FaultScore

FaultScore report

2009 Honda Accord problems

Owners have filed 859 complaints about the 2009 Honda Accord with NHTSA between 2008 and 2026. The largest single group is the brakes. Across this model's run it ranks 15 of 33 worst.

C

FaultScore 60/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Honda Accord.

How this is worked out

The numbers

859

Complaints

64

Crashes reported

5

Fires reported

41

Injuries reported

2 complaints report a death.

36,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

50%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 46 vs 50 Severity 67 vs 50 Early failure 85 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 46
Against the median year of the Honda Accord. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 67
13% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 85
50% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2009 compares with every other Honda Accord

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2009 Honda Accord

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Brakes 239 27.8%

8 crashes, 1 fires · median 20,000 mi

Airbags 142 16.5%

29 crashes, 1 fires · median 89,500 mi

Engine & Cooling 140 16.3%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 62,500 mi

1 crashes, 1 fires · median 62,500 mi

1 crashes, 1 fires · median 69,675 mi

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 62,175 mi

Steering 33 3.8%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 46,000 mi

Seats 28 3.3%

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 7,500 mi

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 77,000 mi

Lights 22 2.6%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 1,250 mi

5 crashes, 0 fires · median 45,056 mi

Median failure at 61,000 miles

Tires 14 1.6%

Median failure at 43,000 miles

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 49,920 mi

Suspension 11 1.3%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 44,500 mi

Median failure at 12,250 miles

Wheels 10 1.2%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 41,921 mi

Stability & Traction Control 9 1.0%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 64,000 mi

Seat Belts 8 0.9%

4 crashes, 0 fires · median 29,594 mi

Doors, Latches & Locks 2 0.2%

Median failure at 8,227 miles

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Body 15 31.3%
Engine 8 16.7%
Pressure Monitoring AND Regulating Systems 5 10.4%
Sun/Moon Roof Assembly 5 10.4%
AIR Conditioner 4 8.3%
Pads 4 8.3%
Automatic Transmission 4 8.3%
Speedometer/Odometer 3 6.3%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 61 9.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 51 8.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 131 20.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 122 19.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 96 15.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 64 10.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 78 12.4%
150,000+ miles 28 4.4%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Sep 2008 peak 19 Aug 2026

NHTSA investigations into the 2009 Honda Accord

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

PE15029 Opened 18 Aug 2015 Closed 17 Jun 2016 AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

SRS Control Module Failure

As discussed further below, and by letter dated January 22, 2016, Honda is recalling certain model year (MY) 2008 through 2010 Honda Accords to replace a defective air bag/SRS control module that can result in the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) becoming fully inoperative (disabled).See NHTSA Safety Recall 16V056 at SaferCar.gov for further details.Honda's response to an agency Information Request letter indicated that the SRS module was manufactured by tier-one supplier Continental and contained a power supply ASIC manufactured by tier-two supplier Atmel. The original ASIC was susceptible...

EA14004 Opened 29 Jul 2014 Closed 4 Jan 2016 AIR BAGS

Inadvertent Side Air Bag Deployment

Honda is conducting a safety recall of approximately 303,900 model year 2008-2009 Honda Accord sedans to address inadvertent deployment of the side air bags (see NHTSA recall 15V-665 for more information).It should be noted that almost all of the recalled vehicles are the 2008 Accords (built from start of model year 2008 production to June 25, 2008) as only about 500 early-built 2009 Accords (built from June 24 to June 30, 2008) are included in the recall.The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has identified 351 reported incidents of inadvertent side air bag deployments in the 2008 Accord s...

Recalls on the 2009 Honda Accord

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

19V502000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic GX NGV, 2012-2015 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2014 Fit EV, 2010-2014 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

19V378000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2013 TSX Sport Wagon, and 2010-2012 ZDX and 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, 2012-2014 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2013 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The front passenger air bag inflator may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.

Risk: An incorrectly installed air bag inflator may not properly deploy the passenger frontal air bag in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

19V182000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.

Risk: An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

18V268000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 and 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2012 Insight, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2012 Ridgeline vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.

Risk: An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

18V042000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX, ZDX, Honda Accord Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot vehicles, 2011-13 Acura TSX Sportswagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord,, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles and 2013 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2012 Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Accord Crosstour, Fit and Pilot, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V, and 2010 Acura ZDX and Honda Insight vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Unless included in Zones A or B above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid, CR-V, Fit, and Pilot vehicles ev

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

17V545000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2008-2012 Accord, 2010-2012 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2012 Fit and Pilot, 2010-2012 Insight, and 2009-2012 Acura TSX vehicles that received replacement passenger frontal air bag inflators. One dealership may have incorrectly installed the replacement air bag inflators.

