Service Bulletin - The engine will not start and sets DTC P2101 (electronic throttle control system [ETCS] malfunction).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Honda Accord engine problems
severe Owners of the 2014 Honda Accord have filed 90 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 51,900 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
90
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Accord | 98 |
| 2011 Accord | 22 |
| 2012 Accord | 26 |
| 2013 Accord | 94 |
| 2014 Accord (this page) | 90 |
| 2015 Accord | 45 |
| 2016 Accord | 21 |
| 2017 Accord | 34 |
| 2018 Accord | 350 |
1crash
3fires
1injury
What stands out
Owners have filed 90 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.
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 - There is a knocking or clicking from the engine during cold startup. The check valve in the cam chain tensioner is worn, allowing oil pressure to leak internally and the cam chain to lose tension after engine is turned off.
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 ↗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
Owners consistently report two major engine-related problems. Starter failure is the most common complaint. Starters stop engaging the flywheel or fail to turn the engine over despite battery and electrical systems working fine. Owners often need 3–15 start attempts, hear grinding or whining noises, or let the vehicle sit before trying again. Some starters have physically separated (housing cracked). Failures occur as early as 25,000 miles but cluster in the 30,000–60,000-mile range. Replacement costs $544–$1,000, and some owners report the problem recurring within weeks or months after dealer replacement. One dealership confirmed a known issue with the starter and gear pinion ring affecting 2013–2015 Accords but refused to address it under warranty.
Excessive oil consumption is the second pattern. Engines burn 1–3 quarts per 500–2,500 miles with no visible leaks. Owners check oil and find the level dangerously low or empty despite recent top-offs. One owner checked oil within 30 days of an oil change and found zero oil in the engine. PCV valve replacement doesn't fix it. Dealers offer no solution beyond telling owners to keep an eye on the dipstick. Honda's warranty position is that 1 quart per 1,000 miles is acceptable—a standard owners find unrealistic. Earlier Accord model years (2008–2011) received recalls for the same issue; 2014 models have not.
A smaller subset report engine stalls at traffic lights or highway speeds, unintended shutoff from accidentally pressing the start button (positioned dangerously close to climate controls), and unintended over-revving at idle. One documented engine fire occurred at 75,000 miles. All these issues fall within the engine component category but dealers typically cannot diagnose or repair them.
Same Honda Accord engine reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Starter - Intermittent No-Start / Failure to Engage
Starter energizes but does not engage flywheel, or fails to engage at all despite battery and electrical systems being functional. Often requires multiple start attempts or letting vehicle sit before succeeding. Some starters have physically separated (housing failure).
When: As early as 25,000 miles; commonly reported between 30,000–104,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple start attempts required, sometimes 3–15 tries; Whining or grinding noise from starter without engine turning over; Lights and accessories power on but engine won't crank; Intermittent failure, occurring every 3–4 days or sporadically; Starter housing physically separated into two pieces
Codes mentioned: TSB 16-002 (referenced by owners for starter/start issues)
Repairs/costs cited: Starter replacement $544–$1,000 (parts and labor); aftermarket starters available ~$200–$300. Some owners report problem recurring after first replacement, requiring second or multiple replacements within months. One dealer adjusted gear pinion ring/torque converter per Honda procedure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer replacements under warranty in some cases; one dealer issued replacement starter based on Service Bulletin after owner provided video evidence. No formal recall issued. Dealership stance is replacement only; some refused to cover flywheel/torque converter issues they acknowledge as known to 2013–2015 Accords.
Excessive Engine Oil Consumption
Engine burns oil at rates far exceeding normal operation, consuming 1–3 quarts per 500–2,500 miles despite no visible leaks. Owners report dipstick dropping from full to low within weeks. No warning lights until oil is critically low or absent. PCV valve replacement does not resolve issue.
When: Starts around 50,000 miles; reported through 127,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level drops 1–3 quarts per 500–2,500 miles; No visible oil leaks; Check oil or low oil pressure warning light illuminates late (when oil nearly gone); Oil gauge becomes unreliable; shows 50% when oil is nearly empty; Rough idle at cold start; Brief check engine light flicker; Excessive tailpipe carbon buildup; Low oil pressure light comes on with stalling
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (flickering), Low oil pressure warning
Repairs/costs cited: PCV valve replacement attempted but ineffective; engine short block replacement cited as ~$5,000. One dealer diagnosed need for engine replacement at 127,000 miles due to oil starvation but did not perform repair. Most repairs deferred because owners cannot afford replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda acknowledges 1 quart per 1,000 miles as acceptable per warranty. Owners reject this standard as unacceptable for modern cars. TSBs acknowledged for 2008–2011 models (recalls issued) but not applied to 2014. Dealers offer only oil top-offs and repeated checks; no substantive solution provided.
