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What is the most common problem with the Honda Accord 2015?

Across owner forums and reliability analyses, the most frequently reported issue for the 2015 Honda Accord is related to the automatic transmission—often described as rough shifting, shudder, or occasional slipping. This trend appears in a notable share of complaints and service records, making it the standout problem for many drivers of this year.

While the Accord generally earns strong reliability marks, a subset of owners has reported recurring concerns that surface as mileage climbs. This article outlines the most commonly reported problems, offers practical guidance for diagnosis and maintenance, and explains how to stay on top of recalls and safety advisories.

Most commonly reported problems

Below is a summary of the issues most frequently cited by 2015 Accord owners and reliability resources. Each item includes a brief description of typical symptoms and what to look for.

Transmission issues in automatic models: Rough or harsh shifting, shudder during acceleration, and occasional slipping are the most commonly cited concerns. These symptoms can appear gradually as the car ages or with higher mileage.

Oil consumption and engine-related concerns in the 2.4L four-cylinder: Some owners report needing to top off engine oil more often than expected, along with occasional misfires or check-engine light activation tied to engine performance.

Air conditioning and HVAC reliability: Weak cooling, unusual noises from the compressor, or failure to reach set temperatures have been reported, affecting comfort and HVAC efficiency.

Electrical and accessory issues: Intermittent failures or glitches with power windows, door locks, and infotainment systems can affect daily usability and convenience.

These items reflect patterns observed in owner reports and consumer data. While transmission problems dominate discussions, other issues have also appeared across a subset of buses and models, underscoring the importance of regular maintenance and early diagnosis.

Safety recalls and maintenance considerations

In addition to reported problems, safety recalls can affect vehicles from this era. Open recalls vary by VIN, so it’s important to check your specific car’s status with the manufacturer or national recall databases.

Takata airbag inflator recall: This was one of the largest safety campaigns affecting older Hondas, including some 2015 Accords. Verify whether your VIN is affected and whether the repair has been completed.

Other open recalls: Recalls can cover a range of issues from safety devices to minor components and may vary by region and VIN. Always check for any active recalls on your exact vehicle.

Staying current with recalls and ensuring maintenance is up to date can reduce exposure to the most common problems and help preserve long-term reliability.

What to check if you’re buying a used 2015 Accord

For prospective buyers, a focused pre-purchase check can reveal whether the vehicle has experienced the common issues and whether they’ve been properly addressed.

Test the transmission: Have a mechanic or experienced driver evaluate shifting for smoothness, responsiveness, and any shudder during gear changes or acceleration.

Review maintenance history: Look for regular oil changes and records of any engine performance repairs or A/C service, which can indicate how well the car was cared for.

Assess the A/C and electrical systems: Check cooling performance, listen for unusual compressor or fan noises, and verify window/lock/infotainment operation.

Check recalls by VIN: Use the VIN to verify open recalls and confirm that recall work has been completed if applicable.

Bottom line: A thorough inspection focused on transmission health, oil usage, HVAC reliability, and recall status can help you gauge whether a 2015 Accord is a sound purchase or one that may require upfront fixes.

Summary

For the 2015 Honda Accord, the most commonly reported problem centers on the automatic transmission, especially rough shifting and shudder. While transmission issues are the headline concern, some owners report oil consumption, HVAC problems, and electrical glitches. Regular maintenance, prompt diagnosis of symptoms, and proactive recall checks are key to managing these risks. Overall, the 2015 Accord remains a well-regarded sedan, but buyers and current owners should be aware of these recurring issues and address them early to maintain reliability.

What is the most common problem in a Honda Accord?

Engine Issues
Issues such as oil leaks, timing belt wear, and overheating can creep up, especially in older models. Staying on top of engine maintenance, including timely oil changes and cooling system checks, can keep your engine purring like a kitten. For expert Honda repairs in Mason, OH, contact Rix Automotive!

What are the bad years for Honda Accord?

The Honda Accord years to avoid are primarily 1998–2002, 2008, 2013, and 2014, due to common issues like transmission problems, oil consumption, and safety recalls. The 1998–2002 models are particularly prone to transmission failure, while the 2008–2010 models can have engine and transmission issues, and the 2013–2014 models introduced problems with the new continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Years to avoid

1998–2002: These models are notorious for transmission problems, including slipping, delayed shifting, and total failure, sometimes before 100,000 miles.
2008–2010: This generation saw reports of premature transmission failure (especially automatic models), excessive oil consumption, and potential issues with rear brakes.
2013–2014: The introduction of the CVT in these model years led to reliability concerns like oil consumption and transmission issues.
2018: Some sources indicate this year should be avoided due to potential safety issues, including faulty airbags and steering malfunctions.

Is the Honda Accord 2015 reliable?

As a whole, consumers found the vehicle's reliability and quality to be its strongest features and performance to be its weakest. 300 out of 436 of owners (69% of them) rank the 2015 Accord five out of five stars. Overall, consumers seem aligned in their opinions of the 2015 Honda Accord.

What is the problem with the 2015 Honda Accord?

Common problems reported for the 2015 Honda Accord include transmission issues like slipping and rough shifting, engine problems such as oil leaks and rough idling, and electronic glitches like backup camera failures and issues with the infotainment system. Other concerns include brake system problems, a noisy or vibrating windshield molding, and potential paint quality issues.
This video discusses some common problems of the 2015 Honda Accord and how to fix them: 59sRB The MechanicYouTube · Apr 23, 2025
Engine and mechanical issues

Oil leaks: Some engines are prone to oil leaks.
Rough idling/stalling: The engine may have an erratic idle or stall.
Transmission problems: Some drivers have reported slipping, abrupt shifting, and transmission failure.
Brake system: Premature brake wear, pulsations, and issues with the anti-lock brake system modulator have been reported.
Timing belt tensioner: The timing belt tensioner on the V6 engine has a high failure rate and can cause a knocking sound.
Water pump: The water pump bearing can seize, leading to belt breakage and breakdown.

Electrical and electronic issues

Backup camera: The backup camera can fail, which can be expensive to replace.
Infotainment system: The infotainment system may experience glitches, and the backup camera and other switches can stop working.
Ignition switch: A recall was issued for ignition switch failures, which can cause stalling or failure to start.
Battery drain: Some owners have reported battery drain issues.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.