Honda Accord problems, reliability and years to avoid
If you are considering buying a used Honda Accord, these are the common problems worth knowing about first. Our garage database tracks 6 known faults for this model, 1 of them rated high severity. Every one below is a repair bill a seller has good reason not to mention.
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Is the Honda Accord reliable?
The Honda Accord has 6 known faults in our database across 2 generations, 1 of them rated high severity. The most serious are engine (the exhaust manifold on the 2.2 i-CTDi diesel can crack at high mileage) and engine (diesel particulate filter (DPF) trouble on the 2.2 i-DTEC). None of them makes the car a bad buy on its own; the risk is a seller who knows and says nothing.
That is a count of the faults we hold, not a reliability score. Popular cars get written about more, and a newer generation has had less time to show its faults.
Which Honda Accord years should you avoid?
No year is a write-off on its own. What matters is which serious faults a given year and engine can have, and whether the car in front of you has had them fixed.
7th generation, 2003 to 20081 high severity
2 known faults, the serious ones in the engine
8th generation, 2008 to 2015
4 known faults, none rated high severity
Years and engines with a serious known fault
2004 to 2010, 2.2 i-CTDi (N22A): the exhaust manifold on the 2.2 i-CTDi diesel can crack at high mileage
Each one is set out in full below, with the symptoms, the typical mileage and a rough repair cost.
Generation 1 of 22 known faults · 6 owner reports · 11 good notes
Honda Accord 7th generation (2003 to 2008) problems
Engine/EmissionsHigh severity📝 Editorial
The exhaust manifold on the 2.2 i-CTDi diesel can crack at high mileage and let exhaust fumes, including carbon monoxide, into the cabin
Typical symptoms
strong smell of exhaust fumes inside the car
ticking or hissing noise from engine bay when cold
soot marks near the turbo
Affected vehicles
Engines:
2.2 i-CTDi (N22A)
Typical mileage:
unknown miles
1 more owner report backs this up
April 2011A 2005 Accord, six years old, had a cracked exhaust manifold, with no warranty replacement offered.
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →
BrakesMedium severity📝 Editorial
On this Accord the ABS and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) control unit tends to give trouble once the car is around four years old. The ABS and VSA warning lights then come on, which fails the MOT. Dealer replacement has been quoted at around £1,600 to over £2,000, though specialists can often rebuild the unit for less.
Typical symptoms
ABS and VSA warning lights on, sometimes intermittently
VSA light that will not clear
Affected vehicles
Engines:
All with VSA stability control
Typical mileage:
unknown miles
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →
What owners report on the 7th generation
6 single reports, unconfirmed
One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.
Engine · September 2017A 2004 Honda Accord Tourer 2.2i CDTi experienced erratic tickover when hot, sometimes stalling and illuminating the engine management light.
Engine · June 2017A 2005 Honda Accord 2.2 i-CTDi required five exhaust gas recirculation valves over three years, with the last replacement costing £800 at 197,000 miles.
Engine · August 2016A 2005 Accord Tourer 2.2iCDTI reached 200,000 miles reliably, but then started smoking, with replacement injectors costing over £1,000.
Electrics · July 2015The VSA warning light illuminated on the dashboard of a 2006 Accord, with a dealer quoting over two thousand pounds for replacement.
Electrics · April 2014A 2007 i-VTEC EX+ estate with 78,000 miles had battery drain due to a shorting fuse board caused by water ingress.
Electrics · January 2013The 45 Amp battery in petrol models was prone to losing charge, with some having a lifespan as short as 18 months.
What owners like about the 7th generation
11 notes
The Accord achieved a four-star performance in NCAP crash safety tests, demonstrating good occupant protection.
This model was the most reliable car in the 2001 Fleet News Survey, covering 620,000 fleet vehicles.
Honda generally had the eighth-lowest average warranty repair costs in the 2003 Warranty Direct Reliability Index.
The Accord received an exemplary rating for fewest breakdowns, problems, and faults in the 2003 Which? survey.
The Accord ranked 25th out of 137 cars in the 2003 Top Gear survey, indicating good overall performance.
The Accord Tourer was reported to be a pleasant car to drive, offering a good overall experience.
The 2.4 Executive automatic variant was considered the best option in the Accord Tourer range.
The Accord Tourer achieved a four-star NCAP crash safety rating, indicating good protection.
A high-spec Accord Tourer, bought in 2006, achieved 190,000 miles with outstanding reliability and reasonable servicing costs.
A diesel Accord showed very minor oil consumption of 500ml per 12,000 miles and achieved over 50mpg with premium diesel.
The Accord ranked sixth in the 2007 UK J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Survey, achieving an 84.6% score.
