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:
$290
Average Mileage:
28,800 miles
Total Complaints:
266 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace brakes (139 reports)
  2. let's all complaint to the top! (24 reports)
  3. replace brakes & rotors (21 reports)
  4. not sure (18 reports)
  5. class action suit (15 reports)
  6. dealer fixed free of charge (13 reports)
2009 Honda Accord brakes problems

brakes problem

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2009 Honda Accord Owner Comments (Page 6 of 14)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #166

Jun 202011

Accord EX 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 24,000 miles

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

I noticed a funny "chhhh" noise coming from the back of the car when I was driving down the road; especially noticeable next to concrete barriers. I thought that it was the brakes but the noise was not occurring when I was breaking, so didn't put much urgency into it. I asked a family member/mechanic & he said it did sound like the breaks but would make sure when he got into town (in a month).

By the time he got in town, the noise was now definitely breaks. The "chhhh" noise did not go away but a new "Kschhh" was happening when I was breaking. I thought it was totally odd since the car had less than 25K miles and was still under warranty. I was due for an oil change and asked them to also check out why I was hearing noise. I was called over to discuss their finding and was told that the rear breaks needed replacing IMMEDIATELY. And I asked why wouldn't it be covered under warranty since it seems rather peculiar that they have worn so quickly. This is my 3rd Accord (4th counting an Acura) in 15 years and from my experience, this was odd. He said it was a maintenance issue and breaks wear, so it was not under warranty. Fair enough.

Upon check out, he handed me a copy of the lawsuit and briefly told me what was going on and what I should do. I went home and did some research and made an appointment. Both local Honda dealerships would replace my breaks but would not adjust the EBD, even if I didn't hassle them about who was paying for it.

I completely understand that breaks wear, but OEM breaks shouldn't wear under 25K miles! That's ridiculous, especially after my experience with all of my vehicles. If the EBD is part of the problem but to only fix with "new" & "improved" break pads is bologna. Their customer satisfaction is really falling short on this issue. I will wait and see if their "fix" really does solve the problem and I get some decent mileage out of the new break pads. If not, I'll be back to voice it...

- tzbz258, Orlando, FL, US

problem #165

Jun 182011

Accord LX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 17,500 miles

Had to replace rear brakes on my 09 Honda Accord at 17K miles. Don't the front brakes usually wear out first? My husband changed my brakes and could not believe the mickey mouse brakes pads Honda had used. Have documented other problems I have had with this car. I will never purchase another Honda again, although I still own a 97 Accord and still love it. Wondering what the trade in value for this junker will be?

- ayrb, Daly City, CA, US

problem #164

Jul 082011

Accord EXL 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 23,500 miles

I have had the front brakes replaced in 2009..free from the dealer after several complaints and providing information about other dealerships providing free replacements on the front brake. Now the back brakes are squeaking and need replaced with less than 24K miles. Just started the process again with the dealership....

- Matt P., Olathe, KS, US

problem #163

Oct 012011

Accord EX-L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 23,000 miles

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

At only 23000 miles my 2009 Accord started shaking and the wheel vibrates horribly when braking. Dealership thinks it is the front rotors. How can rotors be warped at only 23000 miles? Honda needs to STOP telling people that it is caused by their braking habits. This is the fourth car I have bought and it is the least amount of miles that I have driven a car after having it for almost 3 years so I know it is not braking habits. Honda needs to address this issue. They do not only have a rear brake problem. The front brakes are bad also.

- Julie S., West Sacramento, CA, US

problem #162

Oct 242011

Accord LX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 28,000 miles

I was told that the rear brake pads was totally gone at about 28k miles when I had a service in my local Honda dealer. It was so weird. My old car was replaced twice for the front brakes but never changed the rear brakes in 10 years. Called Honda and was told I can file to get $150 reimbursement. But it costs me more than $300 to fix it. It is not satisfied at all.

- Hong C., Westborough, MA, US

problem #161

Dec 152010

Accord LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 24,000 miles

I never had a vehicle that the brake pads worn out at 24k. Most of my vehicles had at least 90k miles.

- knight60, Pickens, SC, US

problem #160

Aug 312011

Accord LX 2.8L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,600 miles

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

Our personal mechanic told us that the rear brake wear should not have occurred at such a low mileage, but the Honda Dealer's service department denied that there was a problem.

- dviox73, Edwardsville, IL, US

problem #159

Oct 112011

Accord EX 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 53,750 miles

This will be the THIRD time I have had to replace the brake pads on my '09 Honda Accord. The first two sets of pads were included in the Honda Brake Pad recall. The second set which was removed and replaced with non-Honda brakes, was worn down almost completely on the right rear brake, and had normal wear on the left rear brake pad. The non-factory pads I replaced those with were replaced at about 42,000 miles, and have been reduced to 1.5 mm in 10 months. I took my car in to Honda to have them fix a different problem in August '11, and they said my brakes were fine at 4mm. I drove about 2,100 miles until today, October 17, 2001, took it in for another recall issue, and my brakes are already at 1.5 mm! The Service Manager said that is normal wear and tear! 2.5 mm in 2,100 miles is NOT normal. He said they weren't responsible since they were non-Honda brakes BUT that is exactly what happened with that previous two Honda brake pads. I asked them to look into the ENTIRE brake system, which the Rep said was done, but the Service Manager admitted that is was only a VISUAL inspection! This is about safety, and I am tired of replacing the brakes every 10 months and NOT BEING HEARD BY TWO DIFFERENT HONDA REPS! Accord is known to have brakes problems, yet they are blaming the fact that the third set of pads I have are non-factory, therefore making them not responsible. I am sure my brake system has a problem, and that it is not the brake pads themselves.

