The 2018 Accord receives numerous safety improvements and driver assistive features, beginning with its next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, and the application of Honda Sensing®, including new Traffic Sign Recognition, as standard equipment on all models and trims. Accord also adds driver and front passenger knee airbags for the first time, plus rain-sensing windshield wipers, an electric parking brake (EPB) and available LED headlights. (See the Body and Exterior section for more information).
Electronic advancements include the first application of Traffic Sign Recognition in a Honda, and the first application of Driver Attention Monitor in the Accord. As well, the new Accord Touring includes HondaLink™ telematics that allow remote engine starting, cabin temperature control, locking and unlocking doors via the driver’s smartphone, a Wi-Fi hotspot, automatic emergency calling, stolen-vehicle tracking, a rear cross traffic monitor and more. (See the Interior section for more information).
The 2018 Accord was designed to achieve top scores in all National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash tests.
Key Safety and Driver Assistive Features
- Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure
with crash stroke design - Hot-stamped ultra-high-strength steel door rings and sills
- Advanced front airbags
- Front side airbags
- Side curtain airbags
- Driver and front passenger knee airbags*
- Multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines
- Honda Sensing®
- Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS)
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW) – Integrated into CMBS
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW) – Integrated into RDM
- Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow
- Traffic Sign Recognition*^
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Rear Cross Traffic Monitor*
- Driver Attention Monitor*
* First for Accord
^ First for Honda
Crash Safety Ratings (projected)
Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure
Honda’s proprietary Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body-structure enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions. (See the Body and Exterior section for more information.)
Pedestrian Injury Mitigation Design
Structures in the front of the 2018 Accord are designed to help absorb energy in the event of a collision with a pedestrian. Research by Honda shows that the following features can dramatically improve a pedestrian’s chance of survival if struck by a moving vehicle.
- Hood is designed to deform if contact is made with either an adult or a child pedestrian
- Sufficient clearance exists between the hood and hard engine parts, allowing the hood to deform if impacted by a pedestrian
- Windshield base has a unique section structure for efficient impact energy absorption
- Energy-absorbing fender mounts and supports
- Breakaway windshield wiper pivots
- Deformable hood hinges
Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control
Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) is an Electronic Stability Control system that works in conjunction with the Drive-by-Wire™ throttle and the 4-channel ABS systems to enhance control capability while the vehicle is accelerating, braking, cornering or when the driver makes a sudden maneuver. VSA functions by applying brake force to one or more wheels independently while also managing the throttle, ignition and fuel systems to help the vehicle maintain the driver’s intended path of travel.
VSA also provides a limited-slip differential effect for the front wheels by applying braking force to a slipping wheel, thereby redirecting driving force to the wheel with more traction. By pressing the VSA button, the driver can temporarily reduce the traction control effectiveness, allowing more wheel slip during stuck condition. ABS remains fully operational at all times. (See the Powertrain and Chassis sections for more information.)
Advanced 4-Channel ABS with Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
The new 2018 Accord is fitted with 4-wheel disc brakes with 4-channel anti-lock braking (ABS). The ABS system also incorporates an Electronic Brake Booster that improves brake performance and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) circuitry that automatically proportions front-to-rear brake force based on the dynamic load on each wheel. (See the Chassis section for more information.)
Brake Assist
A function of the VSA system, Brake Assist recognizes emergency or hard braking situations and almost instantly applies added braking force to ensure maximum stopping force, an action that can help shorten braking distance.
Seatbelts
Three-point seatbelts are standard for all seating positions. The front seatbelts are equipped with pyrotechnic pre-tensioners and load-limiting retractors to help mitigate injuries in a frontal collision.
Front Airbags
Advanced front airbags are provided to help reduce the likelihood of driver and front passenger injury in a collision of sufficient magnitude. Like other Honda vehicles, the driver’s front airbag is located in the steering wheel while the passenger airbag is located on the top of the dash. When deployed, the passenger airbag inflates upward and then rearward to maximize its protective potential while reducing the likelihood of injuries caused by airbag deployment.
Front Passenger’s Safety Vent Airbag
For the first time in Accord, the passenger’s front airbag features a safety vent system that increases safety for the front passenger in a frontal collision involving an airbag deployment. If the passenger is sitting “out of position” – such as leaning forward in the pathway of the airbag deployment – the auxiliary vents remain open, directing a significant amount of gas out and away from the occupant. As a result, the potential for injury from the airbag striking an out-of-position passenger is reduced. However, if the passenger is correctly seated, the airbag has an internal tether that will close the auxiliary vents at the necessary time to provide optimal occupant restraint.
Driver and Passenger Knee Airbags
The inclusion of driver’s and front passenger’s knee airbags is a first for Accord. The airbags are designed to better control the forward motion of the occupants in the event of a frontal collision, in conjunction with the front airbags and seatbelts. Each knee airbag is contained beneath a panel on the underside of the instrument panel. For improved knee clearance, the panel is contoured away from the knees, offering two additional inches of legroom compared to the previous generation Accord Sedan.
Side Curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor
All outboard seating positions are protected by side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor system. In the event of a severe side impact, the side curtain airbags deploy from modules in the roof, providing a significant level of head protection in the window area. In the unlikely event of a rollover, a roll-rate sensor along with multiple G sensors trigger airbag deployment. The side curtain airbags will also deploy and provide head protection in frontal impacts as necessary. For example, small overlap impacts, where the front corner of the vehicle collides with a solid object.
In the case of a rollover, the side curtain airbags on both sides of the vehicle will deploy. However, in the event of a sufficient side impact that does not result in a rollover, only the airbags on the impacted side of the vehicle will deploy. The airbag maintains full inflation for approximately six seconds after inflation to allow for the increased duration of a rollover accident.
Whiplash Mitigation Front Seat Design
Both front seats are designed to help mitigate the severity of neck injuries in the event of a rear impact by efficiently dispersing forces against the occupant as the seatback cushion compresses relative to the occupant’s head. The seatback springs are optimized so that in a rear crash, when the seatback is pushed forward into the occupant, the seat will absorb the occupant’s mass in manner that can help minimize the severity of a whiplash injury. (See the Interior section for more information.)
Adjustable Head Restraints
All front and rear seating positions feature individually adjustable head restraints.
Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH)
Both of the Accord’s second-row outboard seating positions are equipped with the LATCH Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children child seat-mounting system. Tether anchors are provided the remaining middle seating position. (See the Interior section for more information.)
Indirect Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
In a first for the Accord, an indirect Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) uses wheel-speed data collected by the ABS system to determine when the air pressure in one tire drops below the recommended minimum. When this occurs, a symbol will illuminate on the instrument panel to warn the driver. (See the Chassis section for more information.)
Parking Sensors
To assist in maneuvering in tight spaces, such as entering or exiting a parking space, the 2018 Accord Touring trim features a set of six parking sensors. A sensor is located at each corner of the vehicle with an additional two at the rear. When a sensor(s) detects an object close to the vehicle, the system provides an audible warning plus a visual alert on the MID and, when backing up, also on the Display Audio screen when showing the rearview camera view. With each type of visual alert, the system indicates in what direction the detected object is located.
Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with Dynamic Guidelines
All 2015 and newer Honda models, including the 2018 Accord, incorporate a multi-angle rearview camera. Based on the driver’s selection, the center console display can show a top view, normal view, or wide view on the 8-inch Display Audio touchscreen when in Reverse gear, Dynamic guidelines project the vehicle’s future path based on the driver’s steering inputs.
Driver Attention Monitor
New for the 2018 Accord, on highway and arterial roads the Driver Attention Monitor continually monitors and assesses driver behavior behind the wheel to help determine if the driver is becoming inattentive – and then if so, warn the driver to take a break. The system uses input from the Electric Power Steering (EPS) to measure both the frequency and severity of the driver’s steering inputs to gauge their level of awareness with four gradients.
When the Driver Attention Monitor is activated, the driver is first alerted by a coffee cup icon and a 4-level bar graph that is displayed on the Driver Information Interface (DII) below the speedometer and tachometer. The bar graph indicates full attention when four white bar elements are illuminated. As the driver attention drops, fewer and fewer bars are illuminated. When the number of bars drops to two, a message inviting the driver to take a break is illuminated. If the driver continues driving and the graph drops to the lowest level of one bar, a beeper sounds and the steering wheel vibrates, prompting the driver to pay closer attention or take a rest break. (See the Interior section for more information.)
