AC & Heater complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2018 | 3 | 0% | — |
| 2017 | 1 | 0% | 39,000 miles |
| 2014 | 2 | 0% | 48,000 miles |
| 2013 | 3 | 0% | 80,000 miles |
| 2012 | 1 | 0% | 10,000 miles |
| 2010 | 1 | 0% | 13,000 miles |
| 2009 | 7 | 1% | 12,000 miles |
| 2008 | 12 | 1% | 1,000 miles |
| 2007 | 3 | 1% | 20,000 miles |
| 2006 | 9 | 2% | 29,000 miles |
| 2005 | 7 | 1% | 45,000 miles |
| 2004 | 6 | 1% | 90,000 miles |
| 2003 | 18 | 1% | 54,000 miles |
| 2002 | 3 | 0% | 90,000 miles |
| 2001 | 5 | 1% | 192,000 miles |
| 2000 | 5 | 0% | 114,000 miles |
| 1999 | 2 | 0% | 102,000 miles |
| 1998 | 10 | 1% | 30,000 miles |
| 1997 | 14 | 3% | 47,000 miles |
| 1996 | 7 | 1% | — |
| 1995 | 17 | 3% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (air conditioning, heater, defroster, HVAC controls).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the AC evaporator became inoperable and was blowing hot air. The contact stated that the failure had been occurring since the vehicle was purchased in 2018. The contact stated that the evaporator was leaking. The dealer confirmed the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired.
Defrost on the 2018 Honda Accord seems to have an intentionally compromised design whereby the vent underneath the windshield was made too small and does not deliver sufficient airflow in order to maintain sufficient visibility in colder/wetter conditions. This, in turn, compromises the safety as the visibility is severely compromised.
The contact owns a 2013 Honda Accord. The contact stated that after parking and returning to the vehicle 30-minutes later, there was an abnormal burning odor inside the cabin of vehicle. The contact discovered a small burn mark on the center of the front passenger's side seat. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The local dealer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Pick this vehicle up from the dealer got one exit down on the highway and turned around because even holding the steel will perfectly straight with both hands on the wheel the car just drifts from side to side in the lane and is extremely difficult to keep control of while at highway speeds, I brought the vehicle back to the dealer who said that they put it back on the alignment machine and that there was nothing wrong with the alignment, I also am having issues with the rear defroster not working properly. I also pointed out a visual defect in the paint on the hood of the car which the dealer said I'll will call you back in a week or two and set up an appointment and will have to have the hood repainted I have yet five months later yet to hear back from this dealer ship as to when the going to actually repaint the hood on the vehicle.
I have a 2009 Honda Accord. I began having problems with the A/C not cooling, so I took to the dealership for assessment. I was informed that a line was not working and I had a freon leak. They placed dye in the fluid to determine where the leak originated. They determined it was coming from the condenser. This part is located in the grill of the car and isn't protected in any way and they decided it had been damaged, without proof, from something I had hit, such as a rock. They then inform me that my full warranty does not cover it, and informed me it would cost $432.00 to repair. They also cannot guarantee that it will not occur again and again. The freon continues to leak and will not cool the car. It also causes a foul smell to come into the car. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Honda Accord. The contact stated that when using the air conditioning unit, the air would blow hot instead of cooler air. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where they advised the contact that air conditioning unit was leaking and needed freon. The dealer added freon to the vehicle however, the failure recurred shortly after the contact left the dealer. The dealer then advised him to drive an additional 1,000 miles before determining if the failure had been corrected. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000. The VIN was unavailable.
My 2008 Honda Accord ex coupe is a nightmare. Trying to use the defroster while warming up car,blower motor kept losing power. Lights in and out of car are still flickering when you have the lights on and cooling fan comes on. Honda says all hondas do it. This is my fourth and this is the only one with this electrical issue. Honda is rude , and doesn't care. Besides pealing paint, bad drivers upholstry,the passenger seat will not stay still and hass a bead creaking sound. My selling dealer that told me not to come backs service manager told me I weigh too much. I am 245 lbs now. When we had our 04 and 06 I was 300 and it was fine. When you accelerate and decelerations seat moves. I have a spinal cord injury and today this caused it to hurt even more. If anyone would like to email me about what we should do with our expensive nightmares. …
I bought a brand new 2008 Honda Accord with a 4 cylinder engine. When the air conditioner kicks on and the headlights are on there is a noticeable and quick dimming almost flashing of the headlights and taillights. It is bright enough to seem as though I am flickering my head lights to the person in front of me on the highway and this is a serious safety hazard. I contacted Honda both the dealership and a regional representative and was told this is "normal" and "within specs". I am not alone with this problem as I have found many others with the same problem and they were all told the same from Honda representatives. I have owned over 50 cars in my lifetime and flickering lights, let alone on a brand new $27000 care should never be considered "normal." thank you for your time and I appreciate any feedback you would be able to provide. Sincerely, john kalapodis
Frequently asked questions
Which Honda Accord years have ac & heater problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2003 (18), 1995 (17), 1997 (14), 2008 (12) and 1998 (10) model years. AC & Heater complaints make up 1% of all complaints for the 2003.
Is there a recall for Honda Accord ac & heater problems?
No. NHTSA lists no a/c & heater recall for any Honda Accord model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Honda Accord ac & heater problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 51,000 miles; 64% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the appliance › air conditioner (98 mentions), followed by the defroster/defogger/hvac system (27).
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.