Takata airbags: 2003 to 2012 Accords
The 2003 to 2007 and 2008 to 2012 Accords are both on Takata airbag recalls, where the inflator can rupture in a crash and send metal fragments into the cabin. Some cars fitted with a like-for-like replacement between 1 March 2015 and 31 December 2017 had to be done again. In January 2020 Honda told owners of older cars in its buy-back offer to stop driving immediately. Look up the VIN on vehiclerecalls.gov.au or with Honda, and follow what the notice tells you.
Which Accord have you got?
CM5, CM6, 2003 to 2007. Four-cylinder with a chain, or a 3.0-litre V6 with a belt.
CP2, CP3, 2008 to 2013. Four-cylinder with a chain, or a 3.5-litre V6 with a belt.
CR2, CR3, 2013 to 2019. A 2.4-litre four or 3.5-litre V6.
CV1, CV3, from December 2019. A 1.5-litre turbo with a CVT, or a hybrid with a 2.0-litre petrol engine and two electric motors. CarExpert says the Accord is now sold here only as a hybrid.
Honda Accord car battery: what to test
CR2 and CR3 battery sensor. A July 2017 recall covers 2013 to 2016 model years. The sensor can let in moisture, and road salt or similar can then short it and start a fire. A dealer checks for the updated part and replaces it if needed.
A check engine light on the 2003 to 2007 car. A low battery charge can trigger it. Honda's fix was computer software, so fit a good battery and ask the mechanic to clear the code and check for the update.
Hybrids. The CV3's lithium-ion pack sits under the rear floor, and that's not the battery that goes flat on a driveway. That's the 12-volt. Leave the high-voltage side to a mechanic trained on it.
On any Accord, have the battery and charging system tested first. If you've got a flat one now, see our flat battery page.
Brake pads for a Honda Accord
Brake pads wear down and need replacing on every car. If the pedal feels soft, the car pulls under braking, or the pads are grinding, stop somewhere safe and get it checked before driving on.
On the 2003 to 2007 Accord, there's a known one: vibration through the steering wheel under braking. It comes from uneven rotor thickness, linked to the type of brake pad, and Honda later released revised pads. So if you've got that shake, a new set of the same pads may not end it. Ask the mechanic to measure the rotors, and tell them what's fitted.
What to ask about your Accord's brakes
- How much pad is left, front and rear?
- Are the rotors within spec, or do they need machining or replacing?
- Are you fitting a pad that suits this model?
- Will the estimate list the pads, the rotors and the labour?
Servicing an Accord
carsales lists the 2018 Accord at 10,000 km or 6 months. Go by your book.
CarsGuide says the V6 belts are rubber and the fours use chains. Belts on the older 2.3 and 3.0-litre cars are every 100,000 km. On the 3.0 V6, the automatic belt tensioner can fail, so have it looked at with the belt.
On a 2008 to 2011 four-cylinder, deposits on the oil rings can bring heavy oil use. Check the dipstick between services. There's also a fuel pump recall on 2018 and 2019 cars.
If a qualified independent mechanic services your Accord to Honda's schedule and specifications, that does not by itself void the new car warranty.
Tell us the year, the engine and the job. A local mechanic who specialises in your car.
If it were our Accord
We'd check the VIN before anything else. An airbag recall comes first, and on a 2013 to 2016 car the battery sensor comes next. Then we'd have the battery tested and ask a mechanic to measure the brakes at the same visit. On an older V6, we'd want to see a record of the last timing belt too.