Install Chrome Extension Chrome Extension
Honda · Mid-Size · 2008–2012 Custom Search

Honda Accord 8(CP/CS)

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.7 / 5.0 · Based on 6 engine variants · How we rate
Most Fun Engine

268 PS

EX-V6 · Benzin

The enthusiasts pick of the Accord lineup

Legendary!
Most Reliable Engine

150–156 PS

2.0L i-VTEC Benzin

3 weaknesses

Good Choice

Body Variants

The Honda Accord 8 is available as Sedan and Coupé — choose your body type for specific insurance data:

Generations

Engine Overview

The Honda Accord 8 is available with 4 engine variants — from 150 to 275 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

EX · Petrol· 190 PS
2008 2012

Evolution of the K24 block for the 8th-gen Accord. 177-190 hp depending on tune. Starter motor is a documented weak point after 150k km, OEM parts strongly preferred. Timing chain, no belt service. No VCM, so none of the J35Z2's oil consumption issues.

No known weaknesses documented.

EX-V6 · Petrol· 268–271 PS Engine Change
2008 2012

V6 with VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) that shuts off cylinders under partial load. 2013 class-action against Honda over oil consumption (up to 1 quart / 1000 miles) from defective piston oil control rings and constant VCM cycling. Active engine mounts fail at 50-60k miles. VCM can be permanently disabled with VCMTuner/VCM Muzzler, significantly extending life. TSB 11-033 and extended piston ring warranty (2008-2013).

No known weaknesses documented.

2008 2012

Manual-transmission variant of the J35Z2 for Accord Coupe V6 with 6-speed. 268 hp. NO VCM — so none of the oil consumption drama. The most reliable V6 of this generation, sought after by enthusiasts. Power steering pump can leak on the coupe installation.

No known weaknesses documented.

EX/EX-L · Petrol· 190 PS
2008 2012

Evolution of the K24 block for the 8th-gen Accord. 177-190 hp depending on tune. Starter motor is a documented weak point after 150k km, OEM parts strongly preferred. Timing chain, no belt service. No VCM, so none of the J35Z2's oil consumption issues.

No known weaknesses documented.

LX/LX-P · Petrol· 177 PS
2008 2012

Evolution of the K24 block for the 8th-gen Accord. 177-190 hp depending on tune. Starter motor is a documented weak point after 150k km, OEM parts strongly preferred. Timing chain, no belt service. No VCM, so none of the J35Z2's oil consumption issues.

No known weaknesses documented.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖VCM oil consumption and misfires (V6)

2013 class-action (1.6M 2008-2013 Honda/Acura with VCM): constant cylinder cycling wears out cylinder 3's oil control rings. 1 quart per 1000 miles consumption, fouled plugs, misfires. Software fix TSB 11-033 and extended piston ring warranty are partial remedies. Permanent fix: VCMTuner or VCM Muzzler.

Symptoms: Oil light between changes, blue smoke on cold start, check engine with misfire code on cylinder 3
from 130,000 km
Ad VCMTuner Honda V6 J35Z2VCM Muzzler Accord13011-R70-A01 piston rings Honda J35
 High
✖Power steering hose recall (V6 sedan)

May 2012 recall for 2008-2012 Accord V6 sedans with same issue as Gen VII: hose cracks under heat, fluid on catalyst, fire risk. Free dealer replacement.

Symptoms: Power steering leak under car, smoke from engine bay
from 130,000 km
Ad 53713-TA0-A03 power steering hose Accord VIIIpower steering hose 2008-2012
 Low

Alternatives

Same Segment

Audi A7 4G

Mid-Size (2010–2018)

Same Segment

Audi RS5 8T

Mid-Size (2010–2017)

Same Segment

Kia Optima TF

Mid-Size (2010–2015)

Same Segment

Mazda 5 CW

Mid-Size (2010–2015)

Same Segment

Peugeot 508 W2

Mid-Size (2010–2018)

Same Segment

Renault Latitude I

Mid-Size (2010–2015)

Explore more

All Honda models
Audi A7 4G Mid-Size (2010–2018)
Audi RS5 8T Mid-Size (2010–2017)
Kia Optima TF Mid-Size (2010–2015)
Mazda 5 CW Mid-Size (2010–2015)
Peugeot 508 W2 Mid-Size (2010–2018)
Renault Latitude I Mid-Size (2010–2015)
Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 19 weaknesses have been documented for the Honda Accord 8 (2008–2012) — 11 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Other, Body, Brakes, Interior. Considered reliable: K24A (2.4L i-VTEC), R20A (2.0L i-VTEC).

Accord (N22B, 2008–2012) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretch at high mileage, EGR valve carbon build-up and cracks, Exhaust manifold cracks (inherited problem). Power: 150 PS.

Accord (N22B, 2008–2012) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretch at high mileage, EGR valve carbon build-up and cracks, Exhaust manifold cracks (inherited problem). Power: 179 PS.

What to watch out for with the Honda Accord? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Honda Accord 8 have? +
The Honda Accord 8 has 11 known engine weaknesses and 8 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Honda Accord 8? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: K24A (2.4L i-VTEC), R20A (2.0L i-VTEC). The most reliable engine is the R20A (2.0L i-VTEC) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the J35Z3 (3.5L J35Z3 SOHC i-VTEC).
Which Honda Accord 8 engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Honda Accord 8. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 3 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Honda Accord 8 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Honda Accord 8 — rated: "Legendary!". {description} V6 Coupe with a six-speed manual and NO VCM. Skips the sedan oil issues entirely. 271 hp, grown-up coachwork, extreme rarity, nearly impossible to find today. Tauter chassis than the sedan, a soundtrack like a pocket muscle car.
Is the Honda Accord 8 worth buying used? +
The Honda Accord 8 is a good choice as a used car — 2 of 6 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Honda Accord 8? +
The Honda Accord 8 is available with engine variants from 150 to 275 hp. Petrol: K24A (2.4L i-VTEC), R20A (2.0L i-VTEC), K24Z3 (2.4L K24Z3 i-VTEC), J35Z2 (3.5L J35Z2 SOHC i-VTEC VCM), J35Z3 (3.5L J35Z3 SOHC i-VTEC). Diesel: N22B (2.2L i-DTEC).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee