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.

7.1

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$340
Average Mileage:
16,450 miles
Total Complaints:
24 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace all 4 rotors (8 reports)
  2. dealership re-surfaced the rotors (6 reports)
  3. not sure (3 reports)
  4. replace with aftermarket rotors (3 reports)
  5. have rotors turned (2 reports)
  6. buy cross drilled rotors and then sue!!! (1 reports)
2009 Honda Accord brakes problems

brakes problem

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2009 Honda Accord Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #24

Jan 202009

Accord EX L 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 0 miles

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

AT HIGH SPEED ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY, IF SUDDEN BRAKING, BRAKES GRAB BIG TIME. STEERING WHEEL JERKS HARD. DANGEROUS AND ANNOYING.

- David F., Lincoln, US

problem #23

Jul 052009

Accord EXL 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 200 miles

I had never had a new car with a severe problem immediately with very few of my own miles on the vehicle. This car has been the worst one that I have owned. Honda is living off its reputation. People need to know that they cannot rely on past reputations of car manufacturers; people need to go on-line and research issues with a car that they think that they want to buy, before they purchase the car.

This car needed new tires as well as a complete brake job. When temperatures dropped in October, this same car left blue smoke clouds when I started it up in the mornings. That issue is something that Honda is aware of but they never fix. My windshield cracked within a month of my driving the car. Honda refused to replace the windshield. Honda told me that I had to go through my insurance company. My insurance company told me that they had over a million dollar law suit against Honda for replacement windshields. Nothing had hit my windshield; the crack originated from the left side, half way up and it came across for about a foot, and turned 90 degrees and headed down 6 inches.

Another issue is what Honda is aware of but does not want to fix. That problem is premature rear brake wear.

- Ronald L., North Dighton, US

problem #22

May 122015

Accord LX 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,000 miles

I have the same freaking brake issues. Whenever I stop on the brakes at 50 mph or over my steering wheel shakes really bad. Had to have the brakes replaced and the dealership worked a deal for the rotor replacement. This is an ongoing problem because it is a little better but still occurs.

- Vi T., Houston, TX, US

problem #21

Jul 012012

Accord LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 29,000 miles

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

Initially I had premature front brake pad wear. I had my dealer replace them. Honda did pay for part of the pads. After the pads were replaced the car felt funny when the brakes were applied. This could be felt only when I was braking to exit the highway. When driving around the surface streets in town you would not feel it. Previously I owned a 1998 which I think was twice the automobile that the new Honda is. No Brake Problems, No Blind Spots and almost 10 mpg better in fuel consumption. This is probably my last Honda...My next car will probably be a Hyundai.................................................

- jfr, Mountain View, CA, US

problem #20

Jul 162012

Accord EXL 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 26,500 miles

We bought certified Honda Accord 2009 EXL used had 17,100 miles. Since we bought we heard strange noise up front I took it back to the dealer where I bought the car they informed me nothing wrong with it. Then exactly after five months we had 26 k miles on it, the brakes start making a lot of noise and the steering wheel start to shake very badly so I took it to Honda dealer, they told that I have to replace the rotors and brakes. Then I took to for 2nd and 3rd opinion and they told me this is a manufacturing defect. So we called Honda complaint department and they told us to wait till they contact the original dealer that certified the car so they can see the certification report, and they told us it passes the certification and they didn't have to replace it. I showed the rotors and brakes to many specialty brakes& rotos mechanics they informed me that brakes and rotors are warped and Honda must replace it for free.

- constantin, Monroeville, PA, US

problem #19

Sep 242011

Accord EX-L 2.4L V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 49,000 miles

ok ...there are a few problems with my accord..one of which is all 4 of my rotors are worn down ...my car currently has 49k miles on it. this problem occurred around 20k. i never had it checked out by honda at that time because i didn't think it was a big deal. until i went to get my rear brakes fixed for the '2nd' time. this is insane. instead of honda putting a recall on a stupid nose guard. they need to recall all the brakes for the 08-09 accord models, including the rotors. i'm pretty sure this is unsafe to drive. when you break the car, it is dependent upon the rear brakes. i feel that the front brakes are not even being used. when you break you can feel it in the car. ..this is a big problem and honda needs to refund everyone for rotor and premature brake wear and tear!....come on honda..step up your game! stop being cheap!

- Ashley C., Riverside, CT, US

problem #18

Aug 302011

Accord LX 2.8L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,600 miles

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

When we took our vehicle in to have the brakes checked, we were told about the recall due to rotor problems, yet we never received a notice in the mail about it. Honda, you are slipping on service!

- dviox73, Edwardsville, IL, US

problem #17

Sep 242011

Accord ES 2.4L V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 31,500 miles

My 2009 Honda Accord 2.4L car has a brake rotor warping problem. This was the dealer service told me. the rotor needs to be fixed by re-leveling ($400+), or to be replaced with 4 new rotors ($700+). He also said that this did not cover with standard warranty (36000mile or 3years which is earlier). Any body knows if it is true? Obviously, this is the product defect. I do not know how to appeal this.

