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Model Guide2008–2017

Honda Accord Pre Purchase Inspection Guide

V6 VCM oil burn, early CVT wear, and AC compressor failures.

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Black Honda Accord coupe with its hood raised, seen from the front corner
Honda Accord — 2008–2017

The Accord is reliable, but a few engines and years have known issues.

We check by engine — the V6 and 4-cylinder have different things to watch.

Engines you may see
  • 2.4L 4-cyl (K24)
  • 3.5L V6 (with VCM)
  • 2.0L turbo / 1.5L turbo (2018+)
Known problem areas — what we check
Costly Safety Common Verify
V6 VCM oil burn & misfireCostly

The V6's cylinder-deactivation (VCM) can cause oil burning and misfires over time.

WE CHECK We check oil use and scan for misfire codes. We ask if a VCM disabler is fitted.

4-cylinder oil consumptionVerify

Some 2008–2012 4-cylinders use more oil than owners expect.

WE CHECK We check the oil level and ask about top-offs between changes.

Early CVT / auto wearCostly

Later models use a CVT; earlier 4-cylinders use an automatic. Both can judder or wear if neglected.

WE CHECK We road test and check transmission fluid and shift feel.

AC compressor failureCommon

The AC compressor can fail and send debris through the system.

WE CHECK We test the AC and listen for compressor noise.

Takata airbag recallSafety

Many of these years had Takata airbag recalls.

WE CHECK We confirm the airbag recall was completed.

Focus points
  • Find the engine — V6 VCM is the big one
  • Check oil use on V6 and early 4-cylinders
  • Confirm the Takata airbag recall is done
  • Road test the transmission for judder
Pre purchase inspection by year

Each year has its own guide — the engines, the transmission, and what changed that year.

2008 Honda Accord2009 Honda Accord2010 Honda Accord2011 Honda Accord2012 Honda Accord2013 Honda Accord2014 Honda Accord2015 Honda Accord2016 Honda Accord2017 Honda Accord
Safety record (live from NHTSA)
2017 Honda Accord · Federal RecordsSource: NHTSA.gov
3
Recalls
529
Complaints
122
Service Bulletins
Loading the latest federal safety records…
Common service bulletins (TSBs)

A TSB is a note the maker sends to dealers about a known fix. They are not recalls. We check the bulletins so we know what to look for:

Engine & Drivability22

Cold-start noise, drivability, and idle issues for this vehicle. We test for each.

Power Train · Automatic20

Shift quality and transmission fluid updates. We drive every gear.

Electrical & Body80

Locks, wipers, infotainment, and trim items. Small, but good to know.

Counts are pulled from NHTSA's public Manufacturer Communications file. Full bulletins stay with the maker — we use the summaries to guide the inspection.

Common questions
Is the V6 Accord reliable?
Mostly, but VCM oil burn is the thing to check. We test for it.
Was this car part of the airbag recall?
Many were. We confirm it's fixed.
Where do you inspect?
All 48 states.
Do you pull recalls?
Yes, plus bulletins.
Buying this one?

We'll check it first

Pre-tagged for the Honda Accord. One call and a tech is on it.

951-267-8500Call now
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Request a Honda Accord inspection

Pre-tagged for the Honda Accord.

Details

No payment now · We confirm scheduling before any work

Buying a Honda Accord? Let us check it first.

Engine-specific checks, a live recall pull, and a clear report.

Call 951-267-8500