CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2013-2014 Honda Accord is showing signs of an electrical problem with the starter failing soon after the 36K mile warranty expires. It's compounded by reports that the OEM battery doesn't have sufficient amps to start the V6 reliably after a year or two.

For now we are rating this problem with the "Beware" seal because it's occurring so soon after the 36K mile warranty expires. The upshot is when your Accord won't start, that's never good, but especially bad when it's just a few years old.

Also once again, owners are complaining that the 2013 Honda Accord seats are uncomfortable. Uncomfortable seats has been a significant complaint with the Accord since the 2008 model year.

7.2

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$140
Average Mileage:
38,900 miles
Total Complaints:
26 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (14 reports)
  2. battery replaced (5 reports)
  3. lemon is the solution (4 reports)
  4. replace battery (3 reports)
2013 Honda Accord electrical problems

electrical problem

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2013 Honda Accord Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #26

Jan 012017

Accord EXL

  • CVT transmission
  • 18,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

First off, let me say I am fairly comfortable under the hood of most any car or truck and have been for quit some time. However, my 2013 Honda accord battery issue has got me and all the mechanical shops, and the "experts" stumped! After replacing the battery for the third time and continuing to still have the same issue of it going dead, It was obvious it was not a battery issue. I jump-started the car and took it to a local shop. The mechanic said I had a defective cell in my 6 month old battery and that was the problem. So on to battery #4, and still having the battery going dead and the car not starting. I jump start the car again and take it back to the mechanic shop, who tells me it is the starter draining the battery (thus the car not starting).

I replace the $tarter with less that 20,000 miles on it and still the battery goes dead and car won't start. So instead of keep throwing parts at it, I decide to try taking it to a different local mechanic shop, and after having the car two days, they confirmed the 2013 Honda Accord has a battery drain. They said the checked every fuse they could locate on the car but could not locate where the drain was coming from, and said I should take it to the so-called "Honda Experts", meaning the Honda dealer 12mi. away.

So I jump started the car again and drove it to the "Honda Experts", which is a story in and of itself. So to make an extremely long story short, after the Honda Dealer was having our 2013 Honda Accord longer that us all summer long, and then giving it back to us without being repaired, each and every time, the bottom line was that they kept telling me they "can't duplicate the problem". I would drive it home and 3-4 days later the Honda wouldn't start! I love the car but have to keep it on the battery charger when not driving it!

- S W., Springfield, OR, US

problem #25

Apr 012017

Accord EX-L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 76,000 miles

I bought the car used with 30k miles back in 2015. I have had no issues until around 2017 when it would take several times for it to start. I had the battery replaced at least 2 times, thinking that was the issue. Several times I had to call AAA for roadside assistance to jump the battery, even after replacing with a brand new one. Last time this happened, the AAA tech said the battery has no problem, and that it may be something wrong with the starter. Then last month, it would not start at all...completely dead. Again AAA came out and said the battery is fine, but it may have been dead because we hadn't driven the car in a few weeks. Since that day, we made sure do drive the car every day. Then last night, we went to start it, and it went dead again! I've been searching online and discovering that this is not just me! There needs to be a recall on this because its no coincidence that there are so many complaints with the same issue.

- Sharon B., West Sacramento, CA, US

problem #24

Feb 012019

Accord EX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

I purchased my car in 2015 and have replaced the battery 3 times (only paid for one). Batteries 2 and 3 didn't seem to have enough power to start the car. Just replaced the 3rd battery in May 2019 and same thing was happening and the car still wasn't starting until I purchased a starter ($542.00) 1 July 2019.

- Debbie C., St Cloud, US

problem #23

Sep 252018

Accord Sport V6

  • CVT transmission
  • 54,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

This car is barely five yrs old. Replaced the battery for the third time since I bought it brand new. Four batteries in five years is a bit ridiculous!! Also replaced the starter at 54,000!!

- Ashley A., Kilgore, US

problem #22

May 072018

Accord ES

  • Automatic transmission
  • 136,500 miles

I found this site after doing some internet research. It turns out the 2013 Honda Accord has a serious issue after the battery sensor recall. Just reading the first few, it was exactly what happened to mine.

I get the recall fix from Honda and then the problem starts. I replaced my starter, so I thought the problem would be fixed. A month and half later, it's the same thing. The sensor is draining the battery, and at the same time prevents is from being charged.

My mechanic figured out the sensor somehow came loose or came off and as soon as he put it back in, he could charge it. I would like to get this fixed.

