Honda Accord ReliabilityAll Years Ranked (1980–2025)
Side-by-side KeepScores, risk levels, and owner-cost projections for every Honda Accord we've analyzed. Identify the best years to buy, the ones to avoid, and the problems that follow the Accord across generations.
Average KeepScore
86/100
Best Year
1990 Honda Accord
Score 92
Weakest Year
1980 Honda Accord
Score 75
Every Honda Accord Ranked
Sorted by KeepScore. Each link opens the full year-specific report.
A testament to Honda's golden age of engineering, this Accord is a low-risk, high-reward choice for reliable, no-frills transportation if properly inspected for corrosion.
Top risks: Body & Chassis Rust · Automatic Transmission · Main Relay Failure
A paragon of reliability, requiring only basic care to provide years of worry-free service, if rust is kept at bay.
Top risks: Rust and Corrosion · A/C System · Ignition System (Distributor)
A consistently reliable and smart investment that delivers peace of mind and low running costs.
Top risks: Infotainment & Electrical · Braking System · A/C Condenser/Compressor
A bulletproof classic that laughs at mileage, but age and rust are its only real enemies.
Top risks: Rust and Body Corrosion · Aging Electrical System (Distributor, Wiring) · Suspension Bushings and CV Joints
A timeless workhorse that delivers incredible value for its age, provided rust is not an issue and basic maintenance has been consistent.
Top risks: Body & Structure (Rust) · Electrical (Main Relay) · Power Steering System
A top-tier choice for reliability, offering peace of mind with minimal compromise.
Top risks: Infotainment System · Brake System Wear · Interior Trim Rattles
A segment leader for dependability, offering a near-bulletproof ownership experience with proper care.
Top risks: Infotainment System · CVT Transmission · Brake Components
A supremely reliable and sensible choice that offers peace of mind from day one.
Top risks: Infotainment System · Interior Trim & HVAC · Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS)
A legendary workhorse, the 1996 Accord is a solid investment if its few age-related weaknesses are proactively addressed.
Top risks: Automatic Transmission · Rust & Corrosion · Power Steering System
A remarkably dependable classic, but structural rust and fuel system maintenance are key to long-term satisfaction.
Top risks: Body & Chassis Rust · Fuel System (Carburetor) · Electrical System
An enduring workhorse that consistently outlives its peers, offering exceptional value and peace of mind for the discerning budget buyer.
Top risks: Rust and Body Corrosion · Automatic Transmission · Ignition System Components
An iconic compact that delivers remarkable longevity and simplicity, provided its Achilles' heel – rust – has been carefully managed.
Top risks: Body & Structure (Rust) · Fuel System (Carburetor) · Suspension & Steering Bushings
A surprisingly resilient classic, but diligent rust prevention and attention to aged components are critical for long-term enjoyment.
Top risks: Body & Structure (Rust) · Fuel System (Carburetor) · Automatic Transmission
A supremely reliable classic that requires diligent rust prevention and attention to aging components for sustained enjoyment.
Top risks: Body & Chassis Rust · Carburetor System · Electrical System
An incredibly tough classic, but age and neglected rust are its primary adversaries.
Top risks: Rust & Corrosion · Automatic Transmission · Aging Rubber Components
An incredibly durable and economical classic, provided rust has not taken hold.
Top risks: Body & Chassis Rust · Fuel System & Electrical · Suspension & Steering Components
A truly bulletproof budget sedan, with careful attention to automatic transmission health and preventing rust being your main concerns.
Top risks: Automatic Transmission · Rust & Corrosion · Ignition System (Distributor)
A remarkably robust classic, but the automatic transmission is its Achilles' heel, demanding a thorough inspection.
Top risks: Automatic Transmission · Ignition System / Distributor · Body / Chassis Rust
A vintage champion of reliability, this Accord provides incredible value and dependable transport, assuming you've managed its age-related vulnerabilities.
Top risks: Ignition System (Distributor) · Rust & Corrosion · Automatic Transmission (V6 models)
A top-tier reliable sedan, but proceed with caution and inspect the powertrain and AC system on V6 models.
Top risks: Automatic Transmission (V6) · HVAC System (AC Compressor) · Power Steering System
A remarkably dependable choice that will serve you well for years, provided you're aware of and address its minor Achilles' heels.
Top risks: V6 Engine (VCM System) · Automatic Transmission (5-speed) · Electrical System
A top-tier choice for reliability, but specific V6 engine and 4-cylinder transmission issues demand careful attention during purchase and ownership.
Top risks: V6 Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) · Automatic Transmission Shudder (4-cylinder) · Air Conditioning Compressor/Clutch
A pillar of reliability in the mid-size segment, but be aware of a few specific component weaknesses.
Top risks: Air Conditioning System · Starter Motor · V6 Variable Cylinder Management (VCM)
A top-tier reliable sedan, but specific component weaknesses warrant pre-purchase vigilance.
