Service Bulletin - When cold-starting the engine and shifting to Reverse, the engine stalls in the first 10 to 14 seconds. There is too much oil clearance between the input and stator shafts, which allows ATF to drain out of the torque converter during extend off periods. During a cold start, when the torque converter is refilled, air gets trapped in the torque converter. This applies the lock up clutch, which stalls the engine.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Honda Accord powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2015 Honda Accord have filed 36 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 29,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
36
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Accord | 17 |
| 2012 Accord | 26 |
| 2013 Accord | 100 |
| 2014 Accord | 58 |
| 2015 Accord (this page) | 36 |
| 2016 Accord | 25 |
| 2017 Accord | 31 |
| 2018 Accord | 128 |
| 2019 Accord | 37 |
What stands out
Owners have filed 36 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.
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.
Service bulletin - A judder from the torque converter lock-up clutch may be felt while driving between 20 and 60 mph. The problem is typically diagnosed as a bad torque converter. American Honda investigated the judder and found that the torque converter was not causing the judder and the transmission is not damaged by this judder.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service bulletin - A judder from the torque converter lock-up clutch may be felt while driving between 20 and 60 mph. The problem is typically diagnosed as a bad torque converter. American Honda investigated the judder and found that the torque converter was not causing the judder and the transmission is not damaged by this judder
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service bulletin - A judder from the torque converter lock-up clutch may be felt while driving between 20 and 60 mph. The problem is typically diagnosed as a bad torque converter. American Honda investigated the judder and found that the torque converter was not causing the judder and the transmission is not damaged by this judder
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service bulletin - The water pump seized or the drive belt shredded. The water pump bearing is out of specification.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2015 Accords report severe CVT transmission failures that typically occur between 60–90k miles, sometimes as early as 9k miles. The transmission loses power without warning at highway speeds, jerks or surges between RPMs, and fails to shift properly. Multiple owners say they found metallic debris in transmission fluid, indicating internal wear. One owner was stranded on a busy highway when the transmission failed completely; another faced a $4500 bill for transmission and torque converter replacement.
Equally troubling is the gearshift lever moving from Drive to Reverse while the vehicle travels forward at 55–65+ mph—a crash hazard that Honda service advisors claim is "operating by design." Dealers have rejected technical service bulletins addressing this issue.
Starter failures are common, often snowballing into flywheel and torque converter damage. One owner replaced a starter three times; aftermarket parts apparently damage the torque wheel due to misalignment. The car fails to start with just a clicking sound, especially after the battery management sensor recall.
Engine problems include sudden bearing failure on connecting rods (shearing metal inside), excessive oil consumption from stuck piston rings, and engine misfires at highway speeds. Some owners report the engine stalling mid-drive with no warning lights; others describe the steering column seizing when the Forward Collision Warning system fails.
Dealerships consistently claim they cannot replicate these issues or refuse to perform warranty repairs, citing design specifications or out-of-warranty status, despite known TSBs.
Same Honda Accord powertrain reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2016 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
CVT transmission failure or loss of power
Transmission fails to shift, loses power mid-drive, jerks between RPMs, or shudders at highway speeds, often requiring replacement. Multiple owners report the vehicle losing power while on highways or in traffic, sometimes with a 'D3' diagnostic code appearing on dash.
When: 60-92k miles; some as early as 9k miles; can occur at any speed but especially highway/interstate speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of engine power while accelerating or at highway speeds; Jerking or hesitation between RPMs; Transmission fails to shift into appropriate gear; Vehicle shudders or stalls at highway speeds; Car pulling back with D3 code blinking; RPM surging or dropping when releasing accelerator pedal; Metallic debris in transmission fluid upon service
Codes mentioned: D3, P1890
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement required; one owner cited $4500+ repair cost for torque converter and related components; one shop noted metallic debris during fluid drain indicating internal wear
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 16-002 issued February 5, 2016 for starter/torque converter issue; TSB referenced for transmission module replacement requiring transmission drop; Honda TSB MC-10084981-2280 covers transmission failure issue; one owner claims Honda refuses to honor warranty claims
Transmission gear shift into reverse while in motion at highway speed
Gearshift lever inadvertently moves from Drive to Reverse while vehicle is traveling forward at highway speeds, with reverse gear engaged and backup camera activating, creating immediate crash hazard.
When: Occurs during highway driving at 55-65+ mph; triggered by accidental contact with gearshift lever
Symptoms owners cite: Gearshift moves from D to R position while vehicle traveling forward; Backup camera displays on dashboard; R displayed on odometer as current gear; Vehicle continues forward motion despite reverse gear indication; Reverse engaged accidentally when passenger reached toward cup holder near shifter
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda service advisors claim issue is 'operating by design' and a 'safety feature'; dealership rejected multiple TSBs regarding this issue and refused to perform transmission module replacement repair
Starter failure and flywheel/torque converter damage
Starter motor fails (grinding/winding noise when attempting start, no-start condition); repeated failures or aftermarket starter replacements damage flywheel or torque converter ring gear due to misalignment, creating cascading component failures.
