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full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Honda Accord engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2013 Honda Accord have filed 94 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 48,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
94
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Accord | 108 |
| 2010 Accord | 98 |
| 2011 Accord | 22 |
| 2012 Accord | 26 |
| 2013 Accord (this page) | 94 |
| 2014 Accord | 90 |
| 2015 Accord | 45 |
| 2016 Accord | 21 |
| 2017 Accord | 34 |
1crash
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 94 engine complaints filed for the 2013 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 94 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 10 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 - The engine will not start and sets DTC P2101 (electronic throttle control system [ETCS] malfunction).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 ↗Service bulletin - Engine oil consumption exceeds customer expectations. The oil control rings may become clogged with carbon deposits. These deposits restrict the ability to scrape and return oil from the cylinder walls to the crankcase.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service bulletin - Engine oil consumption exceeds customer expectations. The oil control rings may become clogged with carbon deposits. These deposits restrict the ability to scrape and return oil from the cylinder walls to the crankcase.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2013 Accord suffers from three dominant mechanical failures owners document extensively. First, the starter fails prematurely—typically between 40k and 66k miles—refusing to crank the engine while the vehicle sits silent except for clicking. Owners report needing 3 to 10 attempts to start, or abandonment on the roadside, and paying $680–$936 for replacement labor and parts, well outside the 3-year/36k powertrain warranty. One owner identified eroded contacts inside the starter solenoid (Honda part 31210-5A2-A01, a $45 brush holder fix) as the root cause, noting the 2013–2017 2.4L Accords all use the same faulty part.
Second, the 2.4L Earth Dreams engine burns or consumes oil at abnormal rates—one quart per 1,000–3,000 miles—with no visible leaks. Owners report checking the dipstick mid-service interval and finding it bone-dry, forcing them to add oil constantly to prevent engine seizure. Black soot at the tailpipe indicates combustion chamber burning. Owners cite faulty piston rings, and dealerships have performed oil consumption tests that sometimes pass despite obvious consumption. Rebuilding or replacing the engine costs $3,000–$5,000, and Honda has declined recalls despite prior class-action settlements on 2008–2012 models.
Third, stalling and power loss occur at low speeds—during turns, traffic stops, or shifts from Park—creating serious accident risk. The issue is intermittent and difficult for dealers to reproduce, so they offer no remedy. Water intrusion into the engine compartment after rain, AC condenser damage from unprotected design, and a documented discrepancy between labeled and actual oil capacity (4.4 vs. 5.2 quarts) compound reliability concerns.
Same Honda Accord engine reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Starter failure with intermittent starting
Starter motor fails to crank engine reliably. Clicking heard but engine does not turn over. Owner hears grinding or gnashing sounds as starter attempts engagement. Multiple ignition attempts required before car starts, or car fails to start entirely and requires jump-start or towing.
When: 40k to 66k miles, typically within 2-5 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking sound from under hood without engine cranking; Engine takes 3-10 ignition attempts to start; Grinding or gnashing noise from starter area; Loud popping sound when attempting to start; Vehicle stranded and unable to start; Intermittent issue—sometimes starts first try, other times fails
Repairs/costs cited: Starter motor replacement at dealerships quoted $680–$936 including labor. One owner reports brush holder contact replacement (Honda part 31210-5A2-A01) cost $45. Owners cite a class action lawsuit and online forums documenting widespread failures. Many replacements occur outside warranty period, leaving owners responsible for full cost.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda initially refused recall. Service bulletins issued in 2013 per one narrative. Some dealers unable to replicate intermittent failures and declined warranty work. No official recall or goodwill repair program documented in complaints.
Excessive oil consumption and burning
Engine consumes or burns oil at abnormal rates between oil changes. Owner reports oil level dropping well below minimum on dipstick despite no visible leaks. Black soot at tailpipe indicates oil burning in combustion chamber. Owners must add oil every 1,000–3,000 miles to avoid engine starvation. PCV valve replacement does not resolve the issue.
When: 35k to 83k miles; consumption noticed after first few oil changes; accelerates at higher mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Oil dipstick shows no oil or bone-dry level mid-service interval; Oil light illuminates with 40–70% oil life remaining; Burning smell from engine; Black soot visible at tailpipe exhaust; Low oil pressure warning light; Engine noise or knocking at low RPM; Oil consumption rate 1 quart per 1,000–3,000 miles
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite faulty piston rings as root cause, requiring engine rebuild or replacement at cost exceeding $3,000–$5,000. Dealerships performed oil consumption tests; some passed despite visible consumption, leaving owners responsible for ongoing top-offs. One owner reports changing PCV valve with no improvement. No repair costs recovered by owners; work falls outside warranty period.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda refused recall for excessive oil consumption despite owner complaints and YouTube videos from mechanics documenting the defect. Prior 2008–2012 Accord models had class action settlement; 2013 models (9th generation, Earth Dreams engine) have not received recall. Dealerships told owners to check oil every gas stop and that consumption is normal.
