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Honda · Mid-Size · 2007–2012

Honda Accord CU

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

4.3 / 5.0 · Based on 3 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

166–201 PS

2.4L i-VTEC Benzin

Reliable touring engine

Decent
Most Reliable Engine

150–156 PS

2.0L i-VTEC Benzin

3 weaknesses

Good Choice

Body Variants

The Honda Accord CU is available as Limousine 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 201 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

2.2L i-DTEC · Diesel· 150–179 PS Engine Change
2008 2012
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
2008 2012
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
2.0L i-VTEC · Benziner· 155–156 PS
2007 2012
Good Choice 3 weaknesses
2.4L i-VTEC · Benziner· 201 PS
2007 2012
Good Choice 4 weaknesses

The Honda 2.2L i-DTEC (Diesel, 150–179 PS) comes with 2 different engines: N22B (2008–2012, Be Careful) und N22B (2008–2012, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.2L i-DTEC!

The Honda 2.0L i-VTEC (Benziner, 155–156 PS) has the R20A (2.0L i-VTEC) — rated: "Good Choice", 3 known weaknesses.

The Honda 2.4L i-VTEC (Benziner, 201 PS) has the K24A (2.4L i-VTEC) — rated: "Good Choice", 4 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!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
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
4,007 complaints · 2007–2012
Brakes
1043 ⚠ 35
Airbags
987 ⚠ 201
Hydraulic
715 ⚠ 11
Engine
534 ⚠ 18
Electrical
288 ⚠ 8

Top Reported Issues

Brakes (1043 complaints)
Airbags (987 complaints)
Hydraulic (715 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 17 weaknesses have been documented for the Honda Accord CU (2007–2012) — 11 engine-related and 6 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

What problems and weaknesses does the Honda Accord CU have? +
The Honda Accord CU has 11 known engine weaknesses and 6 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Honda Accord CU? +
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 K24A (2.4L i-VTEC).
Which Honda Accord CU engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Honda Accord CU. 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 CU engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Honda Accord CU — rated: "Decent". {description} The K24A is a long-lived, refined 2.4-litre with smooth VTEC engagement. No driving highlight, but a solid, dependable engine for the Accord and CR-V without any drama.
Is the Honda Accord CU worth buying used? +
The Honda Accord CU is a good choice as a used car — 2 of 3 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Honda Accord CU? +
The Honda Accord CU is available with engine variants from 150 to 201 hp. Petrol: K24A (2.4L i-VTEC), R20A (2.0L i-VTEC). Diesel: N22B (2.2L i-DTEC).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee