2020 Honda Accord Brakes Problems
35 owner-reported brakes complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Owner Complaints (35)
Your brake warning light has come on twice while driving on clear, dry roads with no obstacles or traffic present. Both incidents occurred on January 21st at different times and locations while you were traveling at normal highway speeds (40-45 mph). The warning appears to be a false alarm since there was no actual braking emergency. This may indicate a problem with your brake system's sensors or warning light circuit that needs diagnostic evaluation.
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While I was driving on the highway, the brakes of my car suddenly were violently activated and I had not touched the brakes. If there had been a car behind me, it would have been a major rear end collision. It was over quickly and I accelerated back to the normal speed. I talked to the Honda Service Mgr where I purchased the car and he said he was unaware of the problem although I see that that nearly 3 million Hondas have experienced this issue.
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes independently activated, and the transmission independently shifted into neutral. The contact stated that there were no other vehicles nearby. The brake warning light illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to clean off the sensors and see if the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that she did not want to see if the failure would recur. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,660.
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brakes were independently activated without the driver depressing the brake pedal. The “Service Brakes” warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. In addition, the contact related the failure to Honda Recall: TN2; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
Driving on a clear road on a clear day with no car in front of me, the brake warning flashed and then the car braked on its own. There was NO reason for the warning or for the car to brake on its own. Automatic breaking isn’t even a feature on this car.
I was driving down US Route 42 on 10/4/25 at 1:10 AM and my car phantom break itself while I was doing 60 miles an hour on the highway.
On September 2, 2025 at 1004-1005 EST, my car phantom braked, when there was nothing in front of me and this time instead of just flashing brake on the dashboard, it actually breaks itself and threw me into the steering wheel thank God my seatbelt caught me, but it really choked me up. This has happened quite a number of times before, but this is the first time that it breaked when I actually stepped on the brake pedal it break itself myself also. The component is the automatic breaking for the collision impact that keeps phantom breaking on me. It has never been looked at by a dealer or anyone otherwise. The lamp that came on was the BREAK lamp where the rpm are at.
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "Service Brakes" was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on several occasions, but no fault for the issue was identified. The contact stated that the failure persisted, and eventually, the dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the brake booster was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 10,000.
There has been multiple times that when I am driving on the highway doing 60 miles an hour, the dashboard will light up to BRAKE the car when there is nothing in front of the car, no other car no trash nothing. It has done this on slower roads where the speed limit is 40 mph and under but it will actually brake the car and I have had cars behind me when this happens. This keeps happening multiply times a week.
When driving my car it will phantom break when there is nothing in front of it going down the highway 5060 miles an hour and it’s done at numerous times. I have not been in an accident yet, but it’s something that keeps occurring on my car.
To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally report a serious safety issue involving the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system on my Honda Accord 2020. The system has been engaging randomly and without cause, abruptly applying the brakes when there is no obstacle or hazard present. On multiple occasions, this malfunction has occurred while driving at normal speeds, including on highways and in moderate traffic. These sudden, unprovoked braking events have created extremely dangerous situations, nearly causing rear-end collisions and putting both myself and other drivers at risk. Despite there being no obstruction in front of the vehicle, the system behaves as though an emergency stop is necessary. This issue not only undermines the purpose of the safety feature but also significantly increases the risk of an accident due to unexpected deceleration. I urge Honda to thoroughly investigate this issue, as it appears to be a potentially widespread and dangerous defect. I am requesting that the company: •Address and correct the fault in my vehicle’s AEB system at no cost •Provide a clear explanation of the root cause •Inform me of any recalls or technical service bulletins (TSBs) related to this problem
Vehicle will randomly slam on brakes to a dead stop, engaging my seatbelt when engine braking behind a vehicle. Usually happens on surface streets when the vehicle in front of me is turning into a driveway/tight right turn. My velocity is decreasing & I am not at risk of colliding with the vehicle every time. System does not seem to register engine braking with a manual transmission as “braking.” I’ve nearly been rear ended several times due to coming to a dead stop in traffic. I’ve asked Honda how to permanently disable the system, with the only advice to turn it off manually every single time I start the vehicle.
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the brakes had erroneously activated, causing the vehicle the suddenly decelerate. During the failure, the "BRAKE" light was flashing. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact was made aware of NHTSA Action Number: EA24002 (FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the investigation. Additionally, after starting the vehicle and driving forward or in reverse, there was a squeaking sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure, and informed the contact that the failure was a common issue, but the manufacturer had not issued a service campaign to address the issue. The failure mileage was 30,000.
The car brake by itself with no obstacles in the way
When I was attempting to merge into the turning lane the car slowed down by itself and abruptly stopped in the middle of both lanes while a car was behind me.
Rear brakes wearing before front brakes
2020 Honda Accord Sport 19,000 miles, driving slowly in neighborhood, automatic brake system engaged and slammed the car to a stop without cause. No obstacles no other vehicle. I have an apt for dealership to inspect. I discovered this has been reported by other owners when I researched online The consumer stated that they are no comfortable driving the car since Honda cannot identify the issue with the vehicle.
Lights all came on at once while traveling and highway. Car jerking. Cam Shaft Sensor Malfunction Braking Malfunction Adaptive Cruise Control Auto High Beam Problem Road Departure Mitigation Emissions System Problem Avoid High Acceleration
I purchased a 2020 Honda Accord in 9/2020 brand new. Within one month I started having brake issues. It felts like shuttering. I took it back to Honda service department; they stated the rotors need to be shaved a little. This did take care of the problem for about 8 months to year. I then started having the exact same sensation when braking at low speeds and worse at high speeds. I took it back to Honda (living in a different state) they said tech forgot to look at the brakes (it was there for oil change and tire rotation too) schedule to bring back and apologized. I scheduled a new appointment about 2 weeks out. They have my car all day and state they could not duplicate the problem. Service advisor states they believe it's happening at high speed/brakes heat-up was it okay for Service Manager to drive home because he lives a distance away. I did not feel comfortable with that, so he said to just drop by when I'm out and it's happening that a mechanic would get in the car with me to see if he feels the problem. I work Monday-Friday 8-5, I can't just stop in I explained. I was out of town over the weekend on I-95 going around 74mph and cars in front of me start hitting their brakes to slow down for traffic ahead we were on a slight curve in the road, my car starts shaking uncontrollably and giving that shuttering feeling then the brakes lock up. Thank goodness the car behind me was able to move into the slow lane and not rearend me at a deadly speed. My neck is still hurting from the locking of the brakes at such a high speed. I called Honda yesterday and scheduled to bring it back in again for the 4th time. I explained I will not take this car back without something being done to these brakes. At this point I feel it's a death trap. Let's see what happens Wednesday.
Since purchased I’ve had to replace the rear break pads 3 times and the vehicle only had 79,000 miles. Front break pads have not been replaced. It seems to be going through break pads too quickly especially for the back breaks.
My front brake rotors needed to be re-turned at 22.6K miles. Based on my light-footed driving habits and general ownership experience, I think this is a very premature failure. I asked Honda Customer Service if they would consider this as a warranty repair, but they denied my request, saying it was normal wear-and-tear. In my opinion, Honda has used a substandard component or design that causes rotors to fail prematurely. This is supported by other reports of similar failure in the NHTSA database. I think that this failure could eventually present itself as a serious safety-related defect if left uninvestigated. I would urge NHTSA to look into the matter.
Purchased as a new vehicle. Brakes went from operating normally to grinding and worn without warning around 20K miles. Pads replaced but no relief. Car was taken to dealership for service and rotors were turned. Vehicle operated fine after rotors were turned for approximately 2K miles then the same issue again. There is definitely a design issue with the braking system or rotor material. I have never had this many brake issues with any vehicle - new or used. The issue has caused increased braking distance and uncertainty around the reliability of the Accord braking system.
Multiple times while driving the emergency braking has engaged briefly. At first I thought it was detecting something in the road or a vehicle to the side of my car. That is not the case. It will apply this brake no matter what is in front of or around me. I have not noticed it doing it on secondary roads but it does it on highways and the interstate. This has created an unsafe situation many times.
REAR TIRE BRAKES STARTED MAKING A SCREECHING NOISE DAYS AFTER TAKING THE BRAND NEW CAR OUT OF THE LOT. THE CAR WAS RETURNED TO THE CAR DEALERSHIP. THEY "INSPECTED" THE CAR AND CALLED ME BACK THAT THE CAR IS FINE. THE CAR CONTINUES TO MAKE THE SCREECHING NOISE AND IT FEELS UNSAFE. THE CAR WAS NEW OFF THE LOT AND SHOULD NOT BE MAKING NOISES. I AM LOST AS TO WHAT ELSE TO DO.
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the parking brake light was illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that liquid from the cup holder might have gotten into the parking brake and caused the sensor light to illuminate. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 20,000. The VIN was unavailable.
THE VEHICLES BRAKING SYSTEM CAUSES WARPED ROTERS AT VERY LOW MILEAGE. USING THESE SYSTEMS IN COMBINATION WITH THE WARPED ROTERS CAUSES VEHICLE SHAKING, DRIVER DISTRACTION, AND INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE. HONDA REPLACED THE FIRST SET OF ROTORS UNDER WARRANTY WHICH TEMPORARILY FIXED THE ISSUE. HOWEVER ISSUES RELATED TO THESE SYSTEMS INCUR EXCESSIVE APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES RESULTING IN A RESURFACING OF THE PROBLEM AFTER A SHORT TIME. HONDA REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS SAFETY ISSUE OR REPAIR
I BOUGHT THIS CAR WITH 7 MILES ON IT. MY HUSBAND INSTANTLY KEPT SAYING WHY IS YOUR CAR SHAKING WHEN YOU APPLY THE BRAKES? I DIDN'T NOTICE BEFORE BUT WAS, ESPECIALLY IF YOUR STOPPING FROM A SPEED OF 50MPH OR MORE. BY THE TIME OF MY FIRST SERVICE IT WAS INCREASINGLY WORSE. I HAD THEM CHECK IT BUT THEY SAID IT WAS FINE. IT GOT WORSE! I WENT BACK AGAIN & EXPLAINED IF IT WAS FINE WE HAVE A PROBLEM. THEY CHECKED IT AGAIN, SAID THERE MUST BE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT WITH ROTORS. THEY MACHINED THEM & PUT NEW PADS. THE NEXT MORNING BACKING OUT OF CAR PORT- SCRUBBING METAL SOUND AND SQUEAL. THESE BRAKES ARE FAULTY AND I CAN NO LONGER TRUST THAT HONDA CARES. I'M TRADING MY CAR FOR A MAXIMA IN SEPTEMBER. I HAVE OWNED 7 HONDA'S. THIS WAS MY FIRST BRAND NE ONE. NOT GOOD
WITH ONLY 2600 MILES ON THE CAR, I WENT IN FOR A INSPECTION AT HONDA AND THE REAR BRAKES WERE ALREADY FADING TO THE POINT THAT I MIGHT NEED TO REPLACE THEM WITHIN 2K MORE MILES. FROM WHAT I READ, THE STABILIZING FEATURE THAT HONDA IMPLEMENTED IS A BIT TOO AGGRESSIVE AND BECAUSE OF THAT THE REAR BRAKES ARE WEARING OUT MUCH FASTER THAN THEY SHOULD.
THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM WAS ACTIVATED WHEN I WAS DRIVING ~40MPH ON A STRAIGHT HIGHWAY UNDER CLEAR WEATHER CONDITIONS WITH NO CARS IN FRONT OF ME. FORTUNATELY, THE CAR BEHIND ME WAS ABLE TO AVOID ME BUT I DID RECEIVE A FEW HONKS AND A COUPLE OF FINGER SALUTES. I IMMEDIATELY REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO MY DEALERSHIP AND STILL HAVEN'T HEARD FROM THEM - 4 HOURS AND COUNTING.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 HONDA ACCORD. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE WHILE MAKING A SQUEALING NOISE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LIA HONDA ENFIELD (20 PALOMBA DR, ENFIELD, CT 06082) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE REAR ROTORS NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO SCOTT'S AUTOMOBILE SALES (249 HAMPDEN ST, HOLYOKE, MA 01040) FOR A SECOND OPINION AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE LOCAL DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 10,835.