Risk: In the event of a crash, an incorrectly installed passenger frontal air bag inflator may deploy the air bag improperly, increasing the risk of injury.

17V030000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Acura TSX, 2011-2012 Acura TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Acura ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2012 Honda Accord Crosstour and Honda Insight, 2009-2012 Honda Fit, 2009-2012 Pilot, 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2012 Honda FCX Clarity and 2006-2011 Honda Civic, Civic Hybrid, Civic NGV vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura TSX, Honda Fit and Pilot, 2008-2009 Honda Accord, 2006-2009 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, and 2007-2009 Honda CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, if not included in "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling certain 2008 Honda Accord, 2006-200

Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

16V346000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Acura TSX, 2011 TSX Wagon, 2010-2011 Acura ZDX, 2008-2011 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid, and Civic GX, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2010-2011 FCX Clarity and Insight, and 2009-2011 Fit, and Pilot vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless already included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain model year 2008 Honda Accord, 2006-2008 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic GX, and 2007-2008 CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inf

Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2018001 129,348 units in Canada

Airbag

On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. As a result, if the vehicle were involved in a collision that warrants airbag deployment, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants, and the airbag assembly could be damaged, preventing proper function. These issues could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator. For the GL1800 model, dealers will replace the airbag module. Note: Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. The recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk, and is expected to replace airbag inflators before their function would be affected.

Recall 2016032 23,156 units in Canada

Airbag

On certain vehicles, over time, moisture could enter the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) controller and could cause a fault in the airbag system. This could result in the airbag controller becoming inoperative, which would prevent the airbag(s) from deploying. Failure of an airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will replace the SRS control module. Note: This condition would cause the illumination of the SRS warning light. Note: This recall supersedes recall 2015-473. Vehicles repaired under the previous recall will require re-inspection and repair.

Recall 2011286 135,142 units in Canada

Powertrain

On certain vehicles, the secondary shaft bearing in the automatic transmission may fail. This could cause abnormal noise, the malfunction indicator lamp to turn ON, and allow contact between the transmission idle gear and an electronic sensor housing within the transmission, resulting in a short circuit that causes the engine to stall. Engine stalling would result in lost vehicle propulsion which, in conjunction with traffic and road conditions, and the driver's reactions, could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, broken pieces may become lodged in the parking pawl resulting in the vehicle rolling after the driver has placed the gear selector in the PARK position. These issues could result in property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will update the automatic transmission control module software.

Recall 2009340 96 units in Canada

Other

Certain accessory nose masks may impede operation of the hood secondary latch. Without secondary latch function, a hood that has not completely closed (because the primary latch has not been engaged) may lift up while the vehicle is being driven, compromising the driver's ability to see the road and its users. This could result in a vehicle crash causing property damage, personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will replace the nose mask with an updated version.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Seneca, IL Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Alternator caught on fire

NHTSA complaint #11680805 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rockport, TX Crash 2 injured

AIR BAGS

Was in a vehicle collision to which no air bags deployed.

NHTSA complaint #11604913 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Orlando, FL Crash

SEAT BELTS

Traffic bumper to bumper as 5 pm, stop and go near traffic lights. Tapped suv ahead and despite very very slow speed and not even scratch on my 2009 HONDA ACCORD COUPE - THE DRIVERS AIR BAG DEPLOYED & Seatbelt locked up. Contacted HONDA CORPORATE where they opened case and promised “taking care of, shouldn’t have happened, and not to worry”. 2 weeks later HONDA changed response when I called for update and told me to deal with my insurance company. Very unpleasant & unprofessional. Car evaluated and needed seatbelt & air bag replacement. They too confirmed not even scratch front of car, only has 83k miles! Now everyone claiming no seatbelts available.

NHTSA complaint #11549796 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Orlando, FL Crash

AIR BAGS

Traffic bumper to bumper as 5 pm, stop and go near traffic lights. Tapped suv ahead and despite very very slow speed and not even scratch on my 2009 HONDA ACCORD COUPE - THE DRIVERS AIR BAG DEPLOYED & Seatbelt locked up. Contacted HONDA CORPORATE where they opened case and promised “taking care of, shouldn’t have happened, and not to worry”. 2 weeks later HONDA changed response when I called for update and told me to deal with my insurance company. Very unpleasant & unprofessional. Car evaluated and needed seatbelt & air bag replacement. They too confirmed not even scratch front of car, only has 83k miles! Now everyone claiming no seatbelts available.

