8th Generation (CU1/CU2, 2008-2015) · R20A 2.0L petrol · 156 hp
Popular family sedan with Honda's reputation for reliability, though the 8th generation has some notable weak points. The naturally aspirated R20A engine is generally solid with a timing chain rather than belt, but VTC actuator cold-start rattle is common after 60,000 km. Early 2008-2009 models had significant premature brake wear issues that led to a class action settlement. The 2011-2012 facelift models are considerably more reliable. Watch for rear control arm bushing wear causing tire degradation, power steering rack leaks, and alternator failures after 100,000 km. Manual gearboxes are more reliable than automatics.
Expected Annual Maintenance Costs
€900 - €1,500/year
15,000 km/year
Fixed costs
€550-850
Risk buffer
€350-650
What Can Break
bars = likelihood
Premature rear brake pad wear (2008-2010)€250 - €600
Electronic Brake Distribution system causes rear pads to wear in 12,000-20,000 km · more· less
A class-action lawsuit was filed against Honda in 2009 affecting 750,000 late model Accord owners. The new Electronic Brake Distribution system applies excessive force on the rear brake pads, reducing lifespan from 70,000 km to under 20,000 km on many 2008-2009 models. Honda settled without admitting fault and revised brake pad design (part #43022-TA0-A40). The settlement provided up to €150 reimbursement for new pad installation. Most 2010 models were also affected if VIN appears on specific lists. The 2011-2012 facelift models are considerably better. Rear brake calipers can also seize after 125,000 km due to infrequent parking brake use.
VTC actuator cold start rattle€350 - €1,200
Tensioner loses oil pressure overnight causing 1-30 second rattle on cold start · more· less
The R20A engine's VTC (Variable Timing Control) actuator has a release valve that weakens over time, allowing oil pressure to bleed off overnight. This results in a distinctive rattle for 1-30 seconds on cold start, typically occurring between 60,000-100,000 km. Honda released updated part 14310-R5A-305 to replace problematic 14310-R44-A01. Dealer repair costs approximately €1,000-1,200. Independent shops charge around €200 plus parts. DIY spring repair kit costs approximately €35 and takes about an hour. Ignoring this can weaken the timing chain tensioner and potentially cause chain skip and catastrophic valve/piston contact. Some Honda dealers have offered the part for free with owner paying only labor (approximately €370 total).
Rear upper control arm bushing wear€300 - €700
Bushings collapse causing excessive rear camber and inner tire wear · more· less
2008-2012 Honda Accord sedans and coupes frequently experience excessive rear camber wear even when toe alignment appears within specification. The culprit is worn rear upper control arm bushings which collapse and alter camber geometry during acceleration, braking, and turning. This causes recurring inner tire wear forcing repeated premature tire replacement. Symptoms include uneven tire wear patterns on the inside edge of rear tires. OEM bushing costs approximately €30 each side, but a complete OEM upper control arm costs only €50. Professional replacement costs €300-700 including alignment. Replacement restores proper alignment and eliminates the recurring tire wear issue. Control arms should be replaced in pairs on the same axle, and wheel alignment is mandatory after replacement.
Power steering rack leak€800 - €2,800
O-ring failure causes heavy fluid leaks requiring rack replacement · more· less
8th gen Accords commonly develop heavy power steering fluid leaks from the rack and pinion. The root cause is often failed O-ring (part 91345-PAA-A01 must be replaced with updated 91345-RDA-A01). The PS leak itself won't damage the alternator, but the front spool valve leak (covered by Honda TSB) often goes unnoticed and can damage the alternator. Symptoms include needing to refill reservoir every 2 weeks, fluid visible under the car. DIY O-ring replacement costs approximately €10 and can resolve the issue if caught early. Minor leaks can sometimes be stopped with Lucas power steering stop leak additive. Full rack replacement at Honda dealership costs €1,200-2,800 (approximately 12 hours labor). Independent shops in Canada quote approximately €800 for the rack plus €450 labor.
