2019 Honda Accord: The Most Common Problem Owners Report — And What To Do About It

The most commonly reported problem on the 2019 Honda Accord is premature 12‑volt battery drain leading to dead batteries and no-start conditions. Owners and technicians link it largely to parasitic electrical draw from modules such as the infotainment/audio unit and related control systems. Close behind in complaint volume are reports of false forward-collision braking (Honda Sensing/CMBS) events and assorted infotainment glitches. Here’s how the issue shows up, why it happens, what Honda has done, and how owners can address it.

How the battery problem typically shows up

Owners describe a pattern of repeated no-starts, “battery discharge” warnings, or a sudden loss of electrical power after the vehicle sits for short periods. The problem can be intermittent, making it frustrating to diagnose and fix on a single visit.

• Repeated dead batteries within months of ownership or after replacement.
• Vehicle fails to start after sitting overnight or a couple of days, especially with short-trip driving.
• Infotainment screen or connected services (e.g., telematics) appear to “stay awake,” increasing parasitic draw.
• Warning messages like “Battery Charge Low,” “Accessory Power On,” or general electrical system alerts.
• Improvement after software updates, a new battery, or parasitic draw repairs—followed by recurrence in some cases.

Because the issue can be both software- and hardware-related, results vary: some owners see lasting relief after updates and a fresh battery; others require deeper electrical diagnosis to resolve module wake/sleep problems.

Why this happens

On many modern vehicles, numerous electronic modules communicate even when the car is off. On some 2019 Accords, the infotainment/audio unit, telematics, or body control module may not consistently enter a low-power sleep state, producing higher-than-normal parasitic draw. Short trips that don’t recharge the 12‑volt battery exacerbate the problem. In cold climates, battery performance drops further, making marginal draw issues more noticeable.

Complaint data and context

Owner reports and U.S. federal complaint data (NHTSA) through 2025 point to electrical system/battery issues as a leading concern for the 2019 Accord, with service brakes/ADAS (notably unintended or overly sensitive automatic emergency braking) also ranking high. Independent reliability trackers have likewise flagged in-car electronics as a weak spot for this model year compared with otherwise strong powertrain and chassis scores.

Other common issues to watch on the 2019 Accord

While the battery/electrical concern is the most frequently cited, several other patterns appear across owner reports, service bulletins, and recalls.

• False or overly aggressive Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) activations, especially in bright sun, on curved roads, or near metal structures.
• Low-pressure fuel pump recall affecting many 2019 Hondas (including Accord) that can cause stalling or no-start if the impeller degrades.
• Infotainment glitches: screen freezing, random reboots, Bluetooth/CarPlay disconnects, and audio system bugs.
• Transmission behavior: occasional rough shifts on the 10-speed automatic (2.0T) and drivability complaints (surging or flare) on CVT-equipped 1.5T models, often improved by software updates.
• Fuel-in-oil dilution complaints with the 1.5T in cold-weather, short-trip use—less prevalent than on some other Honda models but still reported by a subset of owners.

Most of these issues are addressable through recalls, software updates, or targeted repairs, though experiences vary by build, use case, and maintenance history.

What Honda has done: recalls, updates, and TSBs

Honda has issued recalls and technical service bulletins (TSBs) relevant to the 2019 Accord’s broader problem set. Owners should verify completion status by checking their VIN with a dealer or on official recall sites.

1. Fuel pump recall (multiple campaigns since 2020–2021): Replaces low-pressure fuel pump assemblies that can fail and cause stalling/no-start.
2. Rearview camera software/harness campaigns in some vehicles: Addresses backup camera image not displaying reliably (safety compliance).
3. ADAS/CMBS calibrations and updates via TSBs: Aims to reduce false braking alerts or unwanted interventions.
4. Electrical/infotainment TSBs: Software updates and diagnostic procedures to mitigate parasitic draw from the audio/display unit, telematics, or body control systems; battery testing and replacement guidelines.

For battery drain specifically, Honda’s approach has centered on software revisions, module sleep-state logic improvements, and case-by-case diagnosis rather than a single blanket recall.

What owners can do if they’re affected

If you’re experiencing battery or related electrical issues, a structured approach improves the odds of a lasting fix and can help document the concern if it recurs.

• Ask the dealer to check for all open recalls and apply the latest software updates and TSBs for infotainment, ADAS, and electrical systems.
• Request a parasitic draw test after an overnight sit; proper measurement helps identify modules that aren’t sleeping.
• Confirm the 12‑volt battery’s health under load and replace with the correct spec if marginal; ensure clean, tight terminals and good grounds.
• Minimize short-trip only usage or use a smart battery maintainer if the car sits for extended periods, especially in cold weather.
• Document dates, conditions, and any warning messages; if false AEB/CMBS events occur, note road, speed, and weather and report to the dealer and NHTSA.

Persistence matters: intermittent electrical faults can require multiple visits and data logs to pinpoint, and documented history supports warranty or goodwill coverage.

Bottom line

The 2019 Honda Accord is broadly regarded as a capable, efficient midsize sedan, but its most common owner-reported headache is premature 12‑volt battery drain tied to electrical module behavior, with ADAS false-braking and infotainment hiccups also notable. Verifying recalls, applying software updates, and pursuing a thorough parasitic draw diagnosis are the most effective paths to resolution.