- 09honda, Ramona, CA, US

problem #158

Apr 022010

Accord LX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 18,000 miles

This was the 1st rear break pad replacement. Dealer covered under "Good Will". 2nd rear break pad replacement was covered under the Class Action Lawsuit at 28000 miles - with the "New" break pads.

3rd rear break pad replacement was at 42000 miles -- Paid out of pocket.

Still on my first set of front break pads.

- dwendling, Kansas City, MO, US

problem #157

Nov 102010

Accord EX-L 2.4L V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 24,000 miles

OH MY GOD SO THERE WAS THIS WEIRD HORN LIKE NOISE COMING FROM MY CAR WHEN I USED THE BRAKES. I FINALLY BROUGHT IT TO HONDA AND THEY SAID IT WAS MY REAR BRAKES THAT WERE RUBBING ON THE MIDDLE WORN ALL THE WAY DOWN. I WAS SO CONFUSED BECAUSE I WASN'T A HEAVY BRAKER AND IT WAS TO MY UNDERSTANDING BRAKES ARE SUPPOSED TO BE CHANGED AROUND 60-70K MILES FOR A STANDARD DRIVER. HOW IS IT THAT MY CAR AT LESS THAN 24K MILES NEEDS REAR BRAKES SO BADLY???? THIS IS CRAZY!!! U KNOW WHAT ELSE IS CRAZY? THE FACT THAT I'M AT 49K MILES AND I GOT THEM CHANGED FOR A 2ND TIME! THIS TIME I'M NOT UNDER WARRANTY SO I HAD TO GO ELSEWHERE TO FIX THEM FOR HALF THE PRICE. SINCE HONDA WANTS TO CHARGE OVER 300.00 FOR BRAKE PADS..SMFH! ANYWAYS I HOPE WE ALL GET OUR MONEY BACK.!!! 2 TIMES IN 49K MILES I HAD TO HAVE MY "REAR" BRAKES FIXED. NOT THE FRONT BUT THE REAR. WHICH I FIND VERY STRANGE. WHEN HONDA MADE THE BRAKES ON THESE CARS THEY MUST HAVE MESSED UP SOMEWHERE. ITS NOT SAFE TO HAVE ALL THE RELIABILITY ON THE REAR BRAKES LIKE THAT. PLUS ALL MY ROTORS ARE WORN DOWN. ALL 4 OF THEM. SMH

- Ashley C., Riverside, CT, US

problem #156

Jun 282011

Accord LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 14,460 miles

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

I always bought used and finally decided enough with Getting someone else's problems.I'll buy new so there won't be any headaches.LOL on me.My accord is only 2 years old and honda dealer ship inspected it 8 months ago, I've only put 4500 miles on it since,so either they stickered my car knowing the breaks were wearing or my car is unsafe because i should not have needed breaks and rotors yet. It also wore on my back drivers side Tire and I'm going to have to replace that so too.I'm pissed!

- Michael M., Erie, PA, US

problem #155

Sep 052011

Accord LX 4.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 32,000 miles

Rear brakes worn prematurely. I called dealer and he said brakes were covered for 1 year or 12000 miles. I purchased rear pads and replaced myself. I noticed rear calipers require a special tool to retract cylinder. I called dealer and they said the calipers have been replaced with a new part number and cost $256.00 pus $30.00 core charge each.

The calipers do not retract and cause premature wear.

This is pure crap from honda. I was proud of my 1992 Honda with 353,000 miles and now they build crap just like the American car manufactures build.

I will tell everyone I can about their new marketing strategy. Screw the customer!

- Arthur R., Commerce, MI, US

problem #154

Jun 062011

Accord EXL 2.5L 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 34,500 miles

I still can't believe it!!!!! I just found out that we are not the only one with this problem!

2009 Accord, bought in June 2009, now ~35.000miles...needs front&rear rotors& brakes pads changed!

My husband drives this car to work only..on highway...60 mile/day. Monday, he started complaining about his car's brakes and noises of brakes...I thought it's because of whether changes; from 100F to 50F, a lot of rain...but because he was so upset and scared to drive his car, he took my car . Then, I understood he's serious. I'm working daily 9-5:30pm. The dealer is closed when I'm off. I spent my work-breaks calling the Honda dealer.

