NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Honda Accord Safety Ratings
The 2021 Honda Accord scores 90 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 206 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Honda Accord achieved perfect crash-test scores across all categories assessed by NHTSA. This, combined with a full suite of standard avoidance technology, contributes to its exceptional NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100. While its safety profile is strong, the presence of four active recall campaigns should be noted when evaluating this model year.
The 2021 Honda Accord received a 5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100, based on NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Honda Accord ranks 35 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 90 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.3% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 206 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 35 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Honda Accord?
The 2021 Honda Accord achieved a perfect 70/70 in crash protection and a 10/10 for avoidance technology in our assessment, earning a 90/100 NHTSA Safety Index score. This places it in the Exceptional band, a notable rise from the 2020 model's 89/100. Standard features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control contribute to the strong avoidance technology rating. However, the model's defect record sub-score of 10/20 reflects four active recall campaigns. Two of these campaigns address issues with the front-passenger occupant classification sensor, indicating a persistent concern with airbag calibration. A separate recall in late 2021 specifically targeted the 2021 Accord Sedan for seat belt retractor issues. Furthermore, 206 owner complaints have been filed, with 57 specifically citing problems with the Forward Collision Avoidance system. While these complaints are unverified, their concentration on a critical safety system warrants scrutiny.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Honda Accord perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Honda Accord achieved a 5 out of 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, matching its performance in every individual crash-test category. Frontal, side, and rollover protection each earned the maximum 5 stars. Its rollover risk was assessed at 9 percent, with the dynamic tip test confirming a "No Tip" result. All categories tested by NHTSA for the 2021 Accord received the highest possible star rating.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15895
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Honda Accord have any recalls?
Four recall campaigns cover the 2021 Accord. Two target the front-passenger occupant classification sensor in the air bag system. A third addresses the gasoline fuel delivery pump across a broad Honda lineup. A fourth, specific to the 2021 Accord Sedan, involves rear seat-belt retractors. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the supplied campaign descriptions, but shoppers should verify current remedy status by VIN at NHTSA.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER26V332000
Risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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) involve
Reported 2026-05-21
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER24V064000
Risk: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2024-02-01
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP23V858000
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2023-12-18
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR21V900000
Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2021-11-18
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Honda Accord?
NHTSA has received 206 unverified owner complaints for the 2021 Accord. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Forward Collision Avoidance with 57 reported complaints, followed by the Electrical System at 49, and Engine at 27. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
206 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Honda Accord?
The 2021 Accord's four recall campaigns, including two for air bag sensors and one for the seat-belt retractor, warrant close attention. Shoppers should run a specific vehicle's VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and obtain written confirmation that all open remedies have been completed before purchase.
- The 2021 model year crossed from the Strong band into the Exceptional band of the NHTSA Safety Index, a one-point gain over the 2020 Accord's score of 89/100.
- Two separate recall campaigns both target the front-passenger occupant classification sensor in the air bag system, meaning this component has been the subject of more than one corrective action for this model year.
- The defect-record sub-score of 10/20 is the only category preventing a higher overall Safety Index, driven entirely by the four active recall campaigns assigned to this model year.
- Unverified owner complaints to NHTSA show 57 alleged issues with the Forward Collision Avoidance system, the single highest complaint category for this model year, which prospective buyers should ask about when reviewing service history.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Honda Accord places
The 2021 Honda Accord qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Honda Accord safety questions
Was the 2021 Honda Accord crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Honda Accord, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Honda Accord crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Honda Accord earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 9.3%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Honda Accord have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Honda Accord. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Honda Accord?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 206 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Honda Accord. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Accord years
Rivals in Sedan (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15895), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Honda Accord 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 35 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.