Tech line summary article - Is the MIL on with DTC P2271 (secondary HO2S [sensor 2] circuit signal stuck rich)? What's likely causing this is the PCM is misinterpreting the A/F sensor (sensor 1) signals, causing the PCM to think that sensor 2 is stuck rich. To fix this issue, replace both sensors.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Honda Accord powertrain problems
severe 45 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
45
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
5crashes
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 45 powertrain complaints filed for the 2007 Honda Accord, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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 45 powertrain 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 powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 17 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 powertrain 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.
Dealer message - On September 27, 2012, Honda notified NHTSA of a Stop Sale order and Safety Recall for some 2003-2007 Accord V6 units to address power steering feed hoses that may deteriorate due to high under-hood and fluid temperatures, potentially leading to leaks, smoke, and possibly under-hood fire.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Dealer message - On September 27, 2012, Honda notified NHTSA of a Stop Sale order and Safety Recall for some 2003-2007 Accord V6 units to address power steering feed hoses that may deteriorate due to high under-hood and fluid temperatures, potentially leading to leaks, smoke, and possibly under-hood fire.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2007 Accord powertrain generates a consistent stream of complaints across automatic and manual transmissions. Manual transmission owners report third-gear synchronizer problems—the transmission pops out of gear or grinds when shifting from 2nd to 3rd. This is intermittent, occurring 1–5% of the time, but when it happens at highway speeds during passing, it can force the driver into oncoming traffic. Honda released Service Bulletin 08-020 acknowledging the problem, but dealers refuse to repair it because the intermittent nature makes it hard to replicate during a test drive.
Automatic transmissions show slipping, hard shifts (especially 1st-to-2nd from a stop), sudden downshifts at highway speeds, and complete loss of power mid-drive. Some owners report losing all gears and having the car coast to a stop on active roadways. Several owners had transmissions rebuilt or replaced under warranty, only to have the same problems recur.
Engine controls—knock sensor faults, PCM/TCM failures—cause rough idle, reduced power, and sudden shutdown without warning. Multiple owners report their vehicles matching NHTSA recall #11V395000 (which addressed 1.5+ million vehicles) but being excluded because they were built at a different factory.
Two separate incidents describe the car accelerating on its own despite the driver's foot on the brake, causing crashes into houses and property damage exceeding $50,000. A third owner lost all drive shaft power mid-highway merge.
Power steering hose recalls addressed one hose, but owners found different hoses leaking and the pump failing—Honda declined responsibility. One clutch pedal bracket failure went undiagnosed for months, progressively destroying the clutch.
Dealers frequently cite "normal operation" for problems owners find dangerous, refuse to diagnose without replicating intermittent faults, and charge diagnostic fees even when symptoms match known recalls.
Same Honda Accord powertrain reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2008 · 2009 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Knock Sensor Malfunction (P0325)
Electrical knock sensor failure triggers check engine light, rough idle, engine knock/vibration, hesitation, reduced power, and increased fuel consumption. Vehicle performance degrades significantly once fault code sets.
When: Occurs after extended ownership; complaint documented March 2025
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light on/off intermittently then persistent; Rough idling with stalling/hesitant feel; Engine knocking noise from combustion chamber; Shake-like vibrations at idle; Noticeably reduced engine power; Increased fuel consumption
Codes mentioned: P0325
Repairs/costs cited: Owner confirms knock sensor replacement needed; additional code recommends catalytic converter replacement. Parts store employee verified with code reader.
Unintended Vehicle Movement/Sudden Acceleration
Vehicle accelerates unexpectedly while parked or at low speed despite brake pedal depressed. Multiple incidents report foot on brake, vehicle in Park, yet car lunges forward or reverses at speed. Two separate complaints describe severe property and vehicle damage, with investigation suggesting transmission, ECM, or electronic throttle control involvement.
When: At parking, low-speed maneuvers; complaint #2 occurred 12/10/16; complaint #5 no mileage given; complaint #16 at parking; complaint #31 at 90,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden acceleration with foot on brake pedal; Vehicle lurches forward when in Park; Vehicle reverses unexpectedly at high speed down driveway; No warning before acceleration event; Occurs during low-speed parking maneuvers
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #2: Car crushed washing machine and nearly entered house; complaint #5: $18,000+ vehicle damage, $10,000 house damage, $19,000+ neighbor damage; complaint #31: airbags deployed, owner injured, vehicle towed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Complaint #2: Honda claimed VIN not in NHTSA recall #11V39500 (1,512,107 vehicles affected); referred to accident division. Owner disputes.
Transmission: Third Gear Synchronizer Problems (Manual)
Six-speed manual transmission 3rd gear pops out of gear or grinds when shifting from 2nd to 3rd. Problem is intermittent, occurring 1–5% of drive time, sometimes worsening to difficulty shifting 3rd-to-4th or complete shift failure. Dealer cannot replicate issue to authorize repair despite Honda Service Bulletin 08-020 documenting exact problem.
When: Starts early ownership (7,500 miles reported); persists intermittently over months/years; more noticeable in colder climates
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission pops out of 3rd gear; Grinding noise when shifting into 3rd; Hard to shift into 3rd gear; Problem intermittent, sometimes absent for over a week; Shift lever thrown back to Neutral; Later develops trouble shifting 3rd-to-4th; Difficulty entering 1st or 2nd gear
Repairs/costs cited: Honda Service Bulletin 08-020 addresses this exact issue (faulty 3rd gear synchronizer or shift sleeve); dealer refuses repair without replicating problem. Complaint #6 notes 3–4 occurrences monthly, near head-on collision avoided; complaint #11 shows ongoing grind and pop after dealer attempted fix.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda Service Bulletin 08-020 released but dealer/corporate policy refuses repair until intermittent failure becomes frequent enough to diagnose during test drive.
Automatic Transmission Shifting Failures / Slippage
Automatic transmission fails to shift smoothly or slips gears during acceleration, deceleration, or at stops. Issues include hard shifting 1st-to-2nd, sudden downshifts at unsafe speeds, transmission surging, late/early/random shifting. Some vehicles experience complete loss of drive, others persistent jerking. Rebuilt/replaced transmissions continue to malfunction.
When: Occurs across vehicle lifetime; failures noted at 5,000 miles (early), 59,000 miles, 90,000 miles, 120,000–135,000 miles (late ownership)
Symptoms owners cite: Hard buck/lurch when shifting 1st-to-2nd from complete stop; Transmission slips or stalls on acceleration; Late, early, or random shift points; Sudden downshift at unsafe speeds (4th/5th to 2nd at 50 mph); Transmission pops out of gear while driving; Difficulty shifting into gears; Hesitation when pressing gas; Sluggish acceleration, vehicle feels underpowered; Whining noise when shifted into gear; Jerking during deceleration at 25–35 mph; Transmission surging; Transmission solenoid/torque converter concerns; Cold-start slippage (worsens in cooler weather)
Codes mentioned: P0420, P0139, P2647
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #4: Short block and internal parts replaced but engine now makes permanent ticking noise; $2,000 repair charged to owner; dealership now demands full engine replacement. Complaint #10: four shops advised transmission swap costs $2,400–$4,000, vehicle scrapped. Complaint #18: transmission failed at <5K miles, replaced with rebuilt unit, problems recur at 17K miles. Complaint #41: torque converter replaced by dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Complaint #13: Honda says no issues reported for 2007 model year, only prior years; out of warranty, customer pays. Complaint #23: vehicle repaired under NHTSA campaign #11V395000 but shifting failures persist, manufacturer declines further repair. Complaint #6: dealer cites Honda policy—no repair without replicating problem.
Power Steering System Failures
Power steering loses function or becomes intermittently difficult. Multiple owners report difficulty steering, low fluid, and failed components. Recall for power steering hose (Feb 2013) replaced hose but failed to fix underlying system leak or pump failure stemming from a different hose (reservoir hose). Owner disputes Honda's compartmentalization of the issue.
When: At least 1 year of symptoms before owner seeks service; complaint #3 filed after recall performed
Symptoms owners cite: Difficulty with power steering, stiffness; Loss of power steering feel; Potential power steering fluid leaks
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #3: power steering fluid and hose replacements recommended; recall hose replaced but reservoir hose found leaking separately, causing pump failure. Owner paid for repairs; Honda refused responsibility claiming only the recalled hose was relevant.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign (Feb 2013) recalled power steering hose. Landmark Honda replaced specified hose but informed owner that reservoir hose (not in recall) was actual leak source. American Honda confirmed: 'The hose that Honda identified as faulty was in fact replaced, that was just not the issue with your car.'
Engine Knock/Timing/Combustion Issues (Separate from Knock Sensor)
Engine exhibits knocking, rough running, misfiring, and hesitation independent of knock sensor fault. One owner reports car misfiring immediately after purchase with codes P0420, P0139, P2647, suggesting control module reprogramming needed but vehicle not included in recall despite matching failure pattern.
When: Early ownership; complaint #22 within 1 week of purchase; complaint #9 starting at 1,000 miles on hybrid model
Symptoms owners cite: Car misfires when engine load increases (A/C on); Hesitation when accelerating to pass; Vibration when shifting into gear (hybrid); Clunk noises when shifting (hybrid); Check engine light comes on; No dash warning before loss of power
Codes mentioned: P0420, P0139, P2647
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #22: owner advised PCM reprogramming required; notes similarity to campaign #11V395000 but VIN shows 0 recalls.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Complaint #9 (hybrid): dealership/Honda engineer stated vibration and clunking are 'normal operation of the car' and nothing could be done despite complaints starting at 1,000 miles.
Drive Shaft Failure / Axle Breakage
Driver-side drive shaft snapped or axles broken/rusted, causing complete loss of power to wheels mid-drive. Multiple incidents on highway and local roads, some triggered by turns or corrosion in cold-salt climates. Two separate recalls exist for similar failure (models 2013–2015 Accord, 2007–2014 Fit) but 2007 Accord complaint vehicle not included despite same failure mode.
