Dealer Message - Torque converters may not have been manufactured to proper specifications. As a result, the torque converter lock-up clutch cannot provide adequate holding force due to pressure bleeding down through a crack in the lock-up piston. The reduced lock-up clutch capacity results in the MIL illuminating and set DTC P0741 Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance or Stuck OFF.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Honda Accord powertrain problems
critical Owners of the 2017 Honda Accord have filed 31 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 19,627 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
31
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Accord | 100 |
| 2014 Accord | 58 |
| 2015 Accord | 36 |
| 2016 Accord | 25 |
| 2017 Accord (this page) | 31 |
| 2018 Accord | 128 |
| 2019 Accord | 37 |
| 2020 Accord | 13 |
| 2021 Accord | 11 |
3crashes
1fire
2injuries
1fatality
When does it fail?
Of the 31 powertrain complaints filed for the 2017 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 31 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.
Customer letter - Our records indicate that an EMISSIONS RECALL has not been completed on this vehicle; refer to the address card for the affected VIN. There is an internal programming issue with the powertrain control module (PCM). The PCM software that manages the onboard diagnostics (OBD) system catalyst monitor is not performing to specification.
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 - 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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2017 Accords describe a range of powertrain and related electrical issues. CVT transmission problems are frequent—loss of power while accelerating, jerking, rough shifting, and "gear searching," sometimes requiring full transmission replacement. One owner paid $4,200 out-of-pocket for replacement before a recall was issued, then Honda denied reimbursement.
In hybrid models, high-voltage battery malfunction has caused stalling and, in one shocking case, a post-service fire. That owner provided evidence from two independent fire inspectors, but Honda's own inspector later contradicted those findings.
Engine problems include a catastrophic valve spring failure at 101k miles with no prior warning, and cold-start tics with violent jerking until the engine warms up.
Brake caliper and pad wear issues show up early—uneven pad wear at 11,000 miles with metal-on-metal grinding by 12,000 miles, suggesting stuck calipers or defective clips. One owner's fuel economy dropped to the high teens.
Loss-of-power incidents during highway driving are a recurring theme: vehicles suddenly dropping to 40 mph without user input, sometimes with multiple warning lights and disabled safety systems (ABS, ACC, Lane Keep Assist). One owner reported unwanted acceleration resulting in a crash. A brake-to-accelerator delay of roughly half-second creates a window where the vehicle is uncontrollable.
Dealers frequently cannot reproduce symptoms or determine failure causes. Software updates and warranty repairs have not resolved recurring issues in several cases.
Same Honda Accord powertrain reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Battery/Hybrid System Failure
High-voltage battery malfunction or hybrid system electrical failure causing vehicle stall, warning lights, and in one case, fire. Occurs post-service or during highway acceleration.
When: After warranty service; during acceleration on highway
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple dashboard warning lights; Vehicle stall; Loss of power; Fire (one incident); Error code: High voltage battery charge too low; Unable to restart
Codes mentioned: HVBC (High Voltage Battery Charge Too Low)
Repairs/costs cited: Battery component replacement (one case); transmission replacement (one case post-incident)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda initially denied responsibility despite independent fire inspector findings; later sent own inspector with contradictory conclusion
Valve Spring/Timing Chain Failure
Broken valve spring and bent valve with loose timing chain causing catastrophic engine failure. No warning lights before failure. Reportedly a non-wear item with no prior indication of problems.
When: ~101,000 miles; first problem since purchase in November 2021
Symptoms owners cite: Engine hard jerk and vibration on highway; Engine stall; Flashing orange check engine light (misfire indicator); Cylinder 3 misfire
Codes mentioned: Cylinder 3 misfire
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required; independent mechanic and Honda dealership confirmed catastrophic failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: VIN not covered by any recalls; Honda customer service said nothing could be done
CVT Transmission Failure/Power Loss
Transmission internal failure, torque converter issues, or CVT degradation causing loss of power, inability to accelerate, jerking, harsh shifting, and gear-searching behavior. Multiple incidents at various mileages.
When: 69,382 miles; early as 2,400 miles; recurring throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power while accelerating uphill; Vehicle reduced to lower speed/gear; D3 warning light and check engine light; Jerking and rough riding; Difficulty accelerating from stops; Abnormal noise in reverse; Excessive gear searching
Codes mentioned: D3 warning light, Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: $4,200 transmission replacement (independent shop); full transmission replacement at dealership; one case required transmission swap to different vehicle
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nationwide recall issued for torque converter; Honda denied reimbursement for pre-recall repair citing lack of cash payment proof
Brake System Malfunction (Caliper/Pad Wear)
Uneven brake pad wear, stuck brake calipers, and retaining clip issues causing premature pad failure, metal-on-metal grinding, excessive heat generation, and suspected drag during acceleration. Wear extreme at low mileage.
When: 11,000–40,000 miles; as early as 8,000 miles for first failure
Symptoms owners cite: Uneven brake pad wear (one side much faster than other); Screeching noise; Metal-on-metal grinding; Brake pads worn almost completely at 11k miles; Rotor wear; Excessive wheel/hub heat after light parking lot driving; Stuck or dragging brake pads; Poor fuel economy (stuck in high teens)
Repairs/costs cited: Brake pad replacement and rotor turning at dealership; problem persisted; second shop also noted it not normal for 12k-mile vehicle
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership claimed pads wearing normally despite evidence to contrary
Loss of Acceleration/Speed Limiter/Sudden Deceleration
Vehicle spontaneously reduces speed or loses power while maintaining steady throttle input. Often accompanied by multiple warning lights (Collision Mitigation, Brake, ACC systems). Accelerator pumping sometimes restores power temporarily. Software update attempted without lasting fix.
