What Year Was a Bad Year for the Honda Accord?

2008 is widely regarded as the worst year for the Honda Accord, primarily due to excessive oil consumption and premature brake wear that led to class-action settlements and technical service bulletins. Close behind, the 2003 Accord is also notorious for widespread automatic transmission failures. Here’s how those judgments are made and what issues stand out across specific model years.

How “bad year” is measured

When enthusiasts and analysts label a model year as “bad,” they typically weigh several factors: the volume and severity of owner complaints, the nature and cost of repairs, safety recalls, technical service bulletins (TSBs), and how early problems appear in a vehicle’s life. Aggregators of consumer complaints and reliability data consistently point to 2008—and, for transmission woes, 2003—as outliers in an otherwise strong Accord lineage.

Why 2008 stands out

The 2008 Accord marked the start of the eighth generation and drew a high number of serious complaints early in its lifecycle. Owners reported excessive oil consumption on both four-cylinder and V6 models, often linked to piston ring issues and, on some V6 trims, the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system. Honda issued TSBs addressing these concerns and, in certain cases, extended warranties or repairs. At the same time, 2008–2009 Accords suffered from premature rear brake wear, with many owners needing pad and rotor replacements as early as 15,000–25,000 miles—problems that led to a class-action settlement. Together, those engine and brake issues made 2008 the consensus “bad year.”

Other problematic Accord years to know

While 2008 is the standout, a few other model years have earned reputations for specific, costly issues. The following snapshot highlights years most frequently flagged by owners and technicians, along with the problems most associated with them.

• 2003: Widespread automatic transmission failures (especially on V6 models), often around 80,000–120,000 miles. Honda issued a recall to add an oil jet kit to improve second-gear lubrication, but many transmissions still required rebuilds or replacements.
• 2002 (and late 1998–2002 V6s): Similar automatic transmission weakness on the prior generation, with high replacement costs.
• 2009: Continuation of premature rear brake wear seen in 2008; some models also reported ongoing oil consumption complaints.
• 2013: Starter motor failures and electrical quirks reported by many owners; while less catastrophic than transmission failures, the issue was common and frustrating, sometimes requiring repeated replacements.
• 2019–2020: Select vehicles were covered by Honda fuel pump recalls (low-pressure Denso pump impellers) that could cause stalling; while addressed via recall, it’s a notable reliability footnote for these years.
• 2001–2012 (various): Takata airbag recalls affected numerous older Accords; repairs are free but should always be verified on any used example.

These problem areas don’t mean every car from these years will fail; rather, they reflect patterns that increase risk. Verified maintenance history, recall completion, and pre-purchase inspections can mitigate many concerns.

If you’re shopping used: practical checks

Buying a used Accord from a “bad” or watch-list year can still be a good value if you verify key fixes and conditions. Focus your inspection on known trouble spots tied to each model year’s weaknesses.

• 2008–2011 (oil consumption): Check oil level and condition, look for blue smoke on startup or deceleration, review TSB-related repairs (piston/ring replacements, software updates), and monitor consumption over a long test drive.
• 2008–2009 (brakes): Inspect rear pads and rotors for uneven or premature wear; verify service history showing quality parts and proper bedding.
• 2001–2004 (transmissions): Demand thorough service records; during a test drive, check for delayed engagement, harsh shifts, flares between gears, or slipping; consider a pre-purchase inspection with a transmission specialist.
• 2013 (starter/electrical): Test cold starts repeatedly, listen for grinding or free-spinning noises, and confirm any starter replacements or electrical diagnostics on record.
• 2019–2020 (fuel pump recall): Run the VIN through a dealer or official recall site to verify recall status; ensure the pump was replaced.
• All years: Verify completion of airbag recalls, check for fluid leaks, review maintenance intervals (especially transmission fluid and brake service), and obtain a trusted mechanic’s inspection.

Targeted due diligence greatly reduces the risk of inheriting a known issue, even on the years most associated with problems.

Bottom line

2008 is most often cited as the “bad year” for the Honda Accord due to a convergence of excessive oil consumption and premature brake wear, with 2003 also standing out for transmission failures. While these issues are well documented, many affected cars have been repaired. A careful review of service records, recall completion, and a thorough inspection can make even a watch-list year a reliable buy.

