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 7 of 7)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #19

Jul 112011

Accord EX 4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles

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

I have been taking my care to the dealership for oil changes since day1. I purchased the car brand new in 2009. In July 2011 I noticed a shuttering noise from the engine. I checked the oil and it had no oil on the dipstick. Previously there were no oil problems and I followed the maintenance minder system as recommended by the Dealership. I went 7-8k before an oil change. They changed the oil and said to call them when I hit 1k. I called him and it once again was down 2 quarts again. They then did the software update which was completed Oct 7. The problem is still not fixed I am now at 1700 miles since my last oil change and it is down 2 Quarts. I also have got the run around and they have implied that it is normal for the car to consume oil. I am fed up with Honda and will be looking to trade in the car. My family has owned hondas and has not had any problems before. Very disappointed with Honda and the Service team.

- Amy E., Conellsville, PA, US

problem #18

Oct 032011

Accord LX 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 34,612 miles

RECALL #2 : oil consumption, not sure what the problem was, a software issue ?

- rstrpjr, Greenville, SC, US

problem #17

Jun 012010

Accord EX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 19,000 miles

My 2009 Accord V6 is burning oil a bit more than 1 quart every 1000 miles. On a recent long trip, the engine light came on and the car started running rough. When I took the car to the dealer, they said the spark plugs were fould which was caused by a software problem in the car's engine computer. They said it was related to the excessive oil consumption. They also said a new service bulletin came out that instructs them to reprogram the computer with new software which is supposed to cure the oil consumption problem. They reprogrammed the computer and changed my spark plugs without charge. Time will tell if this fixes the problem.

Update from Sep 11, 2011: Well it's been a few months and it doesn't look like the oil consumption problem is fixed. My dealer has opened up an oil consumption test and I'm afraid they will not do anything if they discover that the consumption is a quart every 1000 miles or more.

- savoykl, Dayton, OH, US

problem #16

Aug 152011

Accord EX 2.5L 4 cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 15,000 miles

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

When I brought my car to the dealer for routine maintenance (Aug., 2011), they informed me that there was a recall for excessive oil consumption. It involved a software upgrade (!)

Oddly, I have not seen this recall announced anywhere, not even on the Honda owner's site. Nor did I experience this problem.

- L S., Binghamton, NY, US

problem #15

Apr 262011

Accord 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,000 miles

Engine shuddering began approx 2 months after the purchase of the car in 2009. First time was on a trip, shuddering, engine light on, pulled over and called the nearest dealership - they told us to bring it in ASAP. On the way we stopped for gas, when we turned the car back on the light was off and the shuddering had stopped - just a computer glitch perhaps. Fast forward to about 8 months later, same situation only worse. This time we were local and called the dealership where we bought the car, we were told to shut the car down and they would come get it. The car was towed to the dealership where they could not duplicate the shuddering or locate a code on the computer - solution - bring it back when it does it again. About 6 month’s later, same situation, same results. Turn the car off and then back on and the shuddering stops, no light, no code logged in the computer. Took it to the dealership, same response - bring it back when it is doing it. About 6 to 8 months after that, shuddering one more time - this time took it straight to the dealership without turning the car off so they could see the problem.

Finally they were able to identify the problem as a fouled spark plug and fixed the problem. The catch was the car was low on oil, we were told to monitor the oil consumption and come back if it runs low. At 1200 miles we were 1 quart low. Went back, dealership opened a case with Honda who told us to drive another 1500 miles and see how much oil is consumed. So far we have felt like Honda and the dealership has given us the run-around. We shouldn't have to deal with a car using oil that is two years old. Honda use to stand for quality but now I think they have slipped. I am very disappointed with the customer service at the dealership and with Honda. I have filed a complaint with Honda and will see where it goes. I have noticed that several people have had complaints of the oil use with some getting a fix. Will update when something happens.

- Rusty P., Germantown, TN, US

problem #14

Jun 062011

Accord EXL-Navi V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 64,000 miles

In Dec 2010 the car check engine light started to flash constantly. (mileage approx 55,000) At the same time the engine began to shudder and almost died. I was barely able to get the car to a Honda dealership. They discovered that there were FOUR cylinders misfiring, THREE spark plugs broken, and FOUR quarts of oil MISSING! They replaced the spark plugs ($20+ each) and topped the oil. No problem since. June 6 it all started again. (Mileage approx 64,000) Noticed that the "econo" mode would not engage when engine is shuddering. SAME ISSUES. Able to get the car to another Honda Dealership. Ran complete ($90) computer scan. No broken plugs. Updated system software - paid- left. 50 miles from home. 10 miles to go and check engine starts blinking and engine shudders AGAIN!

