Was 2018 a good year for Honda Accords?

Yes—overall, 2018 was a very good year for the Honda Accord. The fully redesigned tenth-generation model debuted to strong reviews, top-tier safety ratings, and multiple industry awards. That said, as the first year of a new generation, it brought a few issues worth noting, including several recalls and sporadic complaints about the 1.5-liter turbo engine in cold climates. For most shoppers, the 2018 Accord remains a smart, well-rounded midsize sedan, provided recall work and maintenance are up to date.

Why the 2018 Accord stood out

The 2018 Accord launched a clean-sheet redesign with sharper styling, a more premium interior, and downsized but punchy turbocharged engines. It earned widespread acclaim for ride-and-handling balance, space efficiency, value, and safety tech that became standard across the lineup.

Awards and critical reception

Industry recognition underscored the model’s impact. The 2018 Accord won North American Car of the Year and was a regular on enthusiast and consumer publications’ “best of” lists thanks to its blend of refinement, fuel economy, and dynamics. Reviewers highlighted its composed chassis, quiet cabin, and user-friendly tech.

Reliability and common issues

In general, the 2018 Accord has proven dependable, with many owners reporting trouble-free operation past 100,000 miles when maintained properly. However, it did see several recalls and a handful of early-run quirks that buyers should check.

Key recalls to know

The following recalls affected many (not all) 2018 Accords. Always run the VIN through the manufacturer or NHTSA to confirm status and completion.

• Low-pressure fuel pump replacement due to potential impeller failure (could cause stalling or no-start).
• Rearview camera/display software updates to address intermittent image loss or blank screens when reversing.
• Windshield wiper motor replacement on certain vehicles for potential failure, which could reduce visibility.
• Various software updates for control modules addressing instrument/display irregularities on some cars.

Most vehicles had these items resolved during routine service. Verify documentation; completed recall work is free and improves long-term confidence.

Owner-reported trouble spots

Beyond recalls, a few patterns emerged—generally manageable if identified early.

• 1.5-liter turbo fuel/oil dilution in very cold climates: rare in the Accord versus the CR-V, but some owners noted rising oil levels or fuel smell in severe cold and repeated short trips.
• Early 10-speed automatic (2.0T) shift quality: occasional rough or abrupt shifts; many cases improved with updated software or under warranty fixes.
• Infotainment hiccups: sporadic freezes or reboots on some units, often addressed with software updates.
• Brake judder under heavy use: typically resolved with rotor/pad service; not unique to the Accord.

A thorough pre-purchase inspection and service record review typically surface these issues. Cars with up-to-date software and regular maintenance tend to be trouble-free.

Safety performance

Safety is a strong suit. The 2018 Accord earned a 5-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It also received top-tier crashworthiness scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and trims equipped with the better-rated headlights qualified for an IIHS Top Safety Pick designation for the year. Honda Sensing (automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist) came standard on all trims—unusual and valuable at the time.

Powertrains and fuel economy

Honda swapped prior V6 and naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines for modern turbos and an improved hybrid, delivering strong performance with better efficiency.

Here’s what buyers saw in showrooms:

• 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder (192 hp) with CVT or 6-speed manual (Sport): smooth, efficient, and adequate for most drivers; EPA economy typically in the low-to-mid 30s combined depending on trim.
• 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder (252 hp) with 10-speed automatic or 6-speed manual (Sport): brisk acceleration and refined cruising; combined fuel economy commonly in the mid-to-high 20s.
• Accord Hybrid (about 212 hp combined): excellent efficiency—around the upper 40s mpg combined—without sacrificing cabin space.

Across the board, real-world mileage is competitive or better than most rivals from the same era, with the hybrid standing out for commuters.

Trims and features

The 2018 lineup was straightforward and well-equipped, even at the base level.

Shoppers typically encountered these trims and highlights:

• LX: standard Honda Sensing, dual-zone climate, and a robust safety suite.
• Sport: larger wheels, sport styling, and availability of a manual transmission.
• EX/EX-L: upgraded infotainment with smartphone integration, better audio, heated seats, and more comfort features.
• Touring: adaptive suspension (on 2.0T), ventilated seats, head-up display, and advanced driver aids.

This feature spread made it easy to find a configuration balancing budget with amenities, and the Touring trim approached near-luxury territory.

Buying advice for a used 2018 Accord

Target well-documented cars and prioritize those with recall and software updates completed. A careful inspection pays dividends.

• Run a VIN recall check and confirm completion paperwork (fuel pump, camera, wiper motor, and any control-module updates).
• On 1.5T models in cold regions, review oil-change intervals and ask about any prior fuel dilution concerns or TSB work.
• On 2.0T/10-speed cars, ensure transmission software is current and test for smooth engagement and shifts when cold and warm.
• Verify infotainment performance and camera function during a test drive.
• Inspect tires and brakes for even wear; the Accord’s chassis rewards good rubber.
• Prefer complete service histories; regular fluid changes (engine, CVT/ATF, brake) correlate with better longevity.

