The Most Common Problem With a 2014 Honda Accord

The most common problem with a 2014 Honda Accord is premature starter motor failure that causes intermittent no-start or slow-crank conditions. Owners frequently report repeated clicking when pressing the start button or turning the key, requiring multiple attempts before the engine finally cranks. In this article, we explain how the issue presents, why it happens, how to fix it, what it typically costs, and what other (less common) problems 2014 Accord owners should keep on their radar.

Contents

What Owners Report Most Often
Fixes, Costs, and What To Do
Other Notable 2014 Accord Issues (Less Common)
What Owners Can Do Now
Summary

What Owners Report Most Often

Across owner forums, complaint aggregators, and filings to U.S. regulators, the 2014 Accord’s starter is the standout headache. The pattern spans both key-start and push-button-start cars and is seen in vehicles with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder (CVT) and the 3.5-liter V6 (six-speed automatic). While other issues exist for this model year, starting trouble tied to a failing starter motor is the most consistently reported.

Typical Symptoms

The following signs are commonly associated with the 2014 Accord’s starter-related no-start complaints and can help you distinguish the issue from a weak battery or other electrical fault.

Single or rapid clicking sound when attempting to start; engine does not crank

Intermittent starting that takes multiple tries before the engine turns over

Slow crank that improves temporarily after a battery charge or jump, then returns

No dashboard warning lights specific to the starter; other systems appear normal

Problem more noticeable in cold weather or after short-trip driving

If your Accord shows several of these symptoms, the starter assembly—particularly its internal solenoid and contacts—is a prime suspect, though a load test of the battery and checks of wiring and grounds are still essential.

Why It Happens

Starter wear can be accelerated by several factors that were commonly observed on 2013–2015 Accords and similar-era Hondas. The issue isn’t tied to a single recallable defect but rather to component wear and operating conditions.

Premature wear of starter contacts and solenoid, leading to weak engagement

High cycling from frequent short trips that don’t fully recharge the battery

Marginal battery health reducing available cold-cranking amps and stressing the starter

Corrosion or resistance at grounds and battery terminals increasing load on the starter

On push-button-start cars, timing of control signals may mask early starter weakness until it worsens

These factors can compound, so a starter on its way out may appear to “improve” after a jump-start—only to fail again as the underlying wear persists.

Which 2014 Accords Are Most Affected

Reports span trims and powertrains. Because the 2.4-liter four-cylinder CVT models make up the majority of 2014 Accord sales, more complaints naturally originate from those cars. However, V6 models and both key-start and push-button-start configurations also show starter failures.

Fixes, Costs, and What To Do

Quick Checks Before Replacing the Starter

Before committing to a new starter, a few quick diagnostics can confirm whether the problem is the starter itself or another part of the starting/charging system.

Load-test the 12-volt battery; replace if it fails or is near end-of-life

Clean and tighten battery terminals and ground connections; check for corrosion

Verify alternator output (voltage and ripple) to ensure proper charging

Scan for body/PCM codes that might affect start authorization on push-button cars

Listen for the starter solenoid click vs. engine crank to pinpoint engagement issues

If the battery and charging system test healthy and the solenoid clicks without cranking, a worn starter assembly is the most likely culprit.

Common Repairs and Typical Costs

Once diagnosis points to the starter, these are the usual repair paths and what owners typically spend in the U.S. market.

Starter motor replacement: commonly $400–$900 parts and labor, depending on OEM vs. aftermarket and local labor rates

Battery replacement (if weak): $150–$300 for a quality AGM or flooded lead-acid unit

Ground/terminal service: often bundled with other work; minimal parts cost

Software updates: some dealers apply control module updates during diagnosis; usually low or no cost when part of service

Using an OEM starter generally yields better long-term reliability than the cheapest remanufactured options. Ask the shop about parts warranty terms before proceeding.

Warranty and Goodwill Assistance

The 2014 Accord’s original new-vehicle warranty (3 years/36,000 miles) has expired for virtually all cars, but powertrain or extended service contracts may still apply for some owners. There is no broad federal safety recall aimed specifically at the starter on the 2014 Accord as of 2025. That said, some dealers have provided goodwill assistance in cases with documented, repeated failures—especially if a prior dealer-installed starter didn’t last long. It’s worth asking.

Other Notable 2014 Accord Issues (Less Common)

While starter failures top the list, owners and service records highlight several other issues that, although less prevalent, are worth watching.

CVT judder/shudder at low speeds on 4-cylinder models, often improved with software updates and HCF-2 fluid service

Battery sensor recall (2013–2016 Accords): replacement of the negative-terminal battery sensor due to moisture intrusion and potential short; check recall completion

Takata airbag inflator recalls: many 2014 Accords were included; ensure inflators have been replaced

Occasional steering pull or “memory steer,” typically addressed with alignment and, in some cases, EPS calibration

Infotainment/Bluetooth quirks that may be mitigated by software updates or module resets

To see what applies to your car, run your VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup and Honda’s owner site to confirm open recalls, campaigns, and software updates.

What Owners Can Do Now

If you’re experiencing intermittent no-start in a 2014 Accord, prioritize a proper diagnosis that starts with the battery and charging system, then moves to the starter. Using quality replacement parts and ensuring all related electrical connections are clean and tight can help prevent repeat failures. Keep your car’s software and recalls up to date, and address CVT maintenance on schedule to minimize drivability complaints.

Summary

The most common problem with the 2014 Honda Accord is premature starter motor failure that causes intermittent no-starts and repeated clicking on startup. It affects both four-cylinder and V6 models and often emerges between moderate mileages. Proper diagnosis should confirm battery and charging health before replacing the starter, and using OEM-quality parts tends to deliver the most durable fix. While other issues exist—most notably CVT judder and industry-wide recalls like the Takata airbag—starter troubles remain the top complaint for this model year.

What are the bad years for Honda Accord?

Honda Accord years to potentially avoid include the 1998-2002 models due to significant issues with the sixth-generation design, as well as 2003-2004 (V6 transmission problems), 2008-2010 (oil consumption, brake wear), 2013 (CVT hesitation, infotainment), and 2018 (engine problems, infotainment, recalls).
Specific Problematic Years and Their Issues

1998-2002: These models, part of the sixth generation, are known for a high number of problems, including transmission issues, steering malfunctions, and potential airbag faults.
2003-2004: The V6 models from these years experienced automatic transmission failures and problems with slipping or jerky shifting.
2008-2010: The four-cylinder models in these years faced issues like excessive oil consumption and premature brake wear.
2013: This year saw problems with Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) and early complaints about the infotainment system.
2018: This model year suffered from numerous recalls and engine issues, as it was the first year for the turbo 4-cylinder engines.

More Recent Model Year Considerations

2018-2019: Early models in the tenth generation experienced HVAC and AC compressor problems and Bluetooth glitches, though these issues were often addressed in later production runs or software updates.
2018-2020: A fuel pump recall affected vehicles from these model years.

What to Look For

Infotainment and Software: Issues like freezing screens or Bluetooth connectivity problems were reported in some earlier models and were often remedied in later model years or via updates.
Engine Issues: Some models, like the 2018, had significant engine-related problems.
Brake Wear: Excessive and premature brake wear was a noted problem in some 2008-2010 models.
Transmission Concerns: Transmission issues, including slipping, jerky shifting, or complete failure, were a significant concern for models like the 2003-2004 V6s.
CVT Hesitation: The 2013 model year was marked by CVT hesitation, a common problem with some vehicles equipped with CVTs.

Is 2014 a good year for a Honda Accord?

Accords like my Touring tester, with front crash protection, have proven their crash test mettle by earning 2014 IIHS Top Safety Pick honours, while the 2014 Accord sedan scores five stars in most of the NHTSA’s crash test categories.

What issues did the 2014 Honda Accord have?

Common 2014 Honda Accord problems include transmission issues like shuddering, electrical problems such as failed backup cameras and ignition switches, brake system concerns including warped rotors, starter failures leading to difficulty starting, and complaints about the discomfort of the seats. There was also a recall for a battery sensor in the 2013-2016 Accord models that could allow water entry.

This video discusses common problems with the 2013-2017 Honda Accord: 1mBCauto_YouTube · May 31, 2023
Engine & Transmission Issues

Transmission Shudder: Six-speed automatic transmissions, especially on the V6 models, can experience shuddering due to worn-out transmission fluid, according to this YouTube video.
Starter Problems: The starter can fail, causing the car to crank and then die, or make a clunking noise when trying to start. A Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) addresses this by suggesting starter replacement or rotating the torque converter.
Oil Consumption: Some models experience excessive oil consumption.
Oil Leaks: Leaks from the oil filter housing or VCM solenoid are also reported.

Electrical & Electronics Problems

Backup Camera Failure: The backup camera can fail, displaying a black screen with only lines.
Ignition Switch Failure: A recall was issued for ignition switch failures that could cause the car to stall or fail to start.
Battery Sensor Recall: The battery sensor case can allow water entry, potentially causing an electrical short, notes Kelley Blue Book.
Radio Display: The radio display has been reported to go black and then restart while driving.
Power Door Locks: Faulty power door locks can fail, making it difficult or impossible to lock or unlock doors using the key fob or door controls.

Brake & Suspension Issues

Brake Shudder: Warped front brake rotors can cause a vibration or shaking in the steering wheel while braking.
Hard Brake Pedal: A failed vacuum brake booster hose can lead to a hard-feeling brake pedal.
ABS Modulator Issues: The ABS modulator may leak air, causing a low brake pedal.
Rear Hub/Bearing: Bad rear hub and bearing units are a common complaint.

What is the recall on the 2014 Honda Accord?

The 2014 Honda Accord had recalls for a potentially failing driveshaft in salt-belt states due to corrosion, and for an incorrectly torqued connecting rod bolt that could cause engine power loss or oil leaks in some L4 models. Hybrid models also faced recalls for issues with the hybrid system’s power control unit and the cell voltage sensor affecting the battery system.
Driveshaft Recall

Problem: Corrosion due to an improper protective coating process could lead to the driveshaft breaking, causing a loss of power or the vehicle to roll away.
Affected Vehicles: 2013-2015 Accord models, and others, primarily in 22 “salt belt” states and the District of Columbia.
Fix: Honda would inspect the driveshaft and replace it if necessary, free of charge.

Engine Component Recall

Problem: Some 2014 Accord L4 models might have improperly torqued connecting rod bolts.
Affected Vehicles: 2014 Accord L4 vehicles manufactured between July 29, 2014, and July 31, 2014, according to California Lemon Law.
Risk: This could lead to the engine losing power or leaking oil.

Hybrid System Issues (For Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid Models)

Hybrid System Fail-Safe: . Opens in new tabIn some 2014-2015 Accord Hybrids, electrical interference could cause the hybrid system to enter fail-safe mode, limiting speed to 40 mph and eventually stalling the vehicle.
Cell Voltage Sensor: . Opens in new tabAnother recall for 2014-2015 Accord Hybrids involved a faulty cell voltage sensor in the battery management system.

How to Check Your Specific Vehicle

You can determine if your specific 2014 Honda Accord is affected by a recall by entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the Honda Owners Site or the NHTSA website.