San Leandro, CA – Common Issues with Honda Accords | Auto Repair Shop News

The Honda Accord is an excellent vehicle, and over nearly five decades, it has earned a name for itself as one of the all-time best sellers in the US, with over 18 million units sold. During that time, it has consistently received high marks year after year for reliability, build quality, and overall value. In fact, the Honda Accord is the all-time leader in Car & Driver’s 10Best, having earned a spot on the list for 37 consecutive years. 

As a testament to the Honda Accord’s reliability, it is one of the longest-lasting vehicles on the road today, with an average lifespan of 15 years. Many owners have logged over 200,000 miles on their Accords, having done little more than performing routine maintenance and replacing wear items like brake pads, spark plugs, and tires. While the Honda Accord has a well-deserved reputation for being a dependable mid-size sedan, it, like all vehicles, is prone to having some problems down the road. While some are more likely to occur in certain years or models, below are some frequently reported issues with the eighth-generation (2008-2012) and ninth-generation (2013-2017) Honda Accords.

Excessive Oil Consumption

Over time, engines tend to consume more oil. This is usually due to normal wear as oil seeps past the piston rings and gets burned inside the combustion chamber. The most common sign of excessive oil consumption is having to add oil between oil changes, although in more serious cases, grey smoke may be observed coming from the exhaust. While higher than normal oil consumption has been reported in four and six-cylinder Accords, it is more frequently documented in the latter, especially in 2008-2014 models. 

However, if your Accord is burning more oil lately, it does not necessarily mean costly engine repairs are needed. The solution may be as simple as performing routine maintenance, such as replacing a clogged or defective PCV valve or switching to a thicker or higher-mileage oil. 

Short Brake Pad Life

Short brake pad life is a frequent complaint in the 2008-2012 Accords. While Honda addressed this problem by adjusting the Electronic Brake Distribution System, many Accord owners have found the brake pads, especially the rear, need to be replaced after just 20,000 miles. Fortunately, it is more of a nuisance than a problem and can be remedied by using more durable pads and rotors. 

Normal Wear and Tear

Like all vehicles, problems become more common once the odometer hits 100,000 miles. The alternator’s output may decrease and not fully charge the battery. The starter may not engage properly or start the vehicle. HVAC motors will fail, leaving you without heat or A/C. Brake calipers can seize or develop leaks, greatly reducing braking effectiveness. 

As such, the importance of keeping up with maintenance on your Honda Accord cannot be understated. Changing fluids regularly will improve the life span of costly vehicle components like the engine, transmission, and braking system. Performing timely tune-ups and adhering to Honda’s scheduled service intervals will improve fuel economy, reduce emissions, and extend the life of your Honda Accord.

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Whether your Honda Accord needs an engine diagnosis, routine maintenance, 100,000-mile service, or anything in between, you will be in good hands with our auto mechanics. Call or visit our website today.