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.
I was shocked to hear during my routine oil change that my brake pads where worn to the point of needing replacement. I thought that Honda brakes would last a lot longer than 17,660 miles. The service advisor indicated that "sometimes this happens". I don't agree, I think something is seriously wrong with the brake pads on a 2009 Honda Accord and anyone with this model should have them checked.
I heard about the brake problem and checked the rear brakes at 20k and replaced them at 22k.
I have read the other complaints and I think there are many excuses for the problem, but it is a design problem more than anything else. Honda tried to equalize the brakes. Normally the front brakes do 70% of the braking and the rear 30%. In equalizing the brakes, the rear do around 50% of the braking.
The problem as I see it is the front pads are twice the size of the rear pads. They did not use larger pads in the rear, but almost doubled the braking load of the rear brakes. The result is the smaller pads cannot handle it and wear out and probably overheat, causing warping of the rotor. I think it is an incredibly poor decision by Honda to make this change and not updating the size of the pad. Of course they would need to use a different caliper to accommodate the larger pad. The piston on the 2009 also has to be rotated (screwed) in to set it back when the pads are replaced. I have not seen that on another car, and it was not like that on our 2000 Accord.
Someone mentioned that it may put additional pressure on the pad, and I agree that it may also be part of the problem but the main cause is the standard rear pad used for additional load. The best solution is to have the pads replaced frequently, before other damage occurs or look for a lifetime brakes offer at one of the chain stores.
My previous vehicles' rear disc brake pad life was approx 70,000 miles or more. Brake pad replacement at 27,485 miles on my 2009 Honda Accord Ex is unacceptable under any circumstances. My mechanic noted that brake pad replacement was critical at that point or a small amount of further use of the rear brakes would have resulted in the need for rotor replacement as well.
It is my belief that the brake pads and rotors may be under sized for this vehicle contributing the short life problem. The design and sizing of the rear braking system is certainly an issue Honda and their parts supplier must investigate to avoid future braking issues of this nature.
This car burns through front brakes like crazy. I have owned many cars in the past and I have never had to replace the brakes as much as I do with this car. Honda admitted the problem and gave me the first brake job for free. Let's not start about the oil consumption with this car!
So, this is the second time I'm taking my car in and told I need new rear brake pads and rotors. The first time was at 22173 miles and now at 56862 miles. I thought they were suppose to last closer to 70000 miles? The first time they replaced them at a discount due to a defect in manufacturing. Okay, so they lasted about 10000 miles longer- is that really much better? I know I have to get them replaced, but I was too pissed to let them soak me for another $360 today.
- korryn,
Harrisburg, Pa, US
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Honda is to be know for a well made car, but I had problems with my brakes at less than 25000 miles and was told it was a defect in the car manufacturing. I thought, okay. They will fix the problem on their tab. NO! They fixed it minus $150 towards the repair. That isn't good business. I'm not planning to buy another Honda.
I bought my car in 2011 as CPO from a dealer with 17K miles. About a year later, I noticed some squealing coming from the rear of the car. One weekend I finally had my grandpa put ceramic brake pads in at about 25K miles, cost me about $50. I thought it was bizarre for pads to go so early but knowing brakes are usually not covered by warranty went about my business.
Now at 45K miles, 2 year later - I heard an awful grinding noise coming from the rear of my car. After 3 weeks of driving, I took it to a mechanic that said my rotors were warped, pads on one side were completely gone and pistons/ calibers were pretty shot too. Fortunately, he was able to get the pistons working without having to replace. For a car that is 5 years old, I have relatively low mileage and don't think I should have had to replace pads twice and rotors already once on a car that still looks like it's off the showroom floor. This is my first Honda but its may be my last.
Since I purchsed the car about 2 years ago I had to replace the brakes 3 times and the rotors twice. Recently I had to bring my car back to the shop and now the auto shop is telling me I once again have to replace the brakes, rotors and calibers. This one fix is costing me $650. I think this is crazy that I had to replace this over 3 times. There is something that has to be done. This is really annoying and making me not want to buy a Honda ever again.
I bought this 2009 Accord new with 47423 miles. I have to have the brake repaired at the dealership where I bought it. I paid $256.24 using my credit card and it's said there is no recall for this repair. My Invoice said the fix is "Brake Pads, Rear - Replace and Machine Rotors'.
I checked the website about this, someone says I may get $125 back? If there is any more information, would you share with me? Thanks!
Back brakes went out at 37300 miles. Mechanic said it looked like I had been driving around with my emergency brakes on, that's how worn they were. Now 2 years later 10-2013 they have gone out again!
My extended coverage with Honda Care 800 999-5901 told the Auto Tech mechanic that he would have to collect the monies from me, the car owner...hummmm..sounds like a shady Honda Care warranty coverage. My problem is the nearest Honda dealer is 125 miles away where they told me the road side assistance covered is a $100.00 for towing. Does anyone know a tow truck anywhere that will show up for 100 bucks? Plus Honda Care would not commit to what they would cover dollar wise so the mechanic had no idea what would be covered.
FYI - Rear calipers stuck and cooked the rotors, pads,brake fluid and now I don't trust the rear hub assemblies from all the heat the stuck rear calipers created.
ok Honda..fess up the rear brakes do not match this car...the calipers stuck the rotors cooked along with the brake fluid...and guess what is behind the caliper,brake pads and rotor.... the hub assembly..this has bearings and grease...we all know how heat, bearings and grease get along...you know what is going to fail next...THE REAR HUB ASSEMBLIES....
This car runs great...handles great...good road manners... the v-6 has good power, good torque..strong transmission..and traction control...BUT IF YOU CAN"T TRUST THE BRAKES IT IS WORTHLESS....
Vin # 1hgcp36889ao27608 rear brakes got so hot almost caught on fire...that would have been just below the gas fill cap. Honda needs to step up on this one..the class action for replacing pads is a joke..that much heat cooks the caliper, pads, rotors and cooks out the grease and cooks the bearings on the hub assembly
My 2009 Honda Accord have the rear brakes going bad at 31500. My 1997 Honda Accord had the front brakes go bad at 80000 miles and rear at 150000 miles. I have had 4 Hondas and never have had to have rear brakes replaced before 100000 miles. There was a class action suit but I don't fit because it's been 4 years.
We bought our 2009 Honda (Accord) in September of 2008. Rear Brakes, both rotors and pads were replaced at 21000 miles in July of 2010. We had to pay our mechanic and then get reimbursed through the class action lawsuit filed against Honda. We received $150. from the lawsuit. Enough to pay for the cost of the pads and rotors, but not the labor. Not happy that the brakes specifically the rear brakes on a front wheel drive car would go after 21000 miles.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I was shocked to hear during my routine oil change that my brake pads where worn to the point of needing replacement. I thought that Honda brakes would last a lot longer than 17,660 miles. The service advisor indicated that "sometimes this happens". I don't agree, I think something is seriously wrong with the brake pads on a 2009 Honda Accord and anyone with this model should have them checked.
- Sharon B., Chicago, IL, US