris as the most frequent complaint, with multiple failures on the same vehicle. Honda denies warranty coverage and owners note the condenser sits unprotected behind the front grill—a design vulnerability mentioned across numerous complaints. Repair costs run $400–$800 per condenser.
Loose spark plugs emerge as a serious defect, particularly in 6-cylinder models. Two owners report spark plugs backing out, overheating, and causing catastrophic engine damage (melted plugs, debris in cylinders, damaged bore surfaces). Engine replacement runs $2,500–$5,000 and typically occurs after the factory warranty expires, leaving owners with total bills.
One owner reports excessive oil burn (2+ quarts between changes) from day one, worsening despite factory and synthetic oil. Another documents low oil pressure warnings with 2-quart losses between services and no visible leak. Two separate engine fires are reported—one with severe damage to bumper, headlights, battery, and wiring. Power steering hose overheating and melting interior components is also documented.
Intermittent check engine lights with emission faults plague at least one owner despite multiple dealership visits. One bent cylinder head failure is deemed non-warranty. Multiple warning light incidents (check engine, VSA, traction control) cause loss of highway power.
Owners express frustration that patterns emerge online—particularly condenser and spark plug issues—yet Honda resists recalls and warranty claims.
Same Honda Accord engine reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2007 · 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
A/C Condenser puncture/damage from road debris
Multiple owners report A/C condenser failure due to punctures and damage from road debris (rocks, pebbles) entering through the front grill. Owners allege the condenser design is unprotected and vulnerable to highway debris strikes. Honda declines warranty coverage as debris damage is considered owner responsibility. Several owners report the problem occurs multiple times on the same vehicle.
When: Early ownership (2 weeks to 55,000 miles); some repeat failures
Symptoms owners cite: A/C blows warm air or stops blowing cold; Mist/smoke from front of car when attempting to add refrigerant; Visual damage to condenser (pinhole punctures)
Repairs/costs cited: Condenser replacement $400–$800; compressor replacement $120–$180; receiver/drier $30–$40; drain/recharge $130–$200. One owner paid $168.15 for valve replacement, Schrader valve, and evacuate/recharge without resolving issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda denies warranty coverage; states road debris damage not covered under warranty or extended warranty. Multiple owners cite lack of recall despite pattern of complaints.
Loose spark plugs causing engine damage
Two owners report spark plugs becoming loose, overheating, and destroying internal engine components including cylinders. One plug melted and debris damaged cylinder head and cylinder bore. Owners indicate the issue appears common in 6-cylinder models (Accord/Odyssey) and typically manifests after warranty expiration. No factory warning about spark plug inspection given to owners.
When: After warranty expiration; one at 22,000 miles, another after 1,000-mile road trip followed by highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Engine misses or misfires; Loss of acceleration; vehicle slows to 10 mph; Engine shaking; Charred coil on loose spark plug
Codes mentioned: Cylinder misfiring
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement $2,500–$5,000 out of pocket. One owner: mechanic repair of plug-hole threads insufficient; engine replacement required after discovering loose debris and rough cylinder bore.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty expired; no recall identified. Owners report online research showing pattern of identical complaints in 6-cylinder models.
Excessive oil consumption
Owner reports 2.4L 4-cylinder burns more than 2 quarts between oil changes, worsening over time despite using factory-recommended oil, Mobil 1 synthetic, and proper service intervals. At 20,000 miles, 1 quart burned in short interval with only 50% oil remaining.
When: From day one; worsens with mileage (20,000 miles reported)
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level drops 50% between changes; Excessive oil burning despite factory and synthetic oil used
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted or successful; owner tried factory oil and Mobil 1 synthetic with no improvement.
Check engine light with intermittent emission system fault
Owner reports check engine light illuminating intermittently, sometimes after refueling but not due to loose cap, and at other times while driving. Light goes out on its own after days. Dealership cannot diagnose root cause despite multiple visits and photographs provided. Owner speculates emission system problem per owner's manual but technician unable to pinpoint issue.
When: Multiple instances over extended ownership; vehicle has driven 200+ miles with light on
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light comes on intermittently; Light extinguishes on its own after few days
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to find or fix the problem.
Fuel screen jamming / stalling with service light
Owner reports engine stalling at red light with service light activation. Diagnostics identified fuel screen jammed. After cleaning, issue did not recur. Mechanic noted some cars experience this intermittently.
When: Single incident with intermittent recurrence
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls while driving (at red light); Service engine light comes on; Light goes out after some time; stalling does not recur
Codes mentioned: Fuel screen jammed
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel screen cleaned; no further issues.
Power steering hose failure with fire hazard
Owner reports power steering hose overheating, erosion, and melting interior engine compartment materials, creating visible melting on underside and near windshield on passenger side. Burning smell present under hood for several weeks before diagnosis. Owner notes vehicle fire risk, especially with child in car.
When: Issue undiagnosed for several weeks before owner sought diagnosis
Symptoms owners cite: Burning smell under hood; Visible melting of engine area components and areas near windshield; Heat damage to hose
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Diagnosed at Honda dealership as power steering hose issue.
Engine fire under hood
Two separate fire incidents reported. First owner smelled smoke in interior, evacuated passengers, and engine caught fire. Four fire extinguishers used by bystanders without success; fire department required water to extinguish. Severe damage: melted bumper, headlights, battery, fuse box, bare wires, melted head cover. Second owner heard abnormal noise under hood and vehicle caught fire at approximately 25 mph. Vehicle destroyed and towed.
When: During normal driving; one at low speed (~25 mph), one while parking
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke in interior compartment; Abnormal noise from under hood; Fire under hood
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles destroyed; towed.
VTEC system failure / V-tec part replacement needed
Owner reports engine light illumination after topping off fuel at gas station. Dealership diagnosed V-tec (variable valve timing system) failure requiring new part. Dealership attributed trigger to topping off fuel, but owner contends lack of warning label in manual or at pump.
When: First thing in morning after evening drive and gas station refuel
Symptoms owners cite: Engine light comes on; Car bucks when accelerating
Repairs/costs cited: New V-tec part required (part on order; repair incomplete in narrative)
Bent cylinder head with no warranty coverage
Engine light came on three times. First instance: dealership cleared code after computer update. Second instance (less than 2 weeks later): light returned; dealership blamed alarm. Third instance: dealership found bent cylinder head, guess of bad shifting, but freeze data showed only 45 mph at 1,300 rpm. Not covered by warranty. Honda stalling for 26 days.
When: Multiple episodes within short timeframe
Symptoms owners cite: Engine light on and off; Would not start (second episode); Engine light on while out of state
Codes mentioned: Bent cylinder head (diagnosed by dealership)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not covered by warranty; Honda stalling on claim response (26 days noted).
Multiple warning lights (check engine, VSA, traction control) with loss of power and stalling
Owner reports multiple warning lights (check engine, VSA, traction control) illuminating while driving at highway speed (70 mph). Vehicle loses power, slows down, and will not accelerate even with gas pedal pressed. Cruise control disengages. After pulling over and restarting, vehicle resumes highway speed until event repeats. Total of 6 occurrences.
When: Multiple episodes on highway (I-95)
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light comes on; VSA light illuminates; Traction control light illuminates; Vehicle slows from 70 mph; Engine will not pick up speed; Cruise control disengages
Engine Computer (ECM) failure due to A/C condensation
Owner reports engine computer (ECM) failure. Honda informed owner computer was under warranty but failed due to condensation from A/C unit located above it. Honda acknowledged problem was beyond customer control but claimed it was out of Honda's control as well, denying the warranty claim.
When: During warranty period
Symptoms owners cite: ECM failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty claim denied despite Honda acknowledgment that condensation source (A/C location) was design-related.
Engine stalling and requiring replacement
Owner reports vehicle starting to shake and then stalling while traveling at highway speeds. Towed to dealership. Dealer confirmed engine replacement needed. Vehicle not repaired; VIN and mileage unknown.
When: Highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shakes; Engine stalls at highway speed
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required (not completed in narrative).
Low oil pressure light with oil loss and no visible leak
Owner reports low oil pressure light coming on within 4 months after oil changes, finding oil 2 quarts low. No visible leak, burning, or oil in radiator. Mechanic states normal oil consumption between changes.
When: Within 4 months of oil changes; 2-quart loss between services
Symptoms owners cite: Low oil pressure light illuminates while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic noted normal consumption; owner must add oil between changes.
Engine stalling/hesitation and jerking acceleration
Owner reports vehicle ceasing or stopping in traffic, then jerking or accelerating after applying gas pedal. Minimal detail provided.
When: During normal traffic driving
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle ceases or stops in traffic; Vehicle jerks or surges when gas pedal applied
Synthesized from 28 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
I have been having this on going unknown issue with my instrument panel indicators on my car. On this panel, my malfunction indicator lamp light comes on some times after refueling but not a cap problem and stays on for a few days. This time the light came on wile driving but was not related to a refuel. On page 237 in the 2006, owner's manual it explains that the light has to do with one of the…
Had engine trouble with your 2006 Honda Accord?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2006 Honda Accord?
It's a meaningful issue. 28 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 19 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 9,437 and 90,000 miles, with the median around 36,905. A quarter of owners report trouble before 9,437; a quarter make it past 90,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Honda/Accord.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.