When: Complaint #7 mid-drive on highway; complaint #37 Feb 2019 after turn; complaint #38 at red light on highway; mileage not consistently stated
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power connection to wheels mid-drive; Engine revving but car slowing down; Complete loss of forward/reverse power; Drive shaft snapped at rubber component junction; Axle corrosion and breakage near vibration damper; Visible rust through at damper area
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #7: Luther dealership ASE-certified shop confirmed drive shaft snapped into two pieces at rubber component junction; shop disclosed two Honda recalls (20V769, 20V770) for this exact issue but owner's vehicle not included. Complaint #37: right axle broke due to corrosion; 2007 Honda Fit had recent recall for same corrosion issue but this Accord owner's vehicle not recalled. Complaint #38: axle rusted through at vibration damper.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Complaint #7: recalls 20V769 (2013–2015 Accord), 20V770 (2007–2014 Fit, others) address drive shaft failure but 2007 Accord not included in either.
Transmission Control Module (TCM) / Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Failures
Transmission and engine control electronics fail or require reprogramming. Symptoms include sudden loss of power, transmission shutting down, control module-related diagnostic codes, and vehicle stalling without warning. NHTSA campaign #11V395000 (Aug 2016) addressed TCM/PCM for 1,512,107 vehicles, but many 2007 Accords report exclusion despite identical symptoms.
When: Symptoms occur throughout ownership; complaint #8 in evening drive; complaint #14 on freeway 2+ hours from home
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden, complete engine/transmission shutdown with no warning; Vehicle dies mid-drive and restarts; RPM spikes or irregular behavior; Check engine light; No dash indicators or noises before failure; Vehicle stalls at stop light with RPM increase
Codes mentioned: P0420, P0139, P2647
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #8: owner stranded on side road; dealership wants $105 diagnostic fee despite matching recall symptoms. Complaint #14: vehicle shut down on freeway with pregnant owner and three young children; stranded 7 hours at rest stop.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Complaint #8: NHTSA campaign #11V395000 matches symptoms but vehicle manufactured at different factory, excluded from recall; Honda charges diagnostic fee. Complaint #19: vehicle repaired under #11V395000 but developed whining noise after repair, not further serviced. Complaint #23: vehicle repaired under #11V395000 but shifting failures persisted; manufacturer declines further repair.
Transmission Reverse / Park Engagement Issues
Transmission fails to safely hold vehicle in Park or Reverse. One owner reports car rolling forward after turning engine off while in Reverse—Honda and dealer state this is 'normal' (goes to Neutral when ignition off). Another reports transmission lock-up preventing reverse motion on inclines.
When: Complaint #13 over 2+ years of ownership, worsening; complaint #21 during low-speed backing
Symptoms owners cite: Car rolls forward after ignition turned off mid-reverse; Transmission locks up when in Reverse on inclines; Cannot push gas in Reverse without transmission locking
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #21: owner reports dealer/Honda stated this is normal behavior (car goes to Neutral with ignition off), advised owner to put car in Park (which should be done by driver). Complaint #13: owner had car repaired at own expense; Honda stated no issues reported for 2007 model year.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Complaint #21: dealer and American Honda confirmed behavior is 'normal' for model; owner responsible for putting in Park.
Clutch Pedal Bracket Failure
Clutch pedal bracket cracked and broke, located below dash where owner cannot easily see it. Broken bracket prevented proper clutch engagement, causing premature original clutch wear and eventual inability to shift. Problem recurred after clutch replacement until bracket was addressed.
When: Bracket failure discovered only after clutch wear became critical and shifts became impossible; issue resolved on third garage visit
Symptoms owners cite: Clutch fails to engage properly; Impossible to shift gears; Premature clutch wear; Problem recurs even after clutch replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Clutch replaced twice; mechanic finally traced issue to cracked bracket below dash after third visit.
Catalytic Converter Failure
Catalytic converter requires replacement, sometimes cited alongside other powertrain issues. One owner reports both converters needed replacement after engine tensioner leaked and mounts broke, but dealer repair did not resolve underlying issue and vehicle failed again with loud pop and complete shutdown.
When: Complaint #4 early ownership; owner complained of sluggish driving before diagnosis
Symptoms owners cite: Sluggish vehicle performance / reduced power; Engine tensioner leaking; Engine mounts broken
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #4: both catalytic converters replaced by dealer after tensioner leak and broken mounts identified. Complaint #1: knock sensor malfunction code also recommends catalytic converter replacement.
Synthesized from 45 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Vehicle: 2007 Honda accord ex - 6 cylinder problem: transmission failure with less then 5k miles, my accord began to surge when driving. A service light came on and I took the vehicle to the dealership. The transmission had failed and Honda replaced it with a rebuilt transmission even though the dealer told me initially it was a new transmission. The vehicle now has 17k miles and I…
The right axle broke while making a turn in feb 2019 on my 2007 accord with a manual transmission because of corrosion. I live in northeast ohio where the roads are heavily salted. There has been a recent recall on 2007 Honda fit for the same problem
Had powertrain trouble with your 2007 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 powertrain problem on the 2007 Honda Accord?
It's a meaningful issue. 45 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 35 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 48,550 and 121,000 miles, with the median around 87,354. A quarter of owners report trouble before 48,550; a quarter make it past 121,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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/2007/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.