Looking back at the Honda Accord, most years show the sedan to be a reliable midsize. However, certain model years have struggled, like the 2008-2012 editions, which have numerous complaints of premature brake wear, rupturing airbags, and excessive oil consumption.
Key Points
- Honda Accords from 2008 to 2012 have airbags that can rupture and harm occupants, seats that are reportedly uncomfortable, and a pair of lawsuits about oil consumption and brake wear.
- The 2013 Honda Accord has had over a thousand registered complaints, with steering and electrical system problems taking up more than half of those.
- 2014 is not so different, with airbag problems, power steering loss, battery failure, and faulty starter motors. Just six recalls were issued for 2013 and 2014 combined.
- Newer 2018 Accord has 584 registered complaints already, regarding things like unintended activation of the automatic braking system, premature brake failure, and poor transmission performance.
2010 to 2012 Honda Accords Carry Over Airbag Woes and Oil Consumption Problems from Previous Years
The eight-generation Honda Accord (2008–2012) improved on many of the previous generation’s woes. However, it struggled with rupturing airbags that put occupants in danger of being harmed by sharp metal fragments.
2010 was a particularly notorious year for Honda, infamous for excessive oil consumption, premature brake wear, and uncomfortable seats. The model year saw the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) record over 500 complaints, almost half of those covering airbag and engine problems. The midsize sedan also made 13 recalls, with nine of them due to airbag issues alone.
In October 2013, the manufacturer had to settle a lawsuit for excessive oil consumption, extending its V6 powertrain warranty to eight years with no mileage limit, according to Car Complaints. Another class-action saw Honda resolving issues of premature brake wear, although it didn’t cover most 2010 Accords.
Consistent reports of uncomfortable seats have also been a theme with the entire eighth generation of Honda Accords — consumers have complained of poor cushioning and seat angle leading to back pain, bad lumbar support, and leg circulation problems.
However, buyers noted that the problem only seemed to occur after about 15–20 minutes, which would explain why many failed to notice it during test drives.
The 2011 and 2012 models marked better years for Honda, with fewer complaints and recalls, but reports of airbags failing to deploy after collisions continued well into 2014.
Accords from 2013 and 2014 have Almost 1,800 Combined Complaints, Marking Record Lows for the Midsize Honda Sedan
Accords from 2013 and 2014 saw the decade’s highest number of registered NHTSA complaints at 1,076 and 718 complaints, respectively.
One common complaint about 2013 was the electrical system, with the vehicle’s starter failing way too early. Car Complaints notes that this problem seemed to occur soon after the 36,000-mile warranty expired. Considering that a starter replacement would set you back about $700, you might want to watch out if you’re getting a used 2013 Accord with over 30,000 miles and no previous starter change.
Although the electrical system complaints were bad, Honda had a more dangerous problem with its power steering. The NHTSA received over 300 reports of the 2013 Accord’s power steering failing while driving — and you know what that means. One driver recounted suddenly losing control while making a right turn but was lucky to be in a less busy location at the time.
Honda managed to take some responsibility for the issue, covering the cost of fixes for some owners. However, others had to pay the repair costs of $500 or more by themselves. Other, relatively minor problems for 2013 include difficulty with radio system audio and uncomfortable seats.
2014 wasn’t much better, receiving many complaints about power steering loss, battery failure, faulty starter motors, and high engine oil consumption. Yet, despite the numerous complaints, the NHTSA only recorded three recalls each for 2013 and 2014, mainly for potential driveshaft corrosion and electrical shorting from a non-watertight battery sensor case.
Later years were relatively quiet, with the leading 2016 complaint being about the LED DRL lights burning out. And Honda responded to the issue by extending the warranty on headlight unit replacement for some 2016–2017 models.
Accord is Enjoying its Quietest Years yet, but You can’t Overlook the 2018 Model’s Braking and Electrical System Problems
While spontaneously rupturing or non-deploying airbags have become less common in later Honda Accord models, brake and electrical system problems persist. The 2018 model year has recorded the most NHTSA complaints (584) of all the 10th-gen. vehicles so far.
Electric system issues are prevalent, with reports of a malfunctioning Honda Sensing (Honda’s suite of driver assistance features) making the rounds. For example, one owner recounts how their Accord miscalculated the danger posed by a vehicle turning off about a half-mile ahead and slammed on the brakes, throwing everything in the car onto the floorboard. Luckily there was no vehicle behind them, or they would have sustained a nasty rear-end collision.
Honda seems to have regressed in the transmission department, making the same blunder it made in the early 2000s. There have been numerous complaints about the 10-speed automatic on the 2018 Accord shifting poorly, jerking, and even failing altogether. Users have also mentioned brake problems, with many experiencing failing brakes after just 1,450 miles.
Despite the numerous complaints lodged with the NHTSA, Honda has only acknowledged potential fuel pump and rearview image display failures and made three recalls accordingly.
2019 and 2020 Honda Accord models have so far recorded below 200 and less than 100 complaints, respectively. The 2021 and 2022 models are still relatively new, so it’s no surprise that they only have a handful of reports between them.
A Decade of Numerous Highs and Lows, but Most Years of the Honda Accord are Reliable Options
While 2010, 2013, and 2014 Honda Accord model years stand out for their numerous issues, the entirety of the past decade has had one problem or another. However, Honda looks determined to keep the legacy alive despite the many setbacks. Of course, these are still early days for the likes of the 2020 to 2022 models, but they could be the best versions for the brand since the turn of the decade.
Photos: Honda