Top risks: VCM System (V6 Engines) · Air Conditioning System · Starter Motor (4-Cylinder Engines)
A segment leader in reliability, the 2016 Accord offers rock-solid dependability with a few identifiable, manageable weak points.
Top risks: HVAC System · Starter Motor · V6 Variable Cylinder Management (VCM)
A smart, low-risk investment for practical, long-term transportation, especially in its 4-cylinder guise.
Top risks: Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) System - V6 · Starter Motor (4-Cylinder Models) · Infotainment System / Connectivity
A top-tier sedan with a few specific areas to scrutinize, but generally a highly reliable and rewarding choice.
Top risks: Infotainment System · 1.5L Turbo Engine Oil Dilution · A/C System Failure
A top-tier sedan offering an exceptional blend of reliability, comfort, and driving dynamics, provided the 1.5T engine's service history is clear.
Top risks: Engine (1.5T specific) · Infotainment System · Brake System
A fundamentally solid and highly dependable new sedan, poised to uphold Honda's stellar reliability reputation.
Top risks: Infotainment System & Software · Initial Production Quirks · Turbocharger Longevity (1.5T)
A top-tier used car option, provided you're diligent about the V6 automatic transmission or opt for the 4-cylinder.
Top risks: Automatic Transmission · Air Conditioning System · Power Steering System
A consistently strong performer, the 2013 Accord offers a reassuringly low-risk ownership experience for budget-conscious buyers.
Top risks: Engine (V6 VCM System) · Infotainment/Electrical · CVT Transmission (I4 models)
A remarkably durable and economical choice, provided you meticulously vet the automatic transmission and its service history.
Top risks: Automatic Transmission · Power Steering System · Front Suspension Components
A generally dependable choice, but the V6 automatic transmission poses a significant risk that demands thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Top risks: Automatic Transmission (V6) · A/C System · Power Steering System
A steadfast daily driver, but the V6 engine requires careful consideration due to known VCM issues.
Top risks: V6 Engine (VCM System) · Braking System · HVAC Blower Motor/Resistor
A solid used car buy with a couple of CVT concerns to watch.
Top risks: Brake System · Infotainment Electronics · 12V Battery
A solid, dependable sedan, but the V6 engine's VCM system requires careful consideration and proactive maintenance.
Top risks: V6 Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) System · Automatic Transmission · Power Steering System
A surprisingly robust vintage offering, but its age demands diligent rust prevention and attention to rubber and electrical systems.
Top risks: Body & Undercarriage Rust · Electrical System · Suspension & Steering Components
A budget-friendly choice that excels in most areas, but requires due diligence on the automatic transmission.
Top risks: Automatic Transmission · Power Steering System · Rust and Corrosion
A budget-friendly workhorse, but the Achilles' heel of the automatic transmission demands serious consideration and a cautious approach.
Top risks: Automatic Transmission · Body/Structure (Rust & Corrosion) · Electrical (Main Relay & Ignition Switch)
A reliable, economical choice, provided you scrutinize the automatic transmission and check for rust.
Top risks: Automatic Transmission · Power Steering System · Rust and Corrosion
A practical and spacious sedan, but V6 VCM-equipped models carry a notable reliability gamble.
Top risks: VCM System (V6 Engine) · Automatic Transmission · Power Steering System
A practical and reliable choice for the 4-cylinder, but the V6 automatic transmission is a deal-breaker without a proven replacement.
Top risks: Automatic Transmission (V6 only) · Air Conditioning System · Power Steering System
A testament to Honda's early reliability, but now demands an owner dedicated to vintage care and rust prevention.
Top risks: Body & Structure (Rust) · Fuel System (Carburetor) · Suspension & Steering Bushings
A testament to Honda's engineering, but the automatic transmission poses a significant caveat to an otherwise solid budget choice.
Top risks: Automatic Transmission · Rust and Corrosion · Power Steering System
A generally reliable car, but the automatic transmission issues demand significant caution and due diligence.
Top risks: Automatic Transmission · Power Steering System · HVAC Blower Motor/Resistor
A charming and fundamentally sound classic, the 1980 Accord requires dedicated rust prevention and consistent maintenance to remain a reliable vintage companion.
Top risks: Body & Frame (Rust) · Fuel System (Carburetor) · Electrical System
Problems That Follow the Accord Across Generations
Issues that appear in the top-3 risks across multiple model years — the cost of ownership you can actually predict.
Automatic Transmission
Appears in 16 model years · 35% of generations
Power Steering System
Appears in 13 model years · 28% of generations
Fuel System (Carburetor)
Appears in 5 model years · 11% of generations
Electrical System
Appears in 5 model years · 11% of generations
Infotainment System
Appears in 5 model years · 11% of generations
Body & Structure (Rust)
Appears in 4 model years · 9% of generations
Body & Chassis Rust
Appears in 4 model years · 9% of generations
Rust & Corrosion
Appears in 4 model years · 9% of generations
Accord vs. the Competition
Head-to-head reliability comparisons with the Accord's main rivals.
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