2009 Honda Accord: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2009 Honda Accord? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 720 complaints, with Brake System as the top reported area.
2009 Honda Accord Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 7 2009 Honda Accord trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 7 trims analysed.
2009 Honda Accord Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2009 Honda Accord 4-DR. w/SABOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2009 Honda Accord has 720 owner complaints, 47 crash-related complaints, and 11 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Brake System. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Honda
- Model
- Accord
- Model year
- 2009
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 720
- Crash-related complaints
- 47
- Safety recall campaigns
- 11
- Top reported component
- Brake System
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 24
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 21 / 30
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2009 Honda Accord Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Brake System
Hydraulic
Airbag Malfunctions
Complaint patterns center on Brake System, Hydraulic, Airbag Malfunctions. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2009 Honda Accord?
The 2009 Honda Accord shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2009 Honda Accord
Inspection Focus
- Inspect brake system, including hydraulic components, for signs of wear or failure.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake, airbag, and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect brake system, including hydraulic components, for signs of wear or failure.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake, airbag, and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2009 Honda Accord, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 720 complaints for the 2009 Honda Accord, issues are concentrated in the brake system, hydraulic components, airbag malfunctions, and engine problems. The data suggests these areas may be common failure points, but the low confidence level and consumer-submitted nature of the data limit definitive conclusions.
- Brake system complaints account for 235 of 720 total complaints.
- Hydraulic issues (160 complaints) are a subset of brake system complaints.
- Airbag malfunctions represent 142 complaints, the third most reported component.
- Brake System: 235 complaints, the highest reported component.
- Hydraulic: 160 complaints, likely related to brake system.
- Airbag Malfunctions: 142 complaints, a recurring theme.
All 2009 Honda Accord Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Honda Accord. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brake System | 235 | 8 | 1 | — | |
| Hydraulic | 160 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 142 | 29 | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 140 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 43 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 35 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 35 | 3 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 30 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 28 | 3 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 26 | 3 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 22 | — | 1 | — | |
| Electric | 22 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 21 | 5 | — | — | |
| Equipment | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 11 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 10 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 8 | 4 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Honda Accord. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2009 Honda Accord. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 09E063000 (Equipment) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted.
I installed (2) identical Advance Auto Parts Platinum rear brake rotors on my vehicle. Both rotors were installed at the same time, in the same manner, and under normal conditions. After approximately (1) mile of normal driving on of the rear brake rotors catastrophically failed …
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2009 Honda Accord. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 92,000, and at the time of reviewing the Insurance, it was discovere…
Alternator caught on fire
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2009 Honda Accord. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start after several attempts without warning. After obtaining a Carfax report, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the t…
Vtc actuator cold start rattle
Component/System: Engine – piston ring failure; oil control issue related to VCM system. Available for inspection: Yes. My 2009 Honda Accord EX-L V6 (J35Z2 engine with VCM) has developed repeated misfires due to oil entering the combustion chamber, consistent with Honda TSB 13-0…
I was driving and stopped at a stop sign, I started to go and my passenger side airbag on the door exploded. There was no impact, out of nowhere this happened
Rattle noise at start up when engine is cold.
Rollback odometer.
The engine is burning oil, about 2 quarts a month. The oil level consistently runs low when checked and I have to top it off with 1 qt every 2 weeks. There is no leaking under the car so the mechanic said the engine is burning the oil and I would need to replace the whole engine!…
The contact owns a 2009 Honda Accord. The contact stated that the engine was previously rebuilt. The contact stated that the engine was misfiring while driving and coming into a stop. The check engine warning light and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was ta…
The contact owns a 2009 Honda Accord. The contact stated that the vehicle had been experiencing an oil leak. The dealer diagnosed that the valve cover gasket had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the valve cover gasket was replaced several times; however, …
The contact owns a 2009 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that there was an engine misfire. In addition, the check engine warning …
Was in a vehicle collision to which no air bags deployed.
The contact owns a 2009 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, noticed the vehicle loosing motive power. The contact stated the check engine and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, however, it was no diagno…
My car does not have a hood mask installed. Recall does not apply to my vehicle. Manufacturer assessed vehicle and concurred but recall is still open. Request it be closed.
The Airbag light is on and off randomly. The vehicle was taken into Honda where they set up a procedure that they have specifically for Airbag issues due to so many recalls. They told us the passenger side airbag qualifies for replacement under a Honda extended warranty and servi…
While making a right turn from a stop sign on a side road and upward incline the vehicle lost power to the wheels and was unable to complete the turn onto a main road. Loss of ability to move the vehicle ( appeared to be in neutral ) posed a risk since there could have been traf…
Traffic bumper to bumper as 5 pm, stop and go near traffic lights. Tapped suv ahead and despite very very slow speed and not even scratch on my 2009 HONDA ACCORD COUPE - THE DRIVERS AIR BAG DEPLOYED & Seatbelt locked up. Contacted HONDA CORPORATE where they opened case and promi…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Honda Accord.
2009 Honda Accord Recalls
11 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Honda Accord. 11 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2009 Honda Accord Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2009 Honda Accord reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 720 owner complaints, 47 crash-related complaints, and 11 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2009 Honda Accord shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Honda Accord?▾
#1: Brake System (235 complaints). #2: Hydraulic (160 complaints). #3: Airbag Malfunctions (142 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Honda Accord?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2009 Honda Accord?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2009 Honda Accord, NHTSA complaints include 47 crash-related reports and 5 fire reports out of 720 total complaints. 50 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2009 Honda Accord have any recalls?▾
Yes. 11 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2009 Honda Accord. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 11 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2009 Honda Accord?▾
The 2009 Honda Accord shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Brake System during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Honda Accord reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2009 Honda Accord based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.