What Kind of Engine Does a 2004 Honda Accord EX Have?

The 2004 Honda Accord EX in the U.S. typically comes with a 2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC inline-four (engine code K24A4), while the EX V-6 variant is equipped with a 3.0-liter SOHC VTEC V6 (engine code J30A4). In other words, “EX” denotes the well-equipped four-cylinder model, and “EX V-6” specifies the six-cylinder version. Below, we break down how they differ, the key specifications, and how to confirm which engine your car has.

EX vs. EX V-6: What the Trim Names Mean

For the 2004 model year, Honda sold the Accord in multiple trims, with “EX” indicating a higher feature level. The standard EX uses the 2.4-liter four-cylinder, while a separate “EX V-6” trim designates the 3.0-liter six-cylinder. If your trunk badge or paperwork explicitly says “V-6,” you have the J30A4; if it simply says “EX,” it’s the K24A4 four-cylinder.

Key Engine Specifications

The following lists summarize the headline specifications U.S.-market buyers can expect for each engine in the 2004 Accord EX lineup.

• 2004 Accord EX (four-cylinder): 2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC inline-four (K24A4), approx. 160 hp and 161 lb-ft
• 2004 Accord EX V-6: 3.0-liter SOHC VTEC V6 (J30A4), approx. 240 hp and 212 lb-ft
• Transmissions: Four-cylinder offered with 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic; V6 commonly paired with a 5-speed automatic, with a 6-speed manual available on certain EX V-6 coupes

These outputs reflect typical U.S. ratings for the 2004 model year, with the V6 providing a noticeable power bump over the efficient four-cylinder.

How to Confirm Which Engine You Have

If your paperwork or badges aren’t clear, there are several quick ways to verify the engine in your Accord.

1. Check the trunk badge: “V-6” indicates the 3.0-liter; no V-6 badge on an EX usually means the 2.4-liter.
2. Look under the hood: The emissions label typically lists engine family/displacement; the valve cover and intake layout also differ between I4 and V6.
3. Consult the owner’s manual or window sticker: Both list engine type and displacement.
4. Service records or a dealer lookup: A Honda dealer can confirm via your VIN and build data.

Using two or more of these methods will give you a definitive answer without guesswork, especially if badges have been removed or replaced.

Regional Notes

While this guidance focuses on the U.S.-market 2004 Accord, other regions sometimes offered different engine pairings and trim names. In North America, however, the EX four-cylinder (K24A4) and EX V-6 (J30A4) combination is the standard configuration.

Summary

A 2004 Honda Accord EX in the U.S. is powered by a 2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC inline-four (K24A4). If the car is labeled “EX V-6,” it has the 3.0-liter SOHC VTEC V6 (J30A4). The four-cylinder delivers around 160 hp and strong efficiency, while the V6 steps up to about 240 hp for quicker acceleration.

What engine is in a 2004 Honda Accord EX?

A 2004 Honda Accord EX could have either a 2.4-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine or an optional 3.0-liter V6 engine. The specific engine depends on the trim level of the EX, with the V6 engine typically found in the “EX-L V6” or “EX V-6” models. The 2.4-liter engine produces 160 horsepower, while the 3.0-liter V6 produces 240 horsepower.
 
To determine which engine is in your Accord EX:

• Look for a V6 model designation: If your car is an EX-V6 or EX-L V6, it has the 3.0-liter V6 engine. 
• Check for dual exhaust pipes: The V6 model typically has two exhaust pipes. The 2.4-liter engine usually has a single exhaust pipe. 
• Verify the engine size: A quick look at the engine itself can confirm the engine size by the cylinder count. A 2.4-liter is a 4-cylinder engine, and the 3.0-liter is a V6 engine. 

Does a 2004 Honda Accord have a K24 engine?

K24A1: 2002-2009 Honda CR-V. K24A2: 2004-2008 Acura TSX. K24A4: 2003-2005 Honda Accord, 2003-2008 Honda Odyssey, 2003-2006 Honda Element. K24A8: 2006-2007 Honda Accord, 2007-2011 Honda Element.

What’s the difference between a 2004 Honda Accord EX and LX?

So how do the Honda Accord LX vs EX compare? The LX is the base trim level of the Honda Accord, which means that it comes with the lowest price tag but the least amount of features. The EX has more bells and whistles, but with that comes an added price.

What year was a bad year for the Honda Accord?

Honda Accord years to potentially avoid include the 1998-2002 models due to significant issues with the sixth-generation design, as well as 2003-2004 (V6 transmission problems), 2008-2010 (oil consumption, brake wear), 2013 (CVT hesitation, infotainment), and 2018 (engine problems, infotainment, recalls). 
Specific Problematic Years and Their Issues

• 1998-2002: These models, part of the sixth generation, are known for a high number of problems, including transmission issues, steering malfunctions, and potential airbag faults. 
• 2003-2004: The V6 models from these years experienced automatic transmission failures and problems with slipping or jerky shifting. 
• 2008-2010: The four-cylinder models in these years faced issues like excessive oil consumption and premature brake wear. 
• 2013: This year saw problems with Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) and early complaints about the infotainment system. 
• 2018: This model year suffered from numerous recalls and engine issues, as it was the first year for the turbo 4-cylinder engines. 

More Recent Model Year Considerations 

• 2018-2019: Early models in the tenth generation experienced HVAC and AC compressor problems and Bluetooth glitches, though these issues were often addressed in later production runs or software updates.
• 2018-2020: A fuel pump recall affected vehicles from these model years.

What to Look For

• Infotainment and Software: Issues like freezing screens or Bluetooth connectivity problems were reported in some earlier models and were often remedied in later model years or via updates. 
• Engine Issues: Some models, like the 2018, had significant engine-related problems. 
• Brake Wear: Excessive and premature brake wear was a noted problem in some 2008-2010 models. 
• Transmission Concerns: Transmission issues, including slipping, jerky shifting, or complete failure, were a significant concern for models like the 2003-2004 V6s. 
• CVT Hesitation: The 2013 model year was marked by CVT hesitation, a common problem with some vehicles equipped with CVTs.