DecodedCars2021 Honda Accord
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan 2.0 Automatic, 4dr Sedan Hybrid, 4dr Sedan LX Cvt, 4dr Sedan Sport/EX-L/Touring Cvt
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 192–252 hp
- Transmission
- CVT, 10-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 48 combined · 48 city / 48 hwy
- Length
- 192.1 in
- Curb weight
- 3,159–3,378 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 48 MPG combined — 99% better than the average 2021 large car (24.1 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints293 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 31 for similar models — most often about the electrical system.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 21 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Honda Accord is a large car offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 192 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,378 lb (4dr Sedan 2.0 Automatic).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 48 MPG combined (48 city / 48 highway), 99% better than the 2021 large car average of 24.1 MPG, for an estimated $1,400 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 293 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2021
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Accord →
Trims, performance & features
Engine192 hp1.5L turbo 4-cyl
Engine252 hp2.0L turbo 4-cyl
TransmissionCVT · 10-speed automatic
Seating5 seats · 2 rows
Trims
SportSport SEEX-LTouring
Safety & driver-assist features
Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Lane centeringStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes
Built in: Marysville, Ohio
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 Accord configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan 2.0 Automatic | 192.1 in | 75.2 in | 57.1 in | 111.4 in | 62.6 / 63 in | 3,378 lb | 61/39 |
| 4dr Sedan Hybrid | 192.1 in | 75.2 in | 57.1 in | 111.4 in | 62.6 / 63 in | 3,360 lb | 61/39 |
| 4dr Sedan LX Cvt | 192.1 in | 75.2 in | 57.1 in | 111.4 in | 62.6 / 63 in | 3,159 lb | 61/39 |
| 4dr Sedan Sport/EX-L/Touring Cvt | 192.1 in | 75.2 in | 57.1 in | 111.4 in | 62.6 / 63 in | 3,223 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accord Hybrid Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 48 / 48 / 48 | +99% | $1,400 | 183 |
| Accord Hybrid Sport/Touring Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 44 / 41 / 43 | +78% | $1,550 | 207 |
| Accord | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 / 38 / 33 | +37% | $2,050 | 268 |
| Accord Sport/Touring | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AV-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 35 / 32 | +33% | $2,100 | 278 |
| Accord Sport/Touring | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 32 / 26 | +8% | $2,600 | 345 |
9/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
9/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $5,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
24.1 MPG2021 Large Cars average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Honda ACCORD 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 9.3% |
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Similar 2021 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Honda Accord (this car) | 48 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2021 Toyota Corolla | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Subaru Impreza | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2021 Hyundai Elantra | 54 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2021 Chevrolet Malibu | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
Recalls (4)
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · May 21, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V332000 · 98,892 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · Feb 1, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V064000 · 750,114 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 · Dec 18, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V858000 · 2,490,460 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Seat Belts › Rear/Other › Retractor · Nov 18, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V900000 · 4,346 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Not every 2021 Honda Accord is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
293Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
17Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
9Injuries reported
62,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Honda Accord buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 73 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 61 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
- Engine — 48 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 62,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Honda Accord. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Accord years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Accord | 48 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 15 |
| 2025 Accord | 48 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 120 |
| 2024 Accord | 48 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 6 | 231 |
| 2023 Accord | 48 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 9 | 231 |
| 2022 Accord | 47 | 192.1 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 315 |
| 2020 Accord | 48 | 192.1 in | Not rated | 6 | 404 |
| 2019 Accord | 48 | 192.1 in | Not rated | 6 | 792 |
| 2018 Accord | 47 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 6 | 2,012 |
| 2017 Accord | 48 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 3 | 584 |
| 2016 Accord | 30 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 611 |
| 2015 Accord | 47 | 189 in | Not rated | 6 | 638 |
| 2014 Accord | 47 | 189 in | Not rated | 5 | 932 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Honda. How we calculate this →