Honda Accord
Honda's first diesel (2.2L i-CTDi), solid base with 140 hp, but typical diesel weak points. DPF clogging on short trips, exhaust manifold cracks and IMRC valve carbon build-up are known weak points.
Honda's Best Diesel
Honda's first in-house diesel: aluminium block, sounds metallic and sporty rather than tractor-like. Power band from 1,500 rpm, slick six-speed gearbox. Surprisingly lively for a diesel.
Engine Weaknesses 4
The diesel particulate filter needs sufficiently high exhaust temperatures to self-regenerate — temperatures not reached in pure urban use. From around 100,000 km, clogging with limp mode and warning lights becomes more common.
Symptoms: Warning light, engine limp mode, power loss, frequent dealer regeneration cycles
Cracks form in the exhaust manifold under hard use, typically between 150,000 and 200,000 km. Honda acknowledged this manufacturing defect and extended the warranty to 7 years.
Symptoms: Ticking or hissing from the engine bay on cold start, exhaust smell
Soot deposits block the intake manifold runner control (IMRC) valve. Vehicles built before 2008 received a free replacement. Symptoms include power loss and hesitation on acceleration. Fault code P2004 is typical.
Symptoms: Hesitation on acceleration, power loss, fault code P2004
The MAP sensor sits near the EGR valve and gets heavily contaminated by soot deposits. This triggers fault codes P1069 or P0069 and causes performance issues. Cleaning is often sufficient.
Symptoms: Fault code P1069 or P0069, power fluctuations, increased fuel consumption
Vehicle Weaknesses 6
The biggest weak point of the Accord CL is the rear brakes, which seize regularly. The Tourer is particularly affected. Annual cleaning and lubrication of the brake calipers is mandatory.
Rust forms on the rear wheel arch lips, initially invisible from outside. Repairs are expensive as replacement parts are unavailable. The exterior paint is considered scratch-prone.
On nine-year-old and older examples, ball joints are frequently flagged at the MOT. The axle bushings tend to wear out.
Mainly pre-facelift models (up to 2005) show rust on the front edge of the bonnet. Honda rectifies known cases free of charge.
On the Accord Tourer the electric tailgate occasionally fails. The driver-side window regulator should also be checked before purchase.
On Accord models from 2003–2008 the glove box is often misaligned or no longer closes properly. A known manufacturing issue.