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.
6.0
fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$200
Average Mileage:
37,950 miles
Total Complaints:
18 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
not sure (8 reports)
replaced steering column (8 reports)
replaced the steering cable (1 reports)
replacement of power steering pump which was leaking (1 reports)
Honda used to be a trustful brand but not anymore. Most of all the steering column makes a click noise when I steer to left or light in low speeds. First of all it used to be few click but now it has started increasing.
I dont know what should I do, can anyone suggest me something on this problem?
We had a very loud popping noise with the steering wheel. Took it to Honda dealer they ordered us a part to fix it. I had called Honda first and asked if they had a recall on the problem. They told me they did not have any complaints. I see 16 complaints here mine is the 17th. I hope whoever wrote also reports this to Honda so they could see how big this problem is. We had it fixed cost around $300, it is now starting to do the same thing over. We took it back to same Honda dealer they told us they could not fix it now has to many mile on it. We have also had some problems with the brakes they make a loud sound had them looked at they say they are fine just dust on them. This does not make sense to us. Thank You
For a few weeks I started hearing a clicking sound, like tapping a can, each time I would turn the steering wheel either way, with each slight turn of the wheel. The sound came from the steering column inside the car so I figured it wasn't the power steering. I waited to see if it would go away, and when it didn't, I figured I should have it checked out.
I've gone to Honda for service so I took it in. They did diagnostics on it and showed me a service bulletin from 2012 describing exactly what I heard. The bulletin said there was a bearing that was deteriorating and would require the steering column to be replaced, $700, which would include a wheel alignment since the steering column would be replaced. I called Honda corporate and registered a complaint. Even though my car was out of warranty, this is clearly a defect. It's along the lines of the gas pedal that stuck and drove people to their death, and the airbag problem. If the steering column locks or doesn't even work, it's a deathtrap. And since Honda knew about the condition since 2012 (the other complaint said the bulletin came out in 2009), then it must have been happening since then for sure. Honda covered the cost of replacing the steering column, with $100 deductible.
However, when the technician took out the old steering column, he noticed that the cockspring was worn and was not stopping, so that was replaced also. Although Honda covered the cost I was surprised that the issue wasn't considered critical. This defect is inexcusable. They viewed it as a "condition" not necessarily a "defect". It's clearly a defect. I've never heard of this happening to a car. Mine is just 6 years old. Hondas go on for hundreds of thousands of mile. I take good care of my car, and it's in a garage at night.
Bought the car from an Acura dealer. Tried to get the knock in the steering covered under the "warranty" and they screwed me over. They said they could fix it, but it would cost me over $300 as that is not a warranty item. I only had the car for three weeks.... Honda/Acura has left me with a VERY bad taste in my mouth. I would change my mind if Honda would own their mistake about the seats and replace them with comfy ones. I could get past everything else, but the seats have ruined it for me.
I bought my car less than two months ago. Yesterday, the popping sound began to occur. At first, I thought maybe it would work itself out and stop making the noise. However, the popping sound is getting louder. I purchased an extended warranty and am hoping this will be covered.
- Lori L.,
Bellefontaine, OH, US
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I am a loyal Honda Customer who even stirred his family members into buying Honda's over Toyota in the past few years. My Honda had only 38000 when i started to hear annoying noises coming from the tires and steering wheel. I took it to my local dealership and they couldn't detect any noise and told me to schedule another appointment so that they could test drive and find the fault. I didn't have time to spend my entire day at the Honda dealership on top of the 2 hours i spend there for an oil change so i took it to my local mechanic shop. I couldn't comprehend the fact that if they are making me wait for that long, why not test drive and get the feel on the situation. Anyways, my mechanic took a test drive for a good 15 minutes and told me to leave the car so he could narrow down the cause. Eventually he told me that there is some wheel bearing issue which would take about $500 to fix it. I couldn't stand the noise so i told him to get that fixed. in the mean time the popping noise continued on a low decimal level. My wife drove about 180 miles daily so the mileage kept on adding and she would address the noise issue to me off and on. It got to a point that we had 120,000 miles on it and the noise became unbearable. I checked online and learned there is a service bulletin regarding the problem but Honda is not stepping up to the plate to fix this known problem. I scheduled an appointment and took it to my dealership and my guess was right asI was told to replace the steering wheel column for $650. I was shocked to learn that after spending $500 for a major issue on top of the brake work and alignments i did to maintain my car in top condition now i have to spend another $650. i contacted the corporate office and addressed this issue to them which is ongoing since i had about 38000 miles. The case manager contacted me and said that we can't do anything for you. The service manager at the dealership was supposed to check on this but there was no response. I had my fingers crossed that Boardwalk Honda or the corporate office would address this matter and step up and take care of the problem. Now there is no sign of help from a big company like Honda and my trust and loyalty towards them is completely shattered. i have shared this with my close family members who upon my good words opted for a Honda in the past 4 years and they were shocked. My close family have bought 5 Honda's since then. This issue will completely refrain us from buying any Honda in the near future. I was thinking of replacing my old car with a Honda pilot or a minivan but the likelihood might be turning me into a Toyota or a Ford fan.
