Honda Accord research: recalls, reliability and buyer's guide

Generation 8 (2008–2012)

The eighth-generation U.S. Accord (2008-2012) was large enough for the EPA to class the sedan as a full-size car. It offered a 2.4L four (177 hp, or 190 hp on EX and coupes) with a 5-speed automatic or manual, and a 271-hp 3.5L V6 with a 5-speed automatic or, on the coupe, a 6-speed manual. Sedan and coupe body styles were sold.

Buyer takeaway: A roomy, durable budget pick if Takata airbag recalls are complete and maintenance (including V6 timing belt service) is documented.

Generation 9 (2013–2017)

The ninth-generation Accord introduced a direct-injected 2.4L (185 hp, 189 hp Sport) with a CVT or 6-speed manual, and kept a 278-hp V6 with a 6-speed automatic or manual (coupe). The two-motor Accord Hybrid arrived for 2014 (196 hp) and returned for 2017 with 212 hp; a Plug-in Hybrid was sold for 2014. The 2016 refresh added Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and available Honda Sensing. The coupe and V6 ended after 2017.

Buyer takeaway: 2016-2017 models are the sweet spot for tech; the V6 is the pick for smooth power, and the Hybrid for mpg. Check the battery-sensor and, in salt states, driveshaft recalls.

Generation 10 (2018–2022)

The tenth-generation Accord was sedan-only and turbocharged: a 192-hp 1.5L with a CVT, a 252-hp 2.0L with a 10-speed automatic (both with a 6-speed manual on the Sport through 2020), and a 212-hp two-motor Hybrid. Honda Sensing was standard. The 2021 refresh brought new styling and standard smartphone integration and dropped the manual.

Buyer takeaway: The 2.0T is the enthusiast choice, the Hybrid the efficiency choice, and the 1.5T a good all-rounder. Check fuel-pump and software recalls by VIN.

Generation 11 (2023–present)

The eleventh-generation Accord is longer with a more upscale cabin. The 192-hp 1.5L turbo (CVT) powers LX and EX (SE from 2025), while Sport, EX-L, Sport-L and Touring use a two-motor hybrid of about 204 hp and 247 lb-ft. The Touring added Google built-in. 2026 brought a bigger screen on LX and SE and standard wireless phone projection.

Buyer takeaway: The hybrid trims are the best all-around choice for most buyers; the 1.5T LX/SE suits value shoppers. Check fuel-pump and seat recalls on 2023-2024 models.

2026 Honda Accord

The 2026 Accord keeps the same design but adds a larger 9-inch touchscreen on LX and SE, 19-inch wheels on the SE, and standard wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and wireless charging across the lineup. Engines remain the 192-hp 1.5L turbo (CVT) and the roughly 204-hp hybrid. Verify 2026 specs against current Honda data.

• Engines: 1.5 liter turbo I4 192 hp 192 lb ft; 2.0 liter two motor hybrid I4 about 204 hp 247 lb ft
• Transmissions: CVT continuously variable 1.5 liter; Electronic CVT hybrid
• Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
• Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

• Larger 9 inch touchscreen on lx and se
• Se gains 19 inch wheels
• Wireless apple carplay android auto and charging pad standard

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; Fuel pump recall status; Hybrid system warnings if hybrid; Infotainment and google built in if touring; Honda sensing sensors and warnings; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Air conditioning performance; Maintenance history.

2025 Honda Accord

For 2025, the gas-only EX was replaced by the SE, which adds blacked-out exterior trim. Powertrains carry over: the 192-hp 1.5L turbo with a CVT on LX and SE (about 29/37 mpg), and the roughly 204-hp two-motor hybrid on Sport, EX-L, Sport-L and Touring (about 51/44 mpg on EX-L). More than half of recent Accord sales are hybrids.

