23 Best & Worst Years For Honda Accord (2023 Updated)

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Source: thecarconnection

The Honda Accord debuted in 1976. It has since become one of the most successful and widely sold automobile models in the United States due to its innovative exterior and high demand.

It has won a lot of awards. The Honda Accord was also the first import brand to achieve best-selling status in the United States. Its latest models are getting big numbers, as in the first month of 2023, Honda sold almost 14,737 Accords.

Yet, despite all this meritorious achievement, Accords have certain flaws. Some model years are less desirable due to manufacturing or other problems.

The Model Years 2010, 2009, 2008, 2006, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, and 1998 are considered the worst years of the Honda Accord. However, Model Years 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2013, 2012, and 2011 are the best years to buy. This result was concluded from trustworthy NHTSA, Edmund, Jd Power, and Kelley Blue Book reviews.

We sorted through extensive data to determine the worst and best model years for the Honda Accord. If you have an Accord or want to buy one, this article will be beneficial for you.

Let’s get started with the worst Honda Accord years you must avoid!

What Are the Worst Honda Accord Years?

Even though the Honda Accord is arguably the best midsize car on the market, it has had noticeably more issues in some years than others. This section will start with the least to worst Honda accord model years.

11. Worst Year: 2006 Honda Accord (3.98 Rating)

Source: carsandbids

The Honda Accord is The seventh-generation model car, and many issues came with it. Compared to comparable midsize automobiles like the Ford Fusion and Mazda6, the 2006 Honda Accord has moderate complaints.

According to CarComplaint, Problems with the clear coat or other types of paint typically start to be reported at roughly 85,000 kilometers.

The clear coat eventually fails and peels when the car is in an unconditional environment. The problem can be fixed by repainting the affected panels at around $1,000 per panel.

Common Issues:

  • Clear Coat, Paint issues
  • Problematic A/C
  • Slipping Clutch

Consumer Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

10. Worst Year: 2010 Honda Accord (3.91 Rating)

Source: thecarconnection

The Honda Accord has more issues than comparable 2010 midsize vehicles like the Camry and Mazda6.

About 72,000 miles, many people have engine issues, the most prevalent of which is excessive oil use. To update the engine software and extend the engine warranty to 8 years, Honda has issued a technical service bulletin and settled a suit. Replacing the engine’s pistons and rings can cost more than $1,500.

Common Issues:

  • Excessive oil consumption
  • Premature brake wear
  • The engine stalls and shuts down while driving.

Consumer Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

9. Worst Year: 2009 Honda Accord (3.87 Rating)

Source: Alina / topspeed

Based on user reviews on CarComplaints.com, this model is titled “Beware of the Clunker.”

The majority of vehicle owners complain about Premature brake wear. Shorter than an average pad and rotor life of around 28,000 miles is a common complaint among drivers. It’s roughly $300 to replace the parts when they break down.

Common Issues:

Consumer Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

8. Worst Year: 2008 Honda Accord (3.64 Rating)

Source: caranddrive

Avoid this model like the plague, according to CarComplaints.com. According to drivers, premature brake pad wear is a common issue. Even with the updated design, the pads still need to be changed throughout the year.

Common Issues:

  • Premature brake wear
  • Excessive oil consumption
  • Grinding noise at startup

Consumer Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

7. Worst Year: 2002 Honda Accord (3.32 Rating)

Source: cars.com

It’s no secret that the 2003 Honda Accord was once a top-notch midsize automobile back in the day. Due to the high number of complaints about coolant leaks, overheating, transmission failure, hard shifting, and the average fair market price continuing above $4,000, this vehicle is no longer an excellent financial investment.

CarComplaints warns that you should stay far away from this vehicle and labels it as “Avoid like the plague.”

Common Issues:

  • Transmission failure
  • The transmission slips out of gear.
  • Not shifting properly

Consumer Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

  • NHTSA: 2002 Honda Accord got 16 recalls and 1052 complaints.
  • Edmunds: 2002 Honda Accord got 4.4/5.0 Edmunds reviews.
  • Jd Power: 2002 Honda Accord got N/A consumer ratings.
  • Kelley Blue Book: 2002 Honda Accord got 4.5/5.0 ratings.

6. Worst Year: 2001 Honda Accord (3.27 Rating)

Source: Edmunds

The sixth-generation Accord comes in coupe and sedan body styles and three trim levels: the entry-level DX (sedan only), the mid-range LX, and the top-of-the-line EX.

CarComplaints warn you to stay far from this 2001 model and label it “Avoid like the plague.”

