Honda

Accord (8th)

2008-2012 · Midsize Sedan · 13 engines
Best Engine Recommended (5.0)
4,792 NHTSA Complaints
15 Recalls
43 Fire Reports
347 Crash Reports

Engine Reliability Comparison

D16Y7

1.6L 4-cyl
Recommended (5.0)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
1

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

HONDA CR-V (2002-2006)OLDSMOBILE Alero (2000-2000)GMC Sierra 1500 (2000-2006)CHEVROLET Tracker (2000-2004)HONDA Accord (2008-2012)HONDA Civic (2000-2000)HYUNDAI Santa Fe (2007-2012)HONDA Accord (2000-2002) +3 more

F22B2

2.2L 4-cyl / 130 hp
Recommended (5.0)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
1

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

FORD Windstar (2000-2003)HONDA Accord (2008-2012)CHEVROLET Monte Carlo (2000-2007)TOYOTA Sienna (2004-2010)TOYOTA Prius (2004-2009)KIA Sedona (2006-2014)

L15BE

1.5L 4-cyl Turbo / 190 hp
Recommended (5.0)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
1

Known Issues

Engine Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

HONDA Accord (2023-2025)HONDA HR-V (2016-2022)HONDA Accord (2013-2017)HONDA Accord (2008-2012)HONDA Accord (2018-2022)HONDA CR-V (2007-2011)NISSAN Rogue (2008-2013)HONDA CR-V (2017-2022) +4 more

R18A1

1.8L 4-cyl / 140 hp
Recommended (4.7)
5 complaints 1.7 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
3
safety systems
1
transmission
1

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (1 complaints)
Transmission Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

HYUNDAI Elantra (2011-2016)HONDA Pilot (2003-2008)HONDA Civic (2006-2011)CHEVROLET Trailblazer (2002-2009)FORD Edge (2015-2024)MAZDA Mazda6 (2014-2021)HONDA Accord (2008-2012)HONDA Civic (2001-2005) +11 more

F23A1

2.3L 4-cyl / 150 hp
Recommended (4.6)
6 complaints 2.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
3
safety systems
2
engine
1
cooling
1

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (3 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (2 complaints)
Engine Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

KIA Optima (2001-2006)FORD F-150 (2004-2008)HONDA Civic (2006-2011)HONDA Accord (2013-2017)FORD E-Series (2000-2025)BUICK LeSabre (2000-2005)HONDA Accord (2008-2012)HONDA Civic (2001-2005) +6 more

J35A7

3.5L 6-cyl / 244 hp
Recommended (4.6)
4 complaints 2.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

steering
4

Known Issues

Steering Issues (4 complaints)

Also found in

HONDA Pilot (2003-2008)JEEP Wrangler (2007-2018)BMW X5 (2007-2013)HYUNDAI Sonata (2006-2010)HONDA Accord (2008-2012)HONDA Odyssey (2011-2017)HONDA Odyssey (2018-2025)HONDA Insight (2005-2005) +6 more

J30A4

3.0L 6-cyl / 240 hp
Recommended (4.6)
2 complaints 2.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
1
interior
1

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (1 complaints)
Interior Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

HONDA CR-V (2002-2006)HONDA Pilot (2003-2008)HONDA Accord (2013-2017)HONDA S2000 (2000-2009)HONDA Accord (2008-2012)NISSAN Versa (2008-2008)HONDA Civic (2001-2005)HONDA V Series (2003-2003) +6 more

QG18DE

1.8L 4-cyl
Recommended (4.6)
2 complaints 2.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

interior
2

Known Issues

Interior Issues (2 complaints)

Also found in

NISSAN Sentra (2007-2012)NISSAN Maxima (2000-2003)NISSAN Pathfinder (2000-2004)NISSAN Sentra (2013-2019)NISSAN Altima (2001-2001)HONDA Accord (2008-2012)NISSAN Xterra (2000-2004)NISSAN Altra Ev (2002-2002) +9 more

K20C4

2.0L 4-cyl Turbo / 252 hp
Recommended (4.6)
2 complaints 2.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
2
transmission
2
steering
2

Known Issues

Engine Issues (2 complaints)
Transmission Issues (2 complaints)
Steering Issues (2 complaints)

Also found in

ACURA RDX (2019-2025)HONDA Accord (2008-2012)HONDA Accord (2018-2022)

LFX - SIDI, VVT, E85 MAX, ALUM

3.6L 6-cyl
Recommended (4.6)
2 complaints 2.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
2

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (2 complaints)

Also found in

CHEVROLET Equinox (2010-2017)CHEVROLET Silverado 1500 (2014-2018)GMC Canyon (2015-2025)GMC Terrain (2010-2017)CADILLAC SRX (2010-2016)HONDA Accord (2008-2012)CHEVROLET Colorado (2014-2014)CHEVROLET Colorado (2015-2025)

K24Z2

2.4L 4-cyl / 177 hp
Avoid (1.7)
1,451 complaints 285.0 per year Gasoline
9 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
429
brakes
329
engine
225
interior
135
electrical
120

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (429 complaints)
Brakes Issues (329 complaints)
Engine Issues (225 complaints)

Also found in

HONDA Civic (2006-2011)HONDA Accord (2013-2017)ACURA TL (2009-2014)HONDA Accord (2008-2012)HONDA Odyssey (2000-2004)

J35Z2

3.5L 6-cyl / 268 hp
Avoid (1.6)
1,144 complaints 221.0 per year Gasoline
14 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
279
brakes
271
safety systems
252
transmission
91
electrical
84

Known Issues

Engine Issues (279 complaints)
Brakes Issues (271 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (252 complaints)