Engine Stall While Driving
Engine stalls without warning while vehicle is in motion. May occur at low speed (traffic light, stop sign) or highway speed. Does not always restart immediately.
When: Reported between 30,000–157,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Unscheduled engine stall at traffic light or stop sign; Stall at highway speed (65 mph); vehicle able to coast to shoulder and restart; No warning light prior to stall; Vehicle stalls and fails to restart immediately; Check engine, vehicle stability assist, and low oil pressure lights illuminate during event
Codes mentioned: Check engine light, Vehicle stability assist light, Low oil level warning light
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; vehicles towed but not diagnosed or repaired. One crash into pole reported after stall at 30,000 miles resulting in minor wrist bruises.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer unable to diagnose; vehicle not repaired. Manufacturer stated vehicle not included in NHTSA Campaign 15V121000. TSBs reviewed but no applicable repair offered.
Unintended Engine Shutoff via Start Button
Push-button start mechanism shuts off engine when button is accidentally pressed while vehicle is in motion. Button is positioned next to climate controls, creating risk of inadvertent activation.
When: Early in vehicle ownership (reported 6 days after new purchase)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts down immediately when start button pressed while driving; Engine stops regardless of vehicle speed (test at 0 mph but concern raised for highway speeds); Accidental press due to button proximity to AC controls
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted; design feature confirmed by Honda.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda confirmed that 2-second start-button press will shut off engine at any speed. Honda did not address safety concern of button placement or implement design change.
Unintended Engine Over-Revving at Idle
Engine accelerates to over 2,000 RPM while stopped with transmission in Park and driver's foot on brake (not accelerator). Occurs sporadically, sometimes resolving after restart.
When: Reported at undisclosed mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs to over 2,000 RPM with foot on brake, not accelerator; Occurs while transmission in Park and engine idling; Multiple occurrences during single driving session; Resolves after shutdown and restart
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer tested overnight (160 miles) and could not duplicate. Software update performed on PCM (engine control computer) and EPS (steering). Vehicle out of warranty; owner charged for diagnostic.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer performed PCM and EPS software update but root cause not identified.
Engine Hesitation / Loss of Power While Driving
Vehicle loses power, hesitates, jerks, or staggers during acceleration or while maintaining speed. May occur at stop lights or while driving at steady speed.
When: Reported between 49,000–157,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle hesitates and jerks at traffic light; Loss of power and jerking motion; Abnormal humming sound from engine; Vehicle vibrates abnormally with abnormal engine compartment sound; Uphill at 55 mph: vehicle loses power; after restart, car is underpowered and bucks during acceleration; One cylinder showing only 15% compression
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (in some cases)
Repairs/costs cited: Plug and point replacement attempted but did not resolve issue. One case: compression test revealed single cylinder at 15% after oil leak event. Repairs not completed in documented cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers unable to duplicate or diagnose failure. One owner referenced NHTSA recall 15V121000 (July 2014 manufacture) as similar but Honda declined to cover. No resolution offered.
VTC (Variable Valve Timing) Actuator Failure
VTC actuator failed at very low mileage. Dealer confirmed this is a known long-term issue across 2013–2017 Honda 4-cylinder models but no TSB or recall issued.
When: 30,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: VTC actuator failure
Repairs/costs cited: OEM replacement part required (aftermarket not an option per dealership); part cost $203.88; 5 hours labor required.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership stated no TSBs or recalls related to this part. No discount offered despite acknowledging it is a known issue.
Engine Oil Leak
Oil leaking from engine, discovered during inspection or by visible leakage. Leak source not always identified.
When: Reported between 58,000–255,000 miles; one case with history of leak starting in October 2019
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leaking from engine; Abnormal oil odor when stopping; Oil drops in parking area
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired in documented cases; one long-term leak managed by periodic oil top-offs until engine lost compression.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Engine Fire
Vehicle fire in rear cargo area while being driven. Fire spread rapidly and consumed vehicle within 15 minutes.
When: 75,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke odor detected in rear seat while driving; Flames emerging from trunk after vehicle pulled over; Vehicle fully engulfed within 15 minutes
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to independent lot; police report filed; fire department extinguished fire. No post-fire diagnosis or repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer contacted but vehicle not diagnosed or repaired. Aftermarket alarm system had been removed from vehicle at dealership prior to fire.
Synthesized from 90 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had engine trouble with your 2014 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 2014 Honda Accord?
It's a meaningful issue. 90 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 58 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 35,000 and 84,000 miles, with the median around 51,900. A quarter of owners report trouble before 35,000; a quarter make it past 84,000. 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/2014/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.