The Ultimate Guide to Honda Accord Reliability

Marc Skirvin
Marc Skirvin

What's in this Article

In 2021, Honda’s annual revenue was $123.803 billion. Seeing as Honda is one of the most popular car brands available globally, it’s no surprise that drivers flock to purchase their vehicles. 

One of Honda’s most popular vehicles is the Honda Accord. It’s known for its affordable price tag, reliability, and durability. And with interest rates for used cars surpassing 8%, drivers want quality vehicles built to last. 

This guide explains Honda Accord reliability, making it a strong contender when buying a car. Keep reading to learn more. 

Best Honda Accord Features

Honda offers countless features and perks, such as a complimentary oil change when you purchase a vehicle and various warranties. Hondas also have a reputation for outlasting competitors so you can get more out of your vehicle. 

Hondas are known to last 200,000 to 300,000 miles or 15-20 years. You need to properly maintain them to get this life expectancy from them, but it sets Hondas apart from the rest. 

It’s also well-known that Honda Accords, and all Hondas, are durable and reliable. They’re easy to service, parts are affordable, and their engines are expertly crafted. 

What Makes Honda Accords Reliable?

There are several reasons why Honda Accords are known for their reliability. 

Honda parts are high-quality. Their car batteries are known to last a very long time, so you can accrue mileage without needing a new battery. They’re designed to cost less to repair, keeping your money in your wallet. 

Most trim levels feature 4-Wheel ABS, Brake Assistant, Electronic Stability Control, Child Safety Locks, Daytime Running Lights, Lane Departure Warning, Honda Sensing Suite, and Traction Control, so be sure to ask your car dealership which models offer all these safety features. 

Durable Parts

A vehicle’s parts are the main component in how the vehicle functions. Hondas, and other cars constructed in Japan, don’t have as many parts.

The fewer parts, the less likely you’ll have an issue with one failing. It’s not uncommon for German-engineered vehicles to boast countless parts, leaving the window open for issues. 

Since Honda Accords have fewer parts, there’s a reduced incidence of them breaking down. 

High-End Design

The better a vehicle is designed, the fewer the issues. When a car is constructed of high-quality parts that repeatedly perform well, the engine can last longer.

Cars manufactured in Japan see multiple stages of high-end design, car building, and rigorous testing before mass production. 

Inexpensive Repairs

The average annual BMW maintenance cost is just under $1,000.

However, Hondas are much more affordable. On average, a Honda costs a little over $400 a year to maintain.  

The more affordable a repair is, the more likely the owner will be to complete the repair in a timely manner. However, costly repairs are often left unattended, which can reduce the lifespan of a vehicle. This means you could find yourself in need of a new vehicle much sooner than had you completed the repairs as they arose. 

Since Honda repairs are relatively inexpensive, it’s easier for drivers to afford the repairs as they crop up. This extends the lifespan and preserves the integrity of the vehicle.

The only expensive repairs for a Honda Accord are engine-related issues. However, since Honda Accords are known to be of the highest quality, you’re unlikely to see engine issues. 

Honda servicing is also affordable, so owners are more likely to bring their cars in for regular check-ups, thus extending the life of the vehicle. 

Honda Accord Benefits

Honda Accords gained popularity by boasting countless benefits. They’re affordable to purchase, reliable, and offer a comfortable midsize sedan option. 

They seldom require maintenance and are affordable to repair. Honda Accord owners typically have their vehicles for 10 years or more and can sell them and turn a profit as they can last much longer. 

Honda Accord Lifespan

On average, the Honda Accord lasts for 200,000 miles. This number is based on consumer reports, so it varies from year to year, but a general rule of thumb is to expect a substantial amount of mileage from your Honda Accord, especially if you maintain it. 

Even though the Honda Accord’s average miles are 200,000, they can easily last up to 300,000 miles. If you drive it 13,500 miles a year, for example, you can keep your vehicle for 20 years. This makes them fantastic investments and excellent commuter vehicles. 

Since you can sell your Honda Accord once you’re finished driving it, even with substantial miles on it, it’s important you take care of it. In addition to routine service appointments to change the oil, replace fluids, rotate tires, and give the vehicle a once-over, remember to wash it, wax it, and detail the inside to keep it looking and running its best. 

