There is an inherent defective ignition system in the 2013 Honda Accord with push button start that manifests itself indifferent ways.

Some produce the flashing dash lights and followed by nothing when pushing the start button, and others get simply a grinding noise when pushing the start button. In both cases, then engine does not even attempt to turn over and start. In my case, I get the grinding noise, and sometimes I have to push the start button 5 or 6 times to get the car to start.

I've contacted Honda corporation about this twice. The first time I got the standard too bad so sad you are out of warranty response, The second time I complained to Honda, after finding this website which documents many similar complaints, and the NHTSA website that listed over 43 pages of complaints about the starter issue, and including comments about the numerous complaints, they actually instructed me to get a diagnostics done and provide that feedback. Dealer diagnostics came back with a recommendation to replace the torque converter (since I had already replaced the starter and rotated the torque converter in accordance withe Honda's TSB). The cost for that -was ~$3200 of which I paid $1,680 and Honda corp paid the balance. It was a very nice gesture from Honda, but it did not fix the grinding noise.

However, I followed their TSB and follow on recommendation for a new torque converter, and since neither of those fixed the issue, they now recommend replacing the starter again because 1. they installed a new torque converter and since that didn't fix it, they think redoing the TSB work will fix it, and 2. The starter installed by a third party may not meet the specs of a Honda OEM starter. Not that the starter is bad, but just "may not" meet OEM specs; I call BS on that. During one of my conversations with Honda Corp case manager, she told me that while this website (and other's like it) are great, Honda does not monitor them for any recall or safety concerns. We have to file a complaint directly with Honda Corp. I encourage everyone on this thread to file/open a complaint with Honda. It is rather easy to do; the link below will open a page from which you can file your complaint. https://crrs.secure.force.com/service/hondaw2c Simply enter your information and details. You can also call 800-999-1009. I dealt with Darlene ext 87143. I also learned another valuable lesson, complain about any and all issues every time; regardless of how minor it may seem to both honda corp and your service department. It's fine to complain on these websites, but this is not considered "documentation" by Honda Corp.

The service department I've been using has been great to work with, they gave me a loaner car because after $3200 of work, it was still not fixed. I won't be putting any more money into this car, it is time to dump it. SO sad that a Honda with 72K miles is so unreliable.

When I push the start button on my car there is a screech noise like when the car is already started on a turn key car and you try to start it again. I have been having this issue for about a year now. It would only do it on a cold start and rarely. Now it's getting worse. It does it at least once or twice a week and in the last week I found myself pushing the button 5 or 6 times to start wondering is it going to start.

I mentioned this to my local dealership a year ago or longer and again when the recall for the battery connector was replaced. They acted like they didn't know what I was talking about and that they had no issues. But they didn't start it on a cold start and at the time it wasn't doing it a lot. Today I asked them about it and they told me there is no recall and no warranties so I would have to pay just to get it diagnosed. Then the service guy tells me it sounds like the starter. Why all the sudden that's what it sounds like but a year ago and 6 months ago you don't know what I am talking about. I was told by another Honda Accord owner that he has a 2011 and his is doing the same thing. He was told by a Honda Tech that it is the Variable Valve Timing Solenoid. But all I'm hearing on this complaint is the starter and some of these complaints are saying this did not fix the problem. Has anyone fixed the noise and the start problem by replacing the Variable Valve Timing Solenoid? I WANT A RECALL!!

