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2021 Honda Accord Maintenance Schedule

Manufacturer-recommended service intervals for the Maintenance Minder and open recall alerts for your 2021 Honda Accord.

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Recalls4Full scheduleKnown issues5

How Honda schedules service: Maintenance Minder

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.

⚠️

4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR

Campaign #21V900000 · Nov 18, 2021

Issue: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021 Accord Sedan, Accord Hybrid, CR-V, Ridgeline, 2022 Insight and CR-V Hybrid vehicles. The automatic locking retractor on the second-row center seat belt assembly may deactivate improperly, which can result in an unsecured child restraint system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the second-row center seat belt assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

Campaign #24V064000 · Jan 2, 2024

Issue: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.

Risk: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign #23V858000 · Dec 18, 2023

Issue: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

Campaign #26V332000 · May 21, 2026

Issue: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.

Risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.

Recall data refreshed Jul 26, 2026.

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.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2021 Honda Accord.

🔎

2 active NHTSA investigations

Source: NHTSA
  • Inadvertent Automatic Emergency Braking

    Action #EA24002 · opened Apr 15, 2024

    On February 21, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE22003) to assess reports of inadvertent activation of the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), an automatic emergency braking (AEB) system, in model year 2017-2019 Honda CR-V a…

    View on NHTSA →

  • HEADLAMP WIRING

    Action #SQ99002 · opened Jan 25, 1999

    HONDA HAS APPARENTLY ISSUED A REPAIR KIT FOR HEADLAMP WIRING FOR THE HONDA ACCORD WHICH DOES NOT INCLUDE A SET OF INSTRUCTIONS FOR HOW THE WORK IS TO BE COMPLETED.THE PRODUCT NUMBER FOR THIS REPAIR KIT IS 06200-SEO-306 WITH COMPONENT PART NUMBERS 32119-SEO-3050 0060-1 AND 32109-S…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Collision mitigation braking activating without obstacle

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

58 NHTSA complaints · 2021-10 → 2026-05

“My honda Accord's automatic braking system suddenly engaged this morning for no reason. The driver of the car following me had to slam on his breaks to avoid rear-ending me. If the other driver had not stopped, we would both have been injured. Honda's emergency braking system is…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11591646
“My car slammed on its own brakes hard out of nowhere with nothing in its forward. The first time it happened was about 9 months ago while I was driving on the highway, it was a quick moment of breaking without any reason, but the car didn't stop. Today it happened again, the…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11674807
“There are two locations in the town I live where I am driving under a bridge, and there is a dark shadow on the road from the bridge. My car's accident mitigation braking system turns on at these locations and suddenly brakes the vehicle. This is not safe as people are traveling…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11721817
“The contact owns a 2021 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle independently slowed down as if the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that a warning for the brakes and the collision mitigation and check engine warning…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11673271

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Infotainment touchscreen ghost touches

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

28 NHTSA complaints · 2023-02 → 2026-05

“Infotainment system randomly cycles through menu, as if I'm pressing buttons on the screen. It will lose navigation, randomly call my contacts and audio will turn off and on. This is extremely unsafe. Once it starts doing this the screen becomes unresponsive to actual touch. I…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11740384
“The control panel/display touch screen stops working and the display acquires a mind of its own. It begins selecting things randomly and quickly. Automatically changing the radio, volume, and calling people in my contacts. Major distraction while driving and has almost caused…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11669808
“Ghost touch on the radio screen and it's worst when it's hot”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11739286
“infotainment system glitching”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11693007

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine misfire, stall, and no-start

ENGINE

21 NHTSA complaints · 2021-08 → 2026-05

“Financed a used 2021 honda accord sport in April of 2024 with 68,671 miles. About a month ago, with no warning signs of any sort such as overheating etc...my car did not want to start, finally started but was sputtering with a rough idle, my dash lit up with like 7 or more…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11716060
“Starts Vehicle at cold start and notice right away engine turbulence, engine light flashing, lost some coolant and white smoke. Scan vehicle for codes, engine misfire #2.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11715440
“The contact owns a 2021 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the head…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11650804

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag recall 24V064 repair parts delay

AIR BAGS

16 NHTSA complaints · 2022-03 → 2026-05

“The contact owns a 2021 Honda Accord. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11646786
“Honda continues to refuse to make recall repairs. Currently telling me that there is a 4-5 wait for repairs because Honda refuses to supply them. Dealers are telling me that Honda will only send them 10 per week and won't send more until the defective ones are returned to Honda.…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11634111
“Honda, US operations based in CA, continues to refuse to fix their recalled cars. I was notified 18 months ago about an airbag recall for my 2021 Honda Accord. Honda is telling customers that "parts will be ready to fix all affected cars next month", but they are telling their…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11632883
“The contact owns a 2021 Honda Accord. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11639866

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Lane keep assist steering jerk and false activation

LANE DEPARTURE

10 NHTSA complaints · 2021-11 → 2025-10

“Lane departure continues to jerk the wheel out of my hands while driving into direct sunlight. Car thinks its not in it lane an jerks the wheel pulling my into another lane if I don't fight back.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11636686
“steering wheel jerks hard out of my hands. Car, especially in direct sunlight jerks the wheel thinking that I'm not in the center of my lane, even though I was centered. Hard to control the car.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11640544
“The contact owns a 2021 Honda Accord. The contact's spouse stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Lane Keep Assistance feature became inoperable. The contact's spouse stated that the feature was erroneously activated and deactivated. The contact stated that while…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11692316
“Lanes on the roadway were adjusted for a workzone. Because of these lane adjustments, a large amount of crack sealer was used on the roadway. The car confused the crack sealer as roadway markings and tried to slam on the brakes in a workzone, thinking I was going over the lines,…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11657024

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

  • 2018 Honda Accord →
  • 2019 Honda Accord →
  • 2020 Honda Accord →
  • 2022 Honda Accord →
  • 2023 Honda Accord →
  • 2024 Honda Accord →

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Jul 27, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Jul 27, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific 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 2021 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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