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Avoid the 1998-2005, 2008-2009, 2013, and 2018 Honda Accord model years. These years suffered from widespread transmission failures, excessive oil consumption, and electrical problems that cost owners thousands in repairs[1]. The 2003 Accord ranks as the worst overall, with 1,703 complaints on CarComplaints.com and average transmission repair costs of $2,700 at just 98,000 miles[2]. If you’re shopping for a used Accord, stick to the 2006-2007, 2011-2012, or 2015-2017 model years for the fewest headaches.
Honda Accord Years to Avoid: Complete List
| Model Year | Generation | Primary Problems | Complaints Filed | Avoid Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 7th | Transmission failure | 1,703[2] | Worst |
| 2008 | 8th | Brake wear, engine | 2,496[2] | Very Bad |
| 2002 | 6th | Transmission slipping | 993[2] | Very Bad |
| 2009 | 8th | Electrical, engine | 988[2] | Bad |
| 2004 | 7th | Transmission failure | 626[2] | Bad |
| 2013 | 9th | Engine, oil consumption | 600[2] | Bad |
| 2001 | 6th | Transmission, EGR valve | 596[2] | Bad |
| 2018 | 10th | AEB false activation | 317[2] | Moderate |
The complaint numbers tell only part of the story. What really matters is the severity and cost of repairs—and certain years hit owners’ wallets harder than others.
1998-2005: The Transmission Disaster Years
These eight model years represent the dark period in Accord history. Honda’s automatic transmissions during this era were fundamentally flawed, and the evidence is overwhelming[3].
What Went Wrong
The sixth and seventh-generation Accords (1998-2002 and 2003-2007) used transmissions prone to slipping, hard shifting, and outright failure—sometimes as early as 60,000 miles[4]. The 2003 model year suffered the worst, with transmission failure occurring at an average of just 98,000 miles and costing $2,700 to repair[2]. That’s not a minor inconvenience. That’s a used car payment.
The 2004 Accord wasn’t much better, with transmission failures averaging $2,900 at 110,000 miles[2]. CarComplaints.com gave both the 2003 and 2004 models their dreaded “Avoid Like the Plague” seal[1].
Additional Problems
Beyond transmission woes, these years also experienced clear coat peeling on exterior paint, EGR valve failures causing rough idling, and motor mount deterioration leading to excessive engine vibration[5]. The 2003 and 2004 models had interior quality issues on top of everything else[1].
The 2005 model showed improvement but still carried enough transmission complaints to make it one to skip[1]. If you’re considering how many miles is good for a used car, these Accords become increasingly risky past 80,000 miles.
2008-2009: First-Year Growing Pains
The eighth-generation Accord launched in 2008 with high expectations. Reality delivered something else entirely.
The 2008 Model Year
With 2,496 total complaints, the 2008 Accord holds the record for the most-reported problems of any Accord year[2]. But here’s the thing: while complaint volume was high, the issues were generally less catastrophic than the transmission failures of earlier years.
Premature brake wear topped the complaint list, with owners reporting rotors and pads wearing out far faster than expected[2]. Engine issues and electrical gremlins also plagued early adopters. Consumer Reports gave this generation a relatively low 2-3 out of 5 reliability score[1].
The 2009 Model Year
The 2009 Accord inherited many 2008 problems and added some electrical quirks of its own, logging 988 complaints[2]. First-year bugs in a new generation are predictable, but buyers paying for Honda reliability deserved better. The lesson? Never buy the first or second year of a new Honda generation if you can help it.
2013: The Ninth-Gen Stumble
When Honda redesigned the Accord for 2013, the pattern repeated. First-year production meant first-year problems.
The 2013 Accord accumulated 600 complaints[2], making it the worst of the ninth generation by a significant margin. Owners reported excessive oil consumption, engine vibrations, and starter motor failures. Some experienced complete engine stalls while driving[4].
Battery drain issues frustrated others, with cars sitting for a weekend only to find dead batteries Monday morning. Consumer Reports initially gave this model year lower reliability scores before the 2015-2017 models redeemed the generation[6]. The good news? Honda corrected most issues by the 2015 model year, which many experts consider one of the most reliable Accords ever built[1].
2018: Modern Problems for Modern Times
The tenth-generation Accord arrived in 2018 with a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine—and a new set of concerns.
Automatic Emergency Braking Issues
NHTSA opened an investigation into 2018-2019 Accords after 278 complaints that the automatic emergency braking system activated unexpectedly while driving[7]. Imagine cruising at highway speed when your car suddenly brakes for no apparent reason. Six collisions with minor injuries were potentially linked to this problem[7].
The 2018 model logged 317 complaints overall[2], with additional reports of rattling dashboards, cracked windshields, and 1.5-liter turbo engine oil dilution concerns[4]. Consumer Reports rated both 2018 and 2019 Accords at 3 out of 5 for reliability[1].
2023-2025 Hybrid Recall
Even recent Accords aren’t immune. In late 2025, Honda recalled 256,603 Accord Hybrids from the 2023-2025 model years due to software that could cause the vehicle to lose power while driving[8]. A software update fixes the issue, but it’s a reminder that new doesn’t always mean trouble-free.
