2020 Honda Accord airbags problems
severe 29 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags across all vehicles →
Owners have filed 29 airbags 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.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2020 Accord has documented weight-sensor and SRS control issues affecting passenger airbag deployment, with a recall pending part availability. Some owners report unexpected deployments or complete non-deployment; if you're considering one, have the airbag system inspected by your dealer and confirm your VIN is covered under recall 24V064000 before purchase.
Owners report two main airbag problems. First, the passenger-side weight sensor frequently misreads or fails to activate the airbag for occupants at or above the 65 lb minimum threshold. One owner documented a sensor reading 50 lbs for an 82 lb passenger; children weighing 85–110 lbs may or may not trigger deployment on the same seat. Dealers have replaced the SRS on/off switch (code B00D5-14) without fixing the intermittent behavior, suggesting a deeper sensor or module fault. Second, the SRS warning light illuminates unpredictably—sometimes clearing with a restart, sometimes staying on, and triggering even from objects placed on the passenger seat. One owner was charged $500 for a sensor replacement outside warranty; another was told the same repair isn't covered by recall because their VIN doesn't match, despite identical symptoms in other 2020 Accords.
Two critical incidents stand out: one 2020 Accord deployed airbags at 40 mph with no collision, disorienting the driver into a secondary crash and totaling the vehicle; another failed to deploy the driver airbag during a deer strike, leaving the operator with a shattered sternum and jaw injury.
Honda issued recall 24V064000 for seat weight sensor circuit issues, but owners across multiple dealers report parts remain on back order with no timeline for availability. Some dealers state they'll only repair cars with active SRS lights, not preventatively.
Same Honda Accord airbags reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2019 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Passenger airbag weight sensor malfunction
Weight sensor misreads or fails to detect occupants at or above the 65 lb minimum threshold, leaving passengers unprotected. Sensor readings can drop significantly below actual weight (one case showed 50 lbs for an 82 lb person). Problem persists after individual component testing and appears to be a sensor or control module issue.
When: Occurs during driving; can be intermittent or persistent across multiple trips
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger airbag off indicator turns on unexpectedly during driving; Airbag fails to activate with children weighing 85–110 lbs or adults weighing 80+ lbs; Weight sensor reading significantly lower than actual occupant weight; Airbag comes on and off intermittently with same passenger
Codes mentioned: B00D5-14
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced SRS on/off switch hazard (code B00D5-14) but problem persisted. Dealers have tested all relevant parts individually with normal results; problem only appears under load.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 24V064000 (Air Bags) issued; parts on back order. Dealer confirmed replacement switch did not resolve intermittent airbag issue.
SRS warning light—intermittent or persistent
Dashboard warning 'Supplemental Restraint System Problem. See Your Dealer' illuminates intermittently or stays on, indicating a fault in the SRS system. Light may disappear and reappear days or weeks later, or clear only when vehicle is shut off and restarted.
When: Begins at various mileages (50k, 54k, 71k); timing unpredictable
Symptoms owners cite: SRS light comes on and off randomly; Light clears after turning vehicle off/on but returns; Light triggered by placing objects (water bottle, purse) on passenger seat; No warning prior to first appearance; Light may disappear for weeks then reappear
Codes mentioned: B0020-13
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers report needing passenger airbag sensor or SRS device replacement. One owner charged ~$500 out of pocket when repair exceeded warranty (36k miles/3 years). Another case recommended SRS unit, inflator replacement, and driver seat belt replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 24V064000 applies to some VINs but not others; owners report being told their VIN is not included despite identical symptoms. Recall parts on back order, delaying repairs.
Unexpected airbag deployment
Airbag deployed while driving at highway speed without any collision, causing operator disorientation and secondary crash. At ~3,000 miles, vehicle was totaled and operator sustained serious injuries.
When: At approximately 3,000 miles; no prior warning
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag deployed without incident or warning; No collision or accident immediately preceding deployment; Operator disoriented following deployment
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle totaled. Operator sustained shattered sternum, broken right thumb, and hematoma on left leg.
Driver-side airbag non-deployment during collision
During a collision (deer strike), driver-side airbag failed to deploy while other airbags deployed normally. Vehicle was total loss; operator struck chin on steering wheel and reported jaw pain.
When: November 11, 2020 collision
Symptoms owners cite: Driver airbag did not deploy; Other airbags deployed as expected; Operator struck chin on steering wheel
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was total loss; operator reported jaw pain from steering wheel impact.
Recall parts shortage and distribution delays
Multiple owners received recall notification (NHTSA Campaign 24V064000) but dealers cannot complete repairs because replacement parts are on back order for extended periods. Some dealers state they will only repair vehicles with SRS light currently illuminated, creating a coverage gap.
When: Recall issued; parts unavailable as of early 2025
Symptoms owners cite: Owner notified of recall but told parts unavailable; Multiple dealer locations report same back-order status; Extended wait times with no parts arrival timeline
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer stated they will only perform recall repair if SRS light is currently on, not preventatively.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 24V064000 (Air Bags) issued but parts distribution delayed indefinitely. Manufacturer confirmed parts unavailable to dealers.
Synthesized from 29 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2020 Honda Accord?
It's a meaningful issue. 29 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Based on the 29 complaints filed, airbags issues most often appear around 42,667 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags 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 airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags 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.