CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2009 Honda Accord has several serious defects – poor brakes, excessive oil consumption, & uncomfortable seats.

BRAKES: There was a class action lawsuit against Honda in 2010 for premature & excessive brake wear. See our page on Honda's brake problems for more info.

OIL CONSUMPTION: Honda issued a TSB about this in late 2011, claiming it could be fixed through a software update to the VCM (variable cylinder management). There are class action lawsuits pending. See our page about the Accord oil consumption.

UNCOMFORTABLE SEATS: Owners have consistently reported uncomfortable seats with the entire 8th generation (2008-2012) of Honda Accords. Complaints range from back pain to leg circulation problems due to bad lumbar support, cushioning, & seat angle. Complaints aren't limited to only a certain body type -- the seat comfort problems are from a wide spectrum of owner height & weight. The common theme we hear is "we never noticed this during the test drive." Unfortunately for unwary buyers, the seat pain is noticeable after 15-20 minutes.

9.1

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$100
Average Mileage:
11,100 miles
Total Complaints:
55 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (39 reports)
  2. no solution, contacted Honda and was told tough luck (9 reports)
  3. new seats or new car (6 reports)
  4. replace headrest with one from a 2007 accord (1 reports)
2009 Honda Accord accessories - interior problems

accessories - interior problem

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2009 Honda Accord Owner Comments (Page 2 of 3)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #35

Dec 302010

Accord EX-L 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 3,100 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Had 1997 Acura RL till 2010. Never had seat problem.

In September I bought brand new 2009 Honda Accord EX-L 3.5 V6 sedan.

Seats are very uncomfortable. I have back and heap pain since i am driving this car. Never had those problems before. Considering another car. Definitely will stay away from Honda.

- Vugar A., Brooklyn, NY, US

problem #34

Nov 242010

Accord

  • Automatic transmission
  • 7,000 miles

DO NOT BUY A HONDA ACCORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I AM ACTUALLY GOING TO GO TO THE DOCTORS AND MAYBE GO AS FAR AS TAKING THEM TO COURT TO PROVE THAT THEIR SEATS MADE MY BACK HAVE CONTINUOUS PAIN. My carpeting has come up, my blower for the heater has already gotten replaced, and their is a "sound" in my dashboard!!!!! I HATE THIS CAR!!!!

- bubba1, Burlington, NJ, US

problem #33

Sep 012010

Accord EX-L 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 20,000 miles

Bought this car used based on "accord"reputation"..what a mistake. By far the worst seats I have ever had in a car. very hard cushion..lumbar feels like cement..angle of seat not adjustable on a $30K car ?..(exlV6). can't get a comfortable position at all for any length of drive. These seats suck !!! Buyer beware of how uncomfortable they are. Picking up my new sonata tonight.Luckily I bought it at a very good price used and won't take a bath on it. Honda has lost the recipe with the design.

- alfred22257, Woonsocket, RI, US

problem #32

May 152009

Accord LX V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 34,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The driver seat is terrible, very BAD. We need to file a CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT against Honda for making such a car. I have spent lots of money in x-rays, mri, ct-scan of my low back and hip and am taking over 12 medicines a day. Still the pain is very bad when I am in the car. I think this is a way Honda is making more money as I will be force to sell it at way less and take a loss on it and then buy a new car. I am now afraid to buy Honda again.

- shahja99, Arcadia, CA, US

problem #31

Aug 272010

Accord LX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 17,914 miles

We were borrowing our Friends 2009 Honda accord to go on vacation for 3 days. I sat in the back seat the first 2 days. Man the back seat were so large and comfortable! So it was My turn to drive. I was like the seat are probably even more comfortable because there captain chairs. First hours I was getting a bit uncomfortable but not a big deal. 2 hours later felt some pain but Ooh that is expected i've been driving for 3 hours now. finally arrived at our destination about 30 minutes later. back felt very strange and kinda numb, then I got out of the car and all of a sudden my back is in horrible pain. The seats have a weird design. My mom thinks the front seats were so comfy. But I asked my other friend and she said her back her so much from driving the day before but didn't want to say anything.

The front seat are great for a select few bunch of people but most seem to have a problem with them, if there so many complaints. They need to make the seat and arch support more adjustable. Because everyone's not the same. The car was very fun and zippy to drive but when your in pain you can't enjoy it. Thankfully this is not my car. Honda's are great but they need to do something about there front seats in the accord line-up.

- Zack L., Nashua, NH, US

problem #30

Feb 012009

Accord 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 500 miles

Seat is terrible, causing horrible back aches. Feel like back is being poked. Miserable to drive car.

