The Honda Accord has a strong reputation, but a few years stand out as worth avoiding: 2003 (transmission), 2008 (V6 transmission failures), and 2018-2020 (1.5T oil dilution). Here are the years to avoid - and the years that deliver the rock-solid reliability the Accord is known for.
Worst Accord years to avoid: 2003 (V6 transmission), 2008 (V6 transmission), and 2018-2020 (1.5T oil dilution complaints - especially in cold climates).
The 2003 V6 Accord had widely documented automatic transmission failures, often before 100,000 miles. Honda extended warranties for some VINs but issues continue to plague used examples.
View P0700 Diagnosis →The 2008 V6 had transmission and Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) issues, including excessive oil consumption and transmission slipping. Skip the V6, the 4-cylinder 2008 is fine.
View P0700 Diagnosis →Fuel mixes into engine oil on the 1.5T turbo, especially in cold climates. Honda issued software updates and warranty extensions. Watch oil level - if it rises, that is fuel dilution.
Run free diagnosis →Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) on V6 Accords causes excessive oil burn and misfires. Disabling VCM with a Muzzler tool is a popular workaround.
View P0301 Diagnosis →AC compressor and condenser failure rate is above average on 10th-gen Accords. Often before 60,000 miles.
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2003 (V6 transmission), 2008 (V6 transmission and VCM), 2018-2020 (1.5T oil dilution). The 2008 4-cylinder is fine if avoiding V6.
2013-2017 Accord with the 2.4L K24 4-cylinder is the most bulletproof Accord ever made. 2021+ models have largely resolved the 1.5T oil dilution issues.
Best years (2013-2017): $400-700/year routine. Worst years (2018-2020 1.5T): unpredictable, potentially $6,000-10,000 in non-routine repair due to engine and AC issues.
If your Accord is throwing a check engine light, these are the codes most often associated with the problems above. Click any code for full diagnosis steps and typical repair costs.
The 2008 V6 Accord is widely considered the worst due to combined transmission and Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) issues. The 2003 V6 Accord is a close second for transmission failures.
The 2015-2017 Accord with the 2.4L K24 4-cylinder. Bulletproof engine, refined chassis, and minimal known issues. Easily one of the best used cars under $20K.
Be selective. The 1.5T has documented oil dilution complaints (especially in cold climates). If buying, verify the software update has been performed and consider the 2.0T or 4-cylinder Sport trim.
It is improving. 2018-2020 had documented oil dilution issues. 2021+ models are much better thanks to software updates and component changes.
A K24-powered Accord (2013-2017) routinely reaches 250,000+ miles. V6 Accords from 2003-2008 are unpredictable due to transmission risk.