- Ned R., Galion, OH, US

problem #21

May 172018

Accord EX I4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

Chiming in after purchasing my 2nd battery in 13 months - definitely an issue with the charging system. I use a voltmeter (in the accessory port) while driving and constantly check the battery's strength after last year's dead battery (April 2017). May 2018 - another dead battery. Voltmeter read 14.2 volts 2 days ago.

Like others, sometime ago, I had Honda Tech check the system and they reported no issues. There is definitely a problem with my 2013 Accord's charging system.

Update from May 17, 2018: This is actually my 3rd battery. After looking through my files, I realized that I replaced the battery 2/2016 also.

So, to rehash - 3 batteries - 2/2016, 3/2017 & 5/2018. Every year!

- garysmith, Kew Gardens, US

problem #20

Nov 182017

Accord LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 56,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have had 6 dead battery issues on this vehicle. The problem was recognized by Honda. I brought it to the dealer and had a temporary part put in until the replacement part was manufactured. I got stranded and had to wait for Honda Care to come and jump start my car and severely changed my plans for the day after this temporary fix was put in. I went to AutoZone later that day and asked them to check the battery. It was at 100%. I called the dealer and complained about the problem and asked it the permanent part was in, and low and behold, it was. They put the new part in and did their free inspection and my battery was good per their records too. Now, I have had to get 2 jumpstarts since the repair, a week apart. There's not enough juice to turn over the engine. One night it was raining severely and around 43 degrees. The other night it was dry as a bone and around the same temperature. I would replace the battery but I fear it will eventually just drain too and it has been tested twice within a 2 week period and the battery is good. I called Honda last week and reported the problem and no one called me back. I will call again and report the 2nd failure.

- sje, Lodi, US

problem #19

Aug 142017

Accord Sport

  • Automatic transmission
  • 67,000 miles

I will take the vehicle in to get checked and if needed purchase a new battery.

- cewillis791, Beach Park, US

problem #18

Jul 152016

Accord EX-L 2.4L

  • CVT transmission
  • 11,200 miles

After paying approximately $30,000 for a new 2013 Honda Accord EX-L that is supposed to be so "reliable" I have found out that it is less than decent and has become a safety hazard since it will not operate at all. The car is less than 2.75 years old, has barely over 11,000 miles on it, and the battery was drained by something dysfunctional; possibly caused by incorrect factory specs.

After the two-year old original battery was drained while parked for several days I had the car transported to a facility that replaced it with a new one. The car was parked for a few days, then the new battery, which worked at first, was also drained and the battery warning light now blinks.

When surfing the web for "2013 Accord battery drain" there were many thousands of hits that included mention of the same problem on 2013 Civics and Accords. Honda obviously knows about the problem but there has not been any recall to correct this. How can anyone trust a multi-billion-dollar auto maker that does not back its products and seems to focus totally on big profits and not reliability? This is my fourth Honda and will be my last if this problem is not corrected.

- Richard A., Alexandria, VA, US

problem #17

May 102017

Accord Sport V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

I signed up to CarComplaints just to educate everyone on how Honda treats their customers.

When I bought my Honda Accord 2013 Sport, BRAND NEW, I was in love with the car. I mean over all, the car looked great and I loved the feel of it. However I am sad to say that today was my third battery in my relatively short time with this car. First off I hate the honda dealership. They keep saying that my car is working fine and nothing is wrong with it... Even though I know that it has electrical issues. I have never been to a car dealership where they aren't trying to out-smart you or find a way to scam you and make you pay more. The only dealership that I felt welcome without fake smiles is Tesla.

The first time my original battery died, I couldn't believe it however I decided that it was my fault. I don't want to blame Honda right off the back. Doesn't seem right to me. The original battery died at least 3 times before I decided that the original Honda battery was just junk.

On May of 2016 I got a replacement battery from AutoZone and it seemed to work great for me.

Well, Today is May 2017, and my car barely started...I knew that this was the start of a downward battery trend. I didn't want to get stranded two months down the line so I decided to switch the battery out today, the same day. Went to AutoZone to use the warranty and get a free replacement battery. The AutoZone Tech said the battery is bad and shouldn't have gotten bad so quickly and that it might be the alternator that is causing the problem... I know it has to be the car.

However from reading everyone's comments, Honda isn't going to do anything about it... Now, I know that me and my entire group of friends and family now and in the future will never buy from Honda ever again.

For the people reading this and wanting to buy a Honda Accord even 2016 model, DON'T DO IT. My friend has 2016 model Honda accord and he is starting to see the signs of a bad battery like me. I know the car looks great, however we are warning you. Trust me. Worst part Honda will tell you nothing is wrong, or this is normal and send you off to get stranded...

For now I will deal with this never ending problem until I get my Tesla soon.

