Honda Accord Problems Common Issues and Repair Costs
The Honda Accord has long been one of Honda’s flagship models, known for comfort, refinement, and reliability. It is respected for durability, but like any car, the Accord does have weak points. This guide explains the most common Honda Accord problems and the repair costs you can expect in the UK.
About the Honda Accord
The Accord was sold in the UK until 2015 and is still popular on the used market. It was offered with petrol and diesel engines, manual and automatic gearboxes, and higher trim levels. Drivers value it for:
- Reliable engines that last well with care
- Spacious interior with good build quality
- A balance between comfort and sporty driving
- Strong materials compared with many rivals
Even with its positives, the Accord has some recurring issues.
Common Honda Accord Problems
- Diesel engine faults
The 2.2 i-DTEC diesel is strong but can suffer from turbocharger and diesel particulate filter (DPF) problems, especially on cars used mostly for short trips. - Clutch and gearbox wear
Manual versions can develop clutch slip at higher mileage. Automatic versions may show hesitation or jerky gear changes with age. - Suspension issues
Worn suspension bushes, anti-roll bar links, and shock absorbers can cause knocks and poor ride quality. - Electrical faults
Problems with central locking, dashboard warnings, and infotainment systems are sometimes reported. - Air conditioning problems
Compressors can fail or leaks may develop, leading to weak cooling. - Rust on older models
While later models resist rust well, Accords from the early 2000s may suffer corrosion on wheel arches and sills. - Steering rack wear
Some owners report play or noise in the steering rack at high mileage. - Hybrid battery (imported models)
Some imported Accord Hybrids can suffer from battery wear, although most UK cars are petrol or diesel.
Typical Repair and Service Costs in the UK
Here are average UK repair and servicing costs for the Honda Accord. Prices vary depending on year, engine, and whether you use a dealer or independent garage.
| Repair or Service | What is Included | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Annual service | Oil, filter, fluid checks | £160 to £230 |
| Major service | Spark plugs, filters, brake fluid, full inspection | £280 to £420 |
| Clutch replacement | Clutch kit, may include flywheel | £500 to £800 |
| Automatic gearbox service | Fluid change or reconditioning | £250 to £900 |
| DPF replacement (diesel) | New filter unit | £1,000 to £1,600 |
| Turbo replacement (diesel) | Turbocharger unit | £900 to £1,500 |
| Front brake pads and discs | Replacement | £180 to £300 |
| Suspension repairs | Bushes, links, or shock absorbers | £200 to £400 per axle |
| Air conditioning service | Re-gas or compressor replacement | £90 to £300 |
| Steering rack replacement | Full rack | £600 to £950 |
| Rust repair | Sanding, welding, repainting | £200 to £700 |
| Hybrid main battery (imports) | Replacement | £2,500 to £4,000 |
How to Keep Costs Low
- Use quality oil and service on time, especially for diesel models
- Drive diesels on long trips to avoid DPF blockages
- Keep the air conditioning serviced every few years
- Replace suspension parts as soon as knocking noises appear
- Watch for early rust on older models and repair quickly
- Service the steering system to prevent heavy wear
Conclusion
The Honda Accord is a durable and well-built car that still has strong appeal on the used market. Common problems include clutch and gearbox wear, suspension noise, diesel DPF or turbo issues, and occasional electrical or air conditioning faults. While most repairs are affordable, diesel-related parts like the DPF and turbo can be costly.
With proper maintenance and timely repairs, the Honda Accord remains a reliable, comfortable, and long-lasting choice.
Buying a used VW. Buying used vauxhall, BMW, Jaguar, Ford, Volvo, Range rover, Bentley, Aston Martin, Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Hyundai, Tesla, Honda, Pagani