The next day I took it to yet another Honda dealership with hopes to fix the problem. When I rolled up to the dealership, the VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST (OR VSA) Light came on solid and stayed on even when I parked with the car running to go inside. They noticed that the car was FOUR or FIVE quarts low. (wasn't even reading on dipstick). This dealership didn't know what the problem could be so they contacted Honda. (Note: Every time the dealership calls Honda it takes about 24-48 hours to get a response. Just FYI). Honda told the dealer to give the car back to us and see what happened, thankfully, the dealership refused. Then Honda recommended an oil consumption test; DONE. Honda then recommended software upgrade; DONE. Honda told dealership to check the #3 cylinder. Currently they are pulling the heads off the motor.

I found a number for Honda Customer Service 1-800-999-1009. I contacted them to open a case file and complaint. Heard from a Honda agent promptly. Among other things that we disagreed upon, I learned that HONDA DEALERSHIPS are only knowledgeable about performing "preventive maintenance" and not qualified to make "repairs". The agent assured me that everything is being done to Honda's satisfaction to repair the vehicle.

TWO WEEKS AND COUNTING! This is NOT a satisfied customer. This is my 8th Accord purchased since my 16th Birthday. This may be my last!

Will update when Honda finds out the problem?

Update from Jul 13, 2011: After three weeks of hell, The dealership took it upon themselves to figure out the problem. THey took off the heads of the engine and had them taken to a machine shop. THE ANSWER IS THE #3 Cylinder seals (valve and piston). They were completely shot and causing misfiring, engine oil consumption, and a host of other problems with the performance. WAY TO GO BREW HONDA in Longview, TEXAS!

After driving the car and making sure it works, my wife took this lesson to Nissan and traded it in for a Maxima. REALLY NEAT CAR!

If you experience similar problems and need help, let me know. GOOD LUCK!

- reggiew, Lone Star, TX, US

problem #13

Mar 182011

Accord EX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,900 miles

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

The engine light came on and engine started shaking while idling. Had the oil changed just a month ago. Checked the oil and there was nothing in there. The oil light never came on and there was no oil leak. According to the dealership, It was comsuming the oil internally. The dealership claims that driving without oil will have no long term effect on my engine and that its a computer defect and that a software update solved the issue. Thats nice -- they could have done the software update before I started driving around with no oil in my car. Not happy since I paid $30,000 for this car 2 years ago

- melabrams, Bartlett, IL, US

problem #12

Feb 022009

Accord 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 12,000 miles

I wanted to see if anyone else was having the same problem with the Honda Accord and to my SURPRISE....this was a brand new car, first oil change and there was no oil on the dipstick (5 qts) low....no leaks anywhere on the driveway or where I park. No smoking noted, no leaks detected on the motor, and the car did not seem to be running bad. This happened several times and finally one day the car did die and had to be towed... they changed the spark plugs saying they were fuel fowled and this was the problem but as you must know this was not the problem as the car was still losing/using oil somewhere. With rising gas prices I could not keep putting a qt of oil a week in the car as well as the high priced gas...so I traded it in. I loved the car other than that and I was in hopes there was a fix so I could get another....Good luck all I just wanted to post so everyone knows there is truly a problem and to hurry Honda to a fix ...the car is great otherwise.

- krun1455, Cleveland, TX, US

problem #11

Sep 262010

Accord EX 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 32,900 miles

I'm about to start the consumption test- so I'm expecting to hear the same can of BS the Honda dealerships have fed all of you. I loved my 1997 Camry with 150k miles, but the CV/ steering went out- so I was persuaded by my bfriend to get the Accord. I was happy for a year because I kept hearing of the Toyota acceleration issue.. but now I'm mad. It only has 33k miles. Issues with the car:

1) Absolutely no oil on the dipstick after 7000 miles (30% oil life left). 2) Valve cover gasket has been replaced because it was seeping oil. 3) Coolant is disappearing, but the pressure leak check says its normal 4) Rattling noises come and go. Can't replicate them to show to the mechanic 5) The exhaust is really really sooty.