- kleantrix, Houston, US

problem #16

Mar 082016

Accord LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Was told at a routine sevice, my battery was weak and should be replaced. It was only 2 years old. Now, 6 months later, I was stranded because the car would not start at a local restaurant. Called Honda was told to jump it off and bring it in. This car has an electrical issue that Honda refuses to acknowledge.

I am now being told it needs another battery, so they are replacing at no cost. I cannot afford to be stranded, i dont have some one to rescue me. This is the 2nd battery and a starter in 60,000 miles.

- Jo C., Lexington, SC, US

problem #15

Jul 092016

Accord LX 2.4L

  • CVT transmission
  • 20,000 miles

Just less than two months out of warranty, the battery of my 2013 Accord was dead. I had to pay a new one out of my own pocket. One month after this, my backup camera starts to failing. What an excellent job for "quality control" at Honda!

- Linchao L., Houston, TX, US

problem #14

Dec 142016

Accord SPT 2.4L

  • Manual transmission
  • 19,605 miles

Vehicle is well maintained and is under 20,000 miles. Warranty expired in June 2016 but I just found out it is a common issue with this years vehicle. I have had three Accords in the previous years and two Acuras and never had a problem until now

Update from Dec 20, 2016: It happened again, stuck in the middle of nowhere. Turn the key and all I get is a clicking sound. So I called Honda USA after seeing on line and talking to my co-workers that it is a somewhat common problem. Here is a reply I received "Well sir because your vehicle is out of warranty as of July 2016 there is nothing we can do. We do advise you to take it to an authorized dealer to have it diagnosed." I have been contemplating on trading this vehicle in for a few month as it is, Honda just made my selection one manufacturer less to consider! They don't make things like they used to and name means nothing anymore!

- Arthur D., Philadelphia, PA, US

problem #13

Mar 202014

Accord LZ 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 12,575 miles

when ever happen I will go there and they will check and they said battery is good ...I had 3 or 4 time same thing and my friends happen same thing 13 and above cars

- Mittu M., Clearwater, FL, US

problem #12

Jul 122016

Accord EX-L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

2013 Honda Accord Battery is pronounced dead with a little over 2 years of use. Are you kidding me? This is not only ludicrous, but Honda Dealership stated that it must be due to the cold (Pennsylvania), or driving habits; i.e. blame the driver for the problem. Interestingly enough, during same period, our Chrysler and Hyundai endured same climate and similar driving patterns but no battery issues. The way Honda dealership handled the issue just makes it worse. We bought extended warranty with what we thought would cover absolutely everything. Yeah right. Our Hyundai Santa Fe has had no issues over the same period, and our next sedan will be the Hyundai Azera, NOT the Accord. I'm sure its a design flaw. Two large LCD screens combined with the hard drive, telematics, and other electronics are a significant drain on the Accord's battery. Honda should have owned up to it. 150 dollar repair vs the thousands in lost revenue for sales. 2013 seems to be particularly affected based upon the other complaints. I'm sure there are significantly more. Worse yet, based upon the other complaints, I will have to replace it again within the next 2 years. It was a good car otherwise.

- David R., Seven Valleys, PA, US

problem #11

Sep 182015

Accord V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 18,000 miles

I bought my 2013 Honda Accord brand new. I had been looking for the 2 door coupe and I finally found it. I don't have a lot of mileage on my car and I keep it up to date with everything that's needed. When I received info on a recall, I was at the dealership immediately.

This is my second Honda Accord. I originally had a 2009 used Honda Accord, I loved that dealership, they would give me a loaner when any work had to be done, so in my mind, this was par for the course for Honda dealerships.

So when I purchased my current Honda Accord, it was an eye opener, the dealership wasn't nearly as customer service oriented as the first dealership was.

Anyhow, the first time my battery died was September 2015, I didn't think a lot about it, I thought that since the night before I had listened to some cd's for a while and maybe that caused it. I had AAA to come jump me and they checked the battery and said it was in good shape.

Okay so last night, Jan 14, 2016, I sat in my car for 6 minutes, writing down some things I needed to pick up from a store. Went inside, took approximately an hour, my car won't start. That clicking sound, it almost seemed like it was the alternator or maybe starter, because my lights worked and things lite up inside the car.

Nevertheless, it wouldn't start. I was lucky in that an Advanced auto store was just down the street. LUCKY indeed, it was 8:54 pm and Advanced Auto closes at 9;00, I wasn't near home and it was definitely dark and a bit cold. They were nice enough to jump me. It took a few times before the car actually allowed me to start it.