Generation 2 of 24 known faults · 9 owner reports · 13 good notes
Honda Accord 8th generation (2008 to 2015) problems
Engine/EmissionsLow severity📝 Editorial
The variable valve timing (VTC) actuator on Honda's K-series petrol engines can wear its internal locking pin, so the engine makes a loud grinding rattle lasting one to two seconds from a cold start, stopping once oil pressure builds. In the US, Honda issued a service bulletin to replace the actuator on the later 2.4. Left alone it can wear the timing chain and its guides, and the repair often means replacing the chain and tensioner too.
Typical symptoms
loud grinding or rattling for one to two seconds on a cold start
noise gone once the engine has been running a moment
Affected vehicles
Engines:
K-series petrol: 2.0 and 2.4 (2003-2008), 2.4 (2008-2015)
Typical mileage:
unknown miles
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →
Transmission/ClutchMedium severity📝 Editorial
Premature failure of the dual mass flywheel (DMF) and clutch on the diesel manuals, causing slip under heavy load or rattling and shaking at idle. A clutch on these engines would normally be expected to last 80,000 miles or more, but some have failed at between 10,000 and 30,000 miles, and Honda issued a service bulletin telling dealers how to diagnose clutch slip on the 2.2 diesel.
Rough guide
£990-1500
Typical symptoms
revs rising without speed increasing in 4th/5th/6th gear
rattle or shake from under the car when starting or stopping the engine (DMF failing)
Affected vehicles
Engines:
Diesel manuals: 2.2 i-CTDi (Civic and CR-V, to 2011), 2.2 i-DTEC (Civic, CR-V and Accord), 1.6 i-DTEC (Civic and CR-V, from 2013)
Typical mileage:
10000-95000 miles
1 more owner report backs this up
February 2013Clutch slip occurred on 2.2 i-DTEC diesels, with failures reported as early as 10,000 to 30,000 miles, despite a normal life of 80,000 to 120,000 miles.
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Engine/EmissionsMedium severity💬 5 owner reports, 2013 to 2017
Diesel particulate filter (DPF) trouble on the 2.2 i-DTEC, the first Honda diesel to have one. Owners report filters failing (one at 63,500 miles), cars needing forced regenerations at the dealer twice a year, and the DPF light returning every few hundred miles. On one 2013 car Honda could not cure the problem, which came with a misfire, and offered to buy the car back.
Typical symptoms
DPF warning light coming on repeatedly
car needing forced regenerations at the dealer
misfire alongside DPF faults
Affected vehicles
Engines:
2.2 i-DTEC diesel
Typical mileage:
unknown miles
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →
Bodywork/ChassisMedium severity📝 Editorial
Rust in the metal frame of the sunroof is a common complaint on the 2008 to 2013 UK Accord. Honda replaced rusty sunroofs free of charge on cars from the 2009 model year and reimbursed owners who had already paid towards the work; cars from other years have had to rely on goodwill.
Typical symptoms
rust or bubbling paint around the sunroof opening
rust on the sunroof frame visible with the glass open
Affected vehicles
Engines:
All with a sunroof
Typical mileage:
unknown miles
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →
What owners report on the 8th generation
9 single reports, unconfirmed
One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.
Brakes · April 2019A 2009 Honda Accord at 92,000 miles showed intermittent ABS, TSA, and VSA warning lights, an MoT failure, with a £2,250 modulator replacement cost.
Electrics · January 2019A 2009 Honda Accord experienced failure of central locking, electric windows, and mirrors, diagnosed as a faulty Body Control Module requiring dealer programming.
Exhaust · August 2017A 2008 Honda Accord 2.2iDTEC required forced DPF regeneration by the dealer every six months.
Exhaust · March 2017A Honda Accord 2.2iDTEC experienced constant problems with its Diesel Particulate Filter.
Exhaust · July 2015A 40-month-old 2013 Accord 2.2iDTEC had DPF light issues every 750 miles and a misfire, leading to a buy-back offer.
Bodywork · July 2015Honda is replacing rusty sunroofs on 2009 Accord models free of charge and reimbursing owners who contributed to repairs.
Bodywork · December 2013The sunroof on a 3.5-year-old 2008 2.4EXi Accord developed rust, but was replaced without charge by the dealer.
Exhaust · July 2013A 2009/59 2.2 i-DTEC Accord with 63,500 miles experienced a Diesel Particulate Filter failure.
Exhaust · January 2013The first report of Diesel Particulate Filter problems with the 2.2 i-DTEC engine was noted.
What owners like about the 8th generation
13 notes
The 1985 Accord was a well-regarded four-door saloon and three-door Aerodeck hatchback model.
