The 2013 Honda Accord is once again in the spotlight as Honda issues a new recall over a critical safety concern: driveshaft failure. This latest development, announced on July 1, 2025, expands on previous recalls and brings fresh urgency to owners, especially those in areas where road salt is commonly used. Here’s what you need to know about the recall, the risks, and what steps you should take if you own an affected vehicle.
Latest News: 2013 Honda Accord Recall for Driveshaft Failure
On July 1, 2025, Honda confirmed a recall impacting more than 65,000 vehicles, including the 2013 Honda Accord. The automaker revealed that the driveshafts in these vehicles may corrode and break due to exposure to road salt or other contaminants. This can result in two dangerous scenarios: a sudden loss of drive power while on the road, or the vehicle rolling away when parked if the parking brake is not engaged. Both situations significantly increase the risk of accidents and injuries.
Honda’s statement, posted on the National Traffic Safety website, emphasized the severity:
“A broken driveshaft can lead to a loss of drive power, or a vehicle rolling away when it is in park without the parking brake engaged. Both scenarios can heighten the risk of a collision or injury.”
This recall is an expansion of a previous campaign (20V769), which originally affected over 235,000 Accord vehicles from the 2013 to 2015 model years. The root cause: lubricant used during assembly may have compromised the protective coating on the driveshaft, making it more susceptible to corrosion and eventual breakage.
Key Point Summary
- Recall Date: July 1, 2025
- Affected Models: 2013 Honda Accord sedans with four-cylinder engines and CVTs
- Problem: Driveshaft corrosion and breakage due to compromised protective coating and road salt exposure
- Risks: Sudden power loss, rollaway risk when parked without the parking brake
- Recall Expansion: Adds 65,000+ vehicles to previous recall (total affected now exceeds 300,000)
- Repair: Free inspection and replacement of driveshaft assemblies at Honda dealerships
- Notification: Owner letters to be mailed starting August 11, 2025
Why the 2013 Honda Accord Is at Risk for Driveshaft Failure
The driveshaft recall specifically targets vehicles originally sold or registered in states where road salt is heavily used during winter. Salt accelerates corrosion, especially when the driveshaft’s protective coating is compromised. Honda’s investigation found that the lubricant used during assembly could wear away this coating, leaving the metal vulnerable.
States Most at Risk
The recall primarily affects vehicles in these regions:
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
If your 2013 Honda Accord has ever been registered in these states, it is likely included in the recall.
What Owners Need to Know and Do
Honda is urging all owners of affected 2013 Accord models to take immediate action:
- Check Your VIN: Use Honda’s recall lookup tool or contact your dealer to confirm if your vehicle is included.
- Wait for Notification: Honda will send letters to affected owners starting August 11, 2025, with instructions.
- Schedule Inspection: Once notified, schedule a free inspection and, if necessary, replacement of the driveshaft at your local Honda dealership.
- Contact Honda: For questions, call Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
What Happens During the Repair?
Dealers will inspect both the left and right driveshafts. If corrosion or damage is found, they will replace the assemblies at no cost. Honda emphasizes that repairs are free, and owners should not delay once notified.
The Bigger Picture: Honda’s Response and Safety Commitment
Honda has faced driveshaft corrosion issues in the past, but this latest recall reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to safety. Notably, there have been no reported crashes or injuries related to this specific driveshaft issue as of July 2025. However, the risk of sudden power loss or rollaway is significant enough to warrant immediate action.
Honda’s recall strategy includes:
- Proactive expansion of affected vehicles as new evidence emerges
- Direct communication with owners in high-risk regions
- Free repairs to minimize inconvenience and maximize safety
Table: 2013 Honda Accord Driveshaft Recall Details
| Recall Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Recall Date | July 1, 2025 |
| Models Affected | 2013 Honda Accord (4-cylinder, CVT) |
| Total Vehicles | 65,000+ (expansion of previous 235,000) |
| Risk | Sudden loss of power, rollaway in Park without parking brake |
| Cause | Compromised driveshaft coating, corrosion from road salt |
| States Targeted | 22 “salt belt” states + District of Columbia |
| Repair | Free inspection and replacement of driveshaft assemblies |
| Notification Begins | August 11, 2025 |
| Contact | Honda Customer Service: 1-888-234-2138 |
Conclusion: Don’t Ignore the 2013 Honda Accord Driveshaft Recall
If you own a 2013 Honda Accord, especially in the affected states, the latest driveshaft failure recall demands your immediate attention. The risks—loss of power and rollaway—are serious but preventable with prompt action. Honda’s free repair program ensures your safety and peace of mind, so don’t wait for a problem to arise. Check your vehicle’s status, respond to recall notices, and schedule your inspection as soon as possible.
Stay informed and protect yourself and your loved ones by addressing this recall today.
Contact your local Honda dealer or visit Honda’s recall website to check your VIN and schedule your free repair.