Source: Pixabay
Honda has long staked its reputation on its cars being reliable and staying on the road for longer than its competition. And for most of its life, their flagship Accord sedans, coupes, and hatchbacks have carried that legacy. You have to be doing something right for a car model to last 45 years, and the Accord has been going strong since 1976, retaining a high level of quality for most of its ten distinct generations.
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Unfortunately, there have been a few outliers and exceptions. The sixth-generation and parts of the seventh, eighth, and ninth generations had model years to avoid. With a car that sells and the Accord, each year is bound to have some complaints, but some years have had an excess of issues reported, and CoPilot is here to help you steer clear of those years.
Quick Answer: Avoid 1998-2005, 2008-2010, 2013, and 2014 Honda Accords
The turn of the century was not an easy time for Honda. The transmission in the new sixth-generation Accord had issues slipping or making thuds while shifting and often outright failing, while several engines stalled out while driving. These problems persisted throughout the sixth generation, then got even worse at the start of the seventh. To make matters worse, there were clear coat issues for all of those years and some interior issues for 2003 and 2004. There were far fewer problems reported for the 2005 model, but it still had enough transmission problems to make it another model year to avoid.
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But then the ninth generation kicked off with difficulties getting the car started, excessive oil consumption, and poor build quality inside. After seeming to put things together for 2006 and 2007, the 2008 model came in for the eighth generation with over a thousand complaints of premature brake wear, excessive oil consumption, and problems with cabin quality, air conditioning, paint, and transmission.
These problems persisted in 2009 and 2010 before fortunately subsiding for 2011 and 2012. These same problems were there in 2013 and 2014, but the more significant electrical system and engine issues got much better in 2015.
Which Model Years of Honda Accord Are Safe to Buy Used?
- 1976 Honda Accord
- 1977 Honda Accord
- 1978 Honda Accord
- 1979 Honda Accord
- 1980 Honda Accord
- 1981 Honda Accord
- 1982 Honda Accord
- 1983 Honda Accord
- 1984 Honda Accord
- 1985 Honda Accord
- 1986 Honda Accord
- 1987 Honda Accord
- 1988 Honda Accord
- 1989 Honda Accord
- 1990 Honda Accord
- 1991 Honda Accord
- 1992 Honda Accord
- 1993 Honda Accord
- 1994 Honda Accord
- 1995 Honda Accord
- 1996 Honda Accord
- 1997 Honda Accord
- 2006 Honda Accord
- 2007 Honda Accord
- 2011 Honda Accord
- 2012 Honda Accord
- 2015 Honda Accord
- 2016 Honda Accord
- 2017 Honda Accord
- 2018 Honda Accord
- 2019 Honda Accord
- 2020 Honda Accord
Luckily, the first five generations of the Accord were all built with the highest quality and made to last. That is built to last within reason, so it might be tough to find a daily driver like the Accord still running 25 years after it was produced, but if you can find one, that is likely a well-built and well-maintained car. But realistically, you’re much more likely to be looking for a more recent model.
THE MOST RELIABLE HONDA ACCORD YEARS
Let’s take a look at recent generations and determine which year is the most reliable for the Honda Accord.
You can expect a reliable car out of the 2006 or 2007 models on a lower budget. There were some complaints of transmission problems in 2006, but far fewer than in the years before them. There were also some complaints of brakes wearing out quickly and excessive oil consumption, but not in numbers nearly as high as the previous years. The most common complaints of these two model years are with the paint. While not a non-issue, if that is the most common problem with a car, you can consider a vehicle pretty safe and dependable.
After a few more issues, the eighth generation of Accord was able to right the ship for 2011 and 2012. The best advice for those years is to make sure you test drive it before buying it and take a moment to sit down. The biggest complaint in the 2011 and 2012 Accords is that the seats are uncomfortable. As long as they feel satisfactory to you or comfortable getting car seat cushions, you should be able to find a good deal on a quality 2011 or 2012 Honda Accord.
Once the ninth-generation Accord underwent a course correction and the problems of the 2013 and 2014 models were dealt with, the ninth and tenth generations were pretty solid. Since the 2015 model, there haven’t been any Accord model years to avoid.