- dina972, Conroe, TX, US

problem #10

Oct 262010

Accord 2.4L VTech

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,000 miles

Engine noise is back. Very terrible rattling when accelerating. Checked the oil when I filled up and there was NO oil on the stick. Called dealer and explained situation to them. They asked if I had put any oil in and I said no. They said that was good as they wanted to see how much oil was left in the engine and told me to drive it to them as soon as possible. I brought it to the dealer the very next day (this morning). I was told by the server counter employee (before they ever looked at the car) that "I am going too long between oil changes". It's only been 7200 miles or so and my oil life indicator is at 40%. I was told by the salesman at my dealership that I do not need to worry about changing the oil until the indicator gets to 15%.

After looking at my vehicle I was told the engine has 2 quarts of oil in it. That's less than half the oil capacity required. I have been given an oil change and an oil consumption log to keep track of my oil usage.

I'm also having problems with poor acceleration now which I am told can be attributed to the VTech solenoids which can be damaged due to low oil levels. We have to see how that progresses after the oil change and the consumption log.

- peterme, Bowdoinham, ME, US

problem #9

Aug 212010

Accord 2.4L VTech

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

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

My vehicle started to make noises when driving through town as well as accelerating at low speeds. The noise sounded remarkably similar to the noise exhaust makes when "heat shields" come loose. When I took it to the dealer it was time for the oil change to be done. They did that before they looked for the noise. The service desk employee brought me my keys and told me they could not hear the noise I complained about. Shocked, as the noise was so loud at time it was embarrassing to drive, I took a ride with the shop foreman. Sure enough the noise was completely gone. I was told it may be a bad oil filter and to let them know if the noise returns.

- peterme, Bowdoinham, ME, US

problem #8

Jul 012010

Accord EX V6 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

Having been a previous owner of a new Honda Civic in 1997 and a new Honda Accord in 2003, I was completely satisfied for over a decade. I drove those two cars a combined 766,000 miles and in that span neither car burned ONE drop of oil! Naturally my next purchase was another Honda. This time a 2009 Accord EX V6, and for the first 30,000 miles everything was alright until I needed rear brakes, no big deal. Then all at once during an oil change I realized that I had lost a lot of oil! My subsequent oil change revealed the same rapid loss of oil, and it was then that I realized I had a major problem on my hands.

On a recent business trip my check engine light began flashing and when I came to a stop the idle was very rough. When I brought my car in to the local Honda dealer they initiated an oil consumption test. I mentioned the oil loss AND the rough idle. They claimed to have found nothing in the computer regarding the idle problem and sent me on my way? Less than a week later on another business trip my car began running horribly. I took the car into the nearest dealer and they told me that three of the spark plugs were completely fouled! Thankfully they replaced all the plugs under my emissions warranty but they mentioned that the other dealer misdiagnosed the fouled spark plugs.

When I returned to the local dealer they concluded the oil consumption test and determined a loss of .9 quarts per 1000 miles which is considered normal within Honda guidelines and the case was closed. I spoke with two independent mechanics who advised me that I will need a new engine, as whatever is causing the rapid oil loss and fouled spark plugs will continue as Honda has not corrected the underlying problem.

I received a return phone call from Honda and they are not willing to replace the engine let alone do anything. Thats alright, I'll be talking with the attorneys involved in the rear brake class action lawsuit to see if they might be interested in doubling up. Interestingly it appears that Honda and the world economy have been on a parallel trajectory downward of equal duration. Eventually the economy will improve but I will not take a chance on Honda ever again.

- atkinsca, Santa Rosa, CA, US

problem #7

Jul 022010

Accord EXL V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 14,913 miles

Oil consumption, had to add a litre, brakes shudder, especially when hot.

- David S., Qualicum Beach, BC, Canada

problem #6

Feb 052010

Accord EX-L 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 12,000 miles

Purchased the car new from the dealership, during the second oil change the technician stated that there was less than 1/2 quart left in engine and asked if I noticed any staining on ground where car was parked, there was none. At 18,000 miles while on my way up to my cottage the engine light came on and I added 3 liters. Took the car in (June 2010) and the Service Manager said that he had changed two motors this year with similar problems and asked me to participate in an oil consumption study.

