If you own or are considering a 2009 Honda Accord, you’re likely aware of its reputation for reliability. However, even the best cars have their weak spots, and being informed about potential 2009 Honda Accord problems is key to long-term ownership. This guide will walk you through the most common issues, what to listen for, and how to address them to keep your Accord running smoothly for years to come.
The 2009 Accord was part of the eighth generation (2008-2012) and came in both sedan and coupe body styles. It offered a choice of a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder or a more powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine. While generally dependable, certain patterns of problems have emerged over the years as these vehicles have accumulated high mileage.
2009 Honda Accord Problems
Understanding these common concerns can help you diagnose issues early, potentially saving you money and preventing breakdowns. Let’s break down the problems by category, starting with the most prevalent one.
1. Excessive Oil Consumption (4-Cylinder Engines)
This is arguably the most famous and significant issue for the 2008-2012 Accord with the 4-cylinder engine (K24Z2/K24Z3). Many owners report the engine burning through oil at an alarming rate—sometimes a quart every 1,000 miles or less.
* The Cause: The problem is often traced to faulty piston rings. These rings are designed to seal the combustion chamber and regulate oil. When they wear prematurely or are defective, oil slips past them and is burned during combustion.
* The Symptoms: You might notice blue-ish smoke from the exhaust on startup or acceleration, a strong oil smell, or most commonly, no symptoms at all until your low oil pressure warning light comes on.
* The Risk: Running the engine low on oil causes severe damage, including scoring cylinder walls, seizing the engine, and complete failure.
What You Can Do:
1. Check your oil level religiously. Make it a habit to check the dipstick every other time you fill up with gas, especially if your car has over 100,000 miles.
2. Use the correct oil. Stick with the recommended 5W-20 weight. Some owners find that switching to a high-mileage synthetic blend can slightly reduce consumption.
3. Be prepared for a major repair. The true fix involves replacing the piston rings, which requires disassembling the engine. This is a costly repair, often ranging from $1,500 to $3,000 or more.
2. Power Steering Hose Leaks and Failures
Another extremely common complaint involves the power steering system. The high-pressure power steering hose is prone to cracking and leaking fluid.
* The Symptoms: You’ll likely first see red power steering fluid dripping on your driveway, usually near the front passenger side. You may hear a whining noise from the power steering pump, especially when turning the wheel, and the steering may feel stiff or notchy.
* The Risk: A major leak can lead to a loss of power steering assist, making the car harder to steer, especially at low speeds. It can also damage the power steering pump if it runs dry.
What You Can Do:
1. Inspect for leaks regularly. Look under the hood and on the ground for red fluid.
2. Address leaks immediately. Replacing the leaking hose is the standard fix. While you can sometimes just replace the O-rings, the hose itself often degrades. The repair cost is typically between $200 and $500.
3. Use the correct fluid. Only use Genuine Honda Power Steering Fluid. Using the wrong type can damage the seals and components.
3. Faulty Brake Booster and Master Cylinder
This is a serious safety-related issue that prompted a recall for some 2008 Accords, but it also affects some 2009 models. The problem involves the brake booster, which can allow water inside, leading to corrosion.
* The Symptoms: The most telltale sign is a brake pedal that feels “soft” or sinks slowly to the floor when constant pressure is applied. You might also notice increased stopping distances or a hissing sound from the brake pedal area when pressed.
* The Risk: Corrosion inside the brake booster can cause a vacuum leak, reducing braking power. In severe cases, it can lead to complete brake failure.
What You Can Do:
1. Check for recalls first. Enter your VIN on the NHTSA website to see if your specific vehicle has any open recalls related to the brake booster.
2. Test your brake pedal. With the car running, press and hold moderate pressure on the brake pedal. It should remain firm and not slowly sink.
3. Get it inspected immediately. If you suspect a problem, do not drive the car. Have a mechanic inspect the brake booster and master cylinder. Replacement is expensive, often over $1,000, but is non-negotiable for safety.
4. Air Conditioning (A/C) Compressor Failure
A/C failures are a frequent headache for eighth-gen Accord owners. The compressor clutch can seize or the compressor itself can fail, often with dramatic results.
* The Symptoms: The most common sign is warm air blowing from the vents. You might hear a loud clunking or grinding noise from the engine bay when the A/C is turned on. In catastrophic failures, the compressor can lock up and shred the serpentine belt, causing you to lose power steering and the alternator.
* The Risk: Beyond the discomfort of no A/C, a seized compressor can leave you stranded if it breaks the drive belt.
What You Can Do:
1. Listen for unusual noises. Pay attention to any new sounds when you press the A/C button.
2. Replace the compressor and receiver drier. If the compressor fails, metal shards circulate through the entire A/C system. Simply replacing the compressor isn’t enough; the entire system must be flushed, and the receiver drier (and often the expansion valve) must be replaced to prevent new compressor failure. This repair can cost $1,000 to $1,500.
5. Starter Motor Failure
Starters on the 2009 Accord, particularly the V6 models, have a higher-than-average failure rate. They often give warning signs before dying completely.
* The Symptoms: You may hear a single, loud “clunk” when turning the key with no engine crank. Sometimes, you’ll hear a rapid clicking sound. Intermittent starting problems—where it starts fine one time and not the next—are also a classic sign.
* The Risk: Being stranded with a car that won’t start.
What You Can Do:
1. Don’t ignore intermittent issues. If the starter acts up once, it’s likely to fail completely soon.
2. Check the battery and connections first. A weak battery or corroded terminals can mimic starter symptoms. Have these tested.
3. Replace the starter. On the V6, the starter is located under the intake manifold, making it a labor-intensive job. Total cost usually ranges from $400 to $700.