Summary

Most problematic year: 2008 (oil consumption and brake wear). Close runner-up: 2003 (automatic transmission failures). Other years to watch include 2002, 2009, 2013, and 2019–2020 for specific issues. Proper maintenance records, recall verification, and pre-purchase inspections are the best safeguards when shopping used.

What year to avoid Honda Accord?

You should consider avoiding Honda Accord years with known transmission, airbag, or premature brake issues, particularly the 1998-2002 (especially V6 transmissions and airbag recalls), 2003 (transmission issues), 2008 (premature brake wear and oil consumption), and the first model year of the two latest generations, 2013 and 2018, due to issues with electric power steering, forward collision systems, and infotainment. 
Model Years to Avoid

• 1998-2002 (Sixth Generation): . Opens in new tabThis generation saw many problematic V6 transmissions and was heavily affected by the Takata airbag recalls. 
• 2003 (Seventh Generation): . Opens in new tabThis model year is particularly problematic for transmission issues, especially with V6 models. 
• 2008 (Eighth Generation): . Opens in new tabKnown for premature brake wear and excessive oil consumption in the 4-cylinder models. 
• 2013 (Ninth Generation): . Opens in new tabFeatures issues with the electric power steering (EPS) system and infotainment screens. 
• 2018 (Tenth Generation): . Opens in new tabAs the first year with a new turbo 4-cylinder engine, it experienced recalls and a high number of complaints related to the engine, power steering, and forward collision systems. 

Common Issues by Model Year 

• 1998-2002: V6 transmission failures and airbag problems.
• 2003-2004: Widespread V6 transmission failures.
• 2008-2010: Excessive oil consumption in 4-cylinder engines.
• 2013-2015: Electric power steering (EPS) system issues.
• 2018+: Power steering, forward collision system, and infotainment issues.

Recommendation
For a reliable used Honda Accord, look at models after these problem years, such as the 2006-2007 models to avoid 7th generation transmission issues or the 2009-2012 models after the 2008 brake and oil issues, and consider the later 2019-2020 or even the newest models after any initial kinks in the 2018 generation have been resolved.

What are the best years of Honda Accord to buy?

Ranking The Best Honda Accord Model Years For Reliability

1. 1 2007 Honda Accord.
2. 2 2022 Honda Accord.
3. 3 2013 Honda Accord.
4. 4 2015 Honda Accord. Reliability Score: 83/100.
5. 5 2017 Honda Accord. Reliability Score: 82/100.
6. 6 2009 Honda Accord. Reliability Score: 81/100.
7. 7 2020 Honda Accord. Reliability Score: 80/100.

What was the worst year for Honda?

The worst years for the Honda CR-V include 1997–1999, 2002–2003, 2007–2009, and 2017–2019. These models are frequently cited for serious problems such as engine failures, electrical fires, airbag malfunctions, transmission breakdowns, and corrosion-induced suspension collapse.

What year did Honda Accords have bad transmissions?

Honda Accord models from the late 1990s to the mid-2000s are most frequently associated with significant transmission problems, particularly the 1998-2003 automatic transmission models and the 2005-2010 automatics that saw increased transmission failures and recalls. These issues often manifest as rough shifting, slipping gears, and premature failure, requiring expensive repairs or replacements. 
Specific Years to Be Cautious Of 

• 1998-2005: This range is often cited as a period with widespread automatic transmission failures.
• 2005-2010: This generation also experienced significant transmission problems, leading to recalls.

Common Symptoms of Transmission Failure

• Rough Shifting: The vehicle struggles to shift smoothly between gears. 
• Slipping Gears: The transmission may lose its grip on a gear, causing high engine revs without acceleration. 
• Transmission Fluid Leaks: A leak can indicate a problem, and the transmission may overheat. 
• Warning Lights/Error Codes: The dashboard warning lights may illuminate when there’s a transmission issue. 

What You Can Do

• Choose a Different Generation: If you’re considering a used Accord, avoid the problematic years listed above and look at newer models with 6-speed automatics or more, as they generally have more reliable transmissions. 
• Maintain Your Transmission: For any Accord, proper and timely transmission maintenance, including fluid checks, can help prevent problems. 
• Get a Professional Inspection: If buying a used Accord, especially from these problematic years, have a mechanic thoroughly inspect the transmission before purchasing.