Stalling and power loss at low speed or during turns
Engine stalls or loses power when turning at slow speed (15–25 mph), leaving stop line, or slowing for traffic light. Vehicle feels as though ignition shut off mid-maneuver. Engine hesitates or surges after foot lifted from accelerator and reapplied. Eco mode on/off does not affect issue. Intermittent and difficult for dealers to reproduce.
When: Throughout ownership, 2–6 years after purchase; mileage varies (10 to 130k miles reported)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls during left or right turns at low speed; Complete loss of engine power during turn or at traffic light; 2–3 second lag between attempting acceleration and engine response; No response when pressing accelerator at low RPM; Engine hesitation when shifting Park to Drive; Surging after lifting foot off gas and reapplying
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports dealer replaced computer sensors but resulted in 4 mpg loss (from 35 to 31 mpg). Most dealerships report unable to reproduce problem and offer no repair. One complaint resolved after sensor replacement. No parts or labor costs consistently cited.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers unable to replicate intermittent stalling and declined diagnosis. Honda service advisor stated this is a Honda issue with no remedy. Service manager promised to call Honda Engineering but owner heard no follow-up. No recall or service bulletin identified in complaints.
Oil leak from overhead cam cover gasket
Oil leaks from overhead cam cover gasket where cover tightens to engine block. Oil seepage visible on engine block in the overhead area. Issue recurs shortly after gasket replacement.
When: Few months to one year after vehicle purchase; as early as 2013 model year
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leaks from overhead cam cover; Oil marks at cover-to-block junction; Oil level decreasing between services; Visible oil seeping on engine block
Repairs/costs cited: Gasket replacement performed by dealership. Cost not cited. Leak recurred within one month after first repair, requiring second gasket replacement and additional dealership service.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or service bulletin documented. Dealerships performed repairs at customer request but did not identify systemic defect.
Water intrusion into engine compartment
Excessive moisture or water saturation accumulates inside engine compartment after rain or driving on wet roads. Water present on most engine parts, creating risk of electrical short or corrosion of vital engine components.
When: Noticed after rainy weather or wet road driving; timing varies
Symptoms owners cite: Large amount of water inside engine compartment after rain; Water saturation on nearly all engine parts; Moisture present after driving on wet roads
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented in complaints. Owner concerned about future electrical and mechanical damage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
AC condenser damaged by road debris
Air-conditioning condenser struck by road debris (rocks, gravel) due to lack of protective grill or screen. Large grill opening leaves condenser exposed. Condenser develops leak after impact.
When: Within first year of ownership at 30k miles and other instances
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of cold air from AC; Heat blowing from AC vents instead of cold air; Condenser leak after debris strike
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost $530–$786 per complaints. Dealerships claim road debris damage is not covered under warranty and is owner responsibility.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda declined warranty coverage, citing road debris as non-covered damage. No recall or protective redesign offered.
Engine grinding or abnormal noise during cruise
Loud grinding or abnormal noise heard from inside engine compartment at highway speeds (60–65 mph), particularly when tapping accelerator pedal lightly while cruising at constant speed. Noise detected as early as 8,000 miles on vehicle.
When: 8,000–13,200 miles; early in vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Loud grinding noise from engine compartment at 60–65 mph; Grinding occurs when tapping accelerator at cruise speed; Noise not present at other speeds
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed. Dealership stated noise is normal.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda declared grinding noise is normal operation. No investigation or repair offered.
Check Engine light with fuel system fault codes
Check Engine light illuminates with diagnostic trouble codes related to fuel system. Light persists after sensor replacement. Occurs repeatedly at specific mileage intervals.
When: At or near 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine light illuminates; Fault code related to fuel system; Light returns after sensor replacement; All gauges and fuel economy normal
Codes mentioned: Fuel system related code
Repairs/costs cited: Owner replaced fuel system sensor with no permanent fix. Light recurs after replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in complaint.
Incorrect factory oil capacity specification
Engine capacity marked as 4.4 quarts but actual capacity is approximately 5.2 quarts. Dipstick inaccuracy results in underfilled engine oil at factory specification, leading to oil starvation of VTC actuator and premature wear.
When: Detected after multiple oil changes; within first 10 months of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Dipstick reads low or below minimum at factory spec 4.4 quarts; Dipstick reads upper mark only at 5.2 quarts; VTC actuator rattles loudly; Inadequate oil lubrication of VTC actuator
Repairs/costs cited: No factory repair offered. Owner and online mechanics document the discrepancy between labeled capacity and actual oil needed for proper operation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No acknowledgment or correction of capacity specification by Honda.
Synthesized from 94 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
On several occasions over the last six weeks when turning left, the car will stall for a second or so losing all power. It then will suddenly accelerate. I have nearly been hit when turning onto a road by on coming traffic when I should have had plenty of time to get out of the way. This is a major safety issue! The dealer had the car for three days. The service rep drove it home. The mechanic…
Vehicle has excessive oil consumption which has caused the vehicle to run out of oil in between oil changes. This has now damaged other vehicle parts like catalytic converter.
Had engine trouble with your 2013 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 2013 Honda Accord?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 94 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 66 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 23,000 and 62,000 miles, with the median around 48,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 23,000; a quarter make it past 62,000. 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/2013/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.