Common Issues:

  • Transmission failure
  • The transmission slips out of gear.
  • Shifting roughly

Consumer Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

  • NHTSA: 2001 Honda Accord got 19 recalls and 932 complaints.
  • Edmunds: 2001 Honda Accord got 4.4/5.0 Edmunds reviews.
  • Jd Power: 2001 Honda Accord got N/A consumer ratings.
  • Kelley Blue Book: 2001 Honda Accord got 4.5/5.0 ratings.

5. Worst Year: 2004 Honda Accord (3.24 Rating)

Source: Ifcar / Wikipedia

According to user reviews on CarComplaints.com, the 2014 model should be “Avoid like the plague.” Common transmission failure in the 2004 Accord happened around the 100,000-mile mark and cost owners about $3000 to replace.

The broken stereo lighting also received numerous complaints.

Common Issues:

  • Clear Coat, Paint issues
  • Transmission failure
  • Transmission is slipping

Consumer Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

  • NHTSA: 2004 Honda Accord got 22 recalls and 995 complaints.
  • Edmunds: 2004 Honda Accord got 4.8/5.0 Edmunds reviews.
  • Jd Power: 2004 Honda Accord got N/A consumer ratings.
  • Kelley Blue Book: 2004 Honda Accord got 4.6/5.0 ratings.

4. Worst Year: 1998 Honda Accord (3.17 Rating)

Source: cars.com

This model has several problems with electronics. Clear coat peeling was a severe problem in it. It was addressed in a recall, though.

It also received the “Avoid like the plague” badge from CarComplaints.com.

Common Issues:

  • Clear Coat, Paint issues
  • Transmission Failure
  • Slipping Gears

Consumer Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

  • NHTSA: 1998 Honda Accord got 19 recalls and 1237 complaints.
  • Edmunds: 1998 Honda Accord got 4.5/5.0 Edmunds reviews.
  • Jd Power: 1998 Honda Accord got N/A consumer ratings.
  • Kelley Blue Book: 1998 Honda Accord got 4.5/5.0 ratings.

3. Worst Year: 2000 Honda Accord (3.13 Rating)

Source: Autobytel

According to user reviews on

Owners of the 2000 Honda Accord should be vigilant about keeping their vehicles serviced to fix issues that may arise. The car is susceptible to breakdowns just like any other vehicle. The 2000 Honda Accord driver has reported many problems with the transmission, engine, and electrical systems.

It is another car with the “avoided like the plague” certificate from CarComplaints.com.

Common Issues:

  • Clear Coat, Paint issues
  • Transmission Failure
  • Slipping Gears

Consumer Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

  • NHTSA: 2000 Honda Accord got 21 recalls and 1206 complaints.
  • Edmunds: 2000 Honda Accord got 4.6/5.0 Edmunds reviews.
  • Jd Power: 2000 Honda Accord got N/A consumer ratings.
  • Kelley Blue Book: 2000 Honda Accord got 4.5/5.0 ratings.

2. Worst Year: 2003 Honda Accord (2.76 Rating)

Source: carswallpaper

It is one of the worst Accords ever. The 2003 model received the “Avoid Like the Plague” rating from CarComplaints.com. According to the authoritative review website, the 2003 model year is notorious for costly transmission problems.

Common Issues:

  • Transmission failure
  • Not shifting properly
  • The transmission slips out of gear.

Consumer Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

  • NHTSA: 2003 Honda Accord got 24 recalls and 1993 complaints.
  • Edmunds: 2003 Honda Accord got 4.7/5.0 Edmunds reviews.
  • Jd Power: 2003 Honda Accord got N/A consumer ratings.
  • Kelley Blue Book: 2003 Honda Accord got 4.6/5.0 ratings.

1. Worst Year: 1999 Honda Accord (2.75 Rating)

Source: testdrive. bg

The 1999 model is the winner in this category, making it the worst Accord ever that you should definitely avoid. The transmission frequently fails on the 1999 Honda Accord; the car often stops on the road, the engine turns off, or the paint chips. CarComplaints.com recommend avoiding this model year like the plague.

After about 100,000 miles, the transmission starts slipping and must be replaced at more than $2,000 in most cases.

Common Issues:

  • Clear Coat, Paint issues
  • Transmission slipping
  • Transmission Failure

Consumer Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

  • NHTSA: 1999 Honda Accord got 17 recalls and 1150 complaints.
  • Edmunds: 1999 Honda Accord got 4.6/5.0 Edmunds reviews.
  • Jd Power: 1999 Honda Accord got N/A consumer ratings.
  • Kelley Blue Book: 1999 Honda Accord got 4.5/5.0 ratings.