• Engines: 1.5 liter turbo I4 192 hp 192 lb ft; 2.0 liter two motor hybrid I4 about 204 hp 247 lb ft
• Transmissions: CVT continuously variable 1.5 liter; Electronic CVT hybrid
• Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
• Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

• Ex trim replaced by se with blacked out exterior details
• Powertrains carry over

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; Fuel pump recall status; Hybrid system warnings if hybrid; Infotainment and google built in if touring; Honda sensing sensors and warnings; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Air conditioning performance; Maintenance history.

2024 Honda Accord

The 2024 Accord carries over the 2023 redesign: a 192-hp 1.5L turbo (LX, EX; about 32 mpg combined) or the roughly 204-hp hybrid (Sport, EX-L, Sport-L, Touring; about 44-48 mpg combined). Some 2023-2024 Accords and Accord Hybrids were recalled for a high-pressure fuel pump that can leak, and others for seat fasteners, so check the VIN.

• Engines: 1.5 liter turbo I4 192 hp 192 lb ft; 2.0 liter two motor hybrid I4 about 204 hp 247 lb ft
• Transmissions: CVT continuously variable 1.5 liter; Electronic CVT hybrid
• Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
• Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

• Largely carryover from 2023
• High pressure fuel pump recall on some models

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; Fuel pump recall status; Hybrid system warnings if hybrid; Infotainment and google built in if touring; Honda sensing sensors and warnings; Seat fastener recall status; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Air conditioning performance; Maintenance history.

2023 Honda Accord

The 2023 Accord was redesigned with a longer body and a more upscale cabin. LX and EX use the 192-hp 1.5L turbo with a CVT (about 29/37 mpg); Sport, EX-L, Sport-L and Touring use a two-motor hybrid making about 204 hp and 247 lb-ft (about 51/44 mpg, or 46/41 on Sport and Touring). The Touring added Google built-in. The 2.0L turbo was dropped.

• Engines: 1.5 liter turbo I4 192 hp 192 lb ft; 2.0 liter two motor hybrid I4 about 204 hp 247 lb ft
• Transmissions: CVT continuously variable 1.5 liter; Electronic CVT hybrid
• Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
• Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

• All new eleventh generation
• 2.0 liter turbo dropped
• Hybrid on four of six trims
• Google built in on touring
• Standard digital gauge cluster

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; Fuel pump recall status; Hybrid system warnings if hybrid; Infotainment and google built in if touring; Honda sensing sensors and warnings; Seat belt pretensioner recall status; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Air conditioning performance; Maintenance history.

2022 Honda Accord

The 2022 Accord is the final tenth-generation car and the last Accord with the 252-hp 2.0L turbo and 10-speed automatic (Sport 2.0T and Touring). The 192-hp 1.5L turbo (about 30/38 mpg) and the 212-hp Hybrid (about 47 mpg combined) continue. Buyers who want strong acceleration should look for a 2.0T, since later Accords dropped it.

• Engines: 1.5 liter turbo I4 192 hp 192 lb ft; 2.0 liter turbo I4 252 hp 273 lb ft; 2.0 liter hybrid I4 212 hp combined
• Transmissions: CVT continuously variable 1.5 liter; 10 speed automatic 2.0 liter; Electronic CVT hybrid
• Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
• Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

• Last year of the tenth generation
• Last year of the 2.0 liter turbo

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; Turbo engine oil level and oil change records; Fuel pump recall status; Infotainment and camera operation; Honda sensing sensors and warnings; Abs modulator recall status; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Air conditioning performance; Maintenance history.

2021 Honda Accord

The 2021 Accord received a light refresh: a new grille, brighter LED headlights and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wireless on EX-L and above). The manual was dropped and a Sport SE trim added. The 2.0L turbo (252 hp) is now limited to Sport 2.0T and Touring; the 192-hp 1.5L turbo and the 212-hp Hybrid (about 48 mpg) continue.