Alternator failure€500 - €1,300
Worn brushes or voltage regulator failure typically after 100,000 km · more· less
The alternator on 8th gen Accords tends to fail after 100,000 km due to worn brushes or voltage regulator issues. Symptoms include dimming lights, battery warning light, or dead battery despite the battery being good. Honda dealership quotes range from €1,300 for complete replacement. Independent shops charge €500-950. The part itself (remanufactured Denso) costs approximately €200. Labor is minimal - most cost is the part. An alternator is designed to last 8-12 years, though failures at 80,000 km are not uncommon. DIY replacement takes 2-3 hours. Professional shops complete it in 1-2 hours. Note: Power steering fluid leaks (particularly from front spool valve) can damage the alternator if fluid drips onto it - inspect for PS leaks when alternator fails prematurely.
AC condenser damage/leak€600 - €1,200
Grille design allows road debris to damage condenser causing refrigerant leaks · more· less
The 8th gen Accord's grille design is excellent for airflow but provides poor protection for the AC condenser from road debris. Stone impacts commonly cause condenser damage and refrigerant leaks. Symptoms include AC not blowing cold air. Repair requires condenser replacement plus refrigerant recharge. Total cost: condenser part €170-250, labor €400-600, refrigerant €120-150, diagnostic €120-180. Some dealers charge up to €400 just for diagnostic. Total repair typically €850-1,200. Some owners report dealers quoting as high as €2,000 including diagnostics and labor. Honda has extended AC condenser warranty to 10 years unlimited mileage on some later models due to known defective condensers - worth checking with Honda if your vehicle qualifies.
Water pump failure€500 - €900
Leaks and bearing noise typically between 150,000-200,000 km · more· less
Water pump failure is a normal wear item on the R20A engine, typically occurring between 150,000-200,000 km. The two most common signs are leaks and noises from worn bearings. Leaking water pumps can damage drive and timing belts and cause engine overheating. Symptoms include coolant warning light, engine overheating, or poor cabin heating. Professional replacement for 2008 Accord costs €500-900. Always replace the thermostat when replacing the water pump to prevent future issues. This is considered a relatively easy DIY job for those comfortable with basic repairs - the only challenging aspect is tight working spaces requiring various length sockets and wobble extensions. OEM thermostat costs approximately €35.
Starter motor/crankshaft sensor issues€200 - €600
P0339 code from aftermarket starters or sensor wiring damage · more· less
Honda issued TSB for 2008-2009 Accords experiencing P0339 code (crankshaft position sensor intermittent interruption). The ECM/PCM can incorrectly judge crankshaft sensor position if engine is cranked with low battery. Corrective action involves PGM-FI software update and CKP pattern clear/learn procedure. There's significant debate in the Honda community: some owners report aftermarket starters cause this issue and only OEM Honda starters resolve it. Others disagree, stating dozens of aftermarket starter replacements work fine. The actual problem is often engine oil damage to wiring harness rather than the sensor itself. P0339 can also indicate timing system issues. Symptoms include extended cranking, hard starting, or MIL (check engine light). OEM Honda starter costs more but some report it's the only solution. Crankshaft sensor relearn must be performed any time sensor is replaced.
Insufficient lubrication on clutch disc spline causes hard shifting when cold · more· less
Manual transmission equipped Accords can be difficult to get into first gear and make crunching sounds when engaging reverse, particularly when cold. The problem is insufficient lubrication on the clutch disc spline, which means the clutch disc can drag against the flywheel slightly despite the clutch being disengaged. The problem is worst when clutch and transmission are both cold. Solution requires separating gearbox from engine, then lubricating clutch disc splines using super-high-temperature grease (Honda part nos: 08798-9002 and H/C 3720984). Some owners report erratic downshifting or car coming to complete stop unexpectedly after 100,000 km on manual transmissions. Manual gearboxes are significantly more reliable than automatic transmissions on this generation.
