Honda Accord Common Problems and Complaints

Honda is a company that is admired by millions. They make many cars and trucks, ranging from small commuter vehicles to family sedans and off-road vehicles. Their commitment to safety, reliability, and value has helped them become one of the top makers of automobiles in recent years. That said, some common complaints about Honda Accords can be easily fixed if you know what they are.

In this article, we will go over some common problems with Honda Accords so that you can avoid those issues if you own one or buy one in the future.

Timing belt and water pump

Check for leaks around the engine, as they can indicate a problem with your timing belt or water pump. If you see any signs of oil or coolant leaking from the engine block, Get you car checked out by a professional mechanic immediately.

Replace spark plugs every 60k miles (100k km) for optimal performance and fuel economy.

Vacuum lines

Vacuum lines are the pipes that connect your car’s engine to its various components, including the fuel pump and carburetor. These lines can become damaged or clogged over time. If you notice that your car isn’t running smoothly or has an exhaust smell, it could be because of a vacuum leak in one of these lines.

Catalytic converter

The catalytic converter is a part of the exhaust system, converting harmful gases into less toxic gases. It can fail and cause problems such as:

Poor gas mileage
Excessive oil consumption

Engine light on (check engine light)

Changing a catalytic converter on a Honda Accord can range from approximately $100 to $800 or more for an aftermarket converter, while an OEM converter can cost anywhere from $200 to $1,200 or more. Labor costs for installation can range from $100 to $300 or more. Other potential prices include gaskets, bolts, and diagnostic fees.

Consider getting quotes from reputable repair shops, the converter’s quality, and consult a qualified mechanic for an accurate estimate and proper installation.

Starter motor failure

The starter motor is the part that starts your car. It’s connected to the battery, which provides power to keep it running when you turn on the key.

There are several potential causes of starter motor failure in a Honda Accord.

Wear and Tear: Starter motors are electromechanical devices subject to wear and tear over time. The internal components, such as the brushes, armature, and solenoid, can degrade and eventually fail due to regular use and aging.

Electrical Issues: Electrical problems, such as a weak or failing battery, can put additional strain on the starter motor. If the battery is not providing enough power to the starter motor, it may struggle to engage and turn the engine over, leading to premature failure.

Environmental Factors: The starter motor is in the engine bay— exposed to harsh environmental conditions, such as extreme heat, cold, and moisture. Over time, these factors can cause corrosion, rust, and other damage to the starter motor components, leading to failure.

Overuse or Misuse: Repeatedly cranking the engine for extended periods, such as when attempting to start a vehicle with a weak battery, can strain the starter motor and cause it to fail prematurely. Similarly, using the starter motor to forcefully “bump start” a vehicle or engaging the starter motor while the engine is already running can also cause damage.

Manufacturing Defects: In rare cases, starter motors may have manufacturing defects or quality issues that can lead to premature failure. This can include problems with the internal components, wiring, or other manufacturing flaws that affect the performance and durability of the starter motor.

Alternator failure

The alternator is the heart of your car’s electrical system, so you must understand how it works and what can go wrong. A bad alternator will cause all sorts of problems, including:

Poor fuel economy
Hard starting and or stalling at idle (especially in hot weather)
Dimming headlights when idling or driving slowly with high-beam headlights on