NHTSA complaint #11549796 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Mateo, CA 1 injured

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

On Saturday September 16, 2023, I opened the trunk of my car and when I reached in to retrieve my backpack, I suddenly heard a very loud bang and a long bar swung towards me and struck me across my face and luckily my eyeglasses kept the broken metal bar from striking my eyes. My eyeglasses remained in one piece but received a long scratch on it’s surface. At the same time the broken metal bar hit me across the face, the trunk fell on the top and back of my head causing bruising. The incident was disturbing and scary. It could have been worse. It is indeed a safety hazard that must be reported. There could be a defect in the part, improper installation or both. This is the second time this happened (2016 first incident not reported). I had Ocean Honda install a new set of the torsion bars on Tuesday September 19, 2023. Praying they will not suddenly snap again and hurt someone seriously.

NHTSA complaint #11545918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Las Vegas, NV Crash Fire 1 injured

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Hi. So last year 2022 I was driving and the hood came up causing me to stop in the middle of the road. Honestly I cannot remember if I hit something but then the car caught on fire soon after! I received a recall notice maybe a year later and when I called in about it to the Honda dealership, No one knows what I was referring to and dismissed me. My safely was at risk because myself and my 1 year old son was in the car! The car completely locked and we almost didn’t make it out. No my car was not inspected I did not have full coverage at the time. I had to sell it to a junk yard and been without a car since. If when I called originally this would have been taken care of!!

NHTSA complaint #11521560 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 252,000 miles Royse City, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Odometer Fraud. The contact owns a 2009 Honda Accord. The contact discovered potential odometer fraud regarding a purchase off Facebook Marketplace. Following a private sale, the contact had the vehicle inspected by an independent mechanic, who identified a significant mileage discrepancy. While the odometer displayed approximately 147,000 miles at the time of purchase, subsequent investigation revealed the actual mileage was 252,000.

NHTSA complaint #11756938 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Oroville, CA

EQUIPMENT

The contact owns a 2009 Honda Accord. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 09E063000 (Equipment) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted.

NHTSA complaint #11729003 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bedford, TX

SERVICE BRAKES

I installed (2) identical Advance Auto Parts Platinum rear brake rotors on my vehicle. Both rotors were installed at the same time, in the same manner, and under normal conditions. After approximately (1) mile of normal driving on of the rear brake rotors catastrophically failed by completely separating at the hat (the center mounting section). The opposite side rear rotor, installed at the same time, did not fail. The failure occurred without warning and resulted in immediate loss of braking integrity at that wheel. This type of structural failure presents a significant safety risk, including the potential for sudden brake loss, wheel lockup, or loss of vehicle control. The vehicle was not being driven aggressively, and there were no abnormal conditions prior to the failure. The failed rotor has been preserved and is available for inspection. Photographs documenting the separation are also available. A brake rotor should not experience complete structural separation under normal driving conditions, especially immediately after installation. This appears to be a manufacturing or material defect that poses a serious safety hazard. I am submitting this complaint to document the defect and to help prevent potential injury or accidents involving similar components.

NHTSA complaint #11710545 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 225,000 miles White City, OR

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2009 Honda Accord. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 92,000, and at the time of reviewing the Insurance, it was discovered that the mileage was 225,000.

NHTSA complaint #11683216 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Seneca, IL Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Alternator caught on fire

NHTSA complaint #11680805 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 148,000 miles Jackson, MS

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2009 Honda Accord. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start after several attempts without warning. After obtaining a Carfax report, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was approximately 52,000 and it was discovered that the mileage was approximately 148,000.

NHTSA complaint #11676107 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Gardena, CA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Vtc actuator cold start rattle

NHTSA complaint #11668381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Madison, CT