- duw612, Shakopee, MN, US

problem #16

Aug 022011

Accord Pzev 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 22,500 miles

Been crazy to become the owner of Honda Accord. Finally I own it. Now my suffering started...Wheel vibrates while braking from the speed of 70 or above. Before that had problem with rear brakes, it was fixed Class Action Suit. Didn't pay for the parts but had to pay for the Labor. Now having problem with front ROTOR. It is really frustrating having this kind of issue, it also concerns safety. Customer Service and overall service from the dealer is disappointing. I was surprised seeing the J.D Power trophy. They lied and sold the CRAP to me.

- Mohammed K., Park Ridge, NJ, US

problem #15

Feb 012011

Accord V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 20,773 miles

When traveling down a long grade and using the brakes sparingly ( down shifted into lower gear), the front end shudders when the brakes are applied. This is usually due to warped rotors and this was first noticed about 12,000 miles. We are an automotive family and know not to ride the brakes. This is another defect/flaw from Honda. Honda said this would not be covered with any warranty. We will take it to our local trustworthy mechanic.

- bald01, La Verne, CA, US

problem #14

May 022010

Accord EX-L 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 11,000 miles

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

Same as many on here -- vibration in the front during braking and left it go for months as the local dealer wasn't going to cover under warranty. Instead of turning the rotors I bought aftermarket rotors from Advanced Auto Parts and had a local repair shop replace the rotors, pads (parts I bought and $95 for labor).

With discounts I was able to get this fixed for $200 but am really pissed that Honda's higher end EX-L would have this problem with crappy rotors. Also had the issue of the back brakes wearing completely through by 15,000 miles which the dealershipwasn't very helpful on so I bought the honda pads and had someone else put them on for the class action suit.

Called Honda corporate and they were worthless. Bought a new Honda in 2003, 2004, 2009 and now I am done... This is no better quality than Chevy...

- musicman27pa, Budd Lake, NJ, US

problem #13

Dec 282009

Accord LX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 6,000 miles

Noticed a vibration while on a road trip to florida, took it to the local dealer and they cut the rotors. Drove back home, about 650 miles, a week later, same problem. Went to the dealer in Charlotte and they replaced all the rotors and pads. Initially they only wanted to replace the rotors and I would have to pay for the pads, I explained to the "experienced and knowledgeable" techs about brake efficiency and how when replacing rotors you should replace the pads as a set. The selling point was the word LIABILITY. Honda would be liable if I got into a wreck because of inadequate braking action. They replaced everything under warranty. Don't let these dealers hustle you, make them do the right thing. Anything they say, offer, explain, or dismiss make them put it in writing. CYA.

- Rg A., Charlotte, NC, US

problem #12

Jul 202009

Accord EX 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10,913 miles

Felt a vibration when braking, take the car to the dealer they resurface the rear rotors at no charge. I think to myself this shouldn't happen at 10,000 miles, but this is my first Honda and we will give it a chance.

- Keith G., Mandeville, LA, US

problem #11

Jan 052010

Accord EX 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 23,676 miles

Take the Accord to the dealer for the second time. They tell me all four rotors are warped, they resurface all 4 rotors at no cost. Now I'm getting concerned having to resurface the rotors twice in 23,000 miles. Starting to think buying a Honda was not a good idea.

- Keith G., Mandeville, LA, US

problem #10

Oct 152009

Accord ES 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 5,000 miles

HAD TO ARGUE WITH DEALER FOR REPLACEMENT WITH NEW ROTORS.THEY WANTED TO TURN ROTORS WHICH HAD ALREADY BEEN DONE AT 3000 MILES.

- Rudy T., Whitley City, KY, US

problem #9

Nov 092009

Accord EX 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 350 miles

Ditto as anyone who spent $23,000+ on a brand new car that has a VIBRATION & BRAKE PROBEM. Shame on us who believed HONDA Accords are a Great Car. String lemons on it & park it across the street from Dealer you bought it from. Can 585 customers in 2008 be wrong?

My service sheet says 2 causes of vibration. 1. I drove my car with rust on the rotors. 2. The tires have flat spots.

They cut the rotors at 300 Miles for alitle rust. LOL What a joke. What a lie. Give me a break. They should have told me the rotors were warped.(the truth)

I've parked a car for a year & after driving arroiund the block the rotors were clean & back to normal. I had read alll the compaints days before. They give the same excuses to everyone.

Update from Dec 5, 2009: 750 miles now. Car still has a shimmey/vibration & it starts at 45MPH now. Brakes are mushy, have to press harder to stop. Making new appointment next week. Hope DCH HONDA won't give me that 10 percent will go away line. I blew my life savings on a new car thats turning into a used car within weeks.