- Mark O., Port Orange, FL, US

problem #29

Nov 042009

Accord Ex 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Whoever designed the seats in the '09 Accord should be shot. One month after I had the car my back started killing me in the worst way. I brought it back to the dealer and their answer was to turn the headrest around. I clearly was not dealing with intelligent life. They had an '07 Accord on the lot so I asked them if I could check if that headrest would fit in my car. I tried it and it worked. The dealer will try to tell you that the active restraint won't work but that is a bunch of bull. The fabric didn't match at all even though it was the beige color. It looks crappy... Brand new car with mismatched headrests. I liked everything else about the car, so I decided to buy one headrest online. I paid around $100 for it. If you have the leather seats, they cost more, but they might match a little better. I didn't like the look at all but, my back and neck felt 110% better. Every couple months I would try to swap out the head rests and immediately my back would start hurting. So I would swap it back again. I drove with the '07 headrests for approx 9 months. In July I started noticing that my head was hardly touching the headrest anymore when I drive so I tried swapping them again. I don't know what happened but my head was a little uncomfortable at first but I did not get the excruciating pain in my back that I had when I first purchased the car. The real test was when I drove from 350 miles from Phoenix to San Diego with the original headrests and did not feel any pain. I had to swap out the headrest for my wife half way to San Diego. I still keep the headrest in my trunk just in case I ever need it though.

There should have been a recall for these poorly designed head rests.

I am not sure what happened to my back why the seat doesn't bother me anymore. It could be the yoga classes. Or it could be that these seats have totally screwed up my back to point where it just doesn't hurt anymore. I sure hope its not the latter! Hope this solution helps you.

- nissaniscrap, Mesa, AZ, US

problem #28

Jun 142010

Accord LX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 3,107 miles

I Bought my new Honda accord 2009 and did not pay attention to the internet reviews about this problem, i thought this problem only for US cars, since i bought a made in japan car. hence, after my third ride in my Honda i don't feel comfortable and it causes me a hurt in my back and neck. and i really have to give up everything else good in the car and sell because of the seats.

- Tareq H., Amman, D, Jordan

problem #27

Mar 012010

Accord VTI 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,000 miles

I cant believe all the compliants, im glad its not just me! im all the way down in sydney, australia, our hondas come from japan or somewhere but pretty much all the problems are the same..the seat in my 09 accord is just terrbile, when i test drove the car i didnt notice it at all, but its got about 3,000km (1,000) miles i think, and i notice how short and flat the actual bit your bum sits on is, thats ok to live with.. but the headrest is the worst part..who the hell designed it and what was wrong with the person who approved it, it pushes your head forward causing neck pain in a matter of seconds, its angle cant be adjusted, nothing can be done to fix it. Even though its a small issue, if i had known about it i definetley wouldnt have purchased the honda..seriosuly guys look out, spending so much on a brand new car and getting an uncomfortable piece of crap on wheels like this can really pisses you off, not im happy with the car overall..

- Michael W., Sydney, NSW, Australia

problem #26

Oct 232009

Accord EXL

  • Automatic transmission
  • 0 miles

The seats in my 2010 Accord are HORRIBLE, TERRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD. They are incredibly uncomfortable and I am ANGRY. The stupid lumbar rams me in the lower back, the headrest pushes the back of my head, and where my butt sits feels like concrete. I have had this car for 2 months now...I have 4,000 miles on it and I'm miserable. My low back and hips have been in terrible pain since I got the car and I've been going to the chiropractor several times a month to get some relief. I had a 2001 Accord EXL until I got this one. I absolutely loved that car. The seats were wonderful and I wish I could get it back. It is a shame that Honda is shooting themselves in the foot with this seat problem. I HATE THIS CAR!! I am telling everyone I can not to buy this piece of crap.

- in pain, Nashville, TN, US

problem #25

Aug 012009

Accord Coupe V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,500 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Only after a month of owning this car I had to put a cushion on the seat as my back was starting to hurt. After a few months I'm unable to drive it without terrible back pain.

What a terrible seat design. I can see I'm not the only one with the record number of complaints on the Accord model listed on this website. Honda, please take note and do something!

- mrbkonline, Weston, FL, US

problem #24

Dec 022009

Accord EX 2.4L

  • Manual transmission
  • 2,200 miles

Honda Accord 2010 Accord EX- Manual

I seriously can't believe I put myself in this position. I have been complaining of lower back and hip pain for the last few weeks. I soon realized the seat is digging into the back of my thigh causing pain in my hip. NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO THE SEATING WILL NOT BE COMFORTABLE.If I lean back the front is to high, leaning forward you dip too much. I have had this car for less than 2 months, I am so disappointed and frustrated I want to punch something. I now own a car that I hate! Please take this negative review seriously for any potential buyers. You can't possibly get a good feel from a quick test drive. Do not purchase this car.