When: Early failure observed at low mileage (under 100k miles); secondary damage develops after replacement attempts
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding or winding noise when turning key; no engine start; Starter fails to crank engine; Intermittent no-start condition requiring jump start; Flywheel damaged with missing or broken teeth; Torque converter wheel missing or damaged; Repeated starter failures; Car will not start even after jump start unless battery sensor tapped
Repairs/costs cited: Starter replacement cost $700+ out of warranty; one owner paid $4500 for torque converter and starter replacement; TSB notes aftermarket starters cause damage to torque wheel; battery cable and terminal cleaning sometimes temporarily resolves no-start
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 16-002 issued February 5, 2016; Honda dealership claims components not covered under warranty beyond standard coverage; one owner reported dealership refused callback during warranty period
Intermittent no-start with battery sensor issue
Vehicle fails to start with only clicking sound; issue began after factory battery management sensor recall replacement in late 2017. Battery and charging system test fine but voltage intermittently blocked to starter. Condition is random and sometimes resolves with tapping on sensor or cleaning battery terminals.
When: At least 8 instances over 1+ year period; began after battery management sensor recall replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking sound only when attempting to start; Battery sensor or fuse block intermittently blocks voltage to starter; Jump starts work but problem recurs randomly; Vehicle may not start even after jump unless sensor tapped; Problem resolves for weeks or months then returns
Repairs/costs cited: Battery and charging system tested multiple times at independent shops and always report fine; cleaning battery terminals and post protectant spray provides temporary relief; one AutoZone employee reported seeing this problem on multiple Honda vehicles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda dealership claims no such problem exists and refused callback during warranty period; owners report dealership suggesting $700+ starter replacement as fix despite sensor being root cause
Engine bearing and connecting rod failure
Main bearing on connecting rod fails suddenly while driving, causing immediate power loss and engine shutdown. Rod spins loose, shearing metal shavings throughout engine bay.
When: Failure during highway driving at highway speeds; no warning signs prior
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loud 'thunk' noise while driving; Engine loses power immediately; Vehicle will not idle and shuts off; Loud knocking noise from engine; Metal shavings throughout engine
Repairs/costs cited: Damage discovered at independent service center and dealership service center; metal shavings evident inside engine bay
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda has TSB out for this exact issue but owner's VIN does not fall within coverage window despite matching problem
Excessive engine oil consumption / sticking piston rings
Engine burns excessive oil between services despite dealer maintenance and oil changes. Piston rings stick, causing oil consumption so severe reservoir empties between oil changes.
When: Vehicle burns all oil between scheduled oil changes
Symptoms owners cite: Oil reservoir empty between oil changes; Excessive oil consumption while driving; Piston rings stick
Repairs/costs cited: All maintenance performed by dealer including oil changes
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda aware of issue via TSB 17-089; vehicle sold as certified pre-owned without addressing the engine problem first
Transmission vibration at idle and while driving
Significant side-to-side vibration and sway felt throughout vehicle, especially noticeable when stopped at lights or during mid-range speeds. Vibration decreases when shifting to Neutral. CVT-equipped vehicles more affected. Vibration causes numbness in hands and legs after 30-40 minute drives.
When: Present from early ownership; vibration at idle, 15 mph sway, 25-35 mph especially on downslopes, continuous at 70+ mph
Symptoms owners cite: Significant vibration when stopped at traffic lights; Side-to-side sway at 15 mph; Large amplitude vibration at 25-35 mph; Whole car vibrating at highway speeds over 70 mph; Numbness in hands and legs after extended highway driving; Vibration lessens when shifting to Neutral; Vibration persists but lessens slightly over 22 months
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership service personnel dismissed vibration as owner imagination and claimed car had no vibration problem
Engine stalling while driving without warning
Engine shuts off completely while vehicle is in motion on highways or surface streets at various speeds. No warning lights or dashboard indicators prior to shutdown. Vehicle must be restarted and driven to safety.
When: Can occur at any speed from 15-75 mph; no pattern to timing
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off without warning while driving; No warning lights or indicators before shutdown; Vehicle loses all power while in traffic; Engine stalls requiring vehicle pull-over; Electronic systems may shut down and reboot
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda manufacturer stated nothing could be done about failure; dealer unable to diagnose failure
Engine misfire at highway speeds with RPM surge
Engine misfires regularly at 50-60 mph with tachometer surging between 1400-2500 RPM with each misfire. Cannot maintain steady speed on highway, creating safety hazard.
When: Occurs consistently at 50-60 mph highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Engine misfire at highway speeds; Tachometer surges from 1400 to 2500 RPM with each misfire; Cannot maintain vehicle speed; Unsafe for highway driving
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer confirmed Honda aware of issue for some time but has no fix available
Transmission hesitation and delayed engagement
Transmission not responsive when backing up or moving into first gear from Drive mode; staggers and stalls before acceleration kicks in. Most dangerous when merging onto highway entry ramp where floored accelerator fails to generate torque or speed.