The saloon version of the Accord measured 14 feet 7 inches long by 5 feet 6 inches wide, weighing between 980kg and 1,185kg.
The Aerodeck hatchback was 14 feet 4 inches long and 5 feet 7 inches wide, with a weight from 1,075kg to 1,135kg.
Engine options included a 100bhp 1.8, 106bhp 2.0, 122bhp 2.0i, and a 137bhp 2.0i 16 valve, with manual or automatic gearboxes.
A 14-foot 4-inch coupe was available with 114bhp 2.0 or 148bhp 2.0i 16v engines, proving reliable even after 16 years.
The Accord achieved the highest combined safety score in its class during Euro NCAP crash tests, with strong protection ratings.
The Accord is a sound motorway cruiser, offering strong engines and a compliant ride quality for comfortable journeys.
High quality construction and premium materials throughout the cabin give the Accord a classy, well-made feel.
Willing engines provide the Accord with a zesty edge, enhancing the everyday driving experience compared to rivals.
The Accord topped the 'Which?' 2009 new car reliability survey, demonstrating excellent dependability.
The Honda Accord was the top car for customer satisfaction in the Upper Medium Car Sector in the 2010 JD Power Survey.
The Accord achieved a 5-star Euro NCAP rating for passenger protection, 4 stars for child, and a high 3 stars for pedestrian protection.
An excellent 5-speed automatic gearbox was available with the 2.2 i-DTEC from January 2009, featuring paddle shifters.
Other years0 known faults · 7 good notes
Other Honda Accord years: owner reports
What owners like
7 notes
The American-built coupe, launched in summer 1998, offered a 145 bhp four-cylinder engine with manual or automatic, or a 197 bhp V6 automatic.
The coupe measured 15 feet 8 inches long by 5 feet 10 inches wide, with the V6 model weighing 1,470kg.
The Accord Coupe featured understated good looks, contributing to its overall appeal.
This model was sold with a comprehensive three-year warranty, providing peace of mind for owners.
The Accord Coupe provided a full five-seater cabin, equipped with three three-point rear seatbelts for safety.
The Accord ranked 15th out of 100 models for reliability in the 2002 Auto Express survey.
Honda was joint second in the 2002 'Which?' reliability survey for cars from 2000 to 2002, and also for 1997 to 1999 models.
Sellers rarely admit these faults outright
We track 13 specific phrases sellers use in adverts to soft-pedal these exact issues. Paste any Honda Accord advert and we check it in seconds.
Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. These are the 9 DVSA recalls for the Accord, newest first. They do not tell you whether this particular car has had the work: for that, put the registration into the free GOV.UK MOT history check, which shows a recall status where the manufacturer shares it, or ask a franchised dealer to check the VIN.
🏛️ October 2020
The absorption of moisture into the driver's air bag propellant could lead to slow deployment or inflator rupture
The absorption of moisture into the drivers airbag propellant could lead to slow deployment or inflator rupture.
Put right by: Replace the airbag inflator or the airbag assembly. Honda is still preparing for the development and production of the remedy parts.
DVSA R/2020/06142,435 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ August 2019Cars built November 2000 to December 2014
Possible air bag inflator rupture
Passenger air bag may not deploy correctly.
Put right by: The inflator inside the passengers airbag module is to be replaced.
DVSA R/2019/243122,397 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ May 2019Cars built July 2000 to July 2007
Inner pressure of the inflator may irregularly rise upon airbag deployment rupturing the inflator container
Driver air bag may not ignite correctly.
Put right by: Replace the drivers air bag assembly.
DVSA R/2019/1259 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ January 2019Cars built February 2010 to May 2015
Takata passenger airbag inflator may rupture
Passenger airbag inflators may not operate as intended.
Put right by: Replacement of Airbag Assembly on affected vehicles.
DVSA R/2018/342119,827 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ February 2018Cars built April 2009 to January 2010
Passenger airbag may fail to deploy correctly
The propellant used in certain air bag inflators may degrade over time due to heat cycles and exposure to moisture. In the event that the airbag is activated it may overinflate due to overly aggressive combustion of the propellant. The excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to rupture and metal fragments may pass through the cushion material possibly causing severe injury to the vehicle occupants.
Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the airbag inflator unit.
DVSA R/2018/02960,894 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ March 2017Cars built July 2008 to January 2010
Airbag may fail to deploy correctly
Abnormal deployment pressure may lead to rupture of the passenger's air bag inflator case. In the event of an inflator rupture metal fragments could be propelled into the passenger compartment
Put right by: On affected vehicles replace the inflator inside the passenger's air bag module.
