If you’re looking for a sensible daily driver, the 2011 Accord’s available 2.4L and 3.5L gasoline engines have you covered. Both engines have an excellent reputation for reliability and longevity. Plus, they’re easy on the wallet when it comes to maintenance costs.
Key Points
- The 2011 Honda Accord offers two engine options: a 2.4L inline-four and 3.5L V6, both naturally aspirated.
- The base 2.4L engine strikes a good balance between performance and efficiency, gets multiple horsepower ratings (177 and 190), and manages 23/34 mpg city/highway.
- On the higher EX and EX-L trims, Honda offers the choice of a 3.5L V6, which delivers noticeably better performance and refinement. But fuel efficiency takes a hit.
- Transmissions options include a five-speed manual and automatic; six-speed manual is also available, but only in the Accord coupe.
- Problems are relatively less, but there are complaints about the 2.4L’s failing variable timing control actuator, and the 3.5L V6 having a faulty VCM.
- On the plus side, these engines can last anywhere from 250,000 to 300,000 miles. They can go even more if you are diligent with maintenance and drive with a relatively light foot.
2011 Honda Accord’s Standard 2.4L Inline-four Engine Offers Decent Performance, Gets Up to 34 mpg On the Highway
The 2011 Honda Accord gets a 2.4L inline-four as the standard engine option. The powerplant has 177 horsepower and 190 horsepower ratings, and torque figures are 161 lb.-ft. and 162 lb.-ft., respectively.
Transmission options are limited to a five-speed manual or automatic, and the drivetrain is front-wheel-drive only. The 2.4L makes do with 4.2 quarts of oil with a viscosity of 0W-20.
Developed with efficiency in mind, the 2.4L is not something suited for spirited driving. It takes 9.2 seconds to get from zero to 60 mph, while the more powerful 190-hp version gets it done a few-tenths quicker. Drivers will, however, notice the engine’s top-end push, courtesy of Honda’s V-TEC (variable valve timing) technology.
In terms of fuel economy, the 2.4L is EPA-rated at 23/34 mpg city/highway when mated to the five-speed automatic and 23/33 mpg for the manual. The stats are pretty similar to its competitors, the 2011 Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, and Ford Fusion.
Per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2011 Honda Accord has nine recalls. Out of 263 registered consumer complaints, a total of 41 are about the 2011 Accord’s drivetrain.
Accords with the 2.4L engine have a faulty VTC (variable timing control) actuator that makes a rattling noise, especially during cold starts. Owners also report rough shifting in the five-speed torque converter automatic. And transmission slippage and fluid leaks aren’t uncommon either.
If you need to replace the 2.4L engine in a 2011 Accord, used ones cost between $700 and $1,100, depending on the mileage.
Available 3.5L V6 Powers the EX and EX-L Trims, Offers Noticeable Increase in Power and Refinement
The 2011 Honda Accord gets the option of a 3.5L V6, albeit on the higher EX and EX-L trims. Unlike the 2.4L, this motor packs 271 horsepower and 254 lb.-ft. of torque, which is slightly better than the Toyota Camry but quite an increment over the 240-horsepower Ford Fusion.
In the sedan, the 3.5L is only available with a five-speed automatic. However, Honda offers the option of a six-speed manual in the Accord coupe.
Efficiency is not the V6’s strong suit. The 3.5L engine manages to deliver 20 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. When mated to the six-speed manual, fuel economy drops to 17/26 mpg city/highway.
The Accord V6 is a sprightly car despite its weight and fairly large proportions. When it comes to performance, the 3.5L automatic hits 0-60 mph in 6.7 seconds. With the six-speed manual, acceleration times improve by five-tenths of a second.
As for problems, the 3.5L’s variable cylinder management is known to be faulty and may experience an unexpected loss of power that causes the V6 to hesitate to accelerate. Apparently, a class-action lawsuit was filed against the Japanese automaker alleging engine misfire, premature spark plug failure, and excessive oil burning.
Used engines cost between $1,900 and $2,800 should the V6 need to be replaced. They are expensive but sourcing them isn’t all that difficult.
Although the Engines aren’t Perfect, They’re Still Among the Most Reliable, Clocking Over 400,000 Miles
Despite getting complaints, the Honda Accord and its trusty set of engines are among the most reliable in today’s market. So, how long will a Honda Accord engine last? If you are diligent with maintenance and drive with a relatively light foot, the Accord can last anywhere between 250,000 to 300,000 miles. Owners have even put 350,000 to 400,000 miles with no serious mechanical issues.
Pamper it enough, and the Accord can last even more, just like this one that clocked a million miles on its original powertrain.
2011 Honda Accord’s Engines are Reliable, but the 2.4L Inline-four is the Best Choice When it Comes to Performance and Maintenance Costs
If you’re in the market for a used 2011 Honda Accord, the most sensible choice would be the 2.4L inline-four. It’s economical, has relatively decent performance, and as far as maintenance and replacements go, it’s fairly cheap.
On the other hand, the 3.5L V6 packs a lot of punch and is more refined than its four-cylinder counterpart. However, fuel efficiency does take a hit.
To be honest, for a knock-around car, the 2.4L engine is plenty enough. Plus, Hondas are known to be reliable. So, if you look after them well, you’ll surely get your money’s worth, regardless of the model you pick.
Photos: Honda