ENGINE

Component/System: Engine – piston ring failure; oil control issue related to VCM system. Available for inspection: Yes. My 2009 Honda Accord EX-L V6 (J35Z2 engine with VCM) has developed repeated misfires due to oil entering the combustion chamber, consistent with Honda TSB 13-078. It began around 96,000 miles with cylinder #3 fouling. At 121,000 miles, cylinder #2 also misfired. A Honda dealer confirmed the issue as piston ring failure, and oil loss was measured at ~1.5 quarts per 1,000 miles. The issue causes sudden power loss, rough running, and hesitation, especially during highway driving or acceleration. This creates a serious risk of rear-end collisions or inability to safely merge. The misfire occurs without warning; no warning lamps were active beforehand. Brandfon Honda confirmed the diagnosis in May 2025. Honda acknowledges the defect in TSBs and prior class action litigation (Soto v. Honda), but refuses to assist because my car is outside the 8-year extended warranty window—even though I was never notified of that warranty. I’ve maintained the car carefully and reported the issue to Honda through multiple channels. This is a known defect affecting many 2008–2012 Accords. It compromises driveability, increases oil consumption, and creates safety concerns due to unpredictable engine performance. I’m submitting this to ensure it is recorded as part of a broader pattern that may warrant further investigation.

NHTSA complaint #11667801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bethlehem, PA

AIR BAGS

I was driving and stopped at a stop sign, I started to go and my passenger side airbag on the door exploded. There was no impact, out of nowhere this happened

NHTSA complaint #11664997 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Elgin, IL

ENGINE

Rattle noise at start up when engine is cold.

NHTSA complaint #11649132 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Modesto, CA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Rollback odometer.

NHTSA complaint #11648451 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Avondale, AZ

ENGINE

The engine is burning oil, about 2 quarts a month. The oil level consistently runs low when checked and I have to top it off with 1 qt every 2 weeks. There is no leaking under the car so the mechanic said the engine is burning the oil and I would need to replace the whole engine!. The cost of replacing the engine is more than the car is worth. I just bought it a year ago and thought Hondas were more reliable than this. The mechanic said Honda had some issues with the "rings" and tp check this website for a recall. I do not see a recall but if many other similar cars have the same problem there should be a recall that Honda should fix.

NHTSA complaint #11641363 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 173,643 miles Henrico, VA

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2009 Honda Accord. The contact stated that the engine was previously rebuilt. The contact stated that the engine was misfiring while driving and coming into a stop. The check engine warning light and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the spark plugs were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where cylinder #1 spark plug was replaced. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that the engine might need to be rebuilt to completely correct the failure. The vehicle was temporarily repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Action Number: RQ24013 (Engine). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 173,643.

NHTSA complaint #11625148 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 84,000 miles Marlborough, MA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

The contact owns a 2009 Honda Accord. The contact stated that the vehicle had been experiencing an oil leak. The dealer diagnosed that the valve cover gasket had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the valve cover gasket was replaced several times; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that a hairline fracture in the engine housing had caused the oil vacuum seal to fracture and the oil to leak. The dealer replaced the engine housing. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal loud sound coming from underneath the hood, and the vehicle skipped gears and lunged forward. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 70-75 MPH, the contact noticed a burning chemical odor. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned on the hazard lights. The contact then drove to the residence, where the contact opened the hood and noticed that the battery had melted. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

NHTSA complaint #11617179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 84,000 miles Marlborough, MA

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2009 Honda Accord. The contact stated that the vehicle had been experiencing an oil leak. The dealer diagnosed that the valve cover gasket had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the valve cover gasket was replaced several times; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that a hairline fracture in the engine housing had caused the oil vacuum seal to fracture and the oil to leak. The dealer replaced the engine housing. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal loud sound coming from underneath the hood, and the vehicle skipped gears and lunged forward. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 70-75 MPH, the contact noticed a burning chemical odor. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned on the hazard lights. The contact then drove to the residence, where the contact opened the hood and noticed that the battery had melted. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

NHTSA complaint #11617179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 79,000 miles Decatur, AL

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2009 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that there was an engine misfire. In addition, the check engine warning light illuminated; however, the check engine warning light was no longer illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred almost every two months. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

NHTSA complaint #11609989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rockport, TX Crash 2 injured

AIR BAGS

Was in a vehicle collision to which no air bags deployed.

NHTSA complaint #11604913 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 146,000 miles Harrison, TN

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2009 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, noticed the vehicle loosing motive power. The contact stated the check engine and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, however, it was no diagnosed since the contact refused to pay for it. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, however no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 146,000.

NHTSA complaint #11589113 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fallbrook, HI

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My car does not have a hood mask installed. Recall does not apply to my vehicle. Manufacturer assessed vehicle and concurred but recall is still open. Request it be closed.