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Which Model Years of Honda Accord to Avoid:
- 1998 Honda Accord
- 1999 Honda Accord
- 2000 Honda Accord
- 2001 Honda Accord
- 2002 Honda Accord
- 2003 Honda Accord
- 2004 Honda Accord
- 2005 Honda Accord
- 2008 Honda Accord
- 2009 Honda Accord
- 2010 Honda Accord
- 2013 Honda Accord
- 2014 Honda Accord
As mentioned earlier, the sixth generation and early seventh-generation Accords were riddled with problems. Anything from the 1998 model to the 2005 model is all Accord model years to avoid. The transmissions and engines were prone to failure and excessive oil consumption. Some problems can be overlooked in a car, but a bad transmission or engine is a safety hazard that no driver should worry about nor pay to repair.
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You might think Honda had learned their lesson from all those problem years. Still, the 2008 Accords had premature brake wear problems, the engine guzzling oil, and issues with the transmission, interior, interior build, paint, and air conditioning.
These red flags persisted in 2009 and 2010. Then after some respite in 2011 and 2012, the 2013 and 2014 models shipped with a weak electrical system that couldn’t even get the V6 engine started after a few years. On top of that, the engine still went through oil far too fast. There are many great Honda Accords out there, but 1998-2005, 2008-2010, and 2013-2014 are the important Accord model years to avoid.
Common Honda Accord Problems
The Honda Accord has an excellent reputation for reliability, but some of its components may fail or break down. Here are some of the widely reported issues of the Accord:
- Uncomfortable seating: Many owners reported having severe back and neck pains because of the Accord’s uncomfortable seats. On the 2008 and 2009 models, owners cited poor lumbar support and cushioning for the uncomfortable experience.
- Electrical issues: Frustrated owners reported that their starters failed after the 30k-mile mark – a bummer since that’s after warranty expiration. On top of that, many complained about the battery drain issues. According to experts, the Accord batteries don’t have enough amps to power the engine.
- Excessive oil consumption: Several Accord models suffered from excessive oil consumption, particularly the 2008 and 2009 models. Honda had to issue a technical service bulletin instructing the mechanics to update the variable cylinder management (VCM) through software.
- Faulty power door locks: Several owners claimed that the Accord’s power door locks are prone to malfunction or fail. Apparently, this issue had to do with the car’s power lock actuators. This was a tricky problem to diagnose due to its intermittent nature.
Honda Accord Problem Counts by Year
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Are Honda Accords typically reliable?
Ask any mechanic to name a few reliable cars, and chances are the Honda Accord would be on the list. Few vehicles have such a solid reputation for dependability. But even Honda puts out a bad model now and then.
How much does a used Honda Accord typically cost?
The Honda Accord is an in-demand vehicle, especially as a used car. This strong interest is reflected in higher seller prices. For example, a 2010 Accord sells for an average of $10,804, says CoPilot Price Pulse. It’s an amount that includes a 25% premium due to current market conditions. Newer Accords are even more sought after. A 2020 model year goes for $27,338, reflecting a 34% higher price due to the current used car market.
Is the Honda Accord a good car to purchase?
For many shoppers, the Honda Accord meets their needs for affordable and dependable transportation. So, yet, it’s an excellent choice. Remember that even stellar cars like the Accord may have some model years that are less ideal than others. Before kicking any tires, discover which Accord years are the most reliable.
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FAQs
What years to avoid on a Honda Accord? ›
Quick Answer: Avoid 1998-2005, 2008-2010, 2013, and 2014 Honda Accords. The turn of the century was not an easy time for Honda. The transmission in the new sixth-generation Accord had issues slipping or making thuds while shifting and often outright failing, while several engines stalled out while driving.
What is the best and worst year for Honda Accord? ›2004–2007, 2010–2011, 2014–2017, and 2019–2021 are the best years for the Honda Accord. But Accord buyers should stay away from the 2001-2003, 2008–2009, 2012–2013, and 2018 model years. The troubles with these Accords usually involve expensive repairs to the engine and catalytic converter.
Can a Honda Accord last 500000 miles? ›The Honda Accord's track record shows that this sedan could last as long as 300,000 miles with proper care and driving habits. A few have made it to the 500,000-mile mark, and a couple of documented Accords have hit one million miles.