I took my 2009 Honda Accord Coupe to Stokes Honda in North Charleston today for normal service and due to a popping noise coming from the steering column. I learned there is a service bulletin regarding the problem but Honda is not stepping up to the plate to fix this known problem. The service manager is going to be calling Honda anyway due to failing paint on my Honda so we asked him to address the replacement of the steering column also. The estimated cost to replace the steering column is just under $600. I've owned this car for less than 4 years and I bought it because of the reputation of Honda. I would have never thought I would need to have such expensive repairs this early into ownership. My last car was a Nissan. I sold it after having it for 7 years and putting 170,000 miles on it. The paint (also white) looked great, there was no known problems mechanically and the most I did was get the routine maintenance done and replace the brakes. When I was purchasing my Honda, I was offered an extended warranty. I asked the salesman if the quality of Honda was as good as Nissan. He responded by saying "It's even better", I declined purchasing the extended warranty because my Nissan had been such a great vehicle and needed no major repairs during my ownership. I expected my new Honda to meet the same standards. Now that there has been mechanical failure and paint failure, all I can do is see if Honda and my dealership step up and resolve both problems that are clearly not acceptable on a car less than 4 years old. Fingers crossed that Honda and Stokes Honda dealership step up and take care of both problems. Will update status when I hear back from the service manager.
Update from May 20, 2014: Honda covered 75% of the repair under their good will program. I ended up paying less than $100 for the repair.
NOT LONG AFTER I BOUGHT MY CAR WHICH WAS IN 2010 I STARTED PERIODICALLY NOTICING A POPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN IT WAS IN MOTION. THIS WAS NOT SIGNIFICANT AT FIRST AND I THOUGHT MAYBE IT WAS REALLY NOT ANYTHING I SHOULD WORRY ABOUT BUT OVER THE LAST COUPLE YEARS IT HAS GOTTEN MORE NOTICABLE, GETTING LOUDER AND NOW WITHIN THE LAST YEAR IT IS AWFUL!
ANYTIME THE STEERING WHEEL IS IN MOTION IT SOUNDS LIKE IT IS GOING TO BREAK. I ASKED THE HONDA DEALERSHIP ABOUT THIS NOISE 2 MONTHS AGO WHEN IT WAS SERVICED AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS DUE TO THE AIRBAG IN THE STEERING COLUMN. THEY SAID THAT IT WAS METAL TOUCHING METAL AND THAT WAS WHAT THE NOISE WAS. I ASKED ABOUT THE COST TO HAVE IT FIXED AND THEY PROVIDED THAT INFORMATION AND THEN TOLD ME "JUST TURN YOUR RADIO UP" AND BRUSHED IT OFF. SO I LEFT AND THOUGHT WELL MAYBE IT WILL GET BETTER.......
NO, IT HAS GOTTEN MUCH, MUCH WORSE AND NOW I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE AIRBAG IN THE STEERING COLUMN. I AM AFRAID IT IS GOING TO EXPLODE EVERY TIME I AM DRIVING. THE NOISE IS AWFUL AND QUIET SCARY. I AM A WOMAN AND I THINK SOMETIMES THEY TEND TO THINK WE ARE SILLY ABOUT THINGS LIKE THIS BUT IT IS SO NOTICEABLE WHEN ANYONE IS RIDING WITH ME THEY COMMENT ON IT. I AM NOT SURE WHAT TO DO AND I WONDER IF HONDA WOULD REPLACE THIS AND POSSIBLY SAVE A FEW LIVES BY DOING SO. I HAVE FOUND MYSELF NOT WANTING TO GET IN MY CAR TO DO DAILY THINGS LIKE GO TO WORK OR THE STORE. I AM VERY UNEASY. HAS ANYONE ELSE HAD THIS ISSUE??
The first time I carried my car in they said (service manager) it was the brakes resetting them self, with a smile he said someone can in a few days ago with the same problem. Now in December I went back, this time they (different service manager) said they did not hear any, but it is document. This happen around 36,000 miles, I have extended warrant (certification) Now am near the end of the warrant. I feel that they are waiting for my warrant to expire. If you are having problem with the 2009 Honda Accord why not just fix, instead of waiting the owner to pay it to be fix.
ok so around 20k miles i noticed when i was driving and turning my wheel it made a weird clicking noise. coming from inside the wheel. i brought it to honda and they test drove it and didn't find anything wrong! so i ignored the issue. around 48k miles i went back to honda for an oil change. the guy who drove my car noticed the clicking noise so he advised me to make an appointment to check it out. i did. they found that it was a cable problem and that it was not covered under warranty. isn't that great. the problem happened around 20k miles when i was under warranty and since they didn't find a problem before, now its not covered. isn't that amazing. smfh. honda of greenwich is really slacking.they told me it was not a hazard to drive so i left the issue. maybe if i get reimbursed i will have it fixed. if not i'm leaving the issue. but yes when i turn the wheel from side to side it makes a weird clicking noise. does anyone else have this problem?
Replaced steering column. As of today, September 11 2011 I have 34500 miles on this car, I don't drive the car because the 3 years warranty will be over on November first and this is a leased car (that I wanted to keep) cannot wait to return this car to the junk lot dealer car.
Had the car serviced last month at the dealer, and they did not address the complaint only to say that the steering column might require replacement. Took it back in for service to the dealer today and they told me that they had seen bulletins from Honda about the problem, and that replacement is the most likely correction. They also advised it would be $357 for the column and $283 to install. I told them I have a Jeep with over 250k on the clock and I still don't have to replace the steeering column, and if they expect me to pay, I will be on the phone wioth Honda Motors about it. The service advisor said he will talk to his manager on Tuesday tro see if they will replace at N/C since I am such a good cistomer. We will see. A $23K car that's 2 years old and it needs a new steering column.....sounds like defective equipment to me....
Update from Apr 30, 2012: Honda of Conyers replaced the steering column for me with no problem on warranty. No problems since.
Honda dealer says this is NORMAL. I've demanded to show me other brand NEW car from their parking lot, it wasn't making that much noise. I had to push them until they decided to contact Honda Tech support with the complaint. The popping sound occurs most frequently when the car truns left or right. You can also hear it if you sit still and turn the wheel back and forth. Finally they replaced steering wheel column.
At about 20,000 miles, the steering column started popping intermittently. The dealer said that the column needed replacement after inspecting it. This was completed 2 days later and I've had no further issues.
Thought the problem was very unusual since the car was almost new. But I have since learned that there are other defects in this car which I have also reported.
Honda dealer says this is NORMAL. Showed me other NEW cars with similar sound. I don't think it is the same issue. I had to push them until they decided to contact Honda Tech support with the complaint. We will see what happens next. The popping sound occurs most frequently when the car has been idle for awhile. The first turn of the wheel and POP.
You can also hear it if you sit still and turn the wheel back and forth. I would like to know if others have the same problem.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Honda used to be a trustful brand but not anymore. Most of all the steering column makes a click noise when I steer to left or light in low speeds. First of all it used to be few click but now it has started increasing.
I dont know what should I do, can anyone suggest me something on this problem?
- Dipesh S., Bloomington, MN, US