The Accord, a tried and tested platform for Honda gets more efficient and practical with the hybrid variant. The planet-conscious Honda Accord Hybrid offers a versatile drive for both commuting and touring. Honda assures a reliable experience with the hybrid sedan. The safety and reliability records for the car provide sufficient evidence of this. The 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid registers 21 user complaints and a single recall so far. Furthermore, the car carries a 5-star safety rating. However, the glacier-friendly hybrid sedan comes across a few issues and problems. These issues range from engine stalling to brake system defects. Even so, the car does not record any major concerns. The hybrid variant adds practicality to the reliable and versatile Honda Accord range. The Honda Accord Hybrid shares its marketplace with the likes of hybrid sedans such as the Toyota Camry Hybrid and the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The 2018 Accord Hybrid ranks 7th in the CarHp list of top-10 midsize sedans of 2018. Here's a quick look at the car.
Mechanical Problems
- Powertrain - Stalling is a common issue with the hybrid sedan. Multiple user complaints report cases of engine stalling under driving conditions. This results in an abrupt loss of speed and power when driving. This increases the chances of a rear-ended collision.
- Brakes - The hybrid sedan users report multiple instances of braking failures. Few user complaints report that the car accelerates forward on applying brakes. These braking issues compromise the safety of the user and the vehicle. Braking issues increase the chance of a crash.
- Engine - The hybrid sedan registers a few engine issues. Complaints report that the car intermittently flashes an ‘all systems failure’ warning. Followed by this, the sedan loses drive power and drives in ‘limp mode’. Sudden loss of drive power and speed increases the chances of rear-ended collisions.
- Steering - The steering wheel of the hybrid sedan is prone to stick between the 11 o’clock and the 1 o’clock positions. Users report that the steering frees itself with a jerk. This might veer the sedan off its course. This increases the chances of crashing for the user as well as other motorists. The fix to this requires replacing the steering ring.
- Suspension - Users report rattling and clunking sounds while driving over uneven road surfaces. This can distract the driver and increase the chances of a crash.
Electrical Problems
- Driver aids - Driver aid malfunctions are common with the hybrid sedan. Users report multiple cases of Auto Emergency Braking(AEB) malfunctions. This results in the sudden application of brakes due to false obstacle triggers. These malfunctions compromise user safety and increase the risk of crashing.
- Battery - Few users report a buzzing sound from the rear end of the car that houses the Lithium battery. This may be a result of poor terminal connection or flaws in the wiring harness. Such an issue can lead to short-circuiting and increases the chances of a fire. This increases the risk of injury to the user.
Structural Problems
- Tire Blowouts - User complaints report multiple cases of tire blowouts under driving conditions. These blowouts are observed even with minimal impact to the sidewalls of the tires. Users report tire blowouts with brand new purchases vehicles. Tire blowouts increase the chances of crashing and injury to the user and other motorists. Users need frequent replacement of tires or choose tires with thicker sidewalls.
- Windshield/windows - Instances of cracking and shattering of the windshield are common with the hybrid sedan. Users report the windshield or windows cracking without any external impact or damage. Honda claims environmental temperature differences to be the primary cause of the issue.
Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
December 10, 2020 |
20V771000 |
BCM software malfunction. /FMVSS 103/111 |
Various system malfunctions such as windshield wipers, defroster, rearview camera, or exterior lighting can increase the chances of a crash. |
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the BCM software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on February 22, 2021. Honda's number for this recall is X95. |
Should you buy the 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid?
The Honda Accord further highlights efficiency and reliability with the hybrid sedan variant. The Honda Accord hybrid sedan offers a comfortable drive for the city commute. Furthermore, the hybrid sedan shows excellent fuel efficiency for long-distance touring. However, the 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid comes across a set of its own issues. Notably, the sedan does not register any major concerns. With prompt and efficient services, Honda aftersales further assures support to the users. Considering the history sheet of the 2018 hybrid Accord, Honda offers a versatile, reliable, and practical drive. The hybrid sedan gets the green flag as a value for money investment.
