Was 2009 a good year for the Honda Accord?

Yes—with caveats. The 2009 Honda Accord is broadly a solid, safe, and durable midsize car, but it’s not among the model’s best years due to widely reported premature brake wear and engine oil-consumption issues. Shoppers will find a capable daily driver with strong crash-test scores and good resale value, yet should verify recall and service history—especially for brakes, airbag inflators, and potential oil use—before buying. If you can, many experts nudge buyers toward later 8th‑gen updates (notably 2011–2012) for fewer headaches.

What defined the 2009 Accord

The 2009 Accord sits in the eighth generation (2008–2012), offered as a roomy sedan or a sportier coupe, with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder or a 3.5-liter V6 (some with Variable Cylinder Management, or VCM), and manual or automatic transmissions. It was praised new for its balanced chassis, strong safety tech for the time, and practical packaging—but also drew criticism for road noise, seat comfort, and the cost of frequent brake service on early cars.

Reliability record and common issues

While many 2009 Accords have crossed 150,000–200,000 miles with routine care, the model year has a handful of well-documented trouble spots owners should know about. The list below summarizes the most frequently reported concerns from owners, service bulletins, and historical complaint data.

• Premature front brake wear: 2008–2009 Accords were the focus of a class-action settlement over rapid pad/rotor wear, with many owners needing brake jobs as early as 12,000–20,000 miles. Many cars have since been updated or repaired, but service records matter.
• Excessive engine oil consumption: Most commonly reported on V6 models with VCM, and seen on some four-cylinders from this era. Honda issued technical guidance and, in some cases, warranty extensions or software updates. Monitor oil level between changes.
• Takata airbag inflator recall: 2009 Accords were among the many vehicles recalled for potentially dangerous airbag inflators. Verify that recall work has been completed; replacements are free at dealers.
• Power steering hose/leak (select vehicles, especially some V6s): Certain cars were recalled or serviced for power steering fluid leaks that could pose a fire risk. Check VIN status.
• General wear items and NVH: Owners commonly note road noise and seat comfort complaints. Suspension bushings and motor mounts may show wear on higher-mileage examples.

None of these issues automatically rules out a 2009 Accord; many have been corrected under recall or maintenance. The key is confirmation of completed repairs and ongoing oil-level diligence.

Safety and crash-test performance

Safety was a strong point. The 2009 Accord earned high marks in period tests, including Good ratings in key IIHS moderate-overlap frontal and side-impact tests, and strong NHTSA star ratings under the pre-2011 protocol. While it might not meet the modern Top Safety Pick thresholds (due to later-added tests like small-overlap and roof strength), it remains a reassuring choice for its era—provided the Takata airbag recall is addressed.

Driving experience and efficiency

The 2009 Accord delivers a confident, engaging drive with predictable handling and well-tuned steering. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder is the value pick—adequate power with lower running costs—while the 3.5-liter V6 brings robust acceleration. Period EPA ratings landed roughly in the low-20s combined for four-cylinder automatics and the high-teens to low-20s combined for V6s, depending on configuration. Expect more cabin road noise than some rivals of the time.

Market perception and owner satisfaction

Owner satisfaction is mixed but leans positive on longevity and drivability. The main drags are the early brake wear and, for some, oil consumption and interior comfort. Resale values remain resilient thanks to Honda’s brand reputation and the Accord’s long-term durability when maintained.

What to check if you’re shopping used

Because the 2009 Accord can be excellent when properly maintained, a careful pre-purchase review makes all the difference. Use the following checklist to separate a well-kept car from a potential money pit.

• VIN recall status: Confirm completion of the Takata airbag inflator campaign and any steering or other safety recalls via NHTSA’s VIN lookup.
• Brake service history: Look for evidence of updated pads/rotors and reasonable replacement intervals after the first fix.
• Oil consumption: Ask for oil-change records and note any top-up frequency. Check for blue smoke on start-up and examine plugs for fouling (misfires can signal oil burning).
• Engine type considerations: V6 with VCM offers strong power but is more associated with oil use; the 2.4L four-cylinder is simpler and often cheaper to maintain.
• Pre-purchase inspection: Have a trusted mechanic check suspension bushings, motor mounts, brake rotor condition, and any fluid leaks.
• Transmission behavior: Ensure smooth shifts (auto) and clutch engagement (manual). Test drive from cold to hot.
• Tires and alignment: Uneven wear can indicate suspension or alignment issues—budget accordingly.

