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2006 Honda Accord Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2006 Honda Accord has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Power steering hose fluid leak.” Honda vehicles use the Maintenance Minder system — your dashboard displays a Code A (oil change) or Code B (oil change plus inspections) along with sub-codes 1-6 for additional services. Intervals adjust based on how you drive. The schedule below reflects Honda's underlying targets.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2006 Honda Accord.

Reported to NHTSA

Power steering hose fluid leak

STEERING

19 NHTSA complaints · 2015-06 → 2025-04

“THE POWER STEERING HOSE HAS DEVELOPED A LEAK WHICH IS CAUSING P OWER STEERING FLUID TO LEAK ONTO HOT ENGINE PARTS RESULTING IN SPOKE IN THE INTERIOR AND ENGINE BAY. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM ON V6 MODELS BUT NOT THE V4 LIKE I HAVE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11183113
“THERE WAS A RECALL FOR POWER STEERING, I HAD IT IN TWICE UNDER WARRANTY AND IT WAS NEVER FIXED. NOW IT IS PAST WARRANTY AND THEY WANT $495 TO FIX. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS DRIVING THIS CAR WITHOUT POWER STEERING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11110735

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Automatic transmission shifting failure and shudder

POWER TRAIN

16 NHTSA complaints · 2014-11 → 2024-11

“AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHUDDERS DURING ACCELERATION. CAR HAS 76,000 MILES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10655278
“TRANSMISSION FAILED AFTER ONLY PUTTING 77,300 MILES ON THE CAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10927422
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA ACCORD. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLIP. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10821984

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tire tread separation and blowout

TIRES

6 NHTSA complaints · 2015-01 → 2023-09

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA ACCORD EQUIPPED WITH SUMITOMO TOUR PLUS LST TIRES, SIZE: 205/60R16 (NA). WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT AND SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE WALL. IN 2016, THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11256510
“TIRES PURCHASED ON FRIDAY. LESS THAN ONE WEEK LATER (ABOUT 100 MILES ON THE TIRES) WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY @ 75MPH, THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE. TIRE BRAND NOT LISTED BELOW. TIRES ARE PEGASUS MINOS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10679387

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Takata airbag recall repair delayed or parts unavailable

AIR BAGS

16 NHTSA complaints · 2014-12 → 2023-11

“The contact owns a 2006 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11557710
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA ACCORD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V351000 (AIR BAGS) HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THEY WOULD CALL THE CONTACT BACK AND SET UP AN APPOINTMENT. HOWEVER A CALL WAS NOT RETURNED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10662143
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA ACCORD. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V351000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10672448

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bags failing to deploy in a crash

AIR BAGS

10 NHTSA complaints · 2014-10 → 2023-02

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA ACCORD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. NO FURTHER INFORMATION WAS PROVIDED IN REGARDS THE CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11047620
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA ACCORD. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD AND KNEE INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10934606

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag deployment without a collision

AIR BAGS

8 NHTSA complaints · 2015-12 → 2024-10

“While driving down street, both curtain airbags deployed sporadically with absolutely no cause. I was not hit anywhere and I was not even using my brakes or slowing to a stop. My head got smashed in and my view was completely obstructed. I was able to pull off road to safety”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11617382
“MY PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS SPONTANEOUSLY DEPLOYED DURING MY MORNING COMMUTE. THERE WAS NO COLLISION, NO POTHOLE, NO BUMP, AND NO SUDDEN STOP. THERE WAS NOTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11308947

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag warning light illumination after repair

AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS

21 NHTSA complaints · 2014-12 → 2022-10

“AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON. 71-10 PERMANENT FAULT CODE; OPEN CIRCUIT IN DRIVERS SEAT POSITION SENSOR. AIR BAG SYSTEM IS DISABLED BECAUSE OF THIS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11298356
“WE WERE DRIVING OUR 2006 HONDA ACCORD EX-L (4CYL) AND THE SRS LIGHT CAME ON AND WE HAVE PREVIOUSLY (6 MONTHS BEFORE) HAD THE AIRBAGS REPLACE UNDER THE TAKATA RECALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10860417

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front CV axle or driveshaft fracture

POWER TRAIN

4 NHTSA complaints · 2017-03 → 2022-11

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA ACCORD. WHILE DRIVING 4 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE CV AXLE JOINT FRACTURED AND ALMOST CAUSED A CRASH. THE DEALER REPLACED THE CV AXLE JOINT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10958533
“I was driving up a hill got to the stop light which red . And then light turned green i went to take off i heard a big bang as i began to accelerate my vehicle began to drift backwards into traffic I put my hazard on one grabbed the emergency brake”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11494329

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Code A)

Every 7,500 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and filter. The Maintenance Minder triggers Code A between 7,500 and 10,000 miles depending on driving conditions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation (Sub-code 1)

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires front-to-back to even out wear. Honda triggers Sub-code 1 alongside every other oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection (Code B)

Every 15,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake. Code B includes a multi-point inspection of brakes, suspension, and fluids.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid (Sub-code 5)

Every 45,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 3 years regardless of mileage to prevent moisture absorption and corrosion of ABS components.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission / CVT Fluid (Sub-code 3)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace ATF or CVT fluid. Honda CVT models (Civic, HR-V, Accord LX) use Honda HCF-2 — do not substitute. The Maintenance Minder triggers earlier under heavy stop-and-go.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Rear Differential Fluid (AWD models, Sub-code 5)

Every 30,000 mi

AWD CR-V, Pilot, Passport, Ridgeline: replace rear diff fluid every 30,000 miles, sooner if towing.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Engine Air Filter (Sub-code 4)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Honda uses a long-life cellulose element on most port-injected engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs (Sub-code 6)

Every 105,000 mi

Honda uses iridium-tipped plugs rated for 100,000+ miles. Replace at 105,000 miles or whenever Sub-code 6 displays.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant (Sub-code 5)

Every 60,000 mi

Honda Long-Life Type 2 (blue) coolant: first change at 120,000 miles, then every 60,000 miles. Do not mix with other coolant types.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter (Sub-code 3)

Every 15,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter — accessible behind the glove box on most Hondas. Honda recommends 15,000 miles in dusty conditions, longer in clean climates.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Valve Clearance Adjustment (Sub-code 6)

Every 105,000 mi

Inspect and adjust valve clearances at 105,000 miles. Critical on K-series and L-series engines to prevent valve recession.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$495–$535

Shop

~$345–$375

DIY

Pro only

Mechanical-bucket valvetrains (many Honda 4-cyls, older Toyotas) need this. Hydraulic lifters don't. Shop work — feeler-gauge precision required.

Timing Chain — No Replacement

On condition / lifetime

Modern Honda engines (K-series, L-series, R-series, plus all Earth Dreams 1.5T and 2.0T) use a timing chain designed to last the life of the engine. No scheduled replacement.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Pro only

Timing chains are normally lifetime. Listen for rattle on cold start — that's the actionable signal. Replacement is major work, quote separately.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

478 crashes 1990–2024

How the 478 occupant deaths break down

363

driver deaths

115

passenger deaths

478

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2006 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

52

complaints mentioning a crash

8

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2006 Honda Accord reflects Honda's published service intervals and the Maintenance Minder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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