What is the most common problem with Honda Accord? ›According to RepairPal, the biggest issue for Honda Accords is the ignition switch failing. The ignition switch is part of the steering column area where you use your key. Over 25 model years are affected, starting from 1990 and onward. Honda issued a recall for many of the model years to replace the switch.
What year of Honda is the best? ›| Best Years | Why? | Worst Years |
|---|---|---|
| 2013-2015 | Excellent dependability scores, reduced likelihood of costly problems >> See 2013-2015 Honda Civics for sale | 2011 |
| 2016-2021 | Solid reliability ratings, great MPG performance and crash test scores >> See 2016-2021 Honda Civics for sale | 2012 |
From 2018 to the present, your Honda Accord will have a timing chain, but those specs vary a bit for previous model years. Here are the details: 2013-2017: V6 models have timing belts & 4-cylinder models have timing chains. 2008-2012: V6 models have timing belts & 4-cylinder models have timing chains.
What is the best generation of Accord? ›Tenth Generation (2018-2022)
This is probably the closest the Accord has ever come to being a legit sports sedan for the family. Aside from the great styling, the best part about this generation of the Accord was its sweet 2.0L turbocharged I4.
Justin Kilmer owns a 2003 Honda Accord with more than 982,000 miles on its odometer. It's a rare combination of a 3.0-liter V6 and a manual transmission, which Kilmer's wife purchased while dating.
What is high mileage for a Honda Accord? ›Expect to Reach 200,000 Miles in Your Accord, but Don't be Surprised to Fly Right Past 250,000. You've no doubt heard of Honda Civics maxing out the odometer and passing a million miles. But the automaker's other compact, the Accord, has some high-mileage record-holders, including a million mile 1990.
Can a Honda Accord last 1 million miles? ›The V-6, manual coupe has racked up over 800,000 miles since 2015. The Honda Accord line is famous for its million mile durability, and that is not hyperbolic: at least one Accord has already crossed the million-mile mark. Over the weekend, another Accord joined the million-mile club.
Is it okay to buy a Honda with high mileage? ›
Considering that a properly maintained Civic can potentially last 150,000 to 200,000 miles, anything below 80,000 miles is considered good mileage. If you can find a used Civic that had a careful owner who mostly drove on the highway or in the countryside, it can be a safe choice even if it has reached 100,000 miles.
What is the longest lasting Honda vehicle? ›In conclusion, the Honda Accord's impressive track record of lasting hundreds of thousands of miles can be attributed to its quality engineering, strong maintenance culture, and high-quality parts. While the Civic and Fit are also reliable cars, the Accord stands out as the clear winner regarding longevity.
Is the Honda Accord considered a high risk car? ›A popular pick for car thieves across the nation, owners of the Accord should take steps to protect their car when they're not around. The most frequently targeted models tend to be from the mid to late '90s because they lack the anti-theft technology that's standard in more modern cars.
What are disadvantages of Honda Accord? ›- Pro 1: Standard safety features. 2022 Honda Accord Hybrid | American Honda Motor Co., Inc. ...
- Con 1: Low front seat position. ...
- Pro 2: Fun to drive. ...
- Pro 3: Reliable. ...
- Con 3: Lacks all-wheel drive.
Common Honda problems—poor mileage, transmission leaks, brake failure. . The honor of being the most reliable Honda goes to the 2021 model year Honda HR-V.
How many miles till a Honda Accord goes bad? ›Honda Accord Lifespan
Even though the Honda Accord's average miles are 200,000, they can easily last up to 300,000 miles.
If you stick to these standard car care habits, your Honda Accord should run for 200,000 - 300,000 miles. Assuming you drive the average of 13,500 miles per year that most drivers do, that should equate to 15 - 20 years of use.
How many miles is good for a used Honda Accord? ›Expect to Reach 200,000 Miles in Your Accord, but Don't be Surprised to Fly Right Past 250,000. You've no doubt heard of Honda Civics maxing out the odometer and passing a million miles. But the automaker's other compact, the Accord, has some high-mileage record-holders, including a million mile 1990.
What is the average mileage life of a Honda Accord? ›The answer is surprisingly high, though not overly astounding when you take into account the quality of the vehicles produced by the brand. Honda is one of the top brands in the world for longevity of vehicles. The Honda Civic and Accord will last between 200,000 and 300,000 miles when cared for properly.