Reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers, shown in full
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Our database holds 720 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2009 Honda Accord. Each one is a report filed by an owner or driver and published by NHTSA without most of them being verified. A complaint is not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. Narratives are shown exactly as filed.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Showing 1–25 of 720 · page 1 of 29
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.
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.
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.
Alternator caught on fire
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.
Vtc actuator cold start rattle
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.
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
Rattle noise at start up when engine is cold.
Rollback odometer.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Was in a vehicle collision to which no air bags deployed.
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.
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.
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.
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".
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.
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.
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.
The contact owns a 2009 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to three different independent mechanics; however, the mechanics were unable to determine the cause of failure. The contact was informed that the failure might be related to a faulty electrical system. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.
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!!
Burns oil due to bad piston rings. They are notorious for it and everyone that has a 8th generation Honda Accord (2008-2012) knows this is one of the biggest problems with the vehicle.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own
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