Summary

Most common problem: premature 12‑volt battery drain leading to dead batteries and no-starts. It’s typically associated with parasitic draw from infotainment and related control modules. Secondary issues include CMBS false braking, fuel pump recall-related stalling risk, and infotainment glitches. Owners should ensure all recalls and TSBs are up to date, request proper electrical diagnostics, maintain a healthy battery, and document recurring incidents for support.

Do Honda Accords have engine problems?

Engine Issues
Issues such as oil leaks, timing belt wear, and overheating can creep up, especially in older models. Staying on top of engine maintenance, including timely oil changes and cooling system checks, can keep your engine purring like a kitten. For expert Honda repairs in Mason, OH, contact Rix Automotive!

What year did Honda Accords have bad transmissions?

Honda Accord models from the late 1990s to the mid-2000s are most frequently associated with significant transmission problems, particularly the 1998-2003 automatic transmission models and the 2005-2010 automatics that saw increased transmission failures and recalls. These issues often manifest as rough shifting, slipping gears, and premature failure, requiring expensive repairs or replacements. 
Specific Years to Be Cautious Of 

• 1998-2005: This range is often cited as a period with widespread automatic transmission failures.
• 2005-2010: This generation also experienced significant transmission problems, leading to recalls.

Common Symptoms of Transmission Failure

• Rough Shifting: The vehicle struggles to shift smoothly between gears. 
• Slipping Gears: The transmission may lose its grip on a gear, causing high engine revs without acceleration. 
• Transmission Fluid Leaks: A leak can indicate a problem, and the transmission may overheat. 
• Warning Lights/Error Codes: The dashboard warning lights may illuminate when there’s a transmission issue. 

What You Can Do

• Choose a Different Generation: If you’re considering a used Accord, avoid the problematic years listed above and look at newer models with 6-speed automatics or more, as they generally have more reliable transmissions. 
• Maintain Your Transmission: For any Accord, proper and timely transmission maintenance, including fluid checks, can help prevent problems. 
• Get a Professional Inspection: If buying a used Accord, especially from these problematic years, have a mechanic thoroughly inspect the transmission before purchasing. 

Does the 2019 Honda Accord have any recalls?

Recalls for the 2019 Honda Accord include a Body Control Module (BCM) software malfunction that can affect wipers and other components, fuel pump failures potentially causing engine stalls, and a front seat belt buckle manufacturing issue preventing proper latching. Other recalls involve AC compressor issues and specific software updates for various components like the rearview camera and defroster. To check your specific vehicle for open recalls, visit NHTSA.gov or contact a Honda dealer with your VIN.
 
Common Recalls

• Body Control Module (BCM) Software Issue: . Opens in new tabA software error can cause disruptions in communication between the BCM and other components, leading to malfunctions of the windshield wipers, defrosters, rearview camera, and some exterior lights. 
• Fuel Pump Failure: . Opens in new tabA low-pressure fuel pump in the fuel tank can fail, potentially causing the engine to stall. 
• Front Seat Belt Buckles: . Opens in new tabA manufacturing issue with the front seat belt buckle assembly can prevent the buckle from latching properly. 
• AC Compressor Issues: . Opens in new tab1.5L models can have AC compressor clutch failure, potentially due to low refrigerant or a faulty clutch relay or coil. 

How to Check for Recalls

1. 1. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Website: . Opens in new tabVisit NHTSA.gov/recalls and enter your vehicle’s license plate number or VIN to see if your specific vehicle has an open safety recall. 
2. 2. Contact Your Honda Dealer: . Opens in new tabCall your local authorized dealer and provide them with your vehicle’s VIN to confirm if it is affected by any recalls and to get an appointment to have the necessary repairs performed. 

This video explains some of the safety issues with the 2019 Honda Accord recalls: 57sThe Lemon Factor! LLCYouTube · Jan 3, 2025

What year to avoid Honda Accord?

You should consider avoiding Honda Accord years with known transmission, airbag, or premature brake issues, particularly the 1998-2002 (especially V6 transmissions and airbag recalls), 2003 (transmission issues), 2008 (premature brake wear and oil consumption), and the first model year of the two latest generations, 2013 and 2018, due to issues with electric power steering, forward collision systems, and infotainment. 
Model Years to Avoid

• 1998-2002 (Sixth Generation): . Opens in new tabThis generation saw many problematic V6 transmissions and was heavily affected by the Takata airbag recalls. 
• 2003 (Seventh Generation): . Opens in new tabThis model year is particularly problematic for transmission issues, especially with V6 models. 
• 2008 (Eighth Generation): . Opens in new tabKnown for premature brake wear and excessive oil consumption in the 4-cylinder models. 
• 2013 (Ninth Generation): . Opens in new tabFeatures issues with the electric power steering (EPS) system and infotainment screens. 
• 2018 (Tenth Generation): . Opens in new tabAs the first year with a new turbo 4-cylinder engine, it experienced recalls and a high number of complaints related to the engine, power steering, and forward collision systems. 

Common Issues by Model Year 

• 1998-2002: V6 transmission failures and airbag problems.
• 2003-2004: Widespread V6 transmission failures.
• 2008-2010: Excessive oil consumption in 4-cylinder engines.
• 2013-2015: Electric power steering (EPS) system issues.
• 2018+: Power steering, forward collision system, and infotainment issues.

Recommendation
For a reliable used Honda Accord, look at models after these problem years, such as the 2006-2007 models to avoid 7th generation transmission issues or the 2009-2012 models after the 2008 brake and oil issues, and consider the later 2019-2020 or even the newest models after any initial kinks in the 2018 generation have been resolved.