Is the 2021 Honda ACCORD reliable?

The 2021 Honda ACCORD has 311 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.4x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS problems.

What are common problems with the 2021 Honda ACCORD?

Top problems: DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS (83 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (48 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (46 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2021 Honda ACCORD?

Yes, there are 4 recall(s): SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR, AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP, AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER. Contact any Honda dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Honda ACCORD?

The 2021 Honda ACCORD gets 33 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1455. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2021 Honda ACCORD?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2021 Honda ACCORD is approximately $1,824/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2021 Honda ACCORD

Q: Is the 2021 Honda ACCORD often stolen?

The Honda ACCORD was the #2 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025 with approximately 17,797 thefts (NICB Hot Wheels data). Theft risk tier: high.

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2021 Honda ACCORD has 311 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.4x the segment average of 703. The most common issue is driver assist/cameras problems (27% of all complaints), specifically: the contact owns a 2021 honda acord. the contact stated that while driving, the brakes engaged inadvertently without warning. additionally, the vehicle slowed down while approaching the pedestrian crossing. the local dealer was called, and an appointment was scheduled however, the vehicle was not di. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.

1 fire report 20 crash reports 10 injuries

311

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

0.4x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS

83 complaints

27%

• The contact owns a 2021 Honda Acord. The contact stated that while driving, the brakes engaged inadvertently without warning. Additionally, the vehicle slowed down while approaching the pedestrian crossing. The local dealer was called, and an appointment was scheduled however, the vehicle was not di
• Blind spot warning indicator intermittently illuminates when there is no vehicle in the blind spot.
• Automatic braking has initiated for no reason, at least four times almost causing accidents, car radio sometimes will no shut off, seems to be some type of electrical problem, I have had both issues looked at by dealer who states they cannot find a problem with this vehicle, there is Definitely a pr

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 6 crashes

“The contact owns a 2021 Honda Acord. The contact stated that while driving, the brakes engaged inadvertently without warning. Additionally, the vehicle slowed down while approaching the pedestrian crossing. The local dealer was called, and an appointment was scheduled however, the vehicle was not di”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2021 Honda ACCORD

Based on 33 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 62K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 38K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS

High-mileage issuemedian 61K mi · 8 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

High-mileage issuemedian 100K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (4)

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR18/11/2021

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021 Accord Sedan, Accord Hybrid, CR-V, Ridgeline, 2022 Insight and CR-V Hybrid vehicles. The automatic locking retractor on the second-row center seat belt assembly may deactivate improperly, which can result in an unsecured child restraint system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the second-row center seat belt assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

High theft risk

#2 most stolen in 2025

The Honda ACCORD was the #2 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025, with approximately 17,797 thefts reported to law enforcement.

Notes: Popular across generations; often stolen for parts

Recommended protection: engine immobilizer verification, steering wheel lock, GPS tracker, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Higher theft risk usually translates to higher comprehensive-coverage insurance premiums.

Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Honda ACCORD

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,455

Per month

$121

Per mile

12.1¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$1,600/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,263/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Honda ACCORD

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,824

Full coverage / month

$152

Liability only / year

$574

vs US avg

+9%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.15x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$1824

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Honda ACCORD Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

60K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

Maintenance Minder shows exact intervals based on your driving. CVT-equipped models (Civic, HR-V, Accord Hybrid) need CVT fluid service, not conventional ATF.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Honda New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Honda. If you're buying a used 2021 ACCORD, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Honda dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 311 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: The contact owns a 2021 Honda Acord. The contact stated that while driving, the brakes engaged inadvertently without warning. Additionally, the vehicle slowed down while approaching the pedestrian crossing. The local dealer was called, and an appointment was scheduled however, the vehicle was not di
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: Automatic braking has initiated for no reason, at least four times almost causing accidents, car radio sometimes will no shut off, seems to be some type of electrical problem, I have had both issues looked at by dealer who states they cannot find a problem with this vehicle, there is Definitely a pr
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, HEARD A BOOM, SUNROOF BLEW OUT. NO REASON/EXPLANATION. THE COVER WAS CLOSED AND THE SUNROOF WAS COMPLETELY CLOSED, NOT EVEN TILTED UP. DRIVING ABOUT 70 MPH.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: While driving in heavy rain on interstate, vehicle experienced lack of power and flashing check engine light. Driver was unable to maintain speed. Pulled off at next exit and turned off. Roadside assistance was contacted immediately after pulling off. Vehicle restarted and ran normally after allowin
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 4 recalls have been completed — free at any Honda dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)