CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2011 Honda Accord has a solid reputation (so far), with one very significant flaw: 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 "never noticed this during the test drive." Unfortunately for unwary buyers, the seat pain is noticeable after 15-20 minutes.
The past week here in Canada since the weather is getting colder, whenever I start cold start my vehicle in the morning only, I hear a grinding noise in the engine for a few seconds. After doing some research online, turns out it must be the VTC actuator that needs replacing. There was a tsb for it online.
I took the vehicle to a dealer to verify the issue, and it was in fact the VTC actuator going bad. Dealer also requested that since the valve cover has to come off, they might as well replace the timing chain as well to avoid more labour costs down the line, since it was causing some sort of oil leak inside, and the chain has been stretched.
Being quoted $1100 CAD to fix the VTC actuator, but with the timing chain also being replaced I was quoted $1880 CAD since being out of warranty a long time ago...
This is a major problem and I believe Honda owners shouldn't have to pay this much for some part that Honda themselves made that was clearly defective. Although, I will have it fixed (with their new part from the tsb) and I hope that it doesn't come up again otherwise I will have to junk or trade in this vehicle that rarely gave me any problems until today.
There is a loud noise on startup, usually more severe when I am starting the car in the winter. I have found that you can decrease this rattling significantly if you turn the key to the on position and let the car sit for about 30 seconds and then start it afterwards. For whatever reason, even in the winter, this seems to almost completely resolve the noise.
Car is pretty new with only 40,000 miles on it. This is frustrating that a trusted brand like Honda makes junk cars like this. I gave Honda a try but I had better luck with Chrysler.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
The past week here in Canada since the weather is getting colder, whenever I start cold start my vehicle in the morning only, I hear a grinding noise in the engine for a few seconds. After doing some research online, turns out it must be the VTC actuator that needs replacing. There was a tsb for it online.
I took the vehicle to a dealer to verify the issue, and it was in fact the VTC actuator going bad. Dealer also requested that since the valve cover has to come off, they might as well replace the timing chain as well to avoid more labour costs down the line, since it was causing some sort of oil leak inside, and the chain has been stretched.
Being quoted $1100 CAD to fix the VTC actuator, but with the timing chain also being replaced I was quoted $1880 CAD since being out of warranty a long time ago...
This is a major problem and I believe Honda owners shouldn't have to pay this much for some part that Honda themselves made that was clearly defective. Although, I will have it fixed (with their new part from the tsb) and I hope that it doesn't come up again otherwise I will have to junk or trade in this vehicle that rarely gave me any problems until today.
- Reyaz F., Brampton, ON, Canada