What Are the Best Honda Accord Years?

Here are some of the best model years of the Honda Accord that the company has ever made.

12. Best Year: 2014 Honda Accord (4.05 Rating)

Source: motoroids

The 2014 Honda Accord is a midsize automobile with coupe and sedan body styles. There are a variety of sedans to choose from, including the LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, and Touring.

Improved Feature: In 2014, Honda added a new feature to the Accord LX: high-end material.

Consumer Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

11. Best Year: 2012 Honda Accord (4.07 Rating)

Source: Courtney / cars.usnews

The 2012 Honda Accord is an excellent pick when shopping for a used midsize automobile. While its trunk may be on the smaller side, the Accord’s interior is surprisingly spacious, and it has passed all crash tests and has an above-average reliability rating.

Improved Feature: In 2012, the Honda Accord will get a USB audio port as standard equipment.

Consumer Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

10. Best Year: 2011 Honda Accord (4.12 Rating)

Source: arianator / wallpapercave

The 2011 Honda Accord is an excellent choice in the midsize car segment due to its upscale cabin, high crash test scores, and above-average reliability rating. Several trim levels are offered for the sedan (LX, LX-P, SE, EX, and EX-L) and the coupe (LX-S, EX, and EX-L).

Improved Feature: Improved fuel economy

Consumer Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

9. Best Year: 2019 Honda Accord (4.28 Rating)

Source: Autoportal

The 10th-generation Accord debuted for the 2018 model year, and the 2019 model is the second iteration of that generation. It has responsive and agile handling, potent and fuel-efficient engines, and many advanced driver assistance features.

Improved Feature: The Touring trim level is only available with the hybrid powertrain or a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

Consumer Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

8. Best Year: 2018 Honda Accord (4.47 Rating)

Source: manchesterhonda

With the development of SUVs, small families no longer automatically choose sedans. However, that’s not the case with the 2018 Accord. It has a roomy cabin, plenty of driver-aid systems, and high safety ratings, so it ranks near the top of the best honda accord years.

Improved Feature: Completely redesigned

Consumer Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

  • NHTSA: 2018 Honda Accord got 1 recall and 21 complaints.
  • Edmunds: 2018 Honda Accord got 4.1/5.0 Edmunds reviews.
  • Jd Power: 2018 Honda Accord got 80/100 consumer ratings.
  • Kelley Blue Book: 2018 Honda Accord got 4.5/5.0 ratings.

7. Best Year: 2020 Honda Accord (4.51 Rating)

Source: Honda club of Philippines / FaceBook

The 2020 Accord is another excellent option because of its responsive steering, simple infotainment system, powerful engine, plush cabin, and extensive useful features.

Improved Feature: No significant changes were made to this model (in preparation for the light refresh for the succeeding 2021 model year).

Consumer Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

  • NHTSA: 2020 Honda Accord got 2 recalls and 1 complaint.
  • Edmunds: 2020 Honda Accord got 4.3/5.0 Edmunds reviews.
  • Jd Power: 2020 Honda Accord got 82/100 consumer ratings.
  • Kelley Blue Book: 2020 Honda Accord got 4.5/5.0 ratings.

6. Best Year: 2021 Honda Accord (4.54 Rating)

Source: Edmund

The ideal balance of cargo and passenger capacity, high safety and dependability ratings, overwhelmingly excellent evaluations from automotive writers, and abundant family-friendly amenities all contribute to the 2021 model’s claim as the Best Midsize Vehicle for Families.

Improved Feature: There is also a Sport Special Edition trim in addition to the existing offerings and more options for basic and optional infotainment systems.

Consumer Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

  • NHTSA: 2021 Honda Accord got 1 recall and 0 complaints.
  • Edmunds: 2021 Honda Accord got 4.3/5.0 Edmunds reviews.
  • Jd Power: 2021 Honda Accord got 82/100 consumer ratings.
  • Kelley Blue Book: 2021 Honda Accord got 4.5/5.0 ratings.

5. Best Year: 2016 Honda Accord (4.56 Rating)

Source: newscar

The 9th-generation 2016 Accord is highly recommended due to its extensive standard equipment, quiet cabins, and smooth rides.

Improved Feature: Honda Sensing and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration are standard, and the car’s styling look has been updated.