• Engines: 1.5 liter turbo I4 192 hp 192 lb ft; 2.0 liter turbo I4 252 hp 273 lb ft; 2.0 liter hybrid I4 212 hp combined
• Transmissions: CVT continuously variable 1.5 liter; 10 speed automatic 2.0 liter; Electronic CVT hybrid
• Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
• Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

• New grille and brighter LED headlights
• Manual transmission dropped
• New sport se trim
• Apple carplay and android auto standard wireless on ex l and above

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; Turbo engine oil level and oil change records; Fuel pump recall status; Infotainment and camera operation; Honda sensing sensors and warnings; Wireless phone projection operation; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Air conditioning performance; Maintenance history.

2020 Honda Accord

The 2020 Accord is the last year with a manual transmission (Sport) and the last with the 2.0L turbo offered on the EX-L. Engines are the 192-hp 1.5L turbo (CVT), the 252-hp 2.0L turbo (10-speed automatic), and the 212-hp Hybrid (about 48 mpg combined). Enthusiasts hunting for a manual Accord should focus on 2018-2020 Sport models.

• Engines: 1.5 liter turbo I4 192 hp 192 lb ft; 2.0 liter turbo I4 252 hp 273 lb ft; 2.0 liter hybrid I4 212 hp combined
• Transmissions: CVT continuously variable 1.5 liter; 10 speed automatic 2.0 liter; 6 speed manual sport only; Electronic CVT hybrid
• Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
• Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

• Last year of the manual transmission
• Last year of the 2.0 liter turbo on ex l

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; Turbo engine oil level and oil change records; Fuel pump recall status; Infotainment and camera operation; Honda sensing sensors and warnings; Body control module software recall status; Clutch condition if manual; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Air conditioning performance; Maintenance history.

2019 Honda Accord

The 2019 Accord carries over: a 192-hp 1.5L turbo (CVT, about 30/38 mpg), a 252-hp 2.0L turbo with a 10-speed automatic, a manual option on the Sport, and the 212-hp Hybrid rated about 48 mpg combined. 2018-2020 Accords have fuel-pump and body-control-module software recalls on some VINs, so check before buying.

• Engines: 1.5 liter turbo I4 192 hp 192 lb ft; 2.0 liter turbo I4 252 hp 273 lb ft; 2.0 liter hybrid I4 212 hp combined
• Transmissions: CVT continuously variable 1.5 liter; 10 speed automatic 2.0 liter; 6 speed manual sport only; Electronic CVT hybrid
• Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
• Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

• Largely carryover
• Hybrid rated about 48 mpg combined

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; Turbo engine oil level and oil change records; Fuel pump recall status; Infotainment and camera operation; Honda sensing sensors and warnings; Body control module software recall status; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Air conditioning performance; Maintenance history.

2018 Honda Accord

The 2018 Accord was all-new, sedan-only and fully turbocharged: a 192-hp 1.5L turbo with a CVT (about 30/38 mpg), and a 252-hp, 273 lb-ft 2.0L turbo with a 10-speed automatic (about 23/34 mpg). The Sport offered a 6-speed manual with either engine. The 212-hp Hybrid (about 47 mpg) arrived in spring 2018. Honda Sensing is standard. Check fuel-pump recalls.

• Engines: 1.5 liter turbo I4 192 hp 192 lb ft; 2.0 liter turbo I4 252 hp 273 lb ft; 2.0 liter hybrid I4 212 hp combined
• Transmissions: CVT continuously variable 1.5 liter; 10 speed automatic 2.0 liter; 6 speed manual sport only; Electronic CVT hybrid
• Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
• Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

• All new tenth generation sedan only
• Turbocharged engines replace 2.4 liter and V6
• Standard honda sensing
• 10 speed automatic with 2.0 liter turbo
• North american car of the year

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; Turbo engine oil level and oil change records; Fuel pump recall status; Infotainment and camera operation; Honda sensing sensors and warnings; Rear camera display recall status; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Air conditioning performance; Maintenance history.

