Common Honda Accord Failures: Problems, Solutions And More!

The Honda Accord is a great choice if you want to buy a reliable mid-size sedan. As Honda’s best-selling model in the US for decades, it’s known for excellent gas mileage, excellent handling, spacious interiors, and versatile designs. If you are thinking of buying this car, it is good that you know everything about the common faults of the Honda Accord and so you can have more security when buying it.

The Honda Accord holds its value compared to most vehicles, only depreciating 47% after five years, according to CarEdge.com. If you’re interested in buying a new Honda Accord and learning about common problems, keep reading.

How good are the Honda Accord?

The Honda Accord has consistently scored high in all major reliability ratings. RepairPal claims that it is the model to beat for mid-size cars with a rating of 4.5 out of 5.0.

Since 2011, the Accord has earned a five-star overall rating in the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety ratings. Since 2018 it has achieved five stars in all frontal and side crash tests.

Like any other car, the Accord may also need repairs from time to time. However, the frequency and severity of repairs are significantly less compared to other vehicles. The Accord has the potential to get 200,000 miles or more if you perform regular maintenance, follow your service schedule, and drive correctly.

Common failures of the Honda Accord

Despite its excellent reliability ratings, some parts on the Honda Accord can fail or break down sooner than expected. Here are the common failures of the Honda Accord through its models over the years:

1- Problems due to uncomfortable seats

Owners of the 2017 Honda Accord have reported experiencing severe neck and back pain due to their car’s uncomfortable seats and headrests. Some of these owners had to endure pain to keep driving their Accord.

Those that couldn’t traded it in for other Honda models or put it up for sale at a significant loss. Other 2017 Honda Accord issues involved transmission, electrical, and lighting issues .

Uncomfortable seats are also a major concern for many 2008 and 2009 Accord owners. Most blamed the seats for their poor lumbar support, angle, and cushioning for back pain and leg circulation problems .

Owners report that seat pain becomes noticeable after 15-20 minutes of driving. Other common 2008 and 2009 Honda Accord problems involve interior accessories, air conditioning or heating systems, and bodywork or paint.

2- Failures in the electrical system

Electrical problems were not uncommon on 2013-2014 Honda Accord models. Many owners stated that their starter began to fail shortly after their car’s 30,000 mile warranty had expired.

Reports that the factory-installed batteries do not have enough amps to power the motor further complicated the issue. Many owners also complained about the batteries continually draining.

Whether you’re buying a Honda Accord with a history of starting problems or not, it pays to be aware of the symptoms of a bad start. Start looking for a replacement at the first sign of trouble . A new Honda Accord starter can cost between $33 and $198, depending on the make.

3- Excessive oil consumption and premature wear of the brakes

Owners of the 2008 and 2009 Honda Accord models have a tough time with fuel economy and brake issues.

To resolve the excessive fuel consumption issue, Honda issued a technical service bulletin that involved updating the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) with a software program.

The automaker has several class action lawsuits pending on the matter. One of the lawsuits claims that the automaker made more than a million models that burned excessive oil.

Honda Accords built in 2008 and 2009 were also prone to premature brake wear, with some owners reporting worn brake pads after only 12,000 miles. Many owners also reported warped rotors, squealing brakes, and vibration from applied brakes.

4- Problems with the transmission and the backlight of the stereo

“Honda Accord Automatic Transmission Shift Problems” is one of the most common Honda Accord failures in the early 2000s. Over 3,000 complaints were logged for the 2003 Honda Accord, leading the automaker to to issue 24 recalls.

Owners report that the 2003 Honda Accord was an excellent ride until its transmission begins to slip, which usually occurs when the car has reached 98,000 average miles. Then connection lag, sudden changes, strange noises, and other issues start to crop up. Honda Accord models made in 2000, 2001 and 2004 also suffered from transmission problems.

Honda also issued a warning for weak or faulty stereo backlights, which covered the repair for seven years. The automaker initially replaced the entire radio, before opting to replace just the stereo’s PCB. The printed circuit board was considered the most common cause of the problem.

5- Failures with the ignition switch

Another frequent Honda Accord failure is a faulty ignition switch. If the ignition switch interlock fails, the key can be removed before the engine is in the “park” position. This increases the risk of the car rolling and crashing. A Honda Accord with a faulty ignition switch may also stall or not start.

Honda recalled several models, including 1999-2002 Accords, due to this issue. If you buy a Honda Accord made during those years, you should pay close attention to its ignition switch. Replace it immediately if it is faulty. A replacement Honda Accord ignition switch could cost you anywhere from $19 to $250 .

6- Defective electric door locks

The doors may not lock properly, not lock at all, or lock on their own when the power lock actuators begin to fail. These problems are intermittent, so they can be a nuisance to deal with. If your Honda Accord begins to display these symptoms, take it to a garage for a proper diagnosis.

Depending on the mechanic’s findings, you may have to purchase a replacement. A new door lock actuator costs between $8 and $49. This problem affects models built from 1990 to 2017.

To end

Whether you’re thinking of buying used or new, it’s hard to go wrong with the Honda Accord, especially if you’re aware of the issues it can have. Research common car type problems . Once you’ve decided on a car, don’t hesitate to ask the seller or dealer questions about its performance and reliability. This is essential if you are going to buy a used Accord.