Honda Sensing®
Honda Sensing® helps provide greater awareness of driving conditions around the vehicle, providing warnings to the driver and, under certain conditions, aiding the driver in avoiding or mitigating the severity of a collision. Honda Sensing is standard on all 2018 Accord trims and includes new Traffic Sign Recognition.
Honda Sensing® features include the following:
- Traffic Sign Recognition*
- Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS)
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW) – Integrated with CMBS
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
- Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW) – Integrated with RDM
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow (LSF)
* First for Honda
Traffic Sign Recognition
In a first for Honda, all 2018 Accord trims include a new Traffic Sign Recognition feature that supports the driver in recognizing traffic speed limit signs. To do so, the Accord’s monocular camera can automatically recognize the signs and display the information on the Driver Information Interface (DII). The information is displayed immediately after the Accord passes the sign.
Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS)
All Accord trims offer the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), one of the most sophisticated driver-assistive technologies available. A millimeter wave radar unit, located behind the front grille, and monocular camera, located between the rearview mirror and windshield, scans traffic conditions ahead of the vehicle.
When the system determines a collision is possible with a detected vehicle, the integrated Forward Collision Warning FCW system’s visual and audible alerts prompt the driver to take corrective actions. The visual alert appears on the Driver Information Interface (DII). If the situation is not resolved, CMBS can apply different levels of automatic braking action to help reduce vehicle speed and eventual collision forces, and therefore to help reduce the severity of a collision if the driver does not take corrective action on their own. The radar unit and camera work simultaneously and cooperatively to control the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) modulator, which initiates any required braking.
Due to the effectiveness of its monocular camera, CMBS can recognize shapes and differentiate between a vehicle and a pedestrian, warning the driver in each case.
It is important to note that CMBS cannot detect all objects ahead, nor is it intended to replace the driver’s assessment of traffic conditions and control of the vehicle. The driver must intervene in certain situations, and must always be attentive when using the system. Although in many cases CMBS will stop the vehicle, it is not intended to apply enough braking force to prevent all collisions. Based on the conditions, the system also may not perform all visual- and audible-alert stages, and may instead automatically engage the brakes if the system deems it necessary. CMBS may be turned off via driver-selectable settings.
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) – Integrated with CMBS
Integrated with CMBS, Forward Collision Warning (FCW) uses the monocular camera and millimeter wave radar to detect vehicles ahead and to determine whether a collision is likely. This helps reduce the stress of driving in traffic, while also contributing to an increased level of passive safety.
If the FCW system detects a vehicle in front of the Accord and then determines that a collision may occur due to a speed differential between the two vehicles, it will trigger visual and audible alerts for the driver. These include a “BRAKE” message on the Multi-Information Display (MID), and a series of beeps to alert the driver to apply the brake pedal. The FCW system will not automatically brake, and the driver remains responsible for safely operating the vehicle and avoiding collisions. If the driver does not respond to the FCW warnings, however, the CMBS is triggered into operation.
Drivers may adjust the distance at which FCW alerts occur through the “Vehicle Settings” feature via the standard audio or Display audio screens. They can choose between “Long,” “Normal” or “Short.” FCW may also be turned off via the Safety Support” function in the driver meters.
Note that the FCW system cannot detect all objects ahead and may not detect a given object; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and other factors.
Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
Integrating Lane Departure Warning (LDW) detailed below, Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) uses a monocular camera mounted on the upper portion of the windshield to identify solid or dashed painted lane lines, Botts’ dots and cats eye markers. RDM uses steering force, via EPS to help the Accord stay in its lane and, if the vehicle is detected leaving a lane marked by solid lines, braking force, via Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), to keep the vehicle from departing the lane or roadway altogether.
The monocular camera recognizes lane features and identifies the lane. If the RDM system determines that the Accord is about to leave a detected lane, it will provide steering assist primary and in rare occasions when steering assist is not sufficient to avoid leaving a lane marked by a solid line, braking assist, to help the driver stay on the road. RDM is integrated with the VSA system to provide moderate braking, and with the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system to provide steering input.