2017 Honda Accord

The 2017 Accord is the last of the ninth generation, the last Accord coupe and the last with the 278-hp V6. The Hybrid returned with 212 hp and about 48 mpg combined. The 185-hp 2.4L (CVT or manual) remains the volume engine. For buyers who want a V6 or a coupe, this is the final year to look at.

• Engines: 2.4 liter direct injected I4 185 hp 181 lb ft; 2.4 liter I4 189 hp sport; 3.5 liter V6 278 hp 252 lb ft; 2.0 liter hybrid I4 212 hp combined
• Transmissions: CVT continuously variable four cylinder; 6 speed manual four cylinder; 6 speed automatic V6; 6 speed manual V6 coupe; Electronic CVT hybrid
• Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
• Body style: 4 door sedan; 2 door coupe

What changed:

• Hybrid returns with 212 hp
• Last year of the accord coupe
• Last year of the V6

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; CVT operation and fluid service four cylinder; Battery sensor recall status; V6 timing belt service records if V6; Hybrid battery and system warnings if hybrid; Fuel pump recall status V6; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Air conditioning performance; Maintenance history.

2016 Honda Accord

The refreshed 2016 Accord has new front and rear styling and was the first mass-market car with Apple CarPlay, along with Android Auto on most trims. Honda Sensing driver aids (including collision mitigation braking) became available. Engines remain the 185-hp 2.4L (CVT about 27/36 mpg, or manual) and 278-hp V6. There was no 2016 Accord Hybrid.

• Engines: 2.4 liter direct injected I4 185 hp 181 lb ft; 2.4 liter I4 189 hp sport; 3.5 liter V6 278 hp 252 lb ft
• Transmissions: CVT continuously variable four cylinder; 6 speed manual four cylinder; 6 speed automatic V6; 6 speed manual V6 coupe
• Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
• Body style: 4 door sedan; 2 door coupe

What changed:

• Refreshed front and rear styling
• Apple carplay and android auto on many trims
• Available honda sensing driver aids
• Hybrid takes a year off

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; CVT operation and fluid service four cylinder; Battery sensor recall status; V6 timing belt service records if V6; Infotainment and smartphone integration; Honda sensing sensors and warnings; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Air conditioning performance; Maintenance history.

2015 Honda Accord

The 2015 Accord carries over: a 185-hp 2.4L (189 hp in Sport) with a CVT or 6-speed manual (about 27/35 mpg with the CVT), a 278-hp V6, and the 196-hp Hybrid (about 49/45 mpg). 2013-2015 four-cylinder CVT cars from road-salt states were recalled because driveshafts can corrode and break; confirm the remedy by VIN.

• Engines: 2.4 liter direct injected I4 185 hp 181 lb ft; 2.4 liter I4 189 hp sport; 3.5 liter V6 278 hp 252 lb ft; 2.0 liter hybrid I4 196 hp combined
• Transmissions: CVT continuously variable four cylinder; 6 speed manual four cylinder; 6 speed automatic V6; 6 speed manual V6 coupe; Electronic CVT hybrid
• Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
• Body style: 4 door sedan; 2 door coupe

What changed:

• Largely carryover
• Last year before the 2016 refresh
• Plug in hybrid dropped

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; CVT operation and fluid service four cylinder; Battery sensor recall status; V6 timing belt service records if V6; Driveshaft corrosion recall status salt states; Hybrid battery and system warnings if hybrid; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Air conditioning performance; Maintenance history.

2014 Honda Accord

For 2014 Honda added the Accord Hybrid, a 196-hp two-motor system rated about 49/45 mpg, and the limited-market Accord Plug-in Hybrid with about 13 miles of electric range. Gas models carry over the 185-hp 2.4L (CVT or manual) and 278-hp V6. Some 2014-2015 four-cylinder engines were recalled for a manufacturing issue, so check the VIN.

