2009 Honda Accord: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Carries the 8th-generation premature-brake-wear and oil-consumption issues; check brakes and oil use. 5 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2009 Honda Accord ranged from $20,905 to $28,955 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Carries the 8th-generation premature-brake-wear and oil-consumption issues; check brakes and oil use.
Sources (3)
- motorbiscuit.comhttps://www.motorbiscuit.com/7-common-2008-2012-8th-gen-honda-accord-problems…
- samarins.comhttps://www.samarins.com/reviews/accord_08.html
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=honda&model=accord&…
Known issues
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Premature rear brake pad and rotor wear, especially on 2008-2009 cars, prompted a class-action settlement.
commonly reported · 424 NHTSA complaints · brake
-
Takata frontal airbag inflators are subject to recall and can rupture; airbag complaints are heavy on early 8th-generation cars. Confirm the recall remedy was completed.
widespread · 318 NHTSA complaints · other
-
Excessive engine oil consumption as the car ages, linked to oil-control piston ring deposits; Honda issued a service bulletin to replace pistons and rings on affected engines.
commonly reported · 142 NHTSA complaints · engine
-
V6 models with Variable Cylinder Management can foul spark plugs and misfire; a software update addresses the cylinder on/off cycling.
occasional · engine
-
Air-conditioning and HVAC problems reported as the car ages.
occasional · hvac
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (2)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=honda&model=accord&…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=honda&model=accord&…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Roomy interior and comfortable, settled ride.
- Strong, smooth V6 performance.
- Good outward visibility and easy-to-use controls.
- Durable drivetrain that frequently exceeds 200,000 miles with care.
Cons
- Excessive oil consumption as the engines age.
- Premature rear brake wear on 2008-2009 cars.
- V6 cylinder-deactivation can foul plugs and cause misfires.
- Takata airbag recall affects these years.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX | $20,905 | $28,395 | 2.4L I4 | — |
| LX-P | $21,905 | discontinued | 2.4L I4 | — |
| LX-S Coupe | $22,405 | discontinued | 2.4L I4 | — |
| EX | $23,605 | — | 2.4L I4 | — |
| EX Coupe | $23,705 | discontinued | 2.4L I4 | — |
| EX-L | $25,605 | — | 2.4L I4 | — |
| EX-L Coupe | $25,705 | discontinued | 2.4L I4 | — |
| EX V6 | $26,605 | discontinued | 3.5L V6 | — |
| EX-L V6 | $28,705 | discontinued | 3.5L V6 | — |
| EX-L V6 Coupe | $28,955 | discontinued | 3.5L V6 | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (3)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2009-honda-accord-price
- fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/menu/options?year=2008&make=Honda…
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/honda-accord-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($20,905). Higher trims started higher (up to $28,955), and options added more.
The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/honda-accord/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $400–450/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~250k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/honda/accord
- moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/honda-accord-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2009 Honda Accord have?
Documented issue patterns include: Premature rear brake pad and rotor wear, especially on 2008-2009 cars, prompted a class-action settlement; Takata frontal airbag inflators are subject to recall and can rupture; airbag complaints are heavy on early 8th-generation cars. Confirm the recall remedy was completed; Excessive engine oil consumption as the car ages, linked to oil-control piston ring deposits; Honda issued a service bulletin to replace pistons and rings on affected engines; V6 models with Variable Cylinder Management can foul spark plugs and misfire; a software update addresses the cylinder on/off cycling. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2009 Honda Accord reliable?
Carries the 8th-generation premature-brake-wear and oil-consumption issues; check brakes and oil use.
How much did the 2009 Honda Accord cost new?
Between $20,905 and $28,955 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Honda Accord expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $400–450/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.