Multiple visual warnings alert the driver when the RDM system is taking corrective action. These include a lane departure warning on the driver’s Driver Information Interface (DII) along with a steering wheel vibration as an initial warning. A visual warning is included in the head-up display on the Touring trim.
RDM also has customizable timing of the initial warning of the steering wheel shake/vibration. This can be adjusted in the vehicle settings. RDM can be turned off via the “Safety Support” function in the driver meters.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) – Integrated into RDM
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is designed to alert the driver if the vehicle is leaving a detected lane without the turn signal being activated. The system functions at speeds from 45 to 90 mph on straight or slightly curved roads, alerting the driver of deviations from a detected lane. The LDW system utilizes the same upper front windshield camera used for CMBS and LKAS and provides visual and tactile alerts prior to the other systems actively engaging.
If the vehicle begins to move out of a detected lane without the turn signal activated, LDW illuminates a Lane Departure message on the Driver Information Interface (DII) and provides a visual and tactile warning, advising the driver to take appropriate action. A visual warning is instead included in the head-up display on the Touring trim. The system can be activated and deactivated by pressing the RDM button located on the instrument panel, to the left of the steering column.
There are certain conditions under which the system may not engage or operate, including inclement weather e.g., snow, ice or heavy rain and extreme cabin heat due to operability of the camera. The system will automatically suspend operation when the brakes are applied or the turn signals are used. LDW may not detect all lane markings or lane departures; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and road conditions. The driver remains responsible for safely operating the vehicle.
Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS)
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) helps provide a less stressful driving experience by reducing the need for steering correction movements and driving effort on the highway. LKAS uses a camera to read lane markings and uses Electric Power Steering (EPS) to assist the driver in maintaining their position within the lane.
Designed for the U.S. road structure, the system uses a monocular camera mounted on the upper portion of the windshield to identify painted lanes, Botts’ dots and cats eye markers at speeds between 45 mph and 90 mph. When LKAS senses that the driver is drifting from the middle of a detected lane, the system generates corrective steering torque to assist the driver in maintaining lane position. Drivers using LKAS need to keep their hands on the steering wheel and their eyes on the road.
LKAS may be activated or deactivated using a switch located on the lower right part of the steering wheel. The system will suspend operation after several seconds if the driver takes his or her hands off the wheel, accompanied by a visual warning in the MID, resuming when the driver makes a steering input. A visual warning is instead included in the head-up display on the Touring trim.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow allows the driver to set a desired speed and following interval from a vehicle detected ahead, allowing the use of cruise control in light traffic conditions. This significantly reduces the driver stress of driving in traffic. The system uses the millimeter wave radar and monocular camera to continually track the distance to the vehicle detected ahead, and then adjusts the Accord’s speed to maintain the set following interval. A short, medium, long, or extra-long interval can be selected. When required, the Accord automatically brakes using the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) modulator. Integrated Low-Speed Follow extends the automatic following capability to stop-and-go traffic situations down to 0 mph. A visual warning is instead included in the head-up display on the Touring trim.
ACC operates in the following ways in the listed circumstances:
- A preceding vehicle is detected in the lane ahead – Decelerates automatically, if required, and then controls the following distance.
- The preceding vehicle slows to a stop – Stops automatically and remains stationary.
- The preceding vehicle accelerates from a stop – Resumes following when the SET or RES switch or accelerator pedal is operated.
- Another vehicle merges in between the Accord and the preceding vehicle – Automatically switches “targets” to the nearest detected preceding vehicle.
- The preceding vehicle exits the lane – ACC system continues at cruise-control speed previously selected by driver 25 to 90 mph.
A Driver Information Interface (DII) message and audible warning alert the driver when the ACC function is activated.
Rear Cross Traffic Monitor
New to the 2018 Accord EX and above trims, Rear Cross Traffic Monitor works in conjunction with the BSI radar sensors to enhance driver confidence when backing up. The system is especially useful when reversing in congested parking lots with an obstructed view from driver’s seat.
The system utilizes a pair of radar units located in the rear bumper corners. When Reverse is selected and an approaching vehicle is detected, arrows indicating the approaching vehicles direction are shown on the center display’s rear camera image as well as an audible warning.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features