DVSA R/2017/01722,805 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ June 2015Cars built December 2003 to December 2008
Passenger side airbag may fail to deploy correctly
Abnormal deployment pressure may lead to rupture of the inflator case. In the event of an inflator rupture metal fragments could be propelled upward toward the windshield or downward toward the front passengers foot well potentially causing injury to a vehicle occupant.
Put right by: On affected vehicles replace the inflator inside the front passengers airbag module with a new one.
DVSA R/2015/104242,653 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ March 2015Cars built January 2003 to December 2003
Passenger side airbag may fail to deploy correctly
The subject vehicles are equipped with front passenger airbag inflators which could have been assembled with improperly manufactured propellant wafers. Improperly manufactured propellant wafers could cause the inflator to rupture and the front passenger airbag to deploy abnormally in a crash. This could result in increased risk of injury to the occupant or in a thermal issue in the interior compartment which may lead to fire.
Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to inspect and where necessary replace the airbag inflator module.
DVSA R/2015/04331,135 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ April 2013Cars built May 2002 to May 2003
Passenger side airbag may fail to deploy correctly
The subject vehicles are equipped with front passenger airbag inflators which could have been assembled with improperly manufactured propellant wafers. Improperly manufactured propellant wafers could cause the inflator to rupture and the front passenger airbag to deploy abnormally in a crash. This could result in increased risk of injury to the occupant or in a thermal issue in the interior compartment which may lead to fire.
Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to inspect and where necessary replace the airbag inflator module.
DVSA R/2013/049241,460 vehicles affected in the UK
Recall data published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency under the Open Government Licence v3.0. A recall listed here may not apply to every car of this model: the build dates and the registration check are what decide it.
Honda Accord timing chain, and service intervals
A timing chain has no change interval, which is not the same as lasting for ever. Listen for it on a used Accord, and check the oil has been changed on time. These are the figures UK specialists work to.
Timing chainChain
2.0 VTEC, 2.4 VTEC, K20, K24
No fixed replacement interval
Honda K-series engines use a timing chain. The VTC actuator gear is known to rattle on cold startup but the chain itself is very robust.
Always confirm against the vehicle handbook. Intervals vary by engine, and several manufacturers revised theirs after failures in service.
Repair costs are typical UK ranges, not quotes. Actual cost depends on condition and garage.Data last verified: September 2026
Honda Accord buying questions
What are the most common Honda Accord problems?
Three stand out. Engine: the exhaust manifold on the 2.2 i-CTDi diesel can crack at high mileage and let exhaust fumes. Engine: diesel particulate filter (DPF) trouble on the 2.2 i-DTEC, the first Honda diesel to have one. Gearbox: premature failure of the dual mass flywheel (DMF) and clutch on the diesel manuals (typically 10000 to 95000 miles). The full list above is grouped by generation, with typical mileage and a rough repair cost for each.
Which Honda Accord years should I avoid?
No Honda Accord year is a write-off, but the 7th generation (2003 to 2008) carries the most serious faults: engine. The 8th generation (2008 to 2015) has none rated high severity. Year matters less than whether the specific car has had the known fixes, so check the history for them.
What should I check when viewing a used Honda Accord?
Ask the seller about the engine and gearbox faults on this page and whether they have been fixed, with invoices. On the test drive watch for strong smell of exhaust fumes inside the car, DPF warning light coming on repeatedly and revs rising without speed increasing in 4th/5th/6th gear. Read the MOT history for repeat advisories, then paste the advert into the free check, which reads it against all 6 known faults before you travel. Check a Honda Accord advert →
Are there any recalls on the Honda Accord?
The DVSA lists 9 safety recalls for the Honda Accord issued between 2013 and 2020. The most recent, from October 2020, is "The absorption of moisture into the driver's air bag propellant could lead to slow deployment or inflator rupture". Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. This list is by model, so it cannot tell you whether one particular car has had the work: the free GOV.UK MOT history check shows a recall status from the registration where the manufacturer shares it, and a franchised dealer can check the VIN.
What is the real MPG of a Honda Accord?
Owners report 41.5 mpg on average across the Honda Accord engines with data, about 93% of the official combined figure. The gap between official and real-world economy varies a lot by engine, so the Real MPG page lists every engine and generation separately, from 990 owner submissions. Honda Accord Real MPG by engine →
If you used to check the Honest John “Good & Bad” section before the site closed in 2026, this page is where that information now lives. We rebuilt the Honda Accord owner-report history from the archived Honest John dataset, added our own research, specialist and owner-club sources and DVSA recall data, and we keep it free. Each fault above is badged with its source. The same data feeds our free advert check, which reads a listing against every known fault for the exact engine and year.
Knowing what a Honda Accord goes wrong with is half of it. The rest is reading the advert and checking the car's history before you hand any money over.