Consumer Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

  • NHTSA: 2016 Honda Accord got 0 recalls and 0 complaints.
  • Edmunds: 2016 Honda Accord got 4.3/5.0 Edmunds reviews.
  • Jd Power: 2016 Honda Accord got 82/100 consumer ratings.
  • Kelley Blue Book: 2016 Honda Accord got 4.4/5.0 ratings.

4. Best Year: 2013 Honda Accord (4.57 Rating)

Source: Autoblog

Because of its superior body, exceptional fuel economy, and gratifying performance, the completely redesigned 2013 Honda Accord is again the class leader among family sedans and falls under our top 4 contenders. With the 2013 Honda Accord, passengers will find a modern cabin with ample space, supportive seats, and luxurious materials.

Improved Feature: Fully redesigned

Consumer Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

  • NHTSA: 2013 Honda Accord got 0 recalls and 0 complaints.
  • Edmunds: 2013 Honda Accord got 4.3/5.0 Edmunds reviews.
  • Jd Power: 2013 Honda Accord got 83/100 consumer ratings.
  • Kelley Blue Book: 2013 Honda Accord got 4.4/5.0 ratings.

3. Best Year: 2017 Honda Accord (4.58 Rating)

Source: carsdirect

Our 3rd top pick 2017 Honda Accord, boasts several desirable features, including a smooth ride, a fast transmission, and plenty of standard equipment.

The 2017 Honda Accord improves upon the 2016 model in a number of ways. As a result, it should appeal to buyers who place a premium on factors such as passenger volume, gas mileage, cost, or excitement behind the wheel.

Improved Feature: New Sport SE trim

Consumer Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

  • NHTSA: 2017 Honda Accord got 0 recalls and 21 complaints.
  • Edmunds: 2017 Honda Accord got 4.4/5.0 Edmunds reviews.
  • Jd Power: 2017 Honda Accord got 83/100 consumer ratings.
  • Kelley Blue Book: 2017 Honda Accord got 4.4/5.0 ratings.

2. Best Year: 2022 Honda Accord (4.65 Rating)

Source: Jerome / autoinfluence

The recent iterations of the Accord have the finest reviews and are the most refined since they include the most cutting-edge technology and features.

The 2022 Honda Accord is an excellent vehicle and a wise investment if you need an affordable family sedan.

Overall, It is the 2nd best year of the Honda Accord; you should give it a shot. It’s lively and fun to drive daily, and the turbocharged engine range provides a good compromise between speed and efficiency.

Improved Feature: No significant changes

Consumer Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

  • NHTSA: 2022 Honda Accord got 0 recalls and 1 complaint.
  • Edmunds: 2022 Honda Accord got 4.4/5.0 Edmunds reviews.
  • Jd Power: 2022 Honda Accord got 88/100 consumer ratings.
  • Kelley Blue Book: 2022 Honda Accord got 4.5/5.0 ratings.

1. Best Year: 2023 Honda Accord (4.7 Rating)

Source: Antuan Goodwin/CNET Cars

Finally, the Star of the Show “2023 Honda Accord” with an outstanding rating of 4.7 is here. The previous version of the Accord provided three engine options, but the 2023 model only offers two. A 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder generates 192 hp and the same torque in the LX and EX model levels.

Improved Feature: Enhanced structure with a more rigid chassis and body and a more potent two-motor hybrid powertrain.

Consumer Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

  • NHTSA: 2023 Honda Accord got 0 recalls and 0 complaints.
  • Edmunds: 2023 Honda Accord got 4.0/5.0 Edmunds reviews.
  • Jd Power: 2023 Honda Accord got N/A consumer ratings.
  • Kelley Blue Book: 2023 Honda Accord got 4.8/5.0 ratings.

What Are The Common Problems Of The Honda Accord?

  • Transmission failure
  • Transmission slipping and jerking
  • Excessive oil consumption
  • Clear Coat, Paint issues
  • Not shifting properly
  • Premature brake wear

Conclusion

Honda is an immensely popular brand, having produced several models praised by critics and consumers alike. It has consistently led the sedan market because it is dedicated to producing reliable vehicles. The latest and cutting-edge technology of the 2023 Honda Accord is the pinnacle of dependability in a Sedan and a benchmark of excellence.

But, even Honda is not immune to making blunders, as evidenced by the 1999 and 2003 Accord models being regarded as the worst automobile years the Honda Accord has ever produced.

Since you now know which Honda Accord model years to avoid and which to prioritize when shopping for a new car, you can make a more informed decision through our extensive review.

Do let us know in the comments what current Honda Accord model you’re having or planning to have!

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