Honda Accord Best Years to Buy Instead
Not all Accords deserve suspicion. Several model years earned strong reliability scores and minimal complaints.
| Model Year | Generation | Complaints | Why It’s Good |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006-2007 | 7th | 198-308[2] | Post-transmission fix, proven reliable |
| 2011-2012 | 8th | 205-242[2] | Mature generation, bugs resolved |
| 2015-2017 | 9th | 124-282[2] | Best of generation, excellent scores |
| 2019-2021 | 10th | 3-57[2] | Modern safety, refined powertrain |
The 2015 Accord stands out as the sweet spot of the ninth generation. It has the fewest complaints in its generation, only four recalls, and primarily minor issues like clear coat problems[1]. The 2016 model year is often cited as the most reliable Honda Accord overall based on complaint volume relative to sales[5].
How to Inspect a Used Honda Accord
Even “good” years can hide problems. Before buying any used Accord:
- Check transmission behavior — During the test drive, accelerate from a stop and monitor for slipping, hesitation, or jerking between gears
- Monitor oil consumption — Ask the seller about oil changes and check the dipstick for low levels
- Review service history — Request maintenance records to verify timing belt replacement (if applicable) and transmission fluid changes
- Run a VIN check — Search the NHTSA database for open recalls and check CarComplaints.com for your specific year
- Get a pre-purchase inspection — Pay $100-150 for a mechanic to catch issues you’ll miss
For sixth and seventh-generation Accords specifically, transmission fluid condition matters enormously. Dark, burnt-smelling fluid signals impending failure.
Key Takeaways
- Avoid 1998-2005 Accords due to transmission failures costing $2,400-$2,900 to repair at relatively low mileage[2]
- Skip 2008-2009 models as first-year eighth-generation vehicles with high complaint volumes and unresolved bugs[2]
- Pass on 2013 since first-year ninth-generation production brought engine issues and excessive oil consumption[4]
- Be cautious with 2018 given AEB false activation issues and typical first-year problems for the tenth generation[7]
- Best bets are 2006-2007, 2011-2012, and 2015-2017 for the lowest complaint rates and proven reliability[2]
- Always get a pre-purchase inspection regardless of model year—even “good” years can have individual problem vehicles
FAQs
What is the worst year for the Honda Accord?
The 2003 Honda Accord is widely considered the worst model year. CarComplaints.com rates it as the worst overall due to 1,703 complaints, transmission failures occurring at an average of 98,000 miles, and repair costs averaging $2,700[2]. The site gave this model year its “Avoid Like the Plague” rating[1]. While the 2008 Accord has more total complaints (2,496), the 2003’s issues were more severe and expensive to repair[2].
Which Honda Accord generation is most reliable?
The ninth generation (2013-2017) and tenth generation (2018-2022) are the most reliable overall, with later years in each generation offering the fewest problems[6]. Within these generations, the 2015-2017 and 2019-2021 model years stand out for strong reliability scores and minimal complaints[6]. Avoid the first year of each generation (2013 and 2018) to skip early production bugs.
Are old Honda Accords still reliable?
A well-maintained 2006-2007 or 2011-2012 Accord can still be an excellent used car with low running costs and proven long-term reliability[6]. Many Honda enthusiasts report fifth-generation and earlier Accords with 2.0-liter engines reaching over 300,000 miles[5]. The key is avoiding the troubled 1998-2005 transmission years and finding examples with documented maintenance history.
Do Honda Accords have transmission problems?
Yes, but primarily in specific model years. The 1998-2005 Accords suffered widespread automatic transmission failures, including slipping, hard shifting, and complete failure as early as 60,000-100,000 miles[4]. Honda addressed these issues by 2006, and modern Accords (2010+) use more reliable CVT and 10-speed automatic transmissions with significantly fewer complaints[3].
Is a high-mileage Honda Accord worth buying?
That depends entirely on the model year and maintenance history. A 2006 or 2015 Accord with 150,000 documented miles can be a better buy than a 2003 Accord with 80,000 miles because the 2003’s transmission is a ticking time bomb[1]. For problematic years, higher mileage dramatically increases the likelihood of expensive repairs. For reliable years, Accords routinely reach 200,000+ miles with proper care[9].
References
- CoPilot. (2024). Honda Accord Years to Avoid. https://www.copilotsearch.com/posts/honda-accord-years-to-avoid/
- CarComplaints.com. (2025). Honda Accord Overview. https://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/Accord/
- CoPilot. (2024). Honda Accord Transmission Problems. https://www.copilotsearch.com/posts/honda-accord-transmission-problems/
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AGT Auto. (2025). Honda Accord Years To Avoid From 1998 Model To Present.
Honda Accord Years To Avoid & Common Problems
- REREV. (2024). Best and Worst Honda Accord Years. https://rerev.com/articles/honda-accord-years-to-avoid/
- Clutch. (2025). Best Honda Accord Years to Buy. https://www.clutch.ca/blog/posts/best-honda-accord-years-to-buy
- Consumer Reports. (2022). Federal Regulators Investigate Honda Unexpected Braking Complaints. https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-recalls-defects/nhtsa-investigates-honda-unexpected-braking-complaints-a9281526240/
- Car and Driver. (2025). Honda Recalls Quarter-Million Accord Hybrids. https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a69472266/honda-accord-hybrid-powertrain-recall/
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Vehicle Accident Injury. (2025). Honda Accord Years to Avoid.
Honda Accord Years to Avoid: Key Models with Costly Issues to Skip
I am a senior automotive analyst at Autvex. Expert vehicle evaluations, in-depth reviews, and objective analysis helping readers make informed automotive decisions with years of industry experience.
