NHTSA Complaint #11666826 — 2019 HONDA ACCORD

NHTSA Vehicle Safety Complaint Vehicle: 2019 Honda Accord 1.5T Engine: 1.5-liter Turbocharged (L15B7) Mileage at Failure: 88,000 miles Issue: Blown Head Gasket / Coolant Leak / Engine Stalling Summary of the Problem: At approximately 88,000 miles, my 2019 Honda Accord 1.5T began exhibiting signs of a coolant leak and engine performance issues. After diagnosis by a certified mechanic, it was confirmed that the head gasket had failed, causing coolant to leak into the engine. This led to overheating and a dangerous engine stall while I was in active traffic, posing a serious safety risk. Safety Concern: The vehicle stalled unexpectedly in traffic due to the head gasket failure, putting me and surrounding drivers at risk of a crash. A blown head gasket can cause sudden overheating, misfires, and loss of power, all of which jeopardize the safe operation of the vehicle. This occurred without any warning lights or prior symptoms, making it even more dangerous. Repair Cost: The repair for the blown head gasket and associated engine work cost me $3,800 out of pocket, despite the vehicle being well maintained and relatively low mileage for this type of failure. Maintenance & Vehicle History: The car was serviced regularly according to Honda’s recommended schedule. There were no prior signs of overheating or misuse. The stall happened suddenly, requiring the vehicle to be pushed to safety to avoid blocking traffic. Wider Problem Indication: This issue appears to be widespread among 2019–2021 Honda Accords with the 1.5T engine. Many owners report similar head gasket failures, indicating a potential defect in the engine’s design, materials, or thermal management. Requested Action: I respectfully request that the NHTSA investigate this issue as a safety-related defect, and that Honda be required to issue a recall, extended warranty, or reimbursement program to address these premature and dangerous failures.