2009 Honda Accord Owner Complaints

Since I purchased vehicle in 2008 the rubber seals around the front and rear windows leaked water at the car wash 3 days after purchase. They repaired/resealed! Less than a year later the rubber seals at bottom of driver door window started leaking water into the inside of door. Car was parked in garage, rubber not dried out or loose. Eventually all four doors started leaking and rubber started peeling up and flapping, flying off when driving! Dealership stated not a warranty issue or recall item when reported in first 3 months. Noticed online other drivers/owners of same vehicle complaining of identical problem. Vendors want approx.$500 to replace rubber window seals on all 4 doors! Its 2026 and front windshield 'rains' inside driver side at car wash and days it rains. Believe car was lemon when purchased. Dealership in Henet Ca, only sold to people with bankruptcies and bad credit!! Also, front driver seat adjusted bottom seat to raise or lower. Stopped working after first year, only weighed 140lbs. Shouldn't have been a weight issue. Also told not warranty or recall. Key fobs NEVER worked, replaced first one till I was told that year car had battery issues in FOB and no longer covered. Would cost 100-150 for new batteries or FOB. After market batteries never worked so just use key to open door.

NHTSA ID

11766313

Incident

Nov 1, 2008

Recall for my car doesn't apply to my car. I called the Honda dealer and America Honda they aren't helping me take recall off. My car won't pass vehicle safety inspection due to this recall. I'm ready to take legal action.

NHTSA ID

11765398

Incident

Jul 16, 2026

The airbag light is on likely because of a failure with the SRS module. It is available for inspection. If the light is on the airbags will not deploy. Independent service center confirmed the issue is with the module. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer. The warning light is on. This issue matches Honda TSB 16-006, safety recall for SRS module. I also verified the SRS model number is 77960-TA0-A020-M4 with date code 08.07.08. This puts the module in the affected range. My VIN is [XXX] as given above. Given the identical nature of the issue it appears the original recall was incomplete and should be expanded to include missed vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11764610

Incident

Aug 1, 2026

I am submitting this complaint regarding two separate front drive shaft/axle failures involving my 2009 Honda Accord while living and driving in [XXX], a state specifically identified by American Honda as a "salt belt" state in connection with its XXX recalls involving corrosion-related front drive shaft breakage. The front passenger-side drive shaft/axle on my 2009 Honda Accord snapped in XXX. The driver-side front drive shaft/axle subsequently broke on XXX. These were two separate failures involving both front sides of my vehicle and created a serious and potentially dangerous loss of vehicle operation. I am particularly concerned because my fiancée has experienced nearly identical failures involving her 2010 Honda Accord while we have been living and driving in the same [XXX] conditions. The driver-side front drive shaft/axle on her vehicle snapped on XXX, and the passenger-side front drive shaft/axle subsequently snapped onXXX. Thus, between our two Honda Accords, both front drive shafts/axles on each vehicle have failed, resulting in four separate front drive shaft/axle failures across two vehicles in the same household. Our experience is also concerning in light of multiple publicly reported complaints involving 2009 and 2010 Honda Accords describing front axle, CV axle, or driveshaft failures, including reports attributing such failures to salt corrosion. We are attaching one such complaint involving a 2010 Honda Accord as a representative example. I recognize that another consumer's complaint does not, by itself, establish the cause of my vehicle's failures or prove the existence of a defect. Nevertheless, the existence of multiple similar reports involving these model years is significant when considered together with the two separate front drive shaft/axle failures involving my vehicle, the two similar failures involving my fiancée's 2010 Honda Accord, and American Honda's prior acknowledgment. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11759358

Incident

Aug 23, 2026

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 ID

11756938

Incident

Aug 12, 2026

Mileage

252,000 mi

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 ID

11729003

Incident

Feb 24, 2026

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 ID

11710545

Incident

Jan 11, 2026

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 ID

11683216

Incident

Aug 26, 2025

Mileage

225,000 mi

Alternator caught on fire

NHTSA ID

11680805

Incident

Aug 14, 2025

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 ID

11676107

Incident

Jul 4, 2025

Mileage

148,000 mi

Vtc actuator cold start rattle

NHTSA ID

11668381

Incident

Apr 4, 2025

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 ID

11667801

Incident

Oct 9, 2021

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 ID

11664997

Incident

Jun 4, 2025

Rattle noise at start up when engine is cold.

NHTSA ID

11649132

Incident

Oct 20, 2012

Rollback odometer.

NHTSA ID

11648451

Incident

Mar 3, 2025

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 ID

11641363

Incident

Feb 4, 2025

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 ID

11625148

Incident

Aug 27, 2024

Mileage

173,643 mi

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 ID

11617179

Incident

Sep 30, 2024

Mileage

84,000 mi

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 ID

11609989

Incident

Feb 21, 2024

Mileage

79,000 mi

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

NHTSA ID

11604913

Incident

Jul 16, 2024

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 ID

11589113

Incident

Apr 16, 2018

Mileage

146,000 mi

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 ID

11581237

Incident

Apr 4, 2024

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 ID

11579948

Incident

Mar 27, 2024

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 ID

11554461

Incident

Nov 8, 2023

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 ID

11549796

Incident

Sep 4, 2023