When: Occurs intermittently during normal driving; unpredictable timing
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission not responsive; Delayed engagement when backing up; Delayed engagement from Drive to first gear; Car staggers and stalls before acceleration; Floored accelerator fails to generate torque or speed; Engine refuses to increase RPM even with pedal fully depressed; Dangerous hesitation during highway merge attempts
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Multiple Honda dealers cannot replicate issue and dismiss owner reports as incorrect
FCW failure with engine shutdown and steering column seizure
Forward Collision Warning system fails while vehicle is being operated. Engine shuts off suddenly and steering column seizes, creating loss of control situation.
When: Occurred months after purchasing new vehicle; first incident while pulling out of office complex onto busy highway
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off suddenly; Steering column seizes; FCW Failure message on instrument panel; Multiple instrument panel warning lights illuminate
Manual transmission slipping out of 2nd gear
Manual transmission gears slip out of 2nd gear and fails to engage in 2nd gear during operation. Issue occurs at low mileage and has been reported on other 2015 Accord manual transmissions.
When: Low mileage occurrence
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slips out of 2nd gear; Cannot engage 2nd gear
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission shops report this problem happening with other 2015 Honda Accords with low mileage
Creeping forward with brake applied and engine rev surge
After coming to complete stop, engine revs up suddenly and car begins to creep forward even with brake pedal fully applied. Condition stops only when brake pressure released and RPM returns to normal.
When: Occurs at least 4 times; first incident noted stopping at traffic light
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs up unexpectedly at stop; Car creeps forward with brake fully applied; RPM surge when stopped; Creep stops only when brake released and RPM normalizes
Reverse with engine rev surge, air gulp, or metal clash on cold start
When starting car cold in morning and driving in reverse with only braking (no gas), engine exhibits abnormal behavior within first 10 feet: revs up excessively, engine gulps air with jerking, or produces clashing metal sound between engine and transmission before dying.
When: Cold morning starts when driving in reverse only; first 10 feet of reverse motion
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs up by itself during cold start reverse; Engine gulps air with jerking motion; Engine revs very high; Clashing metal sound between engine and transmission; Engine dies on spot; Condition intermittent and unpredictable
Repairs/costs cited: Last occurrence noted July 26, 2017; car functions normally after these events
Electrical system shutdown while driving
Multiple electrical systems shut off and back on suddenly while vehicle is in motion, including screen, air conditioning, lights, and audio system. Car jerks during shutdown/reboot cycle. Systems restore almost immediately but poses safety hazard on highways.
When: Occurs randomly; at least 4 times in one month period
Symptoms owners cite: Screen shuts off and on; Air conditioning shuts off and on; Lights shut off and on; Audio system shuts off and on; Car jerks during shutdown cycle; All systems reboot almost immediately; Occurs without warning
Wheel axle clicking and vibration at higher speeds
Clicking noise from both sides of wheels causing vehicle vibration at higher speeds. Clicking more prominent when turning left to right. Owner concerned axles may fail; aware recall issued for lubricant used in axle manufacturing.
When: Occurs at higher speeds; clicking more prominent during turns
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking noise from both wheel sides; Vibration at higher speeds; Clicking more prominent during left-to-right turns; Potential axle failure concern
Repairs/costs cited: Recall issued for lubricant used in manufacturing axles
Door lock failure on multiple doors
Power door locks stop working randomly on multiple doors. Some doors will not lock or unlock; driver side rear door never locks or unlocks; same issue developing on other rear door.
When: Starts randomly; recurring after dealership service attempt
Symptoms owners cite: Door locks fail randomly; Some doors will not lock or unlock; Driver side rear door will not lock or unlock consistently; Passenger door intermittently fails to lock/unlock; Issue reoccurs after dealership repair attempt
Repairs/costs cited: Attempted repair at Metro Honda did not permanently resolve issue
Accelerator hesitation and speed control lag
Vehicle hesitates to move when accelerator pedal is pressed while standing still or driving. Lag in response requires hard pressing on pedal before car moves, then accelerates too quickly. Owner cannot control car speed in normal manner 60% of the time.
When: Occurs during normal operation, standstill and while driving
Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation when pressing accelerator; Delayed response to pedal input; Hard pedal press required for car to move; Over-acceleration once pedal pressure builds; Poor speed control consistency; Erratic acceleration response 60% of the time
Backup gear engagement while vehicle pulling back
When backing up, car may jump and then stall; relates to transmission not shifting properly and backup engagement issues.
When: Occurs during backup maneuvers
Symptoms owners cite: Car jumps when backing up; Car stalls after jumping during backup; Transmission not shifting into backup gear smoothly
Synthesized from 36 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had powertrain trouble with your 2015 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 2015 Honda Accord?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 36 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 20 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 9,800 and 80,000 miles, with the median around 29,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 9,800; a quarter make it past 80,000. 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/2015/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.