• Engines: 2.4 liter direct injected I4 185 hp 181 lb ft; 2.4 liter I4 189 hp sport; 3.5 liter V6 278 hp 252 lb ft; 2.0 liter hybrid I4 196 hp combined; 2.0 liter plug in hybrid 196 hp 13 mile EV range
• Transmissions: CVT continuously variable four cylinder; 6 speed manual four cylinder; 6 speed automatic V6; 6 speed manual V6 coupe; Electronic CVT hybrid
• Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
• Body style: 4 door sedan; 2 door coupe

What changed:

• Accord hybrid added rated about 47 mpg combined
• Accord plug in hybrid offered in limited markets

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; CVT operation and fluid service four cylinder; Battery sensor recall status; V6 timing belt service records if V6; Hybrid battery and system warnings if hybrid; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Air conditioning performance; Maintenance history.

2013 Honda Accord

The redesigned 2013 Accord is a bit smaller outside but roomy inside, with a new direct-injected 2.4L (185 hp, or 189 hp in the Sport) paired with a CVT or 6-speed manual, rated about 26/35 mpg with the CVT. The 278-hp V6 gets a 6-speed automatic (about 21/34 mpg), and the V6 coupe a 6-speed manual. LaneWatch and a standard rearview camera were highlights.

• Engines: 2.4 liter direct injected I4 185 hp 181 lb ft; 2.4 liter I4 189 hp sport; 3.5 liter V6 278 hp 252 lb ft
• Transmissions: CVT continuously variable four cylinder; 6 speed manual four cylinder; 6 speed automatic V6; 6 speed manual V6 coupe
• Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
• Body style: 4 door sedan; 2 door coupe

What changed:

• All new ninth generation
• New direct injected 2.4 liter and CVT
• V6 gains 6 speed automatic
• Lanewatch camera available
• Sport trim added

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; CVT operation and fluid service four cylinder; Battery sensor recall status; V6 timing belt service records if V6; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Air conditioning performance; Maintenance history.

2012 Honda Accord

The 2012 Accord is the last of the eighth generation and largely repeats 2011: a 2.4L four with 177 or 190 hp, or a 271-hp V6, in sedan or coupe form, with 5-speed automatics and available manuals. It is roomy and dependable, but 2008-2012 Accords are subject to several Takata airbag inflator recalls, so confirm every airbag remedy is complete before buying.

• Engines: 2.4 liter I4 177 hp lx and se; 2.4 liter I4 190 hp ex and coupe; 3.5 liter V6 271 hp
• Transmissions: 5 speed automatic; 5 speed manual four cylinder; 6 speed manual V6 coupe
• Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
• Body style: 4 door sedan; 2 door coupe

What changed:

• Last year of the eighth generation
• Last year of the five speed automatic
• Multiple takata airbag recalls apply

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; Takata airbag recall completion; Automatic transmission shift quality; Engine mounts and vibration; V6 timing belt service records if V6; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Air conditioning performance; Maintenance history.

2011 Honda Accord

The 2011 Accord is the large eighth-generation sedan and coupe. Four-cylinder models have a 2.4L making 177 hp (LX, SE) or 190 hp (EX and coupes), with a 5-speed automatic or manual, rated about 22/33 mpg; the 271-hp 3.5L V6 is smooth and quick (about 20/30 mpg sedan), and the V6 coupe offered a 6-speed manual. Check Takata airbag recall completion by VIN.

• Engines: 2.4 liter I4 177 hp lx and se; 2.4 liter I4 190 hp ex and coupe; 3.5 liter V6 271 hp
• Transmissions: 5 speed automatic; 5 speed manual four cylinder; 6 speed manual V6 coupe
• Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
• Body style: 4 door sedan; 2 door coupe

What changed:

• Mid cycle updates with slightly better mpg
• Se value trim with leather
• Sedan and coupe offered

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; Takata airbag recall completion; Automatic transmission shift quality; Engine mounts and vibration; V6 timing belt service records if V6; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Air conditioning performance; Maintenance history.