Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2018 Honda Accord owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there were abnormal rattling sounds coming from the rear of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the failure was a known manufacturer defect; however, the dealer informed the contact that they could not repair the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 45-60 MPH, the driver's side-view mirror detached from the mirror housing. The contact panicked as he had lost visibility of incoming traffic. Additionally, the forward collision avoidance sensors ceased to function as needed. The contact was unable to veer to the side of the road, and he pushed back the mirror into position while driving. …
1. The component/system that failed, malfunctioned, or is defective is unknown. The clinking/rattling noise appears to be coming from the cabin and the right side of the vehicle. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2. My safety is put at risk each time I drive the vehicle. The noise sounds like a loose component or system; consumer does not feel comfortable driving the vehicle on the highway. 3. Yes, the problem has been reproduced and confirmed by a dealer; a Honda service manager test-drove the vehicle on 8/9/2021 and compared the noise to same/like model; both showed the same noises. 4. No, the vehicle or component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, even though the consumer made a request for the manufacturer (American Honda) to do so. 5. …
I've filed the specific issues in other complaints, but also wanted to input this for a record. After taking the card to the dealer, the dealer DID NOT address any of the following: Right door speaker rattle Engine squeak (when shutting off) Hood vibration Did not troubleshoot the smell coming from the ventilation system. Did not apply the fix (if there was one) for the infotainment unit restarting abruptly. Did not look at as to why the display shows 100mph speed limit when there is no such thing in the the state of Colorado (that I know of and certainly not where I was driving when this happened). Did not look at why the aux display has issues Did not look at Bluetooth connectivity issues. Did not look at problems with radar and the CMBS system. Of course, the usual response is "we drove it for an hour (if that) and did not see anything."
The hood on the 2018 Honda Accord vibrates at highway speeds (not a little, but significantly). Two separate body specialists tried to make adjustment which resulted in slightly better fit, but still, the hood vibrates (again, not a little, but an unsettling amount) at highway speeds. Honda already has a known issue with the Pilot model's hood: https://honda.oemdtc.com /711/hood-flutter-or-vibration-at-highway-speeds-2016-2019-honda-pilot-2017-2019-ridgeline And now, 2018+ owners are starting to complain about the hood stability at higher speeds as well. When I had initially raised the issue with American Honda, they ignored it (and, as they always do, told me to go to the dealer). Since then, Honda has done nothing to truly address the problem. An investigation (and a possible recall) should be initiated.
The hood on the 2018 Honda Accord vibrates at highway speeds (not a little, but significantly). Two separate body specialists tried to make adjustment which resulted in slightly better but, but still, the hood vibrates (again, not a little, but an unsettling amount) at highway speeds. Honda already has a known issue with the Pilot model's hood: https://honda.oemdtc.com/711/hood-flutter-or-vibration-at-highway-speeds-2016-2019-honda-pilot-2017-2019-ridgeline And now, 2018+ owners are starting to complain about the hood stability at higher speeds as well. When I had initially raised the issue with American Honda, they ignored it (and, as they always do, told me to go to the dealer). Since then, Honda has done nothing to truly address the problem. An investigation (and a possible recall) should be initiated.
The hood on the 2018 Honda Accord vibrates at highway speeds (not a little, but significantly). Two separate body specialists tried to make adjustment which resulted in slightly better but, but still, the hood vibrates (again, not a little, but an unsettling amount) at highway speeds. Honda already has a known issue with the Pilot model's hood: https://honda.oemdtc.com/711/hood-flutter-or-vibration-at-highway-speeds-2016-2019-honda-pilot-2017-2019-ridgeline And now, 2018+ owners are starting to complain about the hood stability at higher speeds as well. When I had initially raised the issue with American Honda, they ignored it (and, as they always do, told me to go to the dealer). Since then, Honda has done nothing to truly address the problem. An investigation (and a possible recall) should be initiated.
The actuator on the Drivers door would not allow the door to open. In the case of an accident the inability to exit the vehicle in case the passenger door was damaged or the damage was to the passenger side this would be a safety issue. The dealer repaired the issue by removing the drivers seat thru the passenger door then removing the door panel and replacing the actuator at the cost of $700 and 16 days. The manufacturer has not inspected the vehicle or the actuator. There was no warning before the problem occurred. I have checked the Honda Accord Forums and found this problem has been happening since the 1990's so obviously the manufacturer should be aware.
Everytime I try to turn my wheel it'll get stiff and the notification will pop up saying "electric power steering system" but then it'll go back to normal and when I start the car it sounds like it doesn't want to start at all and like the cords are trying to connect because they start making a ticking sound. I've had issues with electrical before to where the airbags and lane assist had to be fixed but the issues seems to keep circling back around. Something going on with the electrical in the car and I have only had it for about a year and a half.
2018 Honda Accord has a poor fitting hood. The issue is not unique to Accords. On Honda Pilots around the same year, supposedly a "fix" was issued where some sort of a tape was used to stabilize the hood. At highway speeds, the hood experiences visible deflection/vibration-like movement. Yes, the stop towers and the latch have been checked and adjusted by a qualified body shop, who, essentially, indicated that there is nothing else that can be done.
Paint on the center roof of my car has been progressively getting white spots and paint defects. Paint has not been having these issues anywhere else on the cars body, but only has been an issue on the roof. I went to my local Honda dealer to see if there was a recall on my cars specific paint, but no recall was shown. There has been recalls for the same make and model of my car for this issue, but not for my paint code.
Body complaints in other Accord years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2018 Honda Accord?
NHTSA has 57 complaints about the body & structure of the 2018 Honda Accord, 3% of the model year's 1,892 complaints. The component named most often is body (55 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2018 Honda Accord body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2018 Honda Accord, though it has 6 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 2018 Honda Accord body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 13,000 miles, and 71% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to body & structure 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.