6. Interior Quality and Dashboard Cracking
This is a widespread cosmetic and functional issue. The dashboard material is prone to cracking, warping, and becoming sticky, especially in warmer climates or cars frequently exposed to sunlight.
* The Symptoms: Glaring cracks across the top of the dashboard, a shiny, sticky film on the surface, or the dashboard warping upward near the windshield.
* The Risk: Besides looking bad, severe cracking can create a reflective glare on the windshield, impairing visibility. There was a class-action lawsuit that resulted in an extended warranty for this issue, but it has likely expired for most 2009 models now.
What You Can Do:
1. Use a sun shade. This is the best preventative measure to protect your dashboard from UV rays.
2. Check for any extended warranty coverage. It’s worth contacting a Honda dealer with your VIN to see if any goodwill coverage might apply, though it’s a long shot.
3. Consider a dashboard cover or replacement. A fitted dash cover can hide the damage. Replacement is costly, often over $1,000 for parts and labor.
7. Transmission Issues (Mainly V6 Models)
While not as catastrophic as the transmissions in earlier Honda V6 models, the 5-speed automatic in the 2009 V6 Accord can develop issues. The 4-cylinder models generally have fewer transmission complaints.
* The Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts, especially from 1st to 2nd gear or 2nd to 3rd gear. You might feel a “shudder” or “judder” during acceleration at highway speeds. In some cases, the transmission may slip or rev high between gears.
* The Risk: Progressive wear that leads to complete transmission failure.
What You Can Do:
1. Change the transmission fluid regularly. Honda originally recommended “lifetime” fluid, but most mechanics strongly advise changing it every 60,000 miles using only Honda ATF-DW1 fluid. This can prevent or delay many issues.
2. Get a professional diagnosis. A shudder can sometimes be caused by worn engine mounts or other issues. A mechanic can check the transmission fluid condition and scan for error codes.
3. Address software updates. Sometimes a re-flash of the transmission control module (TCM) can improve shift behavior. Check with a dealer.
Other Minor But Frequent Annoyances
* Blower Motor Resistor Failure: This causes the cabin fan to only work on the highest speed setting. It’s a relatively cheap and common fix.
* Worn Engine Mounts: The V6 engine, in particular, is hard on its mounts. Symptoms include excessive vibration in the cabin, especially at idle, and a loud clunk when shifting from Drive to Reverse or during hard acceleration.
* Headlight Lens Clouding: The plastic headlight lenses tend to yellow and cloud over time, severely reducing nighttime visibility. Restoration kits or replacement housings are the solution.
* Paint Chipping: Some owners report that the paint, particularly on the hood and front bumper, is prone to chipping easily.
Buying a Used 2009 Honda Accord: A Checklist
If you’re looking to buy one, here’s a quick inspection list:
1. Check the oil level and condition. A low oil level is a huge red flag for the 4-cylinder engine. Ask for maintenance records.
2. Test drive with the A/C on full blast. Listen for grinding noises from the compressor.
3. Test the brakes repeatedly. Feel for a spongy or sinking pedal.
4. Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock. Listen for whining and check for fluid leaks under the hood.
5. Inspect the dashboard thoroughly for cracking or stickiness.
6. Check the transmission fluid (if possible). It should be clean and reddish, not dark brown or burnt-smelling.
7. Try the blower fan at all speed settings to ensure the resistor is working.
8. Get a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic. It’s worth every penny.
Maintenance Tips to Avoid Common Problems
Preventative care is your best defense.
* Oil Changes: For the 4-cylinder, consider more frequent changes (every 5,000 miles) with high-quality oil to monitor and potentially slow consumption.
* Fluids: Regularly check and replace power steering fluid, brake fluid, and transmission fluid according to severe service schedules.
* Belts and Hoses: Inspect the serpentine belt for cracks, especially if the A/C is noisy. Look at the power steering hoses for seepage.
* Keep Records: Detailed service records help with diagnostics and resale value.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the 2009 Honda Accord a reliable car?
Overall, yes, it can be reliable, but it has specific, well-known flaws. If the major issues like oil consumption, brake booster, and power steering leaks have been addressed, it can provide many more miles of service. It’s less “bulletproof” than earlier Accords but is often more reliable than many contemporaries if properly maintained.
How long can a 2009 Honda Accord last?
With proper maintenance and timely repairs of the common issues, a 2009 Accord can easily reach 200,000 to 250,000 miles. The engines and transmissions are fundamentally sound outside of the specific problems mentioned.
Which is more reliable, the 4-cylinder or V6 2009 Accord?
It’s a trade-off. The 4-cylinder has the severe oil burning issue but generally has fewer transmission concerns. The V6 doesn’t typically burn oil but can have more expensive starter and transmission repairs. The V6 also has a timing belt that needs changing every 105,000 miles (a $700-$1,000 service), while the 4-cylinder has a chain.
What is the most expensive common repair?
Repairing the oil consumption issue with a piston ring job is likely the most expensive, followed by a full A/C system overhaul after compressor failure, and then brake booster/master cylinder replacement.
Are there any recalls on the 2009 Honda Accord I should know about?
Recalls varied by model and build date. The major one was for the brake booster (recall #10V-106). Some also had recalls for airbag inflators. Always check the NHTSA website with your specific VIN for the most accurate and current recall information.
In conclusion, the 2009 Honda Accord remains a popular used car for good reason—it’s spacious, efficient, and generally well-built. However, going in with your eyes open to its common problem areas is crucial. By checking for these issues proactively and staying on top of maintenance, you can enjoy the Accord’s many virtues while minimizing its vices and unexpected repair bills. A thorough pre-purchase inspection is highly recommended for any potential buyer.