I'm really pissed that I have to go back to that dealership and that this is obviously a problem and so why hasn't Honda said anything to those of us who own these cars. The worse thing is that there is a Honda dealership closer to where I live in Silver Spring, then to the one where I purchased the car. The reason I can't really go to the closer one, is because I was told the extended warranty I purchased, only applies to the Honda dealership, where I purchased the car. (Remember, they don't do loaner cars, even when its their fault and will take a while. After I purchased my car, I had to have my fog lights installed. The dealership in College Park, Md, told me that it would take a few hours, so I said, "no problem", just give me a loaner and I"ll take care of my errands and come back when you guys are done". I was told, College Park Honda does not do loaner cars. The customer has to rent a car or get a ride on their own, although, I purchased a brand new car and paid them cash for it!) I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER CAR FROM THAT LOCATION!!!! So now, with a right ankle that I have to have surgery on my Achilles heal, I have to drive 25 minutes away, as oppose to 5 minutes away to get this situation, potentially taken care of.

I love my car and I had every intention of purchasing another Honda this year, however, it won't be from College Park Honda and I doubt very seriously that after this, that I will trust Honda enough to purchase another vehicle from them.

Honda you got your money, NOW, where is our service?????? I'm surprised, not shocked, because customer service is a horrible thing most times. No matter how much you pay or how loyal you are. It seems that its not reciprocated!!!

- hondaaccord2013, Silver Spring, MD, US

problem #10

Jan 062016

Accord EX-L 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25,600 miles

I have owned the car for 1.5 years which I bought certified pre-owned from a Honda Dealership and already the battery has died with only 25,500 miles on it. The car did have a previous owner and when I purchased the car it had 11,000 miles on it. I find it extremely annoying that for only a 2-3 year old car the battery has already died.

- btree, Eastchester, NY, US

problem #9

Nov 062015

Accord Sport

  • Automatic transmission
  • 27,325 miles

I own a 2013 Accord Sport with 27,000 miles on it. I travel daily for job purposes & I'd driven my car all morning. I turned the car off for 10 minutes & when I tried to start it I only heard a clicking sound. I didn't receive any warning or indication that my car was going to do that. The starter had to be replaced by Honda in July, so I was afraid that was the issue again. I was upset, being that it was the 3rd issue I'd had with the car since its purchase in 2013 (the screen & starter were also replaced). I had the car towed to the Honda dealership & was told a cell was out in my battery. The battery was replaced under warranty, but now I'm anxious about whether or not my car will start each time I get in it. I have less than 3,000 miles left on my warranty, so I am attempting to trade it before something else goes wrong. I bought the car because my 2004 Civic had been reliable for over 10 years. This car has definitely changed my thoughts about the reliability of the newer Hondas!

Update from Nov 6, 2015: I thought the warranty expires at 30,000 miles, but it expires at 36,000 miles. Thank goodness!

- cbc2014, Alexandria, LA, US

problem #8

Sep 092015

Accord

  • Automatic transmission
  • 44,000 miles

Only 2 years on new car. Battery drain. Unacceptable. Most car have a battery life at least 4 to 5 years. I have a 2005 GMC van until now battery still good.

- Danny T., Ontario, CA, US

problem #7

Oct 142015

Accord LX 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 14,000 miles

Suddenly, after only 2 years on the road, battery died one evening. Got a jump start the following morning and drove straight to the Honda dealer. The service manager tried to sell me the story that because my daily work commute is short - around 8 miles each way - the alternator does have enough time to recharge the battery. Also he suggested that today's cars are loaded with tons of instrumentation that overload the battery :-) They can sell these stories to my granny, not me.

Anyway, the dealer did not fix anything. They just checked that the electrical system is properly functioning and I assume they charged my battery. Problem is, from now on I have to live with "battery anxiety" syndrome that this problem can reoccur at any time.

One comment I read here was that a AAA guy suggested that the Honda batteries are bad. If indeed so, then the easy solution is to install a non-Honda battery.

Curious to hear about the real root cause for this issue.

Update from Mar 21, 2016: See my last entry from Oct. 14th, 2015. Exactly the same issue and symptoms this morning (March 21st 2016). Car was fine last night. This morning, won't start, and the clicking noise sounds whenever I turn the key. AAA came and jumped started me and I drove to work.

I guess I will swing by the dealer and ask for a battery replacement (I assume they had fixed the old batch by now). If not, I will go to an auto parts store and purchase a new one there.

Update from Mar 30, 2016: March 22nd: Got a replacement battery from dealer. 500VA battery vs. the 400VA older one. They tried to diagnose and recharge, but battery died right there on the lot following a 2hr charge attempt.

- Don J., Los Angeles, CA, US

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