When: Multiple episodes during highway driving at 50–70 mph; recurring unpredictably
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden deceleration from 50–60 mph to 40 mph without user input; Multiple warning lights and system disable messages; Brake system light; Collision Mitigation System warning; ACC System warning; Loss of warning lights intermittently or after restart; Pumping accelerator restores power temporarily
Repairs/costs cited: Software update attempted at dealership; problem recurred next day; dealer unable to reproduce symptoms
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Software update provided
Cold Start Surge/Idle Roughness and Engine Tic
Loud tic sound on cold engine startup, followed by severe jerking/stalling sensation as vehicle is engaged in drive until engine reaches operating temperature. No warning lights. Dangerous in traffic.
When: Starting around 120k miles; persistent; occurs only on cold start until full warmth
Symptoms owners cite: Loud cold-start engine tic; Jerking/sudden stalling sensation on engagement; Vehicle rocks forward until normal engine temperature; Tachometer surge and rpm reduction at idle; Seatbelt locking from forward lurch
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission fluid flushing recommended by dealer at 30k-mile intervals; reduced surge/reduce issue but not tic/jerk
Engine/Electrical Warning Lights with Power Loss
Check engine/emission lights illuminating repeatedly, often triggered by rain or wet conditions, suggesting electrical/emission system defect. Vehicle loses power during these episodes.
When: Second occurrence within two months; common on 2016+ models per owner research
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light; Emission system error; Power loss during episodes; Issue triggered by driving in rain
Repairs/costs cited: Previous incident required catalytic converter replacement
Unwanted Acceleration
Vehicle accelerated without driver input or warning. Two incidents with serious consequences including crashes and fatalities.
When: At low speeds; one incident at 5,517 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden acceleration without throttle input; Vehicle jumped curb and crashed; Airbags failed to deploy
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to determine failure; vehicles not repaired
Brake-to-Accelerator Delay/Lag
Delay of approximately half-second between lifting foot from brake and accelerator becoming functional, creating loss-of-control window and potential for unintended forward lurch or rear-end collision.
When: Immediate after brake release
Symptoms owners cite: Delayed accelerator response after brake release; Vehicle lurches forward if accelerator depressed during delay; Loss of vehicle control during transition
Transmission Fluid Leak (Torque Converter Seal)
Torque converter seal leaking transmission fluid at low mileage. Persistent after initial cleaning and seal replacement, creating risk of catastrophic transmission failure.
When: 10,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fluid leaking from torque converter; Leak persists after cleaning and seal replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer cleaned area; replaced torque converter seal; leak continued
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda Customer Assistance directed owner to different dealer
ABS/Safety System Electrical Failure
ABS, LKAS (Lane Keep Assist), and ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) systems disabled while driving, with all instrument panel indicators illuminating. Loss of critical safety features while on highway.
When: Under 60k miles; 2 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: ABS system stopped working; LKAS system stopped working; ACC system stopped working; All dashboard indicator lights illuminated; Vehicle shaking and speed reduction; Speed limited to 10 mph on 45 mph highway
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement attempted without resolution; dealer warranty denial
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer denied warranty coverage
Fuel Pump Failure
High-pressure fuel pump failure reducing vehicle speed and causing dashboard warning lights.
When: Early ownership with routine maintenance
Symptoms owners cite: Car began to slow down; Multiple dashboard lights illuminated; Unable to exceed 45 mph
Repairs/costs cited: High-pressure fuel pump replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: VIN not covered by any existing recalls
Engine Stall on Acceleration
Vehicle stalls when accelerating from a complete stop, requiring extended throttle depression before vehicle accelerates normally. No warning lights.
When: 20,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls at stop light; Requires extended accelerator depression to resume movement; No warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to determine cause; failure persisted
Engine Hesitation on Acceleration
Couple-second hesitation/lag during powertrain response when accelerating from a stop, creating safety risk in traffic situations.
When: Multiple occurrences; intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: 2–3 second hesitation when accelerating from stop; Intermittent occurrence
Variable Valve Timing (VTC) Actuator Noise
VTC actuator producing noise at startup and after oil changes.
When: Startup and post-service
Symptoms owners cite: Knocking/ticking noise from VTC actuator region at cold start; Noise present after oil changes
Speed Limitation/Limp Mode Activation
Vehicle reduced to significantly low speeds (10–20 mph) on highway without clear driver input, forcing slow-speed operation on high-speed roads. Related to transmission or fuel system issues.
When: Various mileages; during highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle speed reduced to 10–20 mph maximum; Unable to accelerate above limited speed; Forced to drive at highway with hazard lights; All dashboard lights illuminated (some cases)
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel injection problem suspected in one case; ABS module on backorder in another
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated ABS module part shortage indicates defect
Synthesized from 31 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
While driving on the highway with my family on Tuesday, [XXX] the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) failed and created a dangerous and hazardous situation for my family and others on the road. The D3 warning light and check engine light appeared and simultaneously the vehicle shifted to a lower gear. The vehicle was only operable at a lower speed and gear. We called the nearest Honda…
Feel vibration during coasting & then going up in speed.
We financed a 2017 Honda accord sport CVT on july 17, 2017. We have noticed various issues with the lag/hesitation upon accelerating as well as braking and steering. We searched online to see if anyone else was experiencing the same issues and found multiple complaints revolving around this model vehicle. Less than 11,000 miles, we noticed the front passenger brakes were getting really low and…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2017 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 2017 Honda Accord?
It's a serious issue. 31 complaints have been filed, including 3 reports involving a crash and 1 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 16 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 6,500 and 66,000 miles, with the median around 19,627. A quarter of owners report trouble before 6,500; a quarter make it past 66,000. 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/2017/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.