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.

7.7

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,010
Average Mileage:
72,350 miles
Total Complaints:
139 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (73 reports)
  2. dealer wants to do a consumption test first (22 reports)
  3. Honda said burning 1 quart of oil every 1600 miles is normal (11 reports)
  4. reprogram computer software (7 reports)
  5. replace pistons and rings (5 reports)
  6. i was told by several mechanics its rings or valve gasket (4 reports)
2009 Honda Accord engine problems

engine problem

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2009 Honda Accord Owner Comments (Page 1 of 7)

problem #139

Nov 152019

Accord LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 126,474 miles

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

I bought used Honda Accord 2019 at MB Dealer and was not told of the oil consumption issue. Had the oil changed and a month later I found there was no oil in the engine. I thought it was a fluke since it is driven short distances. And now 45 days later, Accord is out of oil again - dead dry, nothing on dipstick!

I'm going back to MB to complain and then to Honda. This really sad - I though Honda sold great cars and now will take extreme caution when considering a used or new Honda. Rough part is my son has an 2016 Accord and I bought a 2017 CRV last year. Now it is a waiting game may need to change to another brand!

Any suggestions on what do next is appreciated - Thank you Car Complaints for your venue.

- Julian M., Friendswood, US

problem #138

Oct 012017

Accord LX 2.4L 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 123,000 miles

Have to add oil twice as often as other people with their cars.

- Vu N., Pflugerville, TX, US

problem #137

May 112019

Accord EX 2.4L 4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,629 miles

In 4,000 miles, since my last oil change, I have added two quarts of oil. I had noticed this after the previous oil change, but thought it was the summer heat. Now, I'm seeing this is not what I'm accustomed to with Hondas and believe this is a major problem.

- Keith D., Woodbridge, VA, US

problem #136

Aug 012018

Accord LX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 73,011 miles

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

I own Honda 2009 Accord 2.4L, LX model & I am really frustrated with excess oil consumption on this car.

Every 2nd month had to change oil & also need to keep constant watch on oil consumption. Anyone have any solution for this problem?

- Priyesh R., Brampton, ON, Canada

problem #135

Oct 122017

Accord EX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,992 miles

I WISH I KNEW ABOUT https://www.carcomplaints.com/ a lot of people have this problem. My dealer refused to honor the problem because I didn't keep the oil change record. Me and my future generation Will avoid Honda at all cost.

- Adnan H., Calgary, AB, Canada

problem #134

Feb 232018

Accord ES V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 112,155 miles

I purchased this vehicle as a certified used Honda in 2012. This should not be happening at this mileage and I believe I should be reimbursed for the expense. I have had my car serviced at Honda on a regular basis. This week there is a new problem which is the catalytic convertor which needs replacement. The AAA approved mechanic said that converters hardly ever go out and that it is probably the result of the excessive oil use problem. I called the Honda complaint line twice and got nowhere. The new bill will be over $2000.00.

- Mary Kay L., Oak View, CA, US

problem #133

May 102017

Accord LX 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

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

Received letter from Honda stating excessive oil consumption. Had to go to dealer for consumption test. Results were .6 of a quart per thousand miles usage. They claim that is normal usage. In 12,0000 miles of driving, that would be over 6 additional quarts of oil. Would you buy that car from Honda if you were told that??? Went through dealer Service manager and their corporate and were denied any support. Have 5000 dollar repair bill due to stretched timing chain caused by oil problem??

- Allan S., Naperville, IL, US

problem #132

Jan 162018

Accord EX 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 170,000 miles

I was told that the lawsuit that happened on 2013 only covered a select number of vehicles and that to get a new engine free of charge it was Vin # specific and state specific. Which is CRAP! I changed my oil on time EVERY time, there is no reason my engine should have started knocking and had to replace my engine OUT OF POCKET when they know the engines are using an abnormal amount of oil! I will NEVER buy a Honda again, they used to be good cars now they make them cheaper and cheaper. They used to make the best engines, what happened?

- Shannon S., Columbus, US

problem #131

Mar 072017

Accord LXP 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 143,000 miles

I really didn't think much of it until my husband said something, so I started doing some research and found out that I had an issue with oil consumption. Doing my research Honda is helping with this problem but the setback is they will only cover 8 yrs or 125,000 whichever comes first, which I think is bull. My first Honda Accord I bought in 2003 and had no issues. It had over 300,000 miles and I gave it to my son. Then I bought this Honda Accord in 2014 had no problem until now. I would like Honda to pay for the repairs.