Pricing varies by mileage, trim, condition, and region. Because demand for reliable midsize sedans remains strong, expect well-kept examples to command healthy used values.

Verdict

The 2018 Honda Accord is widely considered a high point for the nameplate: spacious, safe, efficient, and genuinely enjoyable to drive. While a handful of first-year issues and recalls exist, they are generally well-understood and often already remedied. If you confirm proper maintenance and recall completion, the 2018 Accord is an excellent used-car pick in the midsize segment.

Summary

Bottom line: 2018 was a strong year for the Honda Accord. It launched a standout generation with award-winning refinement and safety, offered efficient and capable powertrains (including a superb hybrid), and has held up well in real-world use. Pay attention to recall status and routine maintenance, and you’ll likely find it a reliable, satisfying sedan.

How long will a Honda Accord 2018 last?

A 2018 Honda Accord can typically last 200,000 to 300,000 miles with proper maintenance, though many can exceed this with consistent care and timely repairs. Key to achieving longevity are regular oil changes, consistent fluid service, tire rotations, and promptly addressing any engine or transmission issues. 
Factors influencing longevity:

• Maintenance: . Opens in new tabProactive maintenance, including frequent oil changes and other fluid services, is the most critical factor in maximizing a vehicle’s lifespan. 
• Mechanical Condition: . Opens in new tabTimely repairs and addressing any emerging problems, such as engine or transmission issues, prevent them from becoming major and costly. 
• Driving Habits: . Opens in new tabConsistent driving habits and avoiding neglect contribute significantly to a vehicle’s ability to last longer. 

Examples of high-mileage Accords:

• Some owners have reported their Accords lasting well beyond 300,000 miles, with one user sharing their experience of selling a car with over 307,000 miles still in excellent condition. 
• Another user with a 2018 Accord with over 220,000 miles reported it was still performing well, though they noted the need for a turbocharger replacement. 

What year are the best Honda Accords?

The Honda Accord has a strong reputation for reliability, with many model years considered excellent choices for used car buyers. Specifically, the 2008-2012 (8th generation) and 2013-2017 (9th generation) are frequently cited as top contenders. The 2008-2012 models are praised for their reliability, comfortable ride, and solid performance, while the 9th generation offers a sportier look, improved interior materials, and available hybrid models. 
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Highly Recommended:

• 2008-2012 (8th Generation): This generation is known for its reliability, comfortable ride, and good fuel economy, making it a popular choice for used car buyers. 
• 2013-2017 (9th Generation): This generation offers a more modern design, improved interior materials, and available hybrid models, along with a sportier driving experience. 
• 2016-2017: These years are highlighted for their updated features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, as well as the Honda Sensing suite of driver-assist technologies, especially in higher trims. 

Other Strong Contenders:

• 2003-2007 (7th Generation): While some earlier models within this generation had transmission issues, the later years (2005-2007) are considered more reliable. 
• 2020-2022 (10th Generation): These models offer modern styling, functionality, and technology, including wireless Apple CarPlay, and are considered a great value, especially on the used market, according to CarGurus.com. 

Things to Consider:

• Transmission Issues: Some older Honda Accords, particularly some 6th and 7th generation models, have been known to have transmission problems. 
• Personal Preference: Factors like styling, performance, and specific features can also influence which model year is “best” for an individual buyer. 
• Used Market Pricing: While some years are more reliable, they may also be more expensive on the used market. 

Is there a recall on the 2018 Honda Accord?

The 2018 Honda Accord had recalls for a Body Control Module (BCM) software issue affecting electrical systems like lights and locks, and for a faulty fuel pump that could leak fuel and pose a fire risk. Other safety recalls included problems with the seat belt buckle, and there were reports of general issues with the fuel system. To check your specific vehicle for recalls, you can visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website and enter your VIN, or contact a Honda dealer directly.
 
This video explains the common problems and recalls for 10th generation Honda Accords, including details on the BCM software malfunction and fuel pump issues: 50sHOWSTUFFINMYCARWORKSYouTube · Nov 15, 2021
Recalls for the 2018 Honda Accord:

• Body Control Module (BCM) Software Malfunction: A software issue in the BCM could cause various electrical problems, including non-working turn signals, door and trunk locks, and adaptive cruise control. A software update was available to fix this. 
• Fuel Pump Issue: Some Accords had a fuel pump with an impeller that could swell, leading to a fuel leak and a potential fire hazard. 
• Seat Belt Buckle: There was also a recall related to a problem with the seat belt buckle. 

How to check for recalls on your 2018 Accord:

• NHTSA Website: . Opens in new tabVisit the official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website and use your vehicle identification number (VIN) to find any open recalls for your car. 
• Contact a Honda Dealer: . Opens in new tabYou can also call your local Honda dealer to inquire about recalls for your specific vehicle. 

How reliable is the Honda Accord 2018?

The 2018 Honda Accord reliability is about average, so you shouldn’t expect anything stupendous out of the vehicle. However, it offers a decent score if you just want something dependable. According to cars.usnews.com, the 2018 Honda Accord receives a three out of five in dependability.