I called Honda dealer in Elmhurst,IL with my frustration. Lin gave me some answers; I wasn't happy with it. I asked for the warranty,the law suit, and I found out that I have to pay for repairs. She gave me the prices but they were different the second time I called. In my second break I called again, but they put me on hold, and my 15minutes break was gone. After work, they were closed. :(:(

My husband took the car to a service auto.We found out that we have to pay $500 to change the front&rear rotors&brake pads! It's ABNORMAL, man! After 5 years, on my Toyota Matrix 2005 I changed the front brakes pads only at ~40000mi. Now I have 73000mi and the brakes are still good. I read all the complaints and I'm agree: Honda should pay for this rotors and brakes issues. They are premature wear! Too fast! The material or a technical problem ....something is wrong with this car !

We are mad , veryyyyyyyy mad......Why? Because, when we bought this bad car, the dealers knew about all this complains and did nothing. They should lessen when customers talk !!!!!! I'm thinking to put notes on my windows and drive around , for people to know...do not make the same mistake. I still have payments on this car... I have to start paying the repairs, now ??!!!!!! No way ! That's not right!

I'll call tomorrow again...I don't give up...I don't accept this ! It's a shame for Honda! Shame on them! The warranty book says that my vehicle is covered for 3 years or 36.000 miles,whichever comes first( page 9) and the replacement of expendable maintenance items are not covered unless THEY ARE DEFECTIVE IN MATERIAL OR WORKMANSHIP. Why they don't accept their mistake? And pay for it ? Why do I have to pay to Honda dealer to check the car and tell me the problem? At least a check out should be free ! Today I'll be more than happy to return this car.....if it'll be possible. I don't want to be like those customers who fixed these problems 2 and 3 times! No way! And.....this was my first and last time buying a Honda car. Me and all my descendants!

- Nicoleta A., Addison, IL, US

problem #153

Aug 172011

Accord EX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 32,000 miles

My rear brakes were replaced around 15,000 miles. Honda mostly reimbursed me for the premature wear. However, the rear brakes are currently at a level 3 and need to be replaced again. I am angry because I only have 32,250 miles on my car.

- jenny_mac, Westmont, IL, US

problem #152

Jun 012011

Accord EX L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles

It's ridiculus that the consumer has to fill out and send a form in to be reimbursed for this!

- mhgibson, Crozet, VA, US

problem #151

Aug 012011

Accord LX-P

  • Automatic transmission
  • 18,000 miles

The 2009 Honda Accord was screeching when I braked. The problem was the brakes. I had to replace the rear brake pads with the new and improved Honda brake pads. The car is still new. Honda put cheap brake pads. Also, release a lot of brake dust.

- Jay G., Monmouth Junction, NJ, US

problem #150

Jan 152011

Accord EX 4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 21,000 miles

Have leased three Honda Accords and never had the troubles I have have had with this 2009. In Jan., 2011, with about 21,000. knew brakes were not 100%. Took to a local tires place and they advised the rear brakes were gone. Called my local Honda service store and was advised by the girl answering the phone that there were no problems with the brakes and she never heard anything any problems. I then proceeded to have them fixed at a charge of $307.14. They also advised the battery was low. I then went to the Honda dealership and they checked battery and I then told them about brakes. They advised there was a form to fill out for a refund as there was some question about premature wearing. I did fill out forms sent them in and was refused any reimbursement as they said I was too late that it ended November, 2010. I have since had the battery replaced by Honda at no charge, front brakes replaced and the rear trim shields (this is the long board behind the back seat that was rattling when the radio was on driving everybody crazy) replaced at no charge. Am totally disappointed in the way I was treated with the brake problems and never advised about the rear shields being defective and after not even 2-1/2 years the battery goes. My lease is coming for renewal in Dec. 2011 and looking for another car, but not a Honda. What happened to this dependable car? Something is quite wrong.

- franweinstein, North Miami Beach, FL, US

problem #149

May 182011

Accord

  • Automatic transmission
  • 17,000 miles

I have owned only Honda Accords since 1990. With just17,000 miles on the car, the rear brakes need to be replaced. I will pursue the $150 reimbursement offered as part of the class action suit against Honda. I think Honda skimped on a lot of things in their 2009 edition.

- Mark B., Montclair, NJ, US

problem #148

May 202011

Accord LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 16,300 miles

THIS WAS MY FIRST HONDA AND I AM NOT PLEASED TO LEARN THAT THIS PROBLEM EXISTS. SINCE IT WAS KNOWN FOR QUITE AWHILE, I WOULD EXPECT THE DEALER TO COVER THE COSTS. HOWEVER, THE CLASS ACTION SUIT SEEMS TO POINT IN THE DIRECTION OF REIMBURSEMENT. I HOPE TO BE ABLE TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE ENTIRE COSTS OF THE REPLACEMENT OF MY REAR BRAKES BUT UNDERSTAND THE LIMITATIONS INVOLVED.

- ddmcguire61, Lake Forest, CA, US

problem #147

Jul 012010

Accord EX-L Coupe V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 27,000 miles

27,000 primarily freeway miles shouldn't call for new brake pads on any car. Also, even after the class action lawsuit covered most of the repair, the change still cost me a good amount.

- Ross L., Sahuarita, AZ, US

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