A thorough inspection and proof of recall/maintenance work significantly reduce risk and help you pay the right price for the car’s condition.

Verdict

The 2009 Honda Accord is a capable, safe, and long-lived midsize car, but it’s not the sweet spot of its generation. The year is better described as “good, with known caveats”: great if you find a well-documented example with completed recalls and tamed brake/oil issues; less compelling if records are thin. If flexibility allows, consider a later 8th‑gen model (2011–2012) for refinements and fewer complaints, or buy a 2009 that’s been conscientiously maintained.

Summary

Bottom line: 2009 was a decent year for the Accord, marred by premature brake wear and pockets of oil consumption—issues that many cars have since had addressed. With verified recall completion, solid service history, and a clean inspection, a 2009 Accord can still be a smart, reliable daily driver.

Is the Honda Accord 2009 a reliable car?

Among the 1227 owners who provided feedback on the 2009 Honda Accord for Kelley Blue Book, consumer sentiment is mostly positive, with 85% recommending the vehicle. As a whole, consumers found the vehicle’s reliability and styling to be its strongest features and quality to be its weakest.

How long will the 2009 Accord last?

A 2009 Honda Accord can last between 200,000 to 300,000 miles or more, with some well-maintained models exceeding this range. Its longevity depends heavily on regular maintenance, including oil changes, tire rotations, and other routine services. With proper care and by addressing potential issues like timing belt and transmission fluid, your 2009 Accord can achieve a long and reliable life.
 
Factors influencing lifespan

• Maintenance: Consistent oil changes, filter replacements, and other basic maintenance are crucial for increasing performance and efficiency. 
• Engine and transmission: A poorly maintained Accord is more prone to engine and transmission issues, while a well-cared-for one can avoid major problems. 
• Driving conditions: Vehicles used for light commuting and country roads tend to last longer. 

Common recommended services
To ensure a long lifespan for your 2009 Honda Accord, consider these maintenance steps: 

• Timing belt
• Valve adjustments
• Transmission fluid drain and fill
• Regular tune-ups
• Spark plugs and wires
• Compression check

What is the most reliable year of the Honda Accord?

The most reliable years for the Honda Accord, based on various sources, are generally considered to be the 2008-2012 (8th generation) and the 2013-2017 (9th generation) models. Specifically, the 2015 model year within the 9th generation stands out as having a particularly good reliability record, according to CoPilot for Car Shopping. 
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
8th Generation (2008-2012):

• These models are known for their reliability, comfortable ride, and solid performance. 
• The 2009 model, in particular, is highlighted for its sporty performance and reliability by MotorBiscuit. 
• The 2011 and 2012 models are also considered strong contenders for reliability and overall value, according to Autotrek. 

9th Generation (2013-2017):

• The 2015 model year is often cited as the most reliable within this generation, with fewer reported issues and recalls, according to CoPilot for Car Shopping. 
• This generation as a whole offers a good balance of reliability, technology, and features. 
• The 2013 model, while the first of the generation, still offers good reliability and is a solid choice. 

Factors to Consider:

• Oil Consumption: . Opens in new tabSome owners of the 8th and 9th generation models have reported oil consumption issues, particularly with the 4-cylinder engines. 
• Transmission Issues: . Opens in new tabWhile generally reliable, some older models may have experienced transmission problems. 
• Recalls: . Opens in new tabAlways check for any outstanding recalls on a specific vehicle before purchasing. 

In conclusion, while the 8th and 9th generations are generally considered the most reliable, the 2015 model year within the 9th generation is a particularly strong recommendation.

What is a 2009 Honda Accord worth today?

A 2009 Honda Accord LX Sedan 4D has depreciated $792 or 13% in the last 3 years and has a current resale value of $4,877 and trade-in value of $2,654.