Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Honda Accord owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owned a 2013 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving alone, at approximately 15 - 20 MPH, the brake pedal was applied but failed to respond. The vehicle collided with another vehicle in the parking lot and continued on to collide with a vending machine stopping the vehicle. The contact stated that the driver-side air bag was deployed and a broken arm bone injury was sustained. The contact stated that the sole occupant of the vehicle that was struck sustained neck injuries and received medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was deemed a total loss and towed to a lot. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
ABS (Automated Breaking System) is impacted and turns on lights on my dashboard failing the following while driving (Forward Collision Warning, Tire Pressure Light, Lane Departure Warning, Anti-skid system) It is avaliable for testing on request. Car does not stop as it is supposed to in urgent breaking due to ABS failure and puts driver and others on risk. My spouse already got in an accident due to this. Yes, after months of system failure on and off, I finally got my car inspected at a independent service center. Honda dealership costs more and are not ready to even look at it without paying, even though this seems to me a problem discussed online in many forums/sites. I called and emailed manufacturer and was turned down by requesting me to go to the Honda dealership repair which charge way more only to inspect only one issue. No other than the independent service center. …
The contact owns a 2013 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, the Lane Departure, Forward Collision Avoidance, traction control, and power steering warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that the ABS modulator was defective and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the warning lights remained illuminated and over time, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle due to the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the steering wheel was firm. Additionally, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to stop the vehicle in a reasonable amount of time. The contact also stated that the transmission was shifting rough while driving. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the part to repair the vehicle was not available. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000. The VIN was unavailable.
The contact owns a 2013 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the traction control, vehicle stability assist, the low tire pressure, and steering wheel symbols were illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle but was worried that the warnings had indicated a larger mechanical failure with the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS module and motherboard needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact stated the ABS warning light and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was requested to pay a diagnostic test fee. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 79,347.
The contact owns a 2013 Honda Accord. The contact stated that there was a vibrating rumbling sound while starting the vehicle. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA ID Number: 10088442 (Electrical System) however, the vehicle was not included. The vehicle had not been taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ABS module failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the parts were on backorder. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
2013 Honda Accord accelerated to a very high speed when driving from the church parking lot, braking did not stop it. barely avoided hitting a car. On Sunday [redacted] at around 13:45pm, as I was leaving the church parking lot, driving at around 5 miles an hour, the car suddenly accelerated to a very high speed, I tried braking but that did not stop it. The car entered and crossed the street, barely missed hitting a car, then entered the parking lot of a dollar store, finally stopping on the far side of the parking lot. No one was injured and no damage occurred. Triple A was called immediately. had car towed to dealership (Neil Huffman Honda, 1607 Greentree Boulevard, Clarksville, Indiana 47129. Car was at the dealership for two days, the car was driven, and an extensive examination was done, but they could not duplicate the concern and did not find any problems with the vehicle. …
While driving my 2013 Honda Accord sedan on the turnpike, I experienced a critical failure of the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) modulator, which was later inspected and confirmed to be malfunctioning by a Honda service technician at South Motors Honda. This component is available for inspection upon request. As I was traveling at approximately 65 mph, the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) malfunctioned, causing the brakes to lock up when I attempted to slow down for traffic ahead. This sudden loss of braking control put my safety and the safety of others at significant risk, as I nearly collided with the vehicle in front of me. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by an independent service center. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. …
Brake complaints in other Accord years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2013 Honda Accord?
NHTSA has 118 complaints about the brakes of the 2013 Honda Accord, 8% of the model year's 1,426 complaints. The component named most often is antilock › abs warning light (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Honda Accord brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2013 Honda Accord, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2013 Honda Accord brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 46,000 miles, and 48% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 15 crashes, 0 fires and 10 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.