- Lori R., Toronto, US

problem #130

Oct 142016

Accord EX-L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

When I first noticed there was a noise coming from under my hood, I immediately told my father. I kept telling him that it sound like my car was dry. However, when he went to check my oil it was barely any in there and I always go get my oil change whether it's the 3,000 or 5,000 mark. My father then took my honda to Honda of Roanoke Rapids where they did an oil consumption test and said that nothing was wrong. My dad took it to Honda of Roanoke Rapids twice. He then took it to the Honda dealership in Colonial Heights as well. I keep the maintenance up on my car. I really wish they will really look into my car and fix this oil problem. Even if that wasn't the issue I feel they could at least say something. They leave me saying absolutely nothing. Please help me with trying to get this done!!! I've been worrying about it, I don't want to mess my engine up nor do I want to purchase a new car at the moment because of this issue that could have been prevented.

- Shaniqua P., Emporia, US

problem #129

Jun 012016

Accord LE 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

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

There is rattling noise when I start the car. Around 1500 miles after changing the engine oil, the noise gets louder and louder. When I go to dealers to talk about the noise, they say the oil is running low. And, the dealer said, my car was almost locked up and engine wouldn't be alive if I keep driving the car like this. According to the dealer, the car has no damage on transmission. But, because of the lack of oil, the engine is damaged. The dealer cannot diagnosis or pretend not knowing what the problem is. Honda really has to take responsibilities about the issue. Many of my friends with honda accord has issues. I cannot get the help of warranty because when the noise happened the dealer said, it is just about the oil change. And, when I doubt about the "just" oil issue, they told me my warranty is over. Please, help me.

- Mujin K., Richmond, US

problem #128

Feb 092017

Accord EXL V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,934 miles

February 9, 2017 I took my car in for an oil change. I had noticed it was minus 1 quart oil. They could find nothing wrong and told me to do a 1000 mile return visit. They did not inform me of the Lawsuit Settlement on this issue, but did mention my car was old.

I went back on April 4 to have the 1000 mile check and they said every thing was fine.

On August 18th the car went in for another oil change. We had made a trip to Walla Walla from Bremerton the previous weekend to attend my mothers memorial service and my husband had the presence of mind to check the oil before we went. It was down a quart. He filled it up and bought two more quarts to take with us on the trip. Upon our return After the oil change at Honda, I was told that we should initiate another 1000 mile oil check. Again the Settlement for this issue was not mentioned and I was charmingly told my car was getting old.

We purposely purchased a Honda because of it's high mileage usage reports and overall customer satisfaction. I went away from the purchase thinking that this car would be would most likely be the last car I would need to purchase in my life because we are retired and put less than 8,000 miles on it a year. Based on Honda's reputation of engines that would last for 250,000.

We have always purchased used cars. We trusted Honda sales men. We trusted Honda. Now they appear to be devious. Being an owner of a 2009 Honda Accord, we should have received notice of the lawsuit and warranty extension granted to owners along with the other all other owners. The continued "your car is old" is evasive. I expected more of Honda. We don't trust them any more and even though this car more that met our need for physical comfort (I am a multiple car accident survivor) and safety, we no longer feel we own a reliable car. We spent over $28,000 on this car, which was per-certified and has a warranty. We were informed of the airbag suit . . .why weren't we pre-notified of this settlement?

Now we have to chase this whole issue down spending hours and days to find out JUST if anyone else has encountered this problem and whether there was a class action suit. Shame on Honda for it's lack of transparency with it's faithful, trusting customers. We will never purchase another Honda because of this lack honesty.

- Pamela J. A., Bremerton, US

problem #127

Apr 192017

Accord EX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,137 miles

We purchased a 2009 Honda Accord with 34,000 miles on it in 2015. We did all required maintenance and oil changes. A few months ago the engine starts making a loud rattling noise upon starting. We took the car into the dealership to have it assessed and we were told that we needed to do an oil consumption test. We were informed that there was an extension on the power train of our car due to a manufacturers defect in the engine of Accords from 2008-2011. The warranty was about to expire on our vehicle, so we were told they would change the oil and we needed to put 1000 miles on it as fast as possible and return to have the oil checked to see if the problem could be covered under the extended warranty.

The test was done, the oil was low and our service advisor called American Honda to get the warranty work approved. Honda's warranty department refused to fix it. They said they were not obligated because we were not the original owner and could not supply maintenance records for the time prior to our ownership of the car.

After several phone calls over 3-4 weeks, Honda finally said they would pay for 75% of the repair which left our portion to be around 480.00. I didn't think we should have to pay anything since the engine problem is pretty well documented and there was even a class action lawsuit settled over this issue in 2014. But I thought, fine, we'll pay that amount and get the car fixed and move on. So, we take the car to the Honda dealer yesterday, they get the engine apart and realize the pistons are scorched and the engine block is damaged and the block needs replacing. The block was damaged because of the manufacturing issue with the engine that caused the warranty to be extended.

Our service advisor calls Honda and they tell him they will not cover the engine block and furthermore, they say that with the warranty work that was authorized not being able to be completed, they won't cover the cost of putting the engine back together! Can I just say that Honda is the worst car company out there! They refuse to fix a huge engine issue that is caused by a manufacturer's defect that they have documented numerous times which shows that they have no integrity!