NHTSA complaint #11581237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chicago, IL

AIR BAGS

The Airbag light is on and off randomly. The vehicle was taken into Honda where they set up a procedure that they have specifically for Airbag issues due to so many recalls. They told us the passenger side airbag qualifies for replacement under a Honda extended warranty and service bulletin. When it comes to the drivers side Airbag, Honda refuses to fix it under the warranty. The specific issue as stated by a Honda tech is "a short to the Airbag Inflator causing the Airbag to be deemed useless". This is clearly a manufacturers defect, seeing how the exact same issue was the reason that the passenger side airbag was recalled. So with this information I don't understand how the consumer is being expected to pay for the replacement and the remedy. It should fall on Honda to resolve this issue and make right by every owner of a vehicle with a defective airbag inflator.

NHTSA complaint #11579948 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wappingers Falls, NY

POWER TRAIN

While making a right turn from a stop sign on a side road and upward incline the vehicle lost power to the wheels and was unable to complete the turn onto a main road. Loss of ability to move the vehicle ( appeared to be in neutral ) posed a risk since there could have been traffic on the main road that could have caused an accident. The car could also have slid back to damage another car at the back. There was no accident in this case. Vehicle was towed to an independent service center - it was determined that the right side front axle shaft had broken-snapped "in the middle".

NHTSA complaint #11554461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Orlando, FL Crash

SEAT BELTS

Traffic bumper to bumper as 5 pm, stop and go near traffic lights. Tapped suv ahead and despite very very slow speed and not even scratch on my 2009 HONDA ACCORD COUPE - THE DRIVERS AIR BAG DEPLOYED & Seatbelt locked up. Contacted HONDA CORPORATE where they opened case and promised “taking care of, shouldn’t have happened, and not to worry”. 2 weeks later HONDA changed response when I called for update and told me to deal with my insurance company. Very unpleasant & unprofessional. Car evaluated and needed seatbelt & air bag replacement. They too confirmed not even scratch front of car, only has 83k miles! Now everyone claiming no seatbelts available.

NHTSA complaint #11549796 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Orlando, FL Crash

AIR BAGS

Traffic bumper to bumper as 5 pm, stop and go near traffic lights. Tapped suv ahead and despite very very slow speed and not even scratch on my 2009 HONDA ACCORD COUPE - THE DRIVERS AIR BAG DEPLOYED & Seatbelt locked up. Contacted HONDA CORPORATE where they opened case and promised “taking care of, shouldn’t have happened, and not to worry”. 2 weeks later HONDA changed response when I called for update and told me to deal with my insurance company. Very unpleasant & unprofessional. Car evaluated and needed seatbelt & air bag replacement. They too confirmed not even scratch front of car, only has 83k miles! Now everyone claiming no seatbelts available.

NHTSA complaint #11549796 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Mateo, CA 1 injured

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

On Saturday September 16, 2023, I opened the trunk of my car and when I reached in to retrieve my backpack, I suddenly heard a very loud bang and a long bar swung towards me and struck me across my face and luckily my eyeglasses kept the broken metal bar from striking my eyes. My eyeglasses remained in one piece but received a long scratch on it’s surface. At the same time the broken metal bar hit me across the face, the trunk fell on the top and back of my head causing bruising. The incident was disturbing and scary. It could have been worse. It is indeed a safety hazard that must be reported. There could be a defect in the part, improper installation or both. This is the second time this happened (2016 first incident not reported). I had Ocean Honda install a new set of the torsion bars on Tuesday September 19, 2023. Praying they will not suddenly snap again and hurt someone seriously.

NHTSA complaint #11545918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Prior Lake, MN

TIRES:SIDEWALL

Driving at 45 mph and rear General Tire Altimax RT43 tire blew out. No accidents or injuries but consider myself lucky as this could of been serious at highway speeds and if a front tire blew out. Tire is available for inspection. Tire shop noticed dry rot in bottom of outer tread grooves and vehicle was garage parked approximately 50% of time. Tire was manufactured in November 9-15, 2020; installed on vehicle on 8-2-21 with 137,739 miles; tire replaced on 8-23-23 with 160,103 miles. Tire had 22,364 miles to failure, and was driven 2 years and 16 days to failure. No low pressure tire warning on vehicle at or before tire blew out. Tire mechanic said all 3 remaining tires had normal pressure. Tire separated into three sections, the thread area, and both sidewalls. Looks like there are safety recalls on various General Altimax RT43 tires due to manufacturing defect from over curing, but this tire size was not mentioned. Tire size is 215/60R16. I have copies of installation paperwork documenting tire DOT number, odometer readings, and install date as well as final replacement paperwork documenting odometer reading and dates.

NHTSA complaint #11541377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.