The Accord is the most reliable midsize car on RepairPal's list, and most of its known faults are moderate bills rather than failures. 2008 models are known for fast rear brake wear and oil consumption, 2013 models for starter failures, and 2018 turbos for gasoline in the oil. Fuel pump and battery sensor recalls cover many years, so run the VIN before paying for a repair.
RepairPal ranks the Accord first of 24 midsize cars, rated 4.5 out of 5, with average unscheduled repair costs around $400 a year and a 9 percent chance that a repair is a major one. Those numbers beat the midsize average on every measure. It is also one of the most common used sedans on Boca roads, so parts, used components and experienced techs are easy to find.
On CarComplaints the 2008 Accord has by far the most complaints of any recent year, nearly 2,500, followed by 2009 and 2013. The newest cars generate very few. That does not mean a 2008 is a bad car today, only that it had a few widespread issues that a buyer should check for.
Engine choice changed a lot. The V6 was offered from 2008 through 2017 with a timing belt, the four-cylinder from 2008 through 2017 was a 2.4-liter, and from 2018 every Accord has been a turbo four or a hybrid. Since 2023, the lineup is the 1.5 turbo or the 2.0 hybrid only.
Honda Accord generations
Eleventh generation
2023-presentMost trims are hybrids. Recall 24V-763 covers a high-pressure fuel pump that can crack on certain 2023-2024 cars.
Tenth generation
2018-2022Sedan only, since the coupe ended with the ninth generation. 2018 turbos drew fuel-in-oil complaints, and 2018-2020 cars have a body control software recall.
Ninth generation
2013-2017The first CVT Accord. Starter failures are the top 2013 complaint. The last generation with a V6, and the V6 still uses a timing belt.
Eighth generation
2008-2012Bigger and heavier than before. Known for rear brake pad wear and oil consumption complaints, and every one needs its Takata air bag recalls verified.
Known Honda Accord problems by year
Rear brakes wearing out early
Owners reported rear pads worn through at around 26,000 miles, and a 2010 class action concerned premature brake wear. The fix itself is cheap, about $200 at the time, but neglected pads chew into the rotors. If you own one, have the rear pads measured at every oil change, and do not let a shop replace only the fronts.
Guide: Brakes grinding when I stop: what does it mean?Oil consumption
Honda's late-2011 bulletin pointed V6 owners toward a cylinder management software update. The danger is not the oil cost but running low between changes, which wears the engine and fouls plugs. Check the dipstick every other fill-up on any 2008-2012 Accord you own or are thinking of buying.
Guide: Blue smoke from the exhaust: is my car burning oil?Grinding noise right at startup
A brief grind on a cold start is the third most common 2008 complaint. On the 2.4-liter it is normally the variable valve timing actuator, a known K-series part. Average reported cost is about $500. Annoying, not dangerous, but have it fixed before it gets worse.
Guide: What is that knocking noise coming from my engine?Starter failure and no-crank
The top 2013 Accord complaint, typically soon after the 36,000-mile warranty ends, at around $600. CarComplaints notes that the factory battery may struggle to crank the V6 reliably after a year or two, which strains the starter. In Florida heat that weak battery comes sooner. Test the battery before condemning the starter, and vice versa.
Guide: Car won't start and just clicks: what the click is telling youPower steering assist cutting out
The second most reported 2013 problem is steering assist failing while driving, with repairs around $2,100. Electric steering faults can be a sensor, a connection, or the steering rack itself. If the wheel suddenly turns heavy, pull over, restart the car and note any warning light. Have it scanned before it happens on a fast curve.
Gasoline in the oil on the 1.5 turbo
The most reported 2018 Accord problem. Fuel collects in the crankcase on the direct-injected 1.5 turbo, especially in cold weather and short trips, raising the oil level and smell. Florida cars are less affected, but a car that spent winters in the Northeast may show it. Check for an overfull, fuel-smelling dipstick on any used 2018.
Guide: How often should I change my oil in Florida?Windshields cracking
Cracked windshields with no obvious impact are the number two 2018 complaint, at around 18,000 miles. On these cars the forward camera for Honda Sensing sits behind the glass, so a replacement needs a camera calibration, which raises the bill. Check whether your insurance has full glass coverage before you pay.
Guide: Windshield chip or crack: can it be repaired or does the glass need replacing?Notable recalls
- 23V-858 (Certain 2013-2023 Accord): In-tank fuel pump can fail, causing a stall or no-start. Dealers replace the pump module. It expands 20V-314 and 21V-215.
- 17V-418 (2013-2016 Accord): Water can get into the battery sensor housing and short it out, which raises the risk of a fire. Dealers replace the sensor free.
- 19V-060 (2015-2017 Accord V6): Particles in fuel can stick to fuel pump parts and weaken it, so the engine may stall. Dealers update engine software and replace the pump if needed.
- 20V-771 (2018-2020 Accord and Accord Hybrid): Body control module software can lose communication with other systems, so wipers, defroster, rearview camera or exterior lights may stop working. A free BCM software update fixes it.
- 24V-763 (Certain 2023-2024 Accord and Accord Hybrid): The high-pressure fuel pump may crack and leak fuel, a fire risk. Dealers inspect and replace it as needed.
- 19V-502 (2008-2012 Accord among many Hondas): Takata passenger air bag inflators that can rupture. This generation is covered by several Takata recalls; do not drive one with an open air bag campaign.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised Honda dealer. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, since this list is not complete.
Maintenance that matters
| Maintenance Minder oil service | 0W-20 on 2013 and later; check the cap on older cars. On any 2008-2012, top up between changes if it burns oil. |
| Every oil change on 2008 models | Measure rear brake pad thickness. On later cars, every tire rotation is enough. |
| Minder sub-item 3 | CVT fluid with Honda HCF-2 on 2013 and later four-cylinders and 1.5 turbos; genuine Honda ATF of the type the manual lists on the conventional automatics, including the 10-speed. |
| Minder sub-item 4 on the V6, around 100,000 miles | Timing belt, water pump and spark plugs on 2008-2017 V6 Accords. Rubber ages with time as well as miles, so many shops replace a belt older than about seven years even on a low-mileage car. |
| Every 3 to 4 years | 12-volt battery replacement in South Florida, before it starts stressing the starter. |
Confirm against your owner's manual or maintenance minder for your exact year and engine.
Typical Honda Accord repair costs
| Job | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| A/C compressor replacement | $1,100-$1,750 | RepairPal's national estimate is $1,032-$1,552, before South Florida labor and tax. |
| Starter replacement | $700-$1,050 | National estimate $676-$959. |
| Rear brake pads | $180-$320 | Add $150-$250 if the rotors are worn too. |
| Timing belt and water pump, V6 | $1,000-$1,600 | |
| Variable valve timing actuator, 2.4-liter | $450-$850 | |
| Windshield with camera calibration, 2018 and later | $650-$1,200 | Glass-only cars from 2008-2012 are usually $300-$500. |
| CVT fluid drain-and-fill | $150-$240 |
Typical South Florida ranges for parts and labor, for budgeting only. Your quote depends on the vehicle and the shop.
Buying a used Honda Accord
- The 2016-2017 Accord is the pick of the older cars: it draws far fewer complaints than the 2013-2014, with the 2.4-liter and CVT or the V6. Confirm the 17V-418 battery sensor and 23V-858 fuel pump recalls are closed, and on a V6, ask for the timing belt record.
- For a newer car, the 2019-2022 Accord has far fewer complaints than the 2018. The Hybrid suits heavy Boca traffic best, and its electric drive spares the brakes.
- On a 2018 with the 1.5 turbo, check the dipstick for fuel smell and an overfull level, and ask whether the car spent time in a cold state.
- On a 2008-2012, look for a car with receipts. Check oil consumption by asking when it was last topped off, inspect the rear brakes, and verify every Takata campaign is complete. A low price on a 2008 is often fair, not a bargain.
The Florida factor
The Accord's 12-volt battery matters more than usual. On 2013 cars the starter complaints tie back to batteries that weaken early, and a battery under the hood of a car parked at the beach in July ages fast. Replace it on a three-to-four-year schedule here, and treat slow cranking as an early warning.
Windshields take a beating in South Florida from heat cycles, a cold A/C blast on hot glass, and gravel on construction zones along I-95. On 2018 and later Accords any replacement needs the Honda Sensing camera recalibrated, so fixing chips early is cheaper. Florida law requires insurers to cover windshield replacement without a deductible under comprehensive coverage, so check your policy before paying cash.
V6 Accords owned by seasonal residents often have low miles but old timing belts. A belt ages by calendar as well as by mileage, and Florida heat dries rubber parts on a car that sits for months. If a used V6 shows 60,000 miles on a 2010 and no belt record, budget for one.
Repair shops near Boca Raton
- Boca Auto Fix4301 Oak Circle, Boca Raton, FL, 33431
- Element, Pickup trucks and trailer repair3120D Northwest 16th Terrace, Pompano Beach, FL, 33064
- Europen Auto Service CentreParkland, FL
- Ferrari of Boca Raton6403 W Rogers Cir, Boca Raton, FL, 33487
- FirestonePompano Beach, FL
- Firestone1259 North Federal Highway, Boca Raton, FL, 33432
Honda Accord FAQ
What are the worst years for the Honda Accord?
Among recent years, 2008 has the most complaints, mainly brake wear and oil use, and 2013 is known for starter failures. 2018 turbos have fuel-in-oil complaints. None of these are disasters, but they are the years to inspect most carefully.
Does the Honda Accord have a timing belt?
Only the 3.5-liter V6, offered through 2017. Four-cylinder, turbo and hybrid Accords use a timing chain.
Why does my Accord click but not start?
On a 2013 especially, it is often a failing starter or a weak battery. Have both tested; a battery under three years old can still be weak in Florida heat.
Is the Accord Hybrid worth it in Boca Raton?
For drivers who spend time in stop-and-go traffic, yes. It uses the electric motors most of the time at low speed, which saves fuel and brake wear. Keep the hybrid battery cooling vents clear.
Guides for Honda Accord owners
More for Honda owners: Honda owner's guide
- NHTSA recall 17V-418: Honda Accord battery sensor
- RepairPal: Honda Accord reliability rating
- CarComplaints: 2008 Honda Accord problems
- CarComplaints: 2013 Honda Accord problems
- Wikipedia: Honda Accord generations
General information, not a diagnosis. A car problem can have causes a guide cannot see, so have anything safety-related inspected in person. Read our editorial policy.