Also found in

HONDA Pilot (2003-2008)HONDA Pilot (2009-2015)BMW X3 (2004-2010)HONDA Civic (2006-2011)HONDA Accord (2013-2017)FORD F-150 (2015-2020)ACURA RDX (2013-2018)HONDA Accord (2008-2012) +2 more

K24Z3

2.4L 4-cyl / 177 hp
Avoid (1.0)
1,412 complaints 281.6 per year Gasoline
12 fire reports 6 fatalities
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
353
safety systems
349
engine
228
interior
134
other
108

Known Issues

Brakes Issues (353 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (349 complaints)
Engine Issues (228 complaints)

Also found in

CHRYSLER 300 (2011-2023)HONDA Pilot (2009-2015)HONDA Civic (2006-2011)HONDA Accord (2013-2017)HONDA Accord (2008-2012)ACURA TSX (2004-2008)HONDA Accord (2003-2007)ACURA TSX (2009-2014)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Honda Accord regardless of engine variant.

Safety Systems Issues (1,035 complaints)
safety_systems critical
Brakes Issues (953 complaints)
brakes critical
Engine Issues (736 complaints)
engine critical
Electrical System Issues (299 complaints)
electrical critical
Interior Issues (272 complaints)
interior critical

Recalls (15)

19V502000Jun 26, 2019critical
Air Bags

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.

19V378000May 15, 2019serious
Air Bags

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.

19V182000Jun 2, 2019critical
Air Bags

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.

18V661000Sep 26, 2018critical
Air Bags

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014 Honda Insight and Acura TSX and TSX Wagon, 2014-2015 Honda Crosstour and Pilot vehicles nationwide, as well as certain 2014 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, California, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan) and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Honda is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Acura TSX, TSX Wagon and ZDX, Honda Crosstour, Insight, Fit and Pilot vehicles, 2011-2012 Honda Accord and 2011 Honda Civic NGV, Civic, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles 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. Lastly, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX and ZDX, Honda Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot, 2011-2013 TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord and 2010-2011 Honda Civic NGV, Civic, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

18V268000Apr 25, 2018serious
Air Bags

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.

18V042000Aug 31, 2018critical
Air Bags

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 ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

17V545000Aug 30, 2017serious
Air Bags

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.

17V030000Sep 30, 2017critical
Air Bags

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, 2006-2008 Honda Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV and 2007-2008 Honda CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

16V346000May 23, 2016critical
Air Bags

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 inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

16V056000Feb 1, 2016serious
Air Bags

American Honda Motor Company, Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Accord vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the air bag control units may corrode and fail.

12V030000Jan 1, 2012serious
Air Bags

HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 ACCORD AND CROSSTOUR VEHICLES. THE DRIVER-SIDE OR PASSENGER-SIDE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG INFLATOR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED ACCORDING TO CORRECT SPECIFICATIONS.

11V004000May 31, 2011serious
Electrical System

HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 HONDA ACCORD AND CR-V VEHICLES. THERE IS A POTENTIAL FAILURE WITH THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR WHICH MAY CAUSE INTERMITTENT SPARK FIRING OR THE ENGINE TO STALL.

11V395000Apr 7, 2011serious
Powertrain

HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 ACCORD, 2007-2010 CR-V, AND 2005-2008 ELEMENT PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 1, 2004, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 3, 2010. THE OUTER RACE OF THE SECONDARY SHAFT BEARING MAY BE BROKEN DURING CERTAIN DRIVING STYLES. A BROKEN OUTER RACE MAY CAUSE ABNORMAL NOISE, THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT TO TURN ON, AND ALLOW CONTACT BETWEEN THE TRANSMISSION IDLE GEAR AND AN ELECTRONIC SENSOR HOUSING WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION.

10V640000Dec 15, 2010serious
Suspension

HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 HONDA ACCORD V6 AND MODEL YEAR 2011 HONDA PILOT VEHICLES. THE BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE LOWER LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT DAMPER BRACKET TO THE FRONT SUSPENSION AND THE SPINDLE NUTS ON THE PILOT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY TIGHTENED WHICH MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING. THE SPINDLE NUTS FOR THE AXLE ON THE ACCORD V6 MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED PROPERLY WHICH MAY RESULT IN EXCESSIVE NOISE AND/OR LOSS OF STEERING.

09E063000Nov 17, 2009serious
Equipment

HONDA IS RECALLING AFTERMARKET FULL NOSE MASKS, PART NUMBER 08P35-TA0-100 AND 08P35-TA6-100 MANUFACTURED BETWEEN AUGUST 9, 2007 THROUGH DECEMBER 11, 2007. THE ACCESSORY WAS DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 HONDA ACCORD 4-DOOR VEHICLES. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE NOSE MASK MATERIAL TO INTERFERE WITH PART OF THE HOOD LATCH. IF THE HOOD HAS NOT BEEN COMPLETELY CLOSED AND THE NOSE MASK INTERFERES WITH THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH MECHANISM THE HOOD MAY POP OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE BEING DRIVEN.

Alternatives in Midsize Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2008-2012 Honda Accord problems?

The 2008-2012 Honda Accord has accumulated 4,792 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Safety Systems, Brakes, Engine. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Honda Accord engine is most reliable?

The 2008-2012 Honda Accord was offered with 13 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.359737216L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2008-2012 Honda Accord a good used car?

The 2008-2012 Honda Accord can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 4,792 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008-2012 Honda Accord have?

The 2008-2012 Honda Accord has 4,792 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2008-2012 Honda Accord?

There are 15 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2008-2012 Honda Accord vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Honda Accord?

Before buying a used Honda Accord, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Safety Systems, Brakes, Engine, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 4,792 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-06.

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