Daughter had been reporting problems with electronic start for months, but problem was intermittent. Had reported twice to dealership during service visits, but they could not re-create Finally this week, it escalated and required 5 attempts/resets before vehicle actually started. The symptom is the infamous grinding sounds that appear at the push of the button. Delivered the vehicle to Honda immediately and explained the problem and pointed to the existing service bulletin. I really assumed this would be covered by special warranty since the problem is so widespread. Also, due to the fact that I have purchased a total of 8 new Honda vehicles during my lifetime - I assumed there would be some reward for my loyalty. Not the case, as the dealer's service rep appealed to Honda for assistance. The claim was denied immediately. I also asked for an appeal to dealership management. Again, very little assistance was offered - 10% discount. I told them to go ahead with the repair, but notified them that I would be contacting Honda myself. I had a 15 minute conversation with a CSR explaining the situation in full details. She gathered my information and stated she would be turning the report over to a case manager who will be contacting me within 24 hours. I'm now anxiously awaiting that phone call. I'm still holding out hope that Honda will come to their senses over this issue. The owner should not be responsible for a design or equipment flaw in the original assembly. At this point, I'm extremely disappointed in the Honda organization. This sort of poor customer support could make waves in the marketplace that has the potential to do irreparable harm to the company's reputation.

Had an intermittent failure to start when pressing the start button accompanied by a screeching, grinding noise. Honda dealer said I needed to replace the starter - cost about $850. Had the starter replaced by an independent repair shop - cost about $350. Almost immediately the same failure to start recurred. Mechanic took another look, and said I needed to again replace the starter which would be covered by their warranty. In addition on closer examination also said I needed to replace the flex plate -cost $3200 for the part and about $850 for labor. This is clearly a problem caused by a defect that Honda has known about for years. It’s time for them to step up and make repairs at their expense. I will be complaining to NHSTA and directly to Honda.

I recently began having issues with my starter for my 2013 accord. I would push that button and a loud screech would occur. The car may start on the next push or it would make that same noise for the next 5-6 times. This would happen about 30% of the time starting my car. Had diagnostic run and they localized it to the starter. That was replaced. The same issue began couple of weeks later. It was replaced again and the same issue is still occurring. This sounds to me like this is a bad lot of starters.

TEXT OF LETTER SENT TO CEO OF HONDA, USA

Dear Mr. Mikoshiba:

My wife and I have been having difficulty starting our 2013 Honda Accord V6. My local service station mechanic researched the problem, produced a service bulletin 16-002 and suggested that I contact my dealer, Price Honda of Dover. I did so on January 26 and spoke with a representative, Shelina, who scheduled a service appointment for 7:45 the next morning. I was told Honda would repair the car at no charge as the company had extended the warranty to cover this specific defect. That seemed reasonable and proper to me considering the problem appears to have been caused by an assembly error at Honda's end, and not due to wear, tear or accident at my end. However, when I arrived at the dealership, I was told by Jeremy that this was not the case and that the best he could offer, after consulting with his manager, was the possibility of a 50 percent courtesy discount and that would only be determined after the fact. Given the facts of the case, I felt that was unacceptable.

In reading through the service bulletin with my mechanic, it's pretty clear what caused the problem and it's equally clear that I shouldn't have to pay to correct it. Forgetting for a moment the considerable inconvenience to me, the fact that this issue was assigned a defect code would - in my mind - obligate Honda to fix that defect at no charge, in or out of factory warranty. I am asking for your immediate attentions to this matter. Thank you.

Update from Jun 8, 2017: Update to June 8 --

After getting nowhere for over five months, Amber from Honda North America called last week to tell me that they had closed the book on my unresolved complaint. Apparently, my sin was in suggesting that we deal in writing (email or letter) to prevent any possible misunderstanding. Honda refused my request without explanation.

My last letter to the Honda CEO. Mr. Mikoshiba, included the following paragraph:

"Unresolved customer service problems like mine tend to fester. A web search confirms that I'm not alone here. Left unaddressed similar complaints will sooner or later gain momentum. I will wait on the sidelines until that happens."

Starter would grind or spin when brake pedal and push button were pressed / intermittent problem. Unknown issue to first dealer, although service bulletin was out since Feb 2016. Second dealer replaced starter and turned the flex plate a notch ,as per bulletin. Issue reoccurred 5000kms later. Starter and flex plate replaced but battery died four hrs after driving away with vehicle from dealer. Dealer invoiced me for new Battery. Battery installed incorrectly and new noise upon engine start.

Appreciate feedback.