Honda Accord CU
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
201 PS
Accord · Benzin
Reliable touring engine
Decent150–156 PS
2.0L i-VTEC Benzin
3 weaknesses
Good ChoiceBody Variants
The Honda Accord CU is available as Sedan and Tourer — choose your body type for specific insurance data:
Generations
Engine Overview
The Honda Accord CU is available with 3 engine variants — from 150 to 275 hp.
Revised Honda diesel (2.2L i-DTEC), successor to the N22A with 150 hp. EGR carbon build-up, exhaust manifold cracks and timing chain stretch at very high mileage are known weak points. Overall solid for long-distance use.
- !! Timing chain stretch at high mileage from 250,000 km
Honda recommends a timing chain inspection every 120,000 km that is not listed in the standard service booklet. From around 300,000 km owners report increasing noise. Replacement costs €2,500 and up.
Symptoms: Rattling or clattering from the timing chain area on cold start - !! EGR valve carbon build-up and cracks from 100,000 km
The EGR valve is the most common cause of power loss. Carbon deposits and cracks in the valve trigger limp mode. Short-trip driving significantly accelerates carbon build-up.
Symptoms: Power loss, engine limp mode, hesitation, increased fuel consumption - !! Exhaust manifold cracks (inherited problem) from 150,000 km
Like the predecessor N22A, the exhaust manifold is prone to cracking from around 150,000 km. Honda developed a reinforced replacement manifold and fits it under goodwill.
Symptoms: Ticking on cold start, exhaust smell in the engine bay, gradual power loss
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Reliable 2.0L i-VTEC naturally aspirated engine, further development of the R18A. Robust and long-lived with good maintenance, well past 200,000 km without issues. Engine mounts and belt tensioner wear before the engine itself does.
- ! Valve clearance adjustment (no hydraulic lifters) from 40,000 km
Like all R-series engines, the R20A has no hydraulic valve lifters. Valve clearance must be checked every 40,000 km. Neglect causes wear and rough idle.
Symptoms: Valvetrain ticking, increasingly noticeable at operating temperature, power loss - ! Engine mount and belt tensioner wear from 100,000 km
Engine mounts and the belt tensioner on the R20A have a relatively short service life compared to the engine itself. From around 100,000 km, noticeable vibrations and noises can appear.
Symptoms: Vibrations in the engine bay at idle, clunking when blipping the throttle - i Charcoal canister valve surging from 80,000 km
Many owners report unexpected surges or judder from the charcoal canister purge valve. This is not an engine fault, but can be irritating.
Symptoms: Brief surging or clunking from the engine bay, especially at low RPM
Robust 2.4L i-VTEC naturally aspirated engine, designed for well over 200,000 km with good oil maintenance. Timing chain instead of timing belt. VTC cold-start rattle and VTEC failure from poor oil quality are known weak points.
- !! Rod bearing failure from oil starvation from 200,000 km
Poor or infrequently changed oil can cause the rod bearings and main bearings to spin, leading to total engine failure. Regular oil changes every 7,500–10,000 km are essential.
Symptoms: Metallic knocking, severe oil pressure drop, oil pressure warning light - !! VTC actuator cold-start rattle from 100,000 km
Characteristic rattling or clattering on cold start from the VTC actuator of the variable valve timing system. Typically appears from 100,000 km. High-quality oil and shorter service intervals reduce the risk.
Symptoms: Brief rattle immediately on cold start, VTC/VTEC fault codes P0341, P1009 - !! VTEC solenoid contaminated (P1259/P2646) from 120,000 km
Low-quality or old engine oil contaminates the VTEC solenoid and its screen filter. Engine won't rev past 3,500 rpm. Fault code P1259 or P2646. Cleaning the filter is often enough.
Symptoms: Rev limit stuck at ~3,500 rpm, no VTEC pull, fault code P1259
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Rust on Sunroof Frame On vehicles with a sunroof the frame can rust due to inadequate drainage. Symptoms: Rust visible on the metal frame beneath the sunroof rubber seal; seal appears wavy or unevenly tensioned; full replacement of the glass panel required. from 100,000 km | High | |
| Rust on Bonnet and Tailgate Rust forms on the bonnet and tailgate on many examples, especially at sheet metal edges. The thin factory paint makes stone chips a starting point for corrosion. Symptoms: Cracks or bubbles in the paint at the bonnet edge and tailgate weld seams; rust visible beneath that spreads more quickly after stone chip damage. from 100,000 km | Medium | |
| Inadequate Underbody Protection Rust forms on the underbody as well as on suspension components and bolts in the engine bay, particularly on vehicles from road-salt regions. Symptoms: Edge rust on subframes and weld seams visible during underbody inspection; seized bolts in the engine bay; noticed at MOT or during tyre changes. from 120,000 km | Medium |
Test Reports
AUTO BILD Accord Used Car Test
The eighth-generation Accord almost always passes its MOT without serious faults. Noteworthy issues only begin to appear after around seven years. Ball joints are criticised more frequently than average from nine years onward.
2020-09Top Reported Issues
Alternatives
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 19 weaknesses have been documented for the Honda Accord CU (2007–2012) — 11 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Rust, Brakes, Suspension, Gearbox. 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
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee