2020 Honda Accord · symptom sheet

Brakes grind, pulse or wear early

55owner reports
15,000median miles
2involved a crash

Newest report Feb 2, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

55 of the 356 complaints on this car describe brake wear, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2020 Accord.

Tick what matches of 55 reports

grinding or squealing

pulsing or shaking when braking

pedal goes soft or to the floor

pads or rotors replaced early

a brake warning light

the car did not stop in time

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the pads and rotors (7 reports).

Recalls and investigations

No recall on the brakes covers the 2020 model year as of Sep 9, 2026.

NHTSA investigations into the brakes on the Accord

DP10-004opened Nov 18, 2010

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · model years 2005 to 2007

Braking performance. Closed dec 14, 2011.

NHTSA summary

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a defect petition requesting that it open an investigation and recall MY 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid vehicles for a possible safety defect related to braking performance.The petitioner in a defect petition letter and in a complaint filed with ODI under Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) 10329383 alleging ineffective braking performance of the Honda Accord Hybrid vehicle while driving over rumble strips along side of the highway and simultaneously attempting to the brake.The petitioner alleges this began a chain of events, where the vehicle accelerated uncontrollably, the passenger attempted to stop the vehicle by pulling the parking brake and eventually the vehicle crossing over into traffic flowing in the opposite direction.The result was a crash fatally injuring the passenger and severely injuring the petitioner and two occupants of another vehicle. During the defect petition review, ODI analyzed complaints involving similarly equipped Honda Accord Hybrid vehicles and first and second generation Honda Civic Hybrid vehicles, reviewed data provided to ODI by Honda in response to an information request letter and performed testing of braking performance of a 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid vehicle at NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Test Center in East Liberty, Ohio.Based on this review, ODI does not believe additional investigation is likely to result in a finding that a defect related to motor vehicle safety exists.Therefore, in view of th

DP01-002opened Mar 1, 2001

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · model years 1995

Abs. Closed aug 6, 2001.

NHTSA summary

None of these investigations covers the 2020 model year.

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 6,000 and 30,000 miles, from the 21 reports that gave a mileage.

720

921

1122

423

124

2025

326

What owners wrote

“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 itâs done at numerous times. I have not been in an accident yet, but itâs something that keeps occurring on my car.”
Filed Jul 31, 2025 · 5,060 miles

“The ANC module malfunctions already at only 67000 miles and causes a humming noise which is very annoying when driving. The ebreak also malfunctions during cold weather conditions. I have had to restart the car due to the electronic parking break not working properly. In case of an emergency I might need it and it may malfunction.”
Filed Mar 18, 2024 · 67,000 miles

“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.”
Filed Jul 31, 2023 · 19,000 miles

“Loud, audible grinding noise when braking, usually in reverse. Sounds like metal on metal. Drove vehicle to dealer today, was told this is a common problem, Honda is aware. Awaiting recall, etc. Issue is very distracting, especially in a parking lot. Issue also occasionally happens when slowing to a stop at low speeds.”
Filed Mar 6, 2023

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 2 of 55 reports involved a crash and 2 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.

File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.