- Nunzio F., Lodi, NJ, US

problem #8

Nov 172009

Accord LXP 4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 2,500 miles

I purchased/leased my Accord LXP on July 3, 2009, no problems noted until the start of October. I noticed a vibration in the steering wheel & in the brake pedal w/normal braking. I at first thought I was being a hysterical female & tried to ignore the obvious. I was going to tell the dealership to check the brakes when I took the car in for it's 3,000 mile oil change. But...I noticed 2 areas of peeling paint where the rear taillights are seated. So...I had to drop the car off for body work & was given a loaner, a 2008 Accord LXP! Ok, so this car had no issues w/it's brakes- breaks as smooth as silk. I then knew I was not crazy for believing my car had a brake issue. I called the dealership the same day I dropped it off for the body work, & told them to please have the tech do a brake inspection. Needless to say my Accord had the same issue as apparently tons of other Accords had. I was told that the brake rotors needed to be re-surfaced. When I asked why a 4.5 month old car would need such a repair I was told possibly rust build up from sitting on the lot. He was then quick to say...it"s not like you got a bad car. After reading so many similar complaints & the reoccurance of this problem I am just a tad nervous. If Honda thinks I am going to pay for brake re-surfacing every 600-900 miles they are frigging crazy! I love my car but I do not love the fact that I maybe in for a long drawn out fight w/the dealership. If Honda knows that the product (brake rotors) are inferior why don't they fix the problem?? I hope that this is the first & last premature brake wear issue I have w/my new Accord. Thanks for letting me vent. I have always like Honda, but I am not going to let them screw me over either.

- elaineh, Roebling, NJ, US

problem #7

Feb 122009

Accord EXL 4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 153 miles

I purchased a new Accord EXL in Feb. of 2009 which was the sixth and probably the last Accord I’ll purchase. The front rotors warped at 153 miles the next day after the purchase. Returned the car for service and the dealer turned the rotors. The rotors warped again at 900 miles and the dealer replaced the rotors and pads. At 7200 miles the same problem occurred, the dealer turned the rotors and the next day with less than 100 miles after the repair the rotors were warped again. The dealer replaced the rotors and pads lubricated the calipers to make certain they were not sticking. This lasted until 11,000 miles and the rotors warped again. The dealer turned the rotors and within a week they warped again. The dealer replaced the rotors and pads again. On the way home from the dealership I stopped at the local auto parts store purchased ceramic pads for the front and rear, installed the pads and the problem has not recurred. Two Honda dealers have admitted to me that this is a common problem with the 2008 - 2009 Accords. One service department manager even told me “it’s going to do it again” and he was right. The brake pad material on 2008 -2009 Accords is made of inferior material and cannot withstand high temperatures without breaking down. The material is transferred to the surface of the rotor causing vibration when the brakes are applied. Change out to ceramic pads because the stock pads are junk. This is why people are complaining about premature brake wear, noisy squealing brakes and vibration when the brakes are applied. The fault is with the engineers who designed this junk and upper level Honda management, who haven’t demonstrated that they really care. I cannot continue to be loyal to a car company by giving them over $160,000 of my money since 1992 when they want admit they have a problem.

- Kevin A., Dayton, OH, US

problem #6

Oct 012009

Accord EX-L 2.4L 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125 miles

Bought Accord, left car lot and within 30 minutes of highway driving the rotors were warped. Immediately turned around and drove back to the dealership and was told it was due to length of time the car was sitting on the lot. Of course this is not the reason. Years ago I was in the "car" business and obviously there is either a metalurgical or machining process issue from the pad and rotor vendors. Happens more than we might think really, but its all in how the car maker handles it, which Honda has dropped the ball on. Anyways, I demanded they change (not turn) the rotors, which they did and now after around 500 miles the squealing has started. I have had similar problems on cars with (much) higher mileage and fixed the problem with drilled, slotted rotors and aftermarket brakes. I checked on-line and there are a number of companies offering (all four wheels around $500.00) these for the 08 and 09 Accords, maybe they see the market now that Honda has screwed this one up. It's kinda sad, the car is great other than this issue and Honda will definitely lose sales (the power of the internet and information) over it. I will save the receipts to see if I can get reimbursed for this, if not Honda has lost my business for good!

- gallagherfl, St Petersburg, FL, US

problem #5

Jul 012009

Accord EX 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 24,000 miles

AFTER ONLY 24000 MILES MY FRONT DISK ARE WARPED AND NEED TO BE TURNED FOR $200.00. THIS IS MY FIRST ACCORD AFTER OWNING SEVERAL CAMRY'S. TOYOTA MAKE A BETTER CAR THAN HONDA, PLUS THEY HAVE LOANER PROGRAMS WHILE HONDA DOES NOT.

- REZA G., BIXBY, OK, US

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