I have another call into Honda Customer Service because they had to start a new case with this "new" problem, but I have read many other accounts on the internet where Honda has not stood by their products and has left people with useless vehicles and huge mechanic bills just to make their stupid cars run!! So, as our car sits all over the garage at our Honda dealer, we will see what this gigantic multi billion dollar car manufacturer is going to do! My guess is they will continue to be obstructive and try to do anything they can to put the cost of their short comings on us! NEVER will I ever buy a Honda product ever again!

- havakimber, Lake Havasu City, US

problem #126

Mar 012016

Accord ES 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 83,500 miles

Excessive oil consumption 1 quart every 1000 mile they want to do a consumption test, put a measure amount of oil in motor then seal it. then we have you drive it till oil light comes on. Come on, drive till the oil light comes on! more damage, just repair it, change it out. Do it now instead of later, they prolong it so the warranty runs out.

Update from Jul 24, 2017: car is going in for oil consumption test 7-22-2017 and recall work case number 06159877. burning quart every 1000 mile is not normal for a car with 85k

Update from Aug 27, 2017: Dealer did a, oil consumption test, they looked at the dip stick and said it used 3/4 of a quart. come on , what kind of a test is this, does the mechanic have a calibrated eye and can tell it used only 3/4 of a quart. also did not use oil the is the manual which is 5w20 they put in 0w20 . they are trying to do everything to not repair vehicle !!

Update from Sep 4, 2017: my daughter has a 2009 Honda accord with 85k miles on it. It goes through 4 or 5 qts of oil between oil changes. We submitted a claim even tho the warranty was out by one week but not out on mileage. They told me to take it to a honda dealer ( Ray Price ) to do an oil consumption test. Which consist of a oil change (i pay for) then bring it back in around 1000 miles , they check level then report to Honda USA. Here's the problem, i took it back it lost 3/4 qt by the calibrated eye of the mechanic looking at the dip stick , he didn't drain and measure. Also they didn't use the same weight oil as in the owners manual. The real misconception here is it loses at the same rate. It doesn't between the first 1000 miles and the 2nd 1000 miles it loses faster !!! some time between oil changes I'll put in 4 or 5 qts.!!

Banging my head in Bangor

- orner, Bangor, US

problem #125

Aug 012016

Accord LX 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 87,000 miles

Car is burning over 3 quarts every 3k miles, low engine oil light not lighting up, makes engine noise when gets low. Computer update did not fix problem.

- Ash K., San Diego, CA, US

problem #124

May 312017

Accord EX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 109,000 miles

Car using 2 1/2 quarts of motor oil in 6 weeks, oil light does not come on and no smoke. VSA LIGHT AND CHECK eng light comes on. I had the car tuned up and the spark plugs changed.

- joepeay, Tyrone, US

problem #123

Jun 232017

Accord 4 Cylinder

  • Automatic transmission
  • 132,000 miles

Dealership made it sound like it was my fault for not checking the oil every 1000 miles. No oil light came on and my oil change recommendation on the odometer said it was at 30%. I was getting a grinding noise when I took off from stop signs. Oil light flashed a couple of times when I turned a corner. They changed the oil, ran a $80 cleaner through the engine to de-gunk pistons. Came home and did research and found out there has been lawsuits for excessive oil consumption. I've really liked my Honda until now. I feel lied to since the dealership was not upfront about the issue that I'm I'm sure they are aware of.

- Tess H., Smithton, IL, US

problem #122

May 032017

Accord LX-P 2.4L L4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 107,000 miles

My 2009 Honda Accord with 107k miles which consumes excessive engine oil. I did oil consumption test in a Honda service center. After the test was completed, they told me a quarter of oil consumption every 1000 miles is normal. They suggested me, I should regularly check the oil level and if needed add more engine oil.

- Anuj B., Houghton, MI, US

problem #121

Jan 132016

Accord EX-L 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

Called dealer after spark plugs needing premature replacement. Told to do oil consumption test. Burned 1 quart for each 2000 miles and told it did not qualify for warranty. 1 year later, spark plugs needing replacing again. Called Honda, was told that they would have done full repair a year ago if I had taken it in instead of calling, now vehicle is 4 months out of the 8 YEAR extended warranty due to the lawsuit acknowledging the problem!!! Called Honda Corporate and was told there is nothing they can do now. Will not ever be buying a Honda again and will not recommend them. Wife and I were both loyal to Honda. The handling of this issue has be anything but professional and not expected from Honda. All I expect is for them to stand behind their product and help loyal customer who are plagued by the oil burning engine.

- Cole S., Rossville, US

problem #120

Mar 012017

Accord LXS 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140,000 miles

no any color of smoke at exhaust or smell, but every 700-800 miles the dipstick is at half.

- Alexandros O., Orland Park, US

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