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 65 MPH AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR BRAKES CAME ON WHILE I STILL HAD MY FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL. LUCKILY FOR ME THERE WHERE NO CARS BEHIND. I HAVE SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH HONDA SERVICE DEPART FIRST THING TOMORROW MORNING. I JUST PURCHASED MY HONDA ACCORD 2020 VEHICLE A MONTH AGO.
I WAS DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 15 GOING 70MPH ON A CLEAR SUNNY DAY AND NO TRAFFIC WAS IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CAR SUDDENLY FLASH THE BRAKE LIGHT INDICATOR AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN STOPPING INSTANTLY AS IF THEIR WAS CAR IN FRONT OF MINE. LUCKILY I LOOKED THE MIRROR AND SEEN A SEMI TRUCK BEHIND ME HIT HIS BRAKES AND I HAD TO FLOOR THE GAS PEDAL BEFORE BEING REAR ENDED BU THE SEMI TRUCK. THIS COULD OF CAUSED MULTIPLE FATALITY IN MY CAR IF I DID NOT HIT THE GAS PEDAL WHEN THE CAR BRAKED FOR NO REASON. THE CAR IS ONLY 6 MO OLD AND HAS 15,000K MILES ON IT.
I JUST FILED THIS COMPLAINT AND CHECKED THE BOX THAT I DID NOT WANT MY INFORMATION SHARED WITH THE MANUFACTURER PRIOR TO AN INVESTIGATION. I WOULD LIKE THIS INFORMATION TO BE SHARED WITH THE MANUFACTURER PRIOR TO AN INVESTIGATION. I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY ON A SUNNY DAY WITH NO OTHER CARS AROUND ME, AND NOTHING IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55MPH, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE COLLISION MITIGATION BRAKING SYSTEM ENGAGED AND ALMOST BROUGHT THE CAR TO A FULL STOP. THE BRAKING SYSTEM ENGAGED FOR APPROXIMATELY 4 SECONDS, MY FOOT REMAINED ON THE GAS BECAUSE I WAS STARTLED AND COULD NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT WAS HAPPENING, AND HAD NO TIME TO REACT. THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM THEN RELEASED, AND THE CAR KEPT DRIVING. *TR
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY ON A SUNNY DAY WITH NO OTHER CARS AROUND ME, AND NOTHING IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55MPH, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE COLLISION MITIGATION BRAKING SYSTEM ENGAGED AND ALMOST BROUGHT THE CAR TO A FULL STOP. THE BRAKING SYSTEM ENGAGED FOR APPROXIMATELY 4 SECONDS, MY FOOT REMAINED ON THE GAS BECAUSE I WAS STARTLED AND COULD NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT WAS HAPPENING, AND HAD NO TIME TO REACT. THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM THEN RELEASED, AND THE CAR KEPT DRIVING. *TR
APPROXIMATELY RIGHT AFTER I PURCHASED THE CAR, I BEGAN HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE BRAKE. THE BRAKE SYSTEM IS HARDER THAN NORMAL; WHEN I APPLY PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, IT FEELS LIKE IT HAS SEVERAL LAYERS UNTIL I PUSH IT TO THE END. IT FEELS LIKE IT DOESN'T RESPOND RIGHT AWAY. ALSO, THE BRAKE IS GIVING ME A STRONG RESPOND, SO I FEEL THE CAR IS SHAKING SIGNIFICANTLY WHEN I DO AN IMMEDIATE STOP. ALSO, WHEN I APPLY PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE, THE MOTION OF THE CAR RUSH FORWARD AND SLIDE DOWN BEFORE IT RESPONDS CORRECTLY.