- kinghasaan, Boston, MA, US

problem #23

Apr 202009

Accord LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10 miles

The design of the seat and headrest in my 2009 Honda is very uncomfortable and causes neck pain. People purchasing this car should be informed that they must sit in a markedly reclined position to achieve comfortable seating, which is not applicable for all customers. Better yet, Honda should change the angle of the headrest. Upon attempting to get a solution for this problem, one of the managers at Bay Ridge Honda told me this problem affected a small percentage of the population, and their was nothing that Honda would do to correct it!

- colucci, Staten Island, NY, US

problem #22

Nov 282009

Accord LX-P 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60 miles

LUMBAR: The design of the Accord seat has a significant glitch. The lumbar support is excessive and causes me back pain when I drive.

HEAD REST: The head rest also protrudes so much that I can't simply lie back in the seat (say at a red light) and relax because the head rest prevents my shoulders from touching the seat.

I would love to learn about any sort of solution to either problem.

- Bennett B., Houston, TX, US

problem #21

Nov 142009

Accord EX-L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10 miles

I recently turned in my 2006 Pontiac Gran Prix and leased a 2010 Accord EX-L V6. I did not notice during the test drive but the seats are without a doubt the most uncomfortable I have ever had the [dis]pleasure of experiencing. I initially thought it was due to it being a different than the car I had been driving for the last couple years. However, after a week or so I have realized that it is definitely the seats.

I find it very disappointing that Honda is apparently aware of this issue but has done nothing about it. I am equally, if not more, disappointed that the more popular car magazines which I have have been an avid reader of for about 30 years have consistently ranked Honda and the Accord as a "top 10" car and practically refer to it as Angelic.

I have learned my lesson. I now own my first and last Honda. "Thanks Honda. Good job getting a new customer to add to your stats. Too bad you don't know how to get a repeat customer."

- michael-johns, Hilliard, OH, US

problem #20

Oct 312009

Accord LX-P 2.4L 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80 miles

Amazing how many people have the same issue! Like others, I relied on Honda's reputation & good reviews from Consumer Reports and others. Test drove the car, no problems, bought it, drove it about 40 miles and developed awful low back pain radiating into left leg. Within hours of purchase I knew I could not live with this car. Have bought several seat cushions & back supports, so far only caused leg pain to change to leg numbness. Physical therapist told me (informally) that it is indeed the angle of the seat that's the main problem (can't adjust so knees are level with or below hips). I also noticed the rock-hard lump in the seat back. A lumbar pillow seems to help for that but is not complete solution. I still am afraid to drive the car -- may be doing real damage to my body. Never had such problems before, ever. Last car was a 1999 Corolla. I'm getting older but this is ridiculous. I'm female, 5'4", not heavy. Dealership claims all paperwork was completed & car registered online, no recourse, offers only a trade-in..so far have not come up with acceptable trade, never mind huge loss of $$. Am consulting an attorney.

Would like to hear from the poster who "constructed a memory foam solution." What did you do, exactly, that worked?

- sobo9, Philadelphia, PA, US

problem #19

Oct 202009

Accord LX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 340 miles

After a week of unrelenting agony from the uncomfortable driver's seat, I sold the car back to the dealer at a big loss. I tried the 2010 seat but it was the same problem - a combination of unbelievably bad seat shape, hardness, and that pressure plate in the back that is hooked up to the active head restraints. Try a simple test at home. Put yourself in the most uncomfortable, awkward position and hold it for one hour. If your back feels fine, then you will enjoy the Accord.

- jem52, Gaithersburg, MD, US

problem #18

Oct 062009

Accord LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 26,898 miles

Well, I own a 2008 which has the same lumbar issue, so I realized that the lumbar bump disappears if you pull your head rest forward. This is part of the restraining system though; which is supposed to protect you from whiplash.

Anyways, I've been pulling my head rest for a while and sometimes it'll stay in place and sometimes it wont but at least it stays like that through the trip.

Problem is that now with so much pulling back and forth there seems to be something inside (plastic?) that's causing some squeaking... omggg i hate this car...

- pitus, Aurora, CO, US

problem #17

Oct 012009

Accord LX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 700 miles

These seats are very uncomfortable. They just stick in my low back and cause me pain. Anyone now how to fix it? I regret buying the car.

- jb09, Athens, GA, US

problem #16

Sep 162009

Accord LX-P 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 175 miles

These seats are just awful. The lumbar support is just stupid. What idiot at Honda came up with this idea. My Honda dealership wouldn't take my car back. This idiots are criminals. I will contact the Texas attorney general and start working on a class action lawsuit for causing people back pain. Honda will regret not fixing this problem. It will cost them millions of dollars. I will have a website up soon to put the pressure on Honda. On my website you will be able to buy a I HATE HONDA Bumper Sticker to put on your Accord. The least we can do is make sure Honda's sales drop and try to force them out of business. Honda chose this! They can fix the problem, but are to Stubborn to do so. They just want to take the money and run.

- Jay S., Houston, TX, US

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