My GarageWhich Honda Accord year is most reliable?
2013–2017 (9th gen). K24 2.4L or J35 3.5L V6 — both naturally aspirated, both proven, both cheap to service. The safest Accord in the used market.
Best Years · Honda Accord
Best Honda Accord Years to Buy
3 min read
Also worth reading: Honda Accord Years to Avoid, Honda Accord Buying Guide and Honda Reliability Guide.
The Accord has been one of the best midsize sedans for three decades. The 9th and 10th generations are the modern sweet spot — but the story splits between the naturally aspirated K24 era and the turbocharged 1.5T that followed.
Quick Verdict
- ⭐ Overall verdict
- 4.7/5 · Excellent
- ✅ Best years to buy
- 2013–2017 (9th gen), 2018–2022 (10th gen)
- ❌ Years to avoid
- 2003–2007 (7th gen V6 automatic)
- Reliability
- 4.7/5 · Excellent
- Maintenance
- 4.7/5 · Excellent
- Parts availability
- 5.0/5 · Excellent
- Ownership cost
- 4.7/5 · Excellent
Bottom line: A 2013–2017 K24 Accord is arguably the best midsize sedan value on the used market.
Side by side
Honda Accord model years at a glance
| Years | Reliability | Buy? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013–2017 (9th gen) | Strong | ✅ Buy | K24 2.4L or J35 3.5L V6 — both naturally aspirated, both proven, both cheap to service. The safest Accord in the used m… |
| 2018–2022 (10th gen) | Strong | ✅ Buy | Modern 1.5T or 2.0T. The 2.0T is the enthusiast's pick and has been very reliable. The 1.5T is excellent post oil-dilut… |
| 2008–2012 (8th gen V6) | Mixed | ⚠ Inspect first | Excellent engine, but some torque-converter shudder on the V6 automatic. Very manageable if inspected. |
| 2003–2007 (7th gen V6 automatic) | Weakest | ❌ Avoid | Well-documented V6 automatic transmission failures — Honda extended coverage that has long since expired. Manual V6s ar… |
At a glance
Quick Recommendations
✅ Best Years
- 2013–2017 (9th gen)
- 2018–2022 (10th gen)
⚠ Worth Researching
- 2008–2012 (8th gen V6)
❌ Years to Avoid
- 2003–2007 (7th gen V6 automatic)
Full detail on the weakest years — the specific failures, typical repair costs, and what to shop instead — is in the Honda Accord years to avoid guide.
Top Picks
Best Years — In Depth
What makes these generations stand out.
2013–2017 (9th gen)
K24 2.4L or J35 3.5L V6 — both naturally aspirated, both proven, both cheap to service. The safest Accord in the used market.
2018–2022 (10th gen)
Modern 1.5T or 2.0T. The 2.0T is the enthusiast's pick and has been very reliable. The 1.5T is excellent post oil-dilution TSB in cold climates.
The Why
Why These Years Are Better
The 9th gen returned to a straightforward K24 four-cylinder with a proven 5-speed and later CVT that has held up well. No turbos, no direct injection carbon issues.
The 3.5L J35 V6 in the 9th gen uses the 6-speed automatic (not the older 5AT) — dramatically better transmission reliability.
By 2020, Honda had addressed 1.5T oil-dilution complaints via TSB reflashes and process updates.
Know the risks
Common Problems by Generation
Bring this to any pre-purchase inspection.
8th gen (2008–2012)
- • V6 automatic torque converter shudder
- • AC compressor on older V6s
- • Rear wheel bearings
9th gen (2013–2017)
- • Starter failure on some units
- • Power steering hose leaks (V6)
10th gen (2018–2022)
- • 1.5T oil dilution in cold climates (pre-TSB)
- • Infotainment quirks on early builds
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Buying advice
What to Look For
Acceptable mileage
9th and 10th gen Accords with records are fine to 200,000+ miles. The K24 timing chain doesn't need service.
Maintenance records
V6 owners: verify timing belt service at 105k. 1.5T owners in cold climates: verify oil-dilution TSB completion. CVT owners: verify one drain-and-fill by 60k.
Pre-buy inspection
- • 1.5T: pull dipstick and smell for fuel dilution; check level above full.
- • Cold-start listen for starter cranking speed on 9th gen.
- • Test 10AT (2018+) with full-throttle upshifts.
- • Verify V6 timing belt service (if applicable).
- • Check for takata airbag recall completion.
The Verdict
Should You Buy a Used Honda Accord?
A 2013–2017 K24 Accord is arguably the best midsize sedan value on the used market. A 2020+ 1.5T with a completed TSB is nearly as strong and drives better.
Best for: Commuters, families, enthusiasts (2.0T Sport), and anyone who wants a driver-friendly sedan that lasts.
People Also Ask
What Accord years should I avoid?
2003–2007 (7th gen V6 automatic). Well-documented V6 automatic transmission failures — Honda extended coverage that has long since expired. Manual V6s are fine.
Which Honda Accord generation is best?
A 2013–2017 K24 Accord is arguably the best midsize sedan value on the used market. A 2020+ 1.5T with a completed TSB is nearly as strong and drives better.
What mileage is acceptable on a used Accord?
9th and 10th gen Accords with records are fine to 200,000+ miles. The K24 timing chain doesn't need service.
What problems affect the 8th gen (2008–2012)?
On the 8th gen (2008–2012), watch for V6 automatic torque converter shudder, AC compressor on older V6s and rear wheel bearings. All of these are detectable on a proper pre-purchase inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Accord years are best?
2013–2017 (9th gen), 2018–2022 (10th gen) are the strongest years to buy.
Why is the 2013–2017 (9th gen) Accord recommended?
K24 2.4L or J35 3.5L V6 — both naturally aspirated, both proven, both cheap to service. The safest Accord in the used market.
What mileage is acceptable on a used Accord?
9th and 10th gen Accords with records are fine to 200,000+ miles. The K24 timing chain doesn't need service.
Are the newer or older Accord years more reliable?
The 9th gen returned to a straightforward K24 four-cylinder with a proven 5-speed and later CVT that has held up well. No turbos, no direct injection carbon issues.
Which Accord years should I avoid?
2003–2007 (7th gen V6 automatic) are worth avoiding or inspecting carefully.
Who is a used Honda Accord best for?
Commuters, families, enthusiasts (2.0T Sport), and anyone who wants a driver-friendly sedan that lasts.
What should I check before buying a used Accord?
1.5T: pull dipstick and smell for fuel dilution; check level above full.; Cold-start listen for starter cranking speed on 9th gen.; Test 10AT (2018+) with full-throttle upshifts.; Verify V6 timing belt service (if applicable).
Should I buy a used Honda Accord?
A 2013–2017 K24 Accord is arguably the best midsize sedan value on the used market. A 2020+ 1.5T with a completed TSB is nearly as strong and drives better.
Generation guide
Honda Accord Generations
Jump straight to the generation you're shopping.
- Generation 1
8th gen · 2008–2012
Larger body, EPA-classified as full-size, more powerful V6.
- Generation 2
9th gen · 2013–2017
New Earth Dreams engines, CVT on 4-cylinder, more efficient V6 with 6-speed automatic.
- Generation 3
10th gen · 2018–2022
Turbocharged engines replace V6, 10-speed automatic on 2.0T, standard Honda Sensing.
- Generation 4
11th gen · 2023–2026
Cleaner styling, larger touchscreen, hybrid becomes the mainstream powertrain.
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