Interior squeaks and rattles€0 - €300
Poor cabin trim build quality and resistance to wear · more· less
A very common complaint across 8th gen Accords is cabin trim and build quality issues. Owners consistently report squeaks, rattles, and poor resistance to everyday wear and tear. The dashboard, door panels, and center console develop annoying noises over time. Stereo issues and temperamental Bluetooth phone systems are also mentioned. While these issues don't affect mechanical reliability, they significantly impact the ownership experience and perceived quality. Some trim pieces can be addressed with felt tape or foam padding, but it's an ongoing issue with this generation. The 2008-2009 models are particularly bad for this. Most owners consider it an annoyance rather than a serious defect, but it's worth noting Honda's typical build quality reputation doesn't fully apply to the 8th gen Accord's interior.
Mixed reliability - avoid early years, prefer 2011-2012 facelift
The 8th generation Accord has a split personality. Early 2008-2009 models had significant issues including premature brake wear (class action lawsuit), excessive oil consumption, and uncomfortable seats. These models rank poorly for reliability. However, the 2011-2012 facelift models are considerably better and are considered good used car choices. The R20A engine with timing chain is generally solid but monitor for VTC actuator rattle. Manual transmissions are more reliable than automatics. Overall ownership costs are reasonable for a midsize sedan if you choose a later model year and stay on top of maintenance.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete service records essential. Verify oil changes every 15,000 km or annually. Check if VTC actuator has been replaced.
Tires
Check tread depth, age, and especially inner edge wear on rear tires indicating control arm bushing failure.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen carefully for VTC actuator rattle in first 30 seconds.
Body condition
Check for rust, accident damage, paint mismatch. Inspect wheel arches carefully.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including varied speeds. Test brakes thoroughly, listen for squeaks and rattles.
Specific for this vehicle
VTC actuator cold start rattle
Start engine completely cold and listen for rattling noise in first 30 seconds. This is the most important engine check. If rattle lasts more than a few seconds, expensive timing chain components may also need replacement.
Check rear tire inner edge wear
Inspect inner edge of rear tires for excessive wear - indicates failed control arm bushings. This causes repeated premature tire replacement.
Inspect for power steering leaks
Check ground under car for fluid puddles. Look for fluid on rack boots and around steering components. Check reservoir level - should not need frequent topping up.
Test rear brakes thoroughly (2008-2010 models)
On 2008-2010 models particularly, check brake pad thickness. Ask for service records showing brake replacements - if pads only lasted 12,000-20,000 km this indicates the EBD issue.
Verify model year and avoid 2008-2009
The 2011-2012 facelift models are significantly more reliable. If considering 2008-2009, expect more issues and factor in additional repair budget.
Check AC operation
Test AC thoroughly - should blow cold immediately. Any delay or warm air indicates possible condenser damage.
Listen for interior squeaks and rattles
Drive over rough roads and bumps. Listen for dashboard, door panel, and center console noises. Test all switches and controls.
Check alternator output and battery
Have battery and alternator tested. Dimming lights or battery warning indicate alternator issues. Check for power steering fluid contamination on alternator.
Manual transmission shifting test (if equipped)
Test cold shifting into first gear and reverse. Crunching or difficulty indicates clutch disc spline lubrication issue.
Contact Honda with VIN to verify all recalls completed. The Takata airbag recall is particularly important - some 8th gen Accords had "Alpha" driver airbags with 50% failure rate. All safety recall repairs are FREE at authorized Honda dealers. Call Honda Automobile Customer Service Recall Line or check owners.honda.com/service-maintenance/recalls.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3 years/36,000 miles)Expired on all 8th gen models
Rust perforation coverage5 years unlimited mileage - likely expired
PZEV emissions warranty (if equipped)15 years/150,000 km in qualifying states only
Honda Genuine replacement parts1-3 years depending on part
All 8th generation Accords (2008-2015) are well beyond their original factory warranty period. PZEV emissions warranty (15 years/150,000 km) only applies in California Emissions states (CA, NY, CT, MA, ME, VT) and only covers specific emissions components like catalytic converters. Extended warranty or third-party vehicle service contracts are available but evaluate cost vs. likely repairs. Honda Genuine replacement parts purchased from dealers carry their own limited warranties.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.