From the discussion on this form it seems that Honda has a systemic problem on it's hands. If this problem persists there will be for sale sign on this car .... after they replace the motor. Good luck to all !!

- Gordon A., Ancaster, Ontario, Canada

problem #5

May 052010

Accord EX 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 34,000 miles

I have had the same problem with my 2009 Honda Accord. Fortunately I drive enough that it doesnt lay dormant and has been in and out of the dealership multiple times over the past 7 weeks. I have found out and have in writing that it "is NOT" normal, Honda is aware, It is not isolated(5 customers at my local dealership alone) but there is not a fix nor an ETA for a fix. If you would like me to fax that information to you please email me your fax number.

I have filed a complaint with National Highway Traffic Safety and would urge you to do the same to get Honda moving on a fix for this. The number is 1-888-DASH-2-DOT. It was a 5 minute phone call. Please take the time.

- tporta911, Delmar, MD, US

problem #4

Feb 052010

Accord EX-L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 12,000 miles

Purchased the car brand new. Changed the oil myself @ 15% life and noticed only about 2.5 qts drained out. Refilled to 4.5 qts and reset oil minder. Approximately 2k miles later the oil dipstick shows oil level at 50%. I report it to dealer and they tell me they have to do an oil consumption study, and tried to get me to pay for the oil change they required for the study. 3 months later the oil level on the dipstick is about 2/3 down. Don't have the actual mileage but we don't typically go over 12k miles a year. I bring it back in to let service dept see. They tell me it's definitely losing oil and the fixes they are aware of are ECU reprogram or lower engine block replacement. I need to leave the car with them, they will do tests and report findings to Honda corporate then let me know.

I drop the car off today, they call me back a couple hours later and tell me basically the same thing every one else with the same problem got, up to 1qt loss every 1000 miles is acceptable. I asked, since oil loss has never been "acceptable" to me, when should I be concerned? Service rep shrugs his shoulders and say corporate says it's not a problem and not to worry about it.

I've never known oil loss not to be a problem and if Honda determined there was some advantage the motor design had that outweighed the disadvantage of this much oil consumption I wish they would share it with consumers.

I will be voting with mine and my families wallets.

- kprey, Jacksonville, FL, US

problem #3

Jan 032010

Accord EX 3.5L, V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 4,000 miles

Checked engine oil at 4,000 miles and found 1 qt low. Was curious why. Suspected possible underfill at factory. Checked again at 7,500 mile and found 1 qt low again. I am very disappointed in this performance! This is my wife's vehicle and it absolutely never gets abused by excessive speed. Most mileage between 4,000 and 7,500 were 55-60 mph. I will definitely have this checked by dealer.

- John P., Vincent, OH, US

problem #2

Mar 152010

Accord EX LS 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,000 miles

This is the second time that my car has run low on oil, prior to being due for its oil change. This time I was on the highway, the engine light came on and the engine began shuttering. I was tempted to stop the car right there and call a tow truck to bring it to the dealer. I am taking in this Friday.

The car has been sitting all week. I paid 30K for a car that is sitting. That sucks. There are no oil leaks and I never see smoke coming out the exhaust, where is all the oil going? Does anyone else have this problem with a honda 3.5l V6?

Update from Jul 22, 2010: Well the car has been towed back to the dealer 3 times since my last update. This last time they flashed my ECU with new software and stated the Honda Tech says that this is the fix. I told them "If this doesn't fix it, then I don't want the car anymore". They gave me 3 quarts of oil to take with me ( how thoughtful ) and told me that Honda wants to do the oil consumption testing. I was asked to check my oil once per week and email back to my service manager the status of the level and how much I had to add. I think Honda should buy back all these vehicles or replace with brand new cars. Updates to follow. Thanks for the info # 5 I will surely call.

- Keith O., Fountain Inn, SC, US

problem #1

Jan 012010

Accord EX V6 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 12,000 miles

First noticed the oil consumption at 12,000 miles when I changed the oil. It was two quarts low after a 6,000 miles. It currently has burned up .5 qts. in 1700 miles. NOT ACCEPTABLE. Where in my maintenance manual does it say this is normal with the 3.5L V6?! Bringing it in to the dealer next week... Aside from this major issue, I am very disappointed in the build quality of the Honda! I truly wish I would have gone German this time. Honda has definitely became laxed on their build quality...

- finato, Elk Grove, CA, US

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