How to Increase Mileage

If you’re looking to get the most out of your Honda Accord, it’s best to take it to the dealership for servicing and repairs. They have skilled technicians that know Honda engines inside and out and can spot potential issues before they arise. 

It’s important to avoid idling, use cruise control whenever possible, keep your tires inflated, use the proper motor oil, and accelerate gradually. These tips, along with routine maintenance, will help you get the most out of your vehicle. 

Maintenance Requirements

To ensure that your Honda Accords lasts as long as possible, you need to adhere to the dealership’s maintenance requirements. This is also important if you purchased your vehicle new, as failure to do so may void any warranties.

You should also steer clear of adding after-market parts to your vehicle unless they’re approved and installed by the dealership, as this can affect performance and also void your warranty. 

Maintenance Schedule

Your dealership will provide you with resources to help you adhere to your maintenance schedule. They may also text, call, mail, or email you reminders so you know when your vehicle needs servicing. 

When you receive a notification that your Honda Accord needs servicing, take your car in as soon as possible. Failure to do so can lead to long-lasting issues. 

For example, if you fail to change your oil, you run the risk of blowing a head gasket or seizing your engine. This may result in the need for a brand-new engine, so always adhere to routine maintenance requests. 

To help you remember, create reminders in your calendar so you’re notified. You can also write it in your vehicle so you don’t forget to schedule these essential appointments. 

Honda Accord Maintenance Schedule 

As a rule of thumb, your Honda Accord requires servicing every 5,000 miles driven. There are other required service appointments, such as the following:

  • Every 5,000 miles: Change the oil and oil filter, rotate your tires, complete a brake inspection, and cap off fluid levels
  • Every 30,000 miles: Replace your cars air filter and spark plugs and adjust the drive belts
  • Every 45,000 miles: Replace the coolant and brake fluid 
  • Every 90,000 miles: Change the transmission fluid

To ensure your Honda Accord runs smoothly, it’s essential that you stick to this schedule, following it to the letter. This will help you get the maximum out of your vehicle and can help you sell it for a higher price down the road. 

Honda Accord Maintenance Minder

The Honda Accord offers impressive vehicle options and technology, such as the Honda Accord Maintenance Minder. This feature comes equipped in the vehicle, reminding you to contact your car dealership and schedule your next maintenance appointment. 

But how does this feature work?

It keeps track of your car’s oil levels. It shows you the lifespan of your oil levels, tracking it as a percentage.

When it gets down to 15%, you receive an alert. You’re also alerted at 10% and 0%, but you should take your vehicle in for serving as soon as you receive your first appointment reminder. You may receive a reminder in the form of light, sound, or both. 

You’ll also receive specific codes so you know what issue you’re experiencing with your Honda Accord. The main codes are “A” and “B.”

“A” means you need an oil and filter change.

“B” means you need a fluid inspection and additional fluid added. It also means you need your brakes inspected and an oil and filter change. It’s important to never ignore these reminders. 

Secondary Codes

In addition to “A” and “B” codes, there are secondary subcodes, numbered 1-6. Here’s a breakdown of what they each mean:

  • A 1: You need a tire rotation 
  • A 2: There needs to be a drive belt check and to replace the cabin air filter
  • A 3: You need to replace the transmission fluid
  • A 4: You need a water pump inspection, valve clearance inspection, and a spark plug replacement
  • A 5: Change the engine coolant
  • A 6: Change differential fluid

Any additional questions should be directed to your service technician, as they can best answer all your concerns, walking you through the ins and outs of maintaining your Honda Accord. 

Honda Accord Reliability

Now that you know all about Honda Accord Reliability, you can make an informed decision when purchasing your next vehicle. Honda’s are known for their expert craftsmanship, superior engine capabilities, and outlasting the competition.

Remember to service your Honda Accord frequently and you’ll find yourself with a vehicle that can last for upwards of two decades. 

Cash Auto Salvage prides itself on our expert knowledge base of all car brands and models. Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for you to sell your vehicle.

We’re well-known for purchasing cars cash, so feel free to get an offer for your vehicle today.

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About the Author

Marc
Marc

Marc is the Co-Founder of Cash Auto Salvage and Director of daily operations. He retired from a leading Internet Marketing company in 2013 and has been involved in the automotive industry ever since.

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