Also worth reading: 2008–2012 Honda Accord Buying Guide, 2018–2022 Honda Accord Buying Guide and Honda Accord Buying Guide.
The 2013–2017 Honda Accord covers the 9th gen generation from start to finish. Mechanically these years are the same car — same platform, same engine family, same failure points — so shop the individual car's condition and service history rather than chasing a specific model year. 2016–2017 with Honda Sensing are the pick of this generation.
Bottom line: Recommended — a safe, defensible used purchase with the right pre-purchase inspection.
This generation launched in 2013: New Earth Dreams engines, CVT on 4-cylinder, more efficient V6 with 6-speed automatic. Mid-cycle updates landed in 2016, so later cars in the span pick up interior and tech revisions. Powertrain and core hardware carry over across the span, which is exactly why we cover the whole generation on one page instead of splitting near-identical years apart.
Across 2013–2017, reliability tracks the generation as a whole rather than any one model year. Early-build cars (2013–2014) carry the usual first-run risk, and late-run cars have had years of TSB and running fixes applied. The issues that actually decide whether a car is worth buying: Direct-injection carbon buildup on 2.4L past 60k; Starter motor failures (2013–2015); Occasional infotainment slowness.
Bring this list to your pre-purchase inspection.
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Expect Accord maintenance costs typical of the 9th gen generation. Engines: 2.4L K24W I4 (direct injection) / 3.5L J35 V6. Transmissions: CVT (I4) / 6-speed manual (Coupe/Sport) / 6-speed automatic (V6). Budget for the usual service intervals (oil, brakes, cooling, transmission fluid) plus preventative work on the known-weak items above. Parts for a 2017 Honda Accord are cheap and widely available.
Focused on what tends to fail on the 9th gen generation.
Within 2013–2017, condition and maintenance history beat model year almost every time. Later cars in the span are typically the most sorted; earlier cars are the cheapest way into the generation. If a 2013–2017 Honda Accord passes a pre-purchase inspection with the known weak points checked, it's a defensible used buy. Strengths in this generation: Excellent MPG for a midsize, Sharp handling, V6 remains stout.
Best for: Buyers cross-shopping the whole 9th gen generation of the Honda Accord rather than one specific model year.
The 2008–2012 generation is cheaper and simpler, with an older tech and safety package. The 2018–2022 generation brings newer powertrains and driver assistance at a higher price.
Across 2013–2017, reliability tracks the generation as a whole rather than any one model year. Early-build cars (2013–2014) carry the usual first-run risk, and late-run cars have had years of TSB and running fixes applied. The issues that actually decide whether a car is worth buying: Direct-injection carbon buildup on 2.4L past 60k; Starter motor failures (2013–2015); Occasional infotainment slowness.
The 9th gen generation offered 2.4L K24W I4 (direct injection) and 3.5L J35 V6. Which one you buy matters more for long-term cost than trim level does.
The issues owners report most are Direct-injection carbon buildup on 2.4L past 60k, starter motor failures (2013–2015) and occasional infotainment slowness. Every one of them is checkable before you hand over money.
Within 2013–2017, condition and maintenance history beat model year almost every time. Later cars in the span are typically the most sorted; earlier cars are the cheapest way into the generation. If a 2013–2017 Honda Accord passes a pre-purchase inspection with the known weak points checked, it's a defensible used buy.
Expect Accord maintenance costs typical of the 9th gen generation. Engines: 2.4L K24W I4 (direct injection) / 3.5L J35 V6.
Jump straight to the generation you're shopping.
Larger body, EPA-classified as full-size, more powerful V6.
New Earth Dreams engines, CVT on 4-cylinder, more efficient V6 with 6-speed automatic.
Turbocharged engines replace V6, 10-speed automatic on 2.0T, standard Honda Sensing.
Cleaner styling, larger touchscreen, hybrid becomes the mainstream powertrain.
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Reliability